The
main drive following the lead still continued dipping westward, and
McIntosh now commenced blocking and putting in side galleries,
expecting when this was done he would thoroughly prove the Devil's
Lead, for he was quite satisfied he was on it. Even now the yield
was three hundred and sixty ounces a week, and after deducting
working expenses, this gave Madame Midas a weekly income of one
thousand one hundred pounds, so she now began to see what a wealthy
woman she was likely to be. Everyone unfeigningly rejoiced at her
good fortune, and said that she deserved it. Many thought that now
she was so rich Villiers would come back again, but he did not put
in an appearance, and it was generally concluded he had left the
colony.
Vandeloup congratulated Madame Midas on her luck when he was going
away, and privately determined that he would not lose sight of her,
as, being a wealthy woman, and having a liking for him, she would be
of great use. He took his farewell gracefully, and went away,
carrying the good wishes of all the miners; but McIntosh and Selina,
still holding to their former opinion, were secretly pleased at his
departure. Madame Midas made him a present of a hundred pounds, and,
though he refused it, saying that he had money from France, she
asked him as a personal favour to take it; so M. Vandeloup, always
gallant to ladies, could not refuse.
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