Harry Ford

James Starr

Harry is the loyal overseer of the Aberfoyle mine, working closely with engineer James Starr.

Nell

Harry is deeply in love with Nell, rescuing her from the cavern and becoming her protector and eventual husband.

Jack Ryan

Harry and Jack are close friends and fellow miners, with Jack often providing comic relief and support.

Madge

Madge is Harry's mother, a devoted and caring parent who lives with him in the cottage.

Silfax

Harry is Silfax's enemy, as Silfax opposes Harry's relationship with Nell and threatens the mine.

Sir William Elphiston

Harry Ford works as the overseer for Sir William Elphiston's mine, with mutual respect.

Harfang

Harfang is initially wary of Harry but later becomes a helpful ally in the cavern.

James Starr

Harry is the loyal overseer of the Aberfoyle mine, working closely with engineer James Starr.

James Starr

Harry is the loyal overseer of the Aberfoyle mine, working closely with engineer James Starr.

Nell

Harry is deeply in love with Nell, rescuing her from the cavern and becoming her protector and eventual husband.

Jack Ryan

Harry and Jack are close friends and fellow miners, with Jack often providing comic relief and support.

Jack Ryan

Harry and Jack are close friends and fellow miners, with Jack often providing comic relief and support.

I: Contradictory Letters

Simon Ford's son, now about twenty-five years old. He is to wait for Starr at the Callander station to escort him to the mine.

On the Road

Son of Simon Ford, meets Starr at the station and guides him to the Yarrow shaft.

The Dochart Pit

Described as a fine, strapping fellow of twenty-five, strong and brave, who guides James Starr to the Dochart pit and shares his nostalgia for the mining days.

IV: The Ford Family

The son, uneasy about the anonymous letter and the stone incident, keeps watch around the cottage.

V: Some Strange Phenomena

Observes mysterious phenomena in the mine, including sounds, shadows, and a thrown stone, and suspects an unknown presence.

Simon Ford's Experiment

Harry assists his father, notices the sealed cracks, and identifies the handiwork of the mysterious intruder.

VII: New Aberfoyle

The young miner who remains thoughtful and uneasy about the strange events leading to the discovery.

VIII: Exploring

Young miner, leads the way with the lamp, suspects a mysterious hand in the lamp's destruction.

IX: The Fire-Maidens

Fails to appear at the Irvine festivities as promised, worrying Jack Ryan.

X: Coal Town

Explores the mine extensively, hoping to find the mysterious being; knows every corner of New Aberfoyle.

XI: Hanging by a Thread

Grave and reserved, Harry is determined to uncover the mysterious being behind the mine's incidents. He descends a dangerous shaft and rescues a child, risking his life.

XII: Nell Adopted

Recognizes Nell as their mysterious savior; feels deep gratitude and affection; tries to help her adjust to the surface world.

XIII: On the Revolving Ladder

Expresses love for Nell but insists she must see the upper world before marriage; educates her in reading and writing.

XIV: A Sunrise

Anxious about how Nell might change after seeing the surface world; supports her when she faints.

Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine

Carries Nell down Arthur's Seat and proposes marriage to her on Loch Katrine.

A Final Threat

Harry is away on a trip to the surface with Nell and Mr. Starr; upon returning, he learns of the accidents and insists on protecting Nell from the truth, while urging that the wedding proceed without delay.

The “Monk”

Expresses love for Nell and opposes her plan to return to Silfax.

XVIII: Nell’s Wedding

The groom, determined to protect Nell and diving into the lake in a futile attempt to save Silfax.

The Legend of Old Silfax

Marries Nell after a six-month delay; the Harfang still bears a grudge against him.