Sam had no idea what she meant, nor, indeed, did he think if she meant
any thing, for his wits came slowly. People called him stupid, and this
was his greatest recommendation to Hannah, who could not have had a
bright, quick-seeing boy in her household.

Sam suited her, and his answer to her question was characteristic of
him.

"No, I don't hear nothin' it says, only it screams like a panther in a
fit," and Sam deliberately lighted the three candles, and placed them on
the table, while Hannah drew a hard wooden chair to the stove, and
putting her feet upon the hearth, clasped her hands around her knees,
and sat there till she was thoroughly warm, and her nerves were quieted.

She was not afraid now, and taking one of the candles she went to her
father's room and found him sleeping, with a calm, peaceful expression
on his face, and another look, too, which made her heart stand still a
moment, for she felt intuitively that the black shadow of death had
crept into the room.

Suddenly he awoke, and seeing her standing by him smiled lovingly upon
her, and said:

"Is that you, Hannah? faithful always, but your work is almost done, I
am going home very soon to the dear Saviour. I am sure of it. I know it.
My sins are washed away in His blood; even the stains upon my hands,
which are clean and white now as were Grey's the day he caught and held
me so fast. May God bless the boy and make him a good man, and a comfort
to you, my child, who have been so much to me, the best, most unselfish