By March, all at the mine was in readiness, every vacant house in Nootwyck rented and many rough ones were in course of construction on the mountain side. Mills was one of the first to visit the works and offer congratulations. "Your mine is apparently inexhaustible," he said to Mr. De Vere, "and Nootwyck bids fair to fulfill your hopes. Every foot of ground within ten miles of the mine is staked out in claims and there is not an idle man in the town. I rejoice with you. God has answered our prayers, may He indeed grant that this valley shall blossom as the rose," and he stroked his beard reverently.
Mr. De Vere could not conceal a smile as he replied, "Undoubtedly, God is good, but Hernando Genung has a hand in this job."
"His ways are inscrutable, and unworthy means are sometimes used to accomplish a blessing," said Mills softly, and De Vere who
