Let us go into the cottage, for it's no use remaining
out in the cold; the frost is sharp to-night."
Edward slowly followed Jacob into the cottage. His little heart was
full. He was a proud boy and a good boy, but the destruction of the
mansion had raised up evil thoughts in his heart--hatred to the
Covenanters, who had killed his father and now burned the property--
revenge upon them (how he knew not); but his hand was ready to strike,
young as he was. He lay down on the bed, but he could not sleep. He
turned and turned again, and his brain was teeming with thoughts and
plans of vengeance. Had he said his prayers that night he would have
been obliged to repeat, "Forgive us as we forgive them who trespass
against us." At last, he fell fast asleep, but his dreams were wild,
and he often called out during the night and woke his brother and
sisters.
CHAPTER III.
The next morning, as soon as Jacob had given the children their
breakfast, he set off toward Arnwood. He knew that Benjamin had stated
his intention to return with the horse and see what had taken place,
and he knew him well enough to feel sure that he would do so. He
thought it better to see him if possible, and ascertain the fate of
Miss Judith. Jacob arrived at the still smoking ruins of the mansion,
and found several people there, mostly residents within a few miles,
some attracted by curiosity, others busy in collecting the heavy
masses of lead which had been melted from the roof, and appropriating
them to their own benefit; but much of it was still too hot to be
touched, and they were throwing snow on it to cool it, for it had
snowed during the night.
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