The Land Claim — page 108: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

104 THE LAND-CLAIM. prisoner could be reached. Failing in this, I called him from the windows to assist me in breaking the wooden bars; but as no one answered I conclude that he was already dead. There was nobody to do any thing but the sheriff's wife and children, who were terrified out of their reason, and utterly helpless. The sheriff himself was engaged at one of the offices with the constables who were to go after Carnes.” : “ Does she know it?” asked Mrs. Wyman, significantly. “No. Ihad not the courage nor the cruelty to tell her, after what had already occurred to worry her, and her exhaustion, and all- Mr. Wyman was equally careful, so she does not dream of it.” “ Poor, unfortunate child!” said the kind woman, weeping at the thought of having to communicate such news. “ I shall be almost afraid to tell her, for fear of killing her too.” Mrs. Wyman found Alicia still asleep, though she wakened at the slightest touch. The motherly heart was inwardly pleeding for her, and the kiss she bestowed on the pale, smooth brow, had untold tenderness in it—the tenderness of pity, love and grief. Alicia answered her with a brilliant smile. In reply to inquiries concerning how she had slept, she eagerly asserted that she never had slept so well. “T had such a pleasant dream!” she said. “What did you dream, dear?” asked Mrs. Wyman, helping her to put on her clothes. “JT dreamed that father had forgiven me. I thought we were once more living herein this house, and all was bright and happy. Father praised me for being good and obedient. He said, laying his hand on my head with a strange but loving smile: ‘Always be just the same, my daughter ; do not forget your obedience.’” | Mrs. Wyman had not neglected to bring some cordial along, and was holding a glass ready when Alicia concluded her dressing and her dream together. Alicia took it, and then proceeded to envelop herself in the wraps provided to keep off the heavy morning air. “Dear child,” said Mrs. Wyman, taking her in her arms when she was quite ready to go home, “TI believe your father has forgiven you, for spirits see with eyes different from our mortal ones.” comicloooks.conn