The sound of blows
followed. As each one fell it was accompanied by a groan or shriek,
and so they continued for some time. Shock'd and indignant, the
countryman would have burst open the door and interfered to prevent
this brutal proceeding, but he bethought him that he might get himself
into trouble, and perhaps find that he could do no good after all, and
so he passed on to his room.
"Well, sir, the following day the child did not come out among the
work-people as usual. He was taken very ill. No physician was sent for
until the next afternoon; and though one arrived in the course of the
night, it was too late--the poor boy died before morning.
"People talk'd threateningly upon the subject, but nothing could be
proved against Vanhome. At one period there were efforts made to have
the whole affair investigated. Perhaps that would have taken place,
had not every one's attention been swallow'd up by the rumors of
difficulty and war, which were then beginning to disturb the country.
"Vanhome joined the army of the king. His enemies said that he feared
to be on the side of the rebels, because if they were routed his
property would be taken from him. But events have shown that, if this
was indeed what he dreaded, it has happen'd to him from the very means
which he took to prevent it."
The old man paused. He had quite wearied himself with so long talking.
For some minutes there was unbroken silence. Presently the stranger
signified his intention of retiring for the night.
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