replied the old man , hurriedly . `` I was kneeling by her bedside when the voice spoke loud within me , but immediately I rose and took my staff and gat me gone . Oh that it were permitted me to forget her woeful look when I thus withdrew my arm and left her journeying through the dark valley alone ! for her soul was faint and she had leaned upon my prayers . Now in that night of horror I was assailed by the thought that I had been an erring Christian and a cruel parent ; yea , even my daughter with her pale dying features seemed to stand by me and whisper , ` Father , you are deceived ; go home and shelter your gray head . ' -- O Thou to whom I have looked in my furthest wanderings , '' continued the Quaker , raising his agitated eyes to heaven , `` inflict not upon the bloodiest of our persecutors the unmitigated agony of my soul when I believed that all I had done and suffered for thee was at the instigation of a mocking fiend ! -- But I yielded not ; I knelt down and wrestled with the tempter , while the scourge bit more fiercely into the flesh . My prayer was heard , and I went on in peace and joy toward the wilderness . '' The old man , though his fanaticism had generally all the calmness of reason , was deeply moved while reciting this tale , and his unwonted emotion seemed to rebuke and keep down that of his companion . They sat in silence , with their faces to the fire , imagining , perhaps , in its red embers new scenes of persecution yet to be encountered . The snow still drifted hard against the windows , and sometimes , as the blaze of the logs had gradually sunk , came down the spacious chimney and hissed upon the hearth . A cautious footstep might now and then be heard in a neighboring apartment , and the sound invariably drew the eyes of both Quakers to the door which led thither . When a fierce and riotous gust of wind had led his thoughts by a natural association to homeless travellers on such a night , Pearson resumed the conversation . `` I have wellnigh sunk under my own share of this trial , '' observed he , sighing heavily ; `` yet I would that it might be doubled to me , if so the child 's mother could be spared . Her wounds have been deep and many , but this will be the sorest of all . '' `` Fear not for Catharine , '' replied the old Quaker , `` for I know that valiant woman and have seen how she can bear the cross . A mother 's heart , indeed , is strong in her , and may seem to contend mightily with her faith ; but soon she will stand up and give thanks that her son has been thus early an accepted sacrifice . The boy hath done his work , and she will feel that he is taken hence in kindness both to him and her . Blessed , blessed are they that with so little suffering can enter into peace ! '' The fitful rush of the wind was now disturbed by a portentous sound : it was a quick and heavy knocking at the outer door .
Pearson 's wan countenance grew paler , for many a visit XXXXX persecution had taught him what to dread ; the old man , on the other hand , stood up erect , and his glance was firm as that of the tried soldier who awaits his enemy .
against at for of on that though to while within