160 THE HISTORY OF

though I have often wanted a meal, and always fared hard, I
have enjoyed as much health and life as usually falls to the lot
of my betters. I am now going to die ; I feel it in every part ;
the breath will soon be out of my body; then I shall be put in
the ground, and the worms will eat your poor old daddy,” At
this Jack renewed his tears and sobbings, for he was unable to
restrain them. But the old man said :—“ Have patience, my
child; though I should leave this world, as I have always been
strictly honest, and endeavoured to do my duty, I do not doubt
but God will pity me, and convey me toa better place, where
I shall be happier than I have ever been here. This is what I
have always taught you, and this belief gives me the greatest
comfort in my last moments. ‘he only regret I feel is for
you, my dearest child, whom I leave unprovided for. But you
are strong and vigorous, and almost able to get your living.
As soon as I am dead, you must go to the next village, and
inform the people, that they may come and bury me. You must
then endeavour to get into service, and work for your living ;
and, if you are strictly honest and sober, I do not doubt that you
will find a livelihood ; and that God, who is the common Father
of all, will protect and bless you. Adieu, my dear child; I
grow fainter and fainter. Never forget your poor old daddy,
nor the example he has set you: but in every situation of life
discharge your duty, and live like a good soldier and a Chris-
tian.” When the old man had with difficulty uttered these last
instructions, his voice entirely failed him, his limbs grew cold
and stiff, and in a few minutes he expired without a groan,
Little Jack, who hung crying over his daddy, called upon him
in vain—in vain endeavoured to revive him. The poor little
boy was thus left entirely destitute, and knew not what to
do: but one of the farmers who had been acquainted with
him before, offered to take him into his house, and give him