nothing appeared to justify it。 Yet that which had been might again be。 This mystery about the new cutting……Nell was evidently the only person acquainted with it。 Now； if fresh dangers were in store for the miners of Aberfoyle； how were they possibly to be guarded against； without so much as knowing the cause of them？
〃Nell has persisted in keeping silence；〃 said James Starr very often； 〃but what she has concealed from others； she will not long hide from her husband。 Any danger would be danger to Harry as well as to the rest of us。 Therefore； a marriage which brings happiness to the lovers； and safety to their friends； will be a good marriage； if ever there is such a thing here below。〃
Thus； not illogically； reasoned James Starr。 He municated his ideas to old Simon； who decidedly appreciated them。 Nothing； then； appeared to stand in the way of the match。 What； in fact； was there to prevent it？ They loved each other； the parents desired nothing better for their son。 Harry's rades envied his good fortune； but freely acknowledged that he deserved it。 The maiden depended on no one else； and had but to give the consent of her own heart。
Why； then； if there were none to place obstacles in the way of this union……why； as night came on； and； the labors of the day being over； the electric lights in the mine were
extinguished； and all the inhabitants of Coal Town at rest within their dwellings……why did a mysterious form always emerge from the gloomier recesses of New Aberfoyle； and silently glide through the darkness？
What instinct guided this phantom with ease through passages so narrow as to appear to be impracticable？
Why should the strange being； with eyes flashing through the deepest darkness； e cautiously creeping along the sho