Standing at the base and watching the toppling fig tree, as it slowly swayed preparatory to its final crash, he was unaware that the cable-like vines were retarding its progress. Gathering way, however, the falling tree brought a strain upon the vine, and tore away a heavy limb of the dead tree. This falling upon the axe-man, killed him instantly.
The widow was blest with a family of boys and girls who were true grit. Misfortune breaks some people—it makes others. The latter was the truth in this case.
In all the trying times Mrs. Robinson underwent, the minister was her friend and counsellor.
CHAPTER XII
DOWN THE RIVER
"When the full moon flirts with the perigee tide,
On a track of silver away we ride,—
Oh, glorious times we have together,
My boat and I in the summer weather."
ELLA WHEELER WILCOX.
The boat was sighted from Robinsons' some time before its nose grated on the shingle at the landing-place.
Isaac, the younger son, a giant in stature and a prime favourite with Joe, was at the landing-stage. Seizing the bow what time it touched land, he half lifted, half dragged the boat two-thirds of her length out of the water, and made her fast to an old stump.
"Mother's so glad you've come, sir. She wants to talk with you about that boy of Maguire's, who's bin givin' us a lot of trouble."
"Won't be able to stay long, Ike. We've got to be at Beacon Point to night. We just put in for a cup of tea and a bite. Mother's inside, I suppose? I'll go in and have a chat with her."