ain here."

"Why should you say so!--do you feel very ill?"

"No, not ill; but I feel that I am sinking fast. Recollect that I am an
old man, Edward."

"Not so very old, Jacob; Oswald said that you were not more than sixty
years old."

"Oswald knows nothing about it. I am past seventy six, Edward; and you
know, Edward, the Bible says that the days of men are threescore years
and ten; so that I am beyond the mark. And now, Edward, I have but few
words to say. Be careful--if not for your own sake, at least for your
little sisters'. You are young, but you are strong and powerful above
your years, and can better protect them than I could. I see darker days
yet coming--but it is His will, and who shall doubt that that is right?
I pray you not to make your birth and lineage known as yet--it can do no
good, and it may do harm--and if you can be persuaded to live in the
cottage, and to live on the farm, which will now support you all, it
will be better. Do not get into trouble about the venison, which they
now claim as their own. You will find some money in the bag in my
chest, sufficient to buy all you want for a long while--but take care of
it; for there is no saying but you may require it. And now, Edward,
call your brother and sisters to me, that I may bid them farewell. I
am, as we all are, sinful, but I trust in the mercy of God through Jesus
Christ. Edward, I have done my duty towards you, as well as I have been
able; but promise me one thing--that you will read the Bible and prayers
every morning and evening, as I have always done, after I am gone;
promise me that, Edward."

"I promise you that it shall be done, Jacob," replied Edward, "and I
will not forget your other advice."

"God bless you, Edward. Now call the children."

Edward summoned his sisters and Humphrey.

"Humphrey, my good boy," said Jacob, "recollect that in the midst of
life we are in death; and that there is no security for young or old.
You or your brother may be cut off in your youth; one may be taken, and
the other left. Recollect, your sisters depend upon you, and do not
therefore be rash: I fear that you will run too much risk after the wild
cattle, for you are always scheming after taking them. Be careful,
Humphrey, for you can ill be spared. Hold to the farm as it now is; it
will support you all. My dear Alice and Edith, I am dying; very soon I
shall be laid by your brothers in my grave. Be good children, and look
up t