The pale , spiritual face , the eyes that seemed to mingle with the moonlight , the sweet , airy voice and the outlandish name almost made the Puritan believe that the boy was in truth a being which had sprung up out of the grave on which he sat ; but perceiving that the apparition stood the test of a short mental prayer , and remembering that the arm which he had touched was lifelike , he adopted a more rational supposition . `` The poor child is stricken in his intellect , '' thought he , `` but verily his words are fearful in a place like this . '' He then spoke soothingly , intending to humor the boy 's fantasy : `` Your home will scarce be comfortable , Ilbrahim , this cold autumn night , and I fear you are ill-provided with food . I am hastening to a warm supper and bed ; and if you will go with me , you shall share them . '' `` I thank thee , friend , but , though I be hungry and shivering with cold , thou wilt not give me food nor lodging , '' replied the boy , in the quiet tone which despair had taught him even so young . `` My father was of the people whom all men hate ; they have laid him under this heap of earth , and here is my home . '' The Puritan , who had laid hold of little Ilbrahim 's hand , relinquished it as if he were touching a loathsome reptile . But he possessed a compassionate heart which not even religious prejudice could harden into stone . `` God forbid that I should leave this child to perish , though he comes of the accursed sect , '' said he to himself . `` Do we not all spring from an evil root ? Are we not all in darkness till the light doth shine upon us ? He shall not perish , neither in body nor , if prayer and instruction may avail for him , in soul . '' He then spoke aloud and kindly to Ilbrahim , who had again hid his face in the cold earth of the grave : `` Was every door in the land shut against you , my child , that you have wandered to this unhallowed spot ? '' `` They drove me forth from the prison when they took my father thence , '' said the boy , `` and I stood afar off watching the crowd of people ; and when they were gone , I came hither , and found only this grave . I knew that my father was sleeping here , and I said , ` This shall be my home . ' '' `` No , child , no , not while I have a roof over my head or a morsel to share with you , '' exclaimed the Puritan , whose sympathies were now fully excited . `` Rise up and come with me , and fear not any harm . '' The boy wept afresh , and clung to the heap of earth as if the cold heart beneath it were warmer to him than any in a living breast . The traveller , however , continued to entreat him tenderly , and , seeming to acquire some degree of confidence , he at length arose ; but his slender limbs tottered with weakness , his little head grew dizzy , and he leaned against the tree of death for support . `` My poor boy , are you so feeble ? ''
said the XXXXX .
Ilbrahim Puritan lodging night people reptile supper supposition tone traveller