'Well, now, my dear brother Silas, I want my children.

They have got a little half-brother at home--for I have married again, Silas--who is anxious to have them to play with, so if you will be so good as to hand them over, I'll take them away at once.' "'You'll take them away, will you ?' said I, all of a tremble with rage and fear.
"'Yes, Silas, I will.

They are mine by law, and I am not going to breed children for you to have the comfort of their society.

I've taken advice, Silas, and that's sound law,' and he leered at me again.
"I stood and looked at that man, and thought of how he had treated those poor children and their young mother, and my blood boiled, and I grew mad.

Without another word I jumped over the half-finished wall, and caught him by the leg (for I was a strong man ten years ago) and jerked him off the horse.