"As sure as a man can be who has dabbled over minerals for twenty years.

There it is--a foot beneath the surface, and as rich as it was in the `White Virgin' mine. The White Virgin--my dearest child--gives it to you as her dowry, the day you call her wife."

The Major held out his hands; and as they were taken a white dress was seen fluttering on the hill side a few hundred yards away, and the Major said softly--

"She does not know it. I have left the news for you to tell. One moment: I have a stipulation to make."

"That you never leave us, sir."

"No; but you may throw that in, boy, and not rob me of all. Let the new vein still be called the `White Virgin' mine."