or the cottage had been built by his
grandfather--but he had not always remained at the cottage. When young,
he felt an inclination to see more of the world, and had for several
years served in the army. His father and brother had lived in the
establishment at Arnwood, and he was constantly there as a boy. The
chaplain of Arnwood had taken a fancy to him, and taught him to read--
writing he had not acquired. As soon as he grew up he served, as we
have said, in the troop commanded by Colonel Beverley's father; and
after his death, Colonel Beverley had procured him the situation of
forest ranger, which had been held by his father, who was then alive,
but too aged to do the duty. Jacob Armitage married a good and devout
young woman, with whom he lived several years, when she died, without
bringing him any family; after which, his father being also dead, Jacob
Armitage had lived alone until the period at which we have commenced
this history.

CHAPTER FOUR.

The old forester lay awake the whole of this night, reflecting how he
should act relative to the children; he felt the great responsibility
that he had incurred, and was alarmed when he considered what might be
the consequences if his days were shortened. What would become of
them--living in so sequestered a spot that few knew even of its
existence--totally shut out from the world, and left to their own
resources? He had no fear, if his life was spared, that they would do
well; but if he should be called away before they had grown up and were
able to help themselves, they might perish. Edward was not fourteen
years old; it was true that he was an active, brave boy, and thoughtful
for his years; but he had not yet strength or skill sufficient for what
would be required. Humphrey, the second, also promised well; but still
they were all children. "I must bring them up to be useful--to depend
upon themselves; there is not a moment to be lost, and not a moment
shall be lost; I will do my best, and trust to God; I ask but two or
three years, and by that time I trust that they will be able to do
without me. They must commence to-morrow the life of foresters'
children."

Acting upon this resolution, Jacob, as soon as the children were dressed
and in the sitting-room, opened his Bible, which he had put on the
table, and said:

"My dear children, you know that you must remain in this cottage, that
the wicked troopers may not find you out; they killed your fathe