I shall sell the
venison to-morrow, and bring you back a good gun; and Humphrey shall
have the carpenters' tools which he wishes for, for I think, by what
he does with his knife, that he has a turn that way, and it may be
useful. I must also get some other tools for Humphrey and you, as we
shall then be able to work all together; and some threads and needles
for Alice, for she can sew a little, and practice will make her more
perfect."
Jacob went off to Lymington as he had proposed, and returned late at
night with White Billy well loaded; he had a sack of oatmeal, some
spades and hoes, a saw and chisels, and other tools; two scythes and
two three-pronged forks; and when Edward came to meet him, he put into
his hand a gun with a very long barrel.
"I believe, Edward, that you will find that a good one, for I know
where it came from. It belonged to one of the rangers, who was
reckoned the best shot in the Forest. I know the gun, for I have seen
it on his arm, and have taken it in my hand to examine it more than
once. He was killed at Naseby, with your father, poor fellow! and his
widow sold the gun to meet her wants."
"Well," replied Edward, "I thank you much, Jacob, and I will try if I
can not kill as much venison as will pay you back the purchase-money--
I will, I assure you.
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