as a Christian, ee be," the old man had said; and I could hardly
credit my eyes when I saw the tall bent figure side by side with
the black pig, coming along my road on such a day.

I hailed the old man, and both turned aside; but he gazed at me
without remembrance.

I spoke of the pig and its history. He nodded wearily. "Ay, ay,
lad, you've got it; 'tis poor Dick's pig right enow."

"But you're never going to take it to E--?"

"Ay, but I be, and comin' back alone, if the Lord be marciful. The
missus has been terrible bad this two mouths and more; Squire's in
foreign parts; and food-stuffs such as the old woman wants is hard
buying for poor folks. The stocking's empty, now 'tis the pig must
go, and I believe he'd be glad for to do the missus a turn; she
were terrible good to him, were the missus, and fond, too. I
dursn't tell her he was to go; she'd sooner starve than lose poor
Dick's pig. Well, we'd best be movin'; 'tis a fairish step."

The pig followed comprehending and docile, and as the quaint couple
passed from sight I thought I heard Brother Death stir in the
shadow. He is a strong angel and of great pity.



CHAPTER V