`` Methinks it is like the wailing of a child -- some infant , it may be , which has strayed from its mother and chanced upon this place of death . For the ease of mine own conscience I must search this matter out . '' He therefore left the path and walked somewhat fearfully across the field . Though now so desolate , its soil was pressed down and trampled by the thousand footsteps of those who had witnessed the spectacle of that day , all of whom had now retired , leaving the dead to their loneliness . The traveller at length reached the fir tree , which from the middle upward was covered with living branches , although a scaffold had been erected beneath , and other preparations made for the work of death . Under this unhappy tree -- which in after-times was believed to drop poison with its dew -- sat the one solitary mourner for innocent blood . It was a slender and light-clad little boy who leaned his face upon a hillock of fresh-turned and half-frozen earth and wailed bitterly , yet in a suppressed tone , as if his grief might receive the punishment of crime . The Puritan , whose approach had been unperceived , laid his hand upon the child 's shoulder and addressed him compassionately . `` You have chosen a dreary lodging , my poor boy , and no wonder that you weep , '' said he . `` But dry your eyes and tell me where your mother dwells ; I promise you , if the journey be not too far , I will leave you in her arms tonight . '' The boy had hushed his wailing at once , and turned his face upward to the stranger . It was a pale , bright-eyed countenance , certainly not more than six years old , but sorrow , fear and want had destroyed much of its infantile expression . The Puritan , seeing the boy 's frightened gaze and feeling that he trembled under his hand , endeavored to reassure him : `` Nay , if I intended to do you harm , little lad , the readiest way were to leave you here . What ! you do not fear to sit beneath the gallows on a new-made grave , and yet you tremble at a friend 's touch ? Take heart , child , and tell me what is your name and where is your home . '' `` Friend , '' replied the little boy , in a sweet though faltering voice , `` they call me Ilbrahim , and my home is here . '' 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 XXXXX a warm supper and bed ; and if you will go with me , you shall share them . ''
For at by from in of though to under upon