TWO VISITS AND WHAT CAME OF THEM
to you up here who would there be to help you? I cannot think but what you must be half-frozen to death in this hut in the winter, and I do not know how the child lives through it!”
“The child has young blood in her veins and a good roof over her head, and let me further tell the pastor, that I know where wood is to be found, and when is the proper time to fetch it; the pastor can go and look inside my wood-shed; the fire is never out in my hut the whole winter through. As to going to live below, that is far from my thoughts; the people despise me and I them; it is therefore best for all of us that we live apart.”
“No, no, it is not best for you; I know what it is you lack,” said the pastor in an earnest voice. “As to the people down there looking on you with dislike, it is not as bad as you think. Believe me, neighbor; seek to make your peace with God, pray for forgiveness where you need it, and then come and see how differently people will look upon you, and how happy you may yet be.”
The pastor had risen and stood holding out his hand to the old man as he added with renewed earnestness, “I will wager, neighbor, that next winter you will be down among us again, and we shall be good neighbors as of old. I should be very grieved if any pressure had to be put upon you; give me your hand and promise me that you will come and live with us again and become reconciled to God and man.”
Alm-Uncle gave the pastor his hand and answered him calmly and firmly, “You mean well by me I know, but as to that which you wish me to do, I say now what I shall continue
[89]
