"They've got something to show you, papa," said Kitty, going back to
the door: "a big nugget--such a size--as large as your head."
Her father put his hand mechanically to his head to judge of the
size, and was about to answer when Madame Midas, calm, cool, and
handsome, entered the room, followed by Vandeloup, carrying a wooden
box containing the nugget. It was by no means light, and Vandeloup
was quite thankful when he placed it on the table.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you, Mr Marchurst," said Madame, sitting
down and casting a glance at the scattered papers, the cup of tea,
and the open Bible, "but I couldn't help gratifying my vanity by
bringing the new nugget for you to see."
"It's very kind of you, I'm sure," responded Mr Marchurst, politely,
giving way suddenly in the middle as if he had a hinge in his back,
which was his idea of a bow. "I hope this," laying his hand on the
box, "may be the forerunner of many such."
"Oh, it will," said Vandeloup, cheerfully, "if we can only find the
Devil's Lead."
"An unholy name," groaned Marchurst sadly, shaking his head. "Why
did you not call it something else?"
"Simply because I didn't name it," replied Madame Midas, bluntly;
"but if the lead is rich, the name doesn't matter much."
"Of course not," broke in Kitty, impatiently, being anxious to see
the nugget. "Do open the box; I'm dying to see it.
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