They went to
bed early, but not before Edward had read a chapter out of the Bible,
and the prayers, as old Jacob had always done; and this again caused
their tears to flow afresh.
"Come, Alice, dear, you and Edith must go to bed," said Humphrey.
The little girls threw themselves into their brothers' arms; and
having wept for some time, Alice reused herself, and taking Edith by
the hand, led her away to her bedroom.
CHAPTER X.
"Humphrey," said Edward, "the sooner all this is over the better. As
long as poor Jacob's body remains in the cottage there will be nothing
but distress with the poor girls."
"I agree with you," replied Humphrey; "where shall we bury him?"
"Under the great oak-tree, at the back of the cottage," replied
Edward. "One day the old man said to me, that he should like to be
buried under one of the oaks of the forest."
"Well then, I will go and dig his grave to-night," replied Humphrey;
"the moon is bright, and I shall have it finished before morning."
"I am sorry that I can not help you, Humphrey."
"I am sorry that you are hurt; but I want no help, Edward. If you will
lie down a little, perhaps you will be able to sleep. Let us change
the potato poultice before you go on."
Humphrey put the fresh dressing on Edward's arm; and Edward, who was
very much exhausted, lay down in his clothes on the bed.
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