Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/108

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will never leave nor forsake you." She waited an instant, evidently expecting him to speak, but as he did not do so, went on. "I have noticed Eletheer's affection for you, have encouraged her to go to you for instructions on the different questions which I have been unable to make clear. It has been my aim to thoroughly ground her in the tenets of the church in which I was reared, and while I cannot believe the child wilfully in error, she must be deluded. The Bible from which you read to-night is hers when I need it no longer. Help her to find the 'straight and narrow way.'" Her voice sank with weariness as she ceased speaking and Hernando hastily held a glass of water to her lips with shaking hand. She drank a few swallows and then asked for the boneset tea. It was already prepared as the bowl from which Eletheer had taken some still remained in the hot ashes, and Granny soon said she felt stronger.

Hernando knelt beside her. He was breathing heavily and a trembling old hand felt for his own. How long he knelt there was never