“Yes, that’s the one; that is Elm Island, where Lion Ben and his wife live, who have been a father and mother to me. God bless you, old Elm Island. What happy years I have spent on you!”
They next proceeded to the little promontory, and Mr. Bell stood beside the grave of her from whom he parted, in bitterness of heart, when he was pressed on board the hulk at Sheerness.
“Poor Mary! She starved—saw poverty and sorrow enough in this world; but I believe she is now experiencing infinitely more happiness than would be hers, were it in our power to call her from the grave to join us. I am glad, my son, that you have not set these quicks; we’ll make the hedge together. When I am gone, you can lay me in this beautiful spot beside her.”
They sat together beneath the elm, talking, till the stars began to come out one after another; and when that night Charlie knelt down to pray, it was with a heart full to overflowing with gratitude and joy.
CHAPTER XIX.
NED AMONG THE GRIFFINS.
IF a boy ever enjoyed himself in this world, Ned Gates did among the Griffins. Their rough, but kindly, rollicking ways just suited his sanguine temperament, and he suited them, from the youngest to the oldest, and got through the crust at once. Indeed, there was everything a wide-awake boy would naturally like. There was a charm, in itself, about such a jolly house-full. Ned thought Edmund Griffin was a splendid man, his wife one of the best of women, and as for the old grandfather, despite his rough ways, he was a perfect treasure. Evenings, Ned would nestle to his side, and coax him to tell him stories about river driving, hunting, wrestling, and the Indian wars, in which he had taken a prominent part.
Captain Brown had rewarded Jacques Bernoux very handsomely for the assistance he had rendered Walter, and induced him to come to the States, paying him seaman’s wages, and Walter brought him home with him. Three or four more never made any difference at Edmund Griffin’s. Jacques afforded much amusement by his attempts to speak English.