ants of Coal Town； the threatened danger to the subterranean colony was made known to them。 Nell was informed of all the precautions taken； and became more tranquil； although she was not free from uneasiness。 Harry's determination to follow her wherever she went pelled her to promise not to escape from her friends。
During the week preceding the wedding； no accident whatever occurred in Aberfoyle。 The system of watching was carefully maintained； but the miners began to recover from the panic； which had seriously interrupted the work of excavation。 James Starr continued to look out for Silfax。 The old man having vindictively declared that Nell should never marry Simon's son； it was natural to suppose that he would not hesitate to mit any violent deed which would hinder their union。
The examination of the mine was carried on minutely。 Every passage and gallery was searched； up to those higher ranges which opened out among the ruins of Dundonald Castle。 It was rightly supposed that through this old building Silfax passed out to obtain what was needful for the support of his miserable existence （which he must have done； either by purchasing or thieving）。
As to the 〃fire…maidens；〃 James Starr began to think that appearance must have been produced by some jet of fire…damp gas which； issuing from that part of the pit； could be lighted by Silfax。 He was not far wrong； but all search for proof of this was fruitless； and the continued strain of anxiety in th