Jack and His Seven Foes — page 35: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

26 To all around him he was gentle and soft-spoken, but under his quietude there lay an earnestness that boded ill _ for the men who had wronged him and his so foully. Between him and Jacob a a a strong tie had. been formed. In the eyes of the settler, the handsome youth was something to admire, reverence, and respect. He was ready to be his faith- ful follower—to go with him wherever he wished. But this subject was not broached between them until one night, when Jack had been two months at ‘the lonely settlement, and he and Jacob were walk- ing on the shore. ‘he men were busy packing hides for a ship expected in a week or so, and they were alone. Jack had been very serious and thoughtful all day, and Jacob had been wondering what was in his mind. He had his fears, and they were now rea- hised. “‘ How shall I ever repay you all for your kindness ? ”’ asked Jack. “We ask for no payment,” replied Jacob; ‘‘and if we did, donot the many things we have had from the ‘ Albatross’ more than reward us?” “Tt was not all I had to give,” said Jack, with tears in his eyes. ‘“ ‘here is more that is mine by right, and I take it; not for selfish use—no.”’ “My dear lad, I believe it—I know iG ‘The time has come for me to leave you,’ continued Jack, “and I wouid part from you, and walk from here bare- foot and penniless, if you would accept all I have.” “We will not take it.” ‘‘To my tather you gave an honoured orave—to me a new Tite,” said Jack. “ Money is no fitting reward for either. Oh, Jacob Sturmby, honest Jacob! how shall I part from you?” He held out his hands. and bearded settler took them in his. Lhus they stood for awhile. “Dear lad,’ said Jacob, breaking silence, “ why should we part ?”’ ‘“‘T am sad and lonely,” said Jack. ‘“ All that was dear to me is gone, and I would gladly, for myself, linger here, and pass a quiet life, but duty calls me away.” A The bronzed | dyed scoundr ols, them to book.” JACK AND His SEVEN FOES. “You think it your duty to follow those villains P”’ ‘“‘Jacob—honest Jacob—what would you think, 17 you were in my place?” - “Dear lad,” said the honest fellow, ‘‘were [in your piace, I should never rest until I found them.” “And then?” “1d hand them over to the law, see them punished for their crimes.” Jack smiled sadly, and shook his head. “T will trust to no country, no law, and to no man, to punish those trebly- Alone I will bring and “ Ajobthata man might shrink from,” said Jacob. “ T{ shall not quail. true, but so far as in me lies the strength, I will go on and avenge the cruel tate of my father, brother, and the honest men who fell on board the ‘ Albatross.’ I have thought it well over, and [ must. ‘To-morrow we must Das 2 “And which way will you go, my lad?” Jacob looked at the forest, and hesi- tated. “<T will wander hore and there until I find a clue, then I will follow it,” he said. ‘You are young, and know nothing of wood life,’ said Jacob Sturmby. ‘You would perish in the forest.” “T will risk it,”’ said Jack. ‘‘ Vou shall not, dear lad,’ said the honest fellow, his face aglow with enthusiasm. ‘“‘ No, if you die it shall not be alone. I will go with you.” “You!” exclaimed Jack. “Yes. I could not rest here after you were gone, so I will be your servant, if you will keep me.’ ‘«‘ Never aservant, andalwaysa friend.” oe I makes my heart warm to hear you,” said Jacob Sturmby; “will you have me?” ‘On one condition.”’ ‘¢ And that is, dear lad ? ” ‘That you never attempt to do any of the work which I consider my own. Help I may ask of you, but my seven foes must meet with justice from my hand alone.”’ “As you -will,’”’ replied Sturmby, I may fail, it is $cc yet how gladly Giant i pel ap you GoM