Think of the captain, who went out so strong and well this morning, speaking so kind and bright just as usual, lying there!" and here Abijah broke down and for the first time since Captain Sankey was carried into the house tears came to her relief, and throwing her arms round Ned's neck she wept passionately.
Ned's own tears flowed too fast for him to speak for some time.

At last he said quietly, "Don't cry so, Abijah.

It is the death of all others that was fitted for him, he, so brave and unselfish, to die giving his life to save a child.

You told me to be brave; it is you who must be brave, for you know that you must be our chief dependence now." "I know, Master Ned; I know, sir," the woman said, choking down her sobs, and wiping her eyes with her apron, "and I will do my best, never fear.

I feel better now I have had a good cry.