They gazed aghast at one another; at the
premises so suddenly emptied as if by magic; at the crimson curtain
floating like a banner, and glowing beautifully amongst the green
creepers; and at that flying figure, with her hair that glittered in the
sun, and streamed horizontal in the wind with her velocity, flying to the
mine to save William Hope, and give these baffled conspirators a life of
penal servitude.
CHAPTER XX.
CALAMITY.
The baffled conspirators saw Grace Hope bound over a stile like a deer
and dash up to the mine; then there was a hurried colloquy, and some men
were seen to start from the mine and run toward Hope's cottage. What
actually took place was this: She arrived panting, and begged to be sent
down the mine at once; the deputy said, "You cannot, miss, without an
order from Mr. Hope."
"I am his daughter, sir," said she; "he has claimed me from Mr. Bartley
this day."
At that word the man took off his hat to her.
"Let me down this instant; there's a plot to fire the mine, and destroy
my dear father.
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