Patience's crocks, trenchers, and cups were gone too, all except one
horn mug; but two knives and some spoons were extracted from the
ashes. Furniture was much more scanty everywhere than now. There
was not much to lose, and of that they had lost less than they had
feared.
"And see here, Stead," said Patience joyfully holding up a lesser box
kept within the other.
It contained her mother's Bible and Prayer-book. The covers were
turned up, a little warped by the heat, and some of the corners of
the leaves were browned, but otherwise they were unhurt.
"I was in hopes 'twas the money box," said Blane.
"Jeph has got the bag," said Patience.
"More shame for him," growled their friend. Steadfast did not think
it necessary to say that was not all the hoard.
Another thing about which Patience was very anxious was the meal
chest. With much difficulty they reached it. It had been broken in
by the fall of the roof, and some of the contents were scattered, but
enough was gathered up in a pail fetched from the stable to last for
some little time.
Pages:
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72