"Yes; my health is too poor to admit of my working it any longer, and I
should be glad to dispose of it to the right person," Mr. Abbot replied.

"I think I know of some one who would like it, if it is still a promising
one," the young man said, but a conscious color flushed his cheek slightly
as he felt Virgie's eyes turned upon him.

"I honestly believe that it is richer to-day than when I began to work
it," Mr. Abbot asserted confidently. "However," he added, "I do not ask
you to take my word for it. If you know a party who would like to
purchase, tell him to bring an expert and examine for himself; and even
then if he is not satisfied to buy outright, he may work it upon shares
until he is convinced of its value."

"That is fair, I am sure," said Mr. Heath.

"Perhaps you would like to take a look at it before you go?" suggested
his host, who was eager to dispose of his property.

"I would, I assure you," was the reply; "but there is hardly time this
morning, for I feel that I must join my party immediately, else they will
be anxious regarding my safety. We are bound upon an excursion through the
northern portion of the State, and intend to be absent a week or more; but
after that, if you will permit me, I will return here and investigate
matters--that is, if you will give me the refusal of the claim until
then."

As the young man said this, his glance involuntarily wandered again to the
beautiful face of Virgie.