EGERTON.

Who is it?

GEORGE EGERTON.

I don't know. They're on the wire.

(_Egerton goes out_)

GEORGE EGERTON.

All over town, they say.

(_Brother and sister wait near the door, tense, listening_)

MRS. EGERTON.

(_With a sigh_)

Everything!

GLADYS EGERTON.

(_Under her breath_)

George, Think of the things we'll have!

GEORGE EGERTON.

Be still!

MRS. EGERTON.

(_Turns and looks at Harry, whose face shows the sadness he feels at his father's refusal_)

Harry.

Harry, are you well?

HARRY EGERTON.

Yes, mother.

(_A pause_)

Mother----

(_Distant cannon are heard_)

GEORGE EGERTON.

Hark!

GLADYS EGERTON.

(_Starting back through the house_)

The mine! the mine!

(_The servants appear_)

Father has found the mine!

(_Further booming is heard_)

GEORGE EGERTON.

There go the guns! They're celebrating, father!

(_He starts for the stairs and goes bounding up three steps at a time_)

GLADYS EGERTON.

(_Calling after him_)

We'll have them back and announce it! We'll have them back!

HARRY EGERTON.

Mother, I've found the mine.

GLADYS EGERTON.

(_Whirling round on her toe_)

Now, now you see!

HARRY EGERTON.

This morning on the mountains.

MRS. EGERTON.

Can it be!

GLADYS EGERTON.

(_Comes running forward_)