Look at your sisters, Edward, do you think
that any of your former friends--do you think that Martha, who had the
care of them, would know them?"

Edward smiled and said, "Certainly not; especially in their present
dresses."

"Nor would, I think, Humphrey be known again. You, Edward, were always
a stout boy; and, except that you have grown very much, and are more
brown, there is no great difference. You would be known again, even in
your present forester's dress; but what I say is, that we ought to be
thankful to the Almighty that you, instead of being burnt in your beds,
have found health and happiness and security in a forester's hut; and I
ought to be, and am, most thankful to heaven that it has pleased it to
spare my life, and enable me to teach you all to the present how to gain
your own livelihoods after I am called away. I have been able so far to
fulfil my promise to your noble father; and you know not what a heavy
load on my mind is every day lessened, as I see each day that you are
more and more able to provide for yourselves. God bless you, dear
children, and may you live to see many returns, and happy returns, of
the day;" and Jacob was so much moved as he said this, that a tear was
seen rolling down his furrowed cheek.

The second winter now came on. Jacob and Edward went out hunting
usually about twice a week; for the old forester complained of stiffness
and rheumatism, and not feeling so active as he used to be. Humphrey
now accompanied Edward perhaps one day in the week, but not more, and
they seldom returned without having procured venison, for Edward knew
his business well, and no longer needed the advice of Jacob. As the
winter advanced Jacob gave up going out altogether. He went to
Lymington to sell the venison and procure what was necessary for the
household; such as oatmeal and flour, which were the principal wants;
but even these journeys fatigued him, and it was evident that the old
man's constitution was breaking fast. Humphrey was always busy. One
evening he was making something which puzzled them all. They asked him
what it was for, but he would not tell them.

"It's an experiment that I am trying," said he, as he was bending a
hazel stick. "If it answers, you shall know: if it does not, I've only
had a little trouble for nothing. Jacob, I hope you will not forget the
salt to-morrow when you go to Lymington, for my pigs are ready for
killing, and we must salt the greatest part