These words came to him now, but they did not change in the least the
purposes that were taking root in his mind--the determination to remain in
that isolated hamlet as long as Virginia Abbot's father should live.




Chapter V.

"Who Is He, and Why Is He Here?"



The next morning Mr. Abbot and his young guest visited the mine, and,
after a thorough examination of the former's claim, and instituting some
inquiries, more for form's sake than anything else, regarding the wealth
of the mine generally, Mr. Heath became the purchaser of Mr. Abbot's
property, and at once set about hiring competent miners to work it for
him.

"It may prove but a foolish, quixotic undertaking after all," he told
himself, when his negotiations were completed, "but I must have some
excuse for remaining here. That girl is the most beautiful being I ever
met. She has power to move me as I was never moved before. I simply
cannot go away and leave her. I am sure her father can live but a little
while, and then--"

What was to happen after Mr. Abbot should be taken away remained unsaid,
and Mr. Heath walked on for a while with bent head and thoughtful brow.