"Don't be discouraged, Hiram. It's bad luck, but worse things might
happen."

"Such as what?"

"Why, the house might burn down, or--or some of us might fall sick
and die. It's better that it should be the cow."

"You're right there; but though it's pleasant to have so many
children round, we shan't like to see them starving."

"They are not starving yet, and please God they won't yet awhile.
Some help will come to us."

Mrs. Walton sometimes felt despondent herself, but when she saw
her husband affected, like a good wife she assumed cheerfulness,
in order to raise his spirits. So now, things looked a little more
hopeful to him, after he had talked to his wife. He soon took his
hat, and approached the door.

"Where are you going, Hiram?" she asked.

"Going to see if Squire Green will lend me money; enough to buy
another cow."

"That's right, Hiram. Don't sit down discouraged, but see what you
can do to repair the loss."

"I wish there was anybody else to go to. Squire Green is a very
mean man, and he will try to take advantage of any need."