Bonds of Earth, The by E.V. Thompson Page B

here.’
    â€˜So I believe.’ With a knowing and amused smile, Captain Pyne added, ‘I believe you and my daughters first met when they had found one of them.’
    About to stutter an embarrassed apology, Goran was saved by Mabel. Addressing the mine captain, she asked, ‘Before you go I wonder if I might speak to you about the Bolithos?’
    â€˜Of course, you’ve been to see them today, how is Albert coming along?’
    â€˜He’s up on his feet with the aid of a pair of crutches, but it’s the whole family I’d like to ask you about.’
    Mabel proceeded to explain to the mine captain the plans she and Goran had for the destitute family’s future and asked for his opinion of them.
    â€˜It would be a wonderful thing to do!’ Captain Pyne replied, sincerely. ‘Whatever Albert may say, or think, his days as an underground miner are over. I saw his leg when it was first injured and have since discussed it with the doctor. It will never be strong enough for him to negotiate ladders beneath grass so I’ll need to find surface work for him … as an engine-man, perhaps. Until then Annie and I will see they never starve but unfortunately there are a great many miners without work right now and I can’t afford to support all of them. If Goran is able to offer work to Jenken and a proper home to the family they’ll get by and I don’t think they’ll let you down. Albert has always been a hard-working and honest miner and in Harriet he has a very good wife. Take them in and let me know if there is any way I might be of help to you.’
    After telling Captain Pyne she had not yet discussed the proposal with Harriet Bolitho, Mabel was satisfied that their decision to house the Bolithos was a sound one, and she and Goran made their way back to the farmhouse, both proudly aware that the land over which they were walking would soon be theirs to farm.

Chapter 13    
    J ENKEN B OLITHO WAS so eager to begin work at Elworthy Farm that he arrived there the next morning ready to begin work while Goran was still dressing!
    Goran had not intended taking him on until Elworthy had moved out of the farm, but the boy was so excited at the prospect of starting full-time work that Goran did not have the heart to disappoint him.
    For his first morning Jenken accompanied Goran around the farmyard, learning the daily routine of releasing livestock that had been shut in overnight; feeding, watering and cleaning their pens and houses then checking on the well-being of a number of cows which were in various stages of pregnancy. After this it was time to bring in the milking cow and place it in a stall, ready to be milked by Mabel.
    During the course of these chores Jenken was introduced to Elworthy who seemed bemused by the young boy’s presence on the farm. However, so much was changing in the simple farmer’s life that he accepted without question Jenken’s right to be there.
    Their early morning chores completed, and in accordance with the established farm routine, Jenken accompanied Goran and Elworthy into the cottage for a breakfast cooked for them by Mabel.
    The fact that such a meal was a rare treat indeed for the boy was evident by the enthusiasm with which he devoured the extra large portion placed before him.
    His enjoyment of the meal was not shared by Elworthy who merely picked at his food. It was so unlike the usual gusto he exhibited at meal times that Mabel commented upon his apparent lack of appetite.
    â€˜It’s because I’m unhappy,’ Elworthy replied, his lower lip thrust out in an expression of childlike misery, ‘I won’t be having breakfast here after tomorrow … and I like your cooking.’
    â€˜You’ll like Agnes’s cooking too, Elworthy: she bakes some of the best cakes you’ll ever taste anywhere.’
    â€˜It won’t be the same … and I won’t have you working with