But when your poor father was by the back-door, going out toward the woods and coppices, he turned sharp round, and he said, 'Betsy Bowen!' and I answered, 'Yes, at your service, Sir.' 'You have been the best woman in the world,' he said--'the bravest, best, and kindest.

I leave my wife and my last child to you.

The Lord has been hard on me, but He will spare me those two.

I do hope and believe He will.' "We heard a noise of horses in the valley, and the clank of swords--no doubt the mounted police from Winchester a-crossing of the Moonstock Bridge to search our house for the runaway.

And the Captain took my hand, and said, 'I trust them to you.