What would become of
them--living in so sequestered a spot that few knew even of its
existence--totally shut out from the world, and left to their own
resources? He had no fear, if his life was spared, that they would do
well; but if he should be called away before they had grown up and
were able to help themselves, they might perish. Edward was not
fourteen years old; it was true that he was an active, brave boy, and
thoughtful for his years; but he had not yet strength or skill
sufficient for what would be required. Humphrey, the second, also
promised well; but still they were all children. "I must bring them up
to be useful--to depend upon themselves; there is not a moment to be
lost, and not a moment shall be lost; I will do my best, and trust to
God; I ask but two or three years, and by that time I trust that they
will be able to do without me. They must commence to-morrow the life
of foresters' children."
Acting upon this resolution, Jacob, as soon as the children were
dressed, and in the sitting-room, opened his Bible, which he had put
on the table, and said:
"My dear children, you know that you must remain in this cottage, that
the wicked troopers may not find you out; they killed your father, and
if I had not taken you away, they would have burned you in your beds.
Pages:
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54