"Jules Vernes - The Underground City" - читать интересную книгу автора (Verne Jules)

extracted a hundred and fifty years ago from the bearings of
Aberfoyle. Between these two pieces, how many generations of
workmen have succeeded each other in our pits! Now, it is over!
The last words which your engineer will address to you are a
farewell. You have lived in this mine, which your hands have
emptied. The work has been hard, but not without profit for you.
Our great family must disperse, and it is not probable that the
future will ever again unite the scattered members. But do not
forget that we have lived together for a long time, and that it will be
the duty of the miners of Aberfoyle to help each other. Your old
masters will not forget you either.
When men have worked together, they must never be stranger to
each other again.
We shall keep our eye on you, and wherever you go, our
recommendations shall follow you. Farewell then, my friends, and
may Heaven be with you!"
So saying, James Starr wrung the horny hand of the oldest
miner, whose eyes were dim with tears. Then the overmen of the
different pits came forward to shake hands with him, whilst the
miners waved their caps, shouting, "Farewell, James Starr, our
master and our friend!"
This farewell would leave a lasting remembrance in all these
honest hearts. Slowly and sadly the population quitted the yard.
The black soil of the roads leading to the Dochart pit resounded for
the last time to the tread of miners' feet, and silence succeeded to
the bustling life which had till then filled the Aberfoyle mines.
One man alone remained by James Starr. This was the
overman, Simon Ford. Near him stood a boy, about fifteen years of
age, who for some years already had been employed down below.
James Starr and Simon Ford knew and esteemed each other
well. "Good-by, Simon," said the engineer.."Good-by, Mr. Starr," replied the overman, "let me
add, till we
meet again!"
"Yes, till we meet again. Ford!" answered James Starr. "You
know that I shall be always glad to see you, and talk over old
times."
"I know that, Mr. Starr."
"My house in Edinburgh is always open to you."
"It's a long way off, is Edinburgh!" answered the man shaking his
head. "Ay, a long way from the Dochart pit."
"A long way, Simon? Where do you mean to live?"
"Even here, Mr. Starr! We're not going to leave the mine, our
good old nurse, just because her milk is dried up! My wife, my boy,
and myself, we mean to remain faithful to her!"
"Good-by then, Simon," replied the engineer, whose voice, in
spite of himself, betrayed some emotion.
"No, I tell you, it's TILL WE MEET AGAIN, Mr. Starr, and not
Just 'good-by,'" returned the foreman. "Mark my words, Aberfoyle
will see you again!"
The engineer did not try to dispel the man's illusion. He patted