scornfully:

"Of course it is grandfather that we all think of. Who thinks of Jacob,
or what may happen to him? And where is your faith, Katie lass? What
do you suppose the Lord would be thinking of to take sides with Jacob
Holt against such a man as our grandfather? `He will not suffer his
feet to be moved.' That's what the Psalm says, and after that we'll
just wait and see."

"But, Davie," said Katie, her eyes wide with surprise and something that
felt like dismay, "I doubt that it is not what it means. The Lord
doesna take sides that way. And do you think that grandfather would let
go his hold--of the Lord even if--even if--and what would become of him
then?" added Katie, appalled.

"But that is just what I am saying can never happen. We'll wait and
see."

Katie was not satisfied.

"But, Davie, even if trouble should come--the worst that could come, it
would not be the Lord taking sides against us. The Lord has let
trouble, great trouble, fall on grandfather already. And you mind the
other Psalm:--

"`Therefore, although the earth remove,
We will not be afraid.'"

"We'll just wait and see," repeated Davie.

"But, Davie, do you think it would be a sign that the Lord was against
grandfather if He should let Jacob Holt do his worst? I cannot bear to
hear you say such things, as though we were just trying him."

"Well, and is not that just what we are bidden do? It's no' me that is
saying grandfather is to be forsaken in his old age."

"And I'm sure its no' me. Grandfather forsaken! Never. And, Davie,
the loss of Ythan even wouldna mean that to grandfather. Do you no'
mind: `Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.' What is Ythan, and
what are any of us to grandfather, in comparison to having the Lord
Himself?" said Katie, with rising colour and shining eyes.

"Well, it is no' me that say it. There are plenty of folk in Gershom
just waiting to see how it will turn--to see which is going to beat--the
Lord or--or the other side. I wouldna say that grandfather himself is
not among the number."

"Davie," said Katie solemnly, "my grandfather kens how it must end. Do
you think he puts his trust in God on a venture like that? You little
ken."

Davie made no reply at this time. But they were never weary of the
theme, and sometimes went so far as to plan what it would be best to do
should they have to leave Ythan. Grannie sometimes watched with sad
eyes the shadow on the old man's