Lucy would have protested, but he showed such signs of determination that she prudently obeyed. An hour after as she laid her hand on his bedroom door, she heard him speaking aloud, and caught the words,-- “Hide me, O my Saviour, hide.” Tears of joy mingled with the smile on Lucy’s cheek as she knew that her prayers were being answered, and that the old man was creeping slowly and surely to the Cross. So the days passed by. At length the fountain sprung, and even his poor, arid soul was quickened, refreshed, and beautified by the streams of saving grace. One day Lucy ventured to speak of the attack made upon him on the Kesterton Road. He no longer flashed up with anger--no longer called aloud for revenge. “Bring me that letter that Black Morris sent.” As he turned over the crisp notes, and read the words accompanying them, he said,-- “Poor fellow! I don’t think he had a hand in it. I recollect his sprinkling cold water on my face and fanning me with his cap. At any rate he has sent back all he got, and if he’s guilty I forgive him, as God hath forgiven me.” Lucy, who knew of the sad fate which had befallen Black Morris, a knowledge not yet imparted either to Kasper Crabtree or my readers, knelt by his side, took his hand in hers, and said,-- “Mr. Crabtree, God bless you for that word!” “Aye, little one! and God bless you for ever and ever, for I have been entertaining an angel unawares!” CHAPTER XXI. SQUIRE FULLER HEARS UNWELCOME NEWS. “Behold the work of my unlawful hand, That by rude force the passions would command, That ruthless sought to root them from the breast; They may be ruled, but will not be oppressed. Taught hence, ye parents, who from nature stray, And the great ties of social life betray; Ne’er with your children act a tyrant’s part, ’Tis yours to guide, not violate the heart.” _Thompson._