"A merciful man is merciful to his beast, so I won't have poor Major risk his life for me, but I shall walk."
A general outcry followed, for grandma was very lame, church a mile away, and the roads muddy after the rain.
"You can't do it mother, and you'll be sick for the winter if you try," cried Mrs. Jenks, in great trouble.
"No, dear; I guess the Lord will give me strength, since I'm going to His house," answered the old lady, walking slowly to the door.
"Blest if I wouldn't carry you myself if I only could, mother," exclaimed the farmer, helping her down the steps with filial gentleness.
Here Ned and Charley, the boys, laughed, for grandma was very stout, and the idea of their father carrying her tickled them immensely.
"Boys, I'm ashamed of you!" said their mother, frowning at them. But grandma laughed too, and said pleasantly,—
"I won't be a burden, Moses; give me your arm and I'll step out as well as I can, and mebby some one may come along and give me a lift."
So the door was locked and the family set off. But it was hard work for the old lady, and soon she said she must sit down and rest a spell. As they stood waiting for her, all looking anxious, the boys suddenly had a bright idea, and, merely saying they had forgotten something, raced up the hill again.
"I'm afraid you won't be able to do it, mother," the farmer was just saying, when the sound of an approaching carriage made them all turn to look, hoping for a lift.