The attacks directed against the family of the old overman,
before the discovery of New Aberfoyle, had not been renewed.
CHAPTER XI HANGING BY A THREAD
ALTHOUGH in this way the Ford family led a happy and contented life,
yet it was easy to see that Harry, naturally of a grave disposition,
became more and more quiet and reserved. Even Jack Ryan, with all
his good humor and usually infectious merriment, failed to rouse him
to gayety of manner.
One Sunday--it was in the month of June--the two friends were
walking together on the shores of Loch Malcolm. Coal Town rested
from labor. In the world above, stormy weather prevailed.
Violent rains fell, and dull sultry vapors brooded over the earth;
the atmosphere was most oppressive.
Down in Coal Town there was perfect calm; no wind, no rain.
A soft and pleasant temperature existed instead of the strife
of the elements which raged without. What wonder then,
that excursionists from Stirling came in considerable numbers
to enjoy the calm fresh air in the recesses of the mine?
The electric discs shed a brilliancy of light which the British sun,
oftener obscured by fogs than it ought to be, might well envy.
Jack Ryan kept talking of these visitors, who passed them in noisy crowds,
but Harry paid very little attention to what he said.
"I say, do look, Harry!" cried Jack. "See what numbers of people
come to visit us! Cheer up, old fellow! Do the honors of the place
a little better.
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