72 LUCY AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.

Eben stood by, listening very attentively to what
was said, but he made no reply.

“I've a great mind to go with you, and take
care of you,” said Lucy’s mother. “TI should
like to see the fire myself.”

“ Well,” said Lucy, “that will do. Eben and
I will walk on, and you can come after us.”

“ Very well,” replied her mother ; “ run along.”

Accordingly, Lucy and Eben set off together.
Eben had the lantern in his hand, and, after they

had gone a few steps, Lucy wanted to look in,
~ and see whether it had not gone out. It was not
quite out, but it burned very dimly. Lucy said it
was almost out.

« No,” said Eben ; “that is the way it always
looks.”

“Then it isn’t a very good lantern,” said
Lucy.

* Yes, it is a good lantern,” said Eben. “It
makes a good light in our barn in the winter
nights.”

¢ How do you know?” said Lucy.

‘ Because,” said Eben, “my father carries it
out; and one morning I went out with him, and
we found some eggs with it.”

‘© Where did you find them?” said Lucy.