Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII. Conclusion. 'Work! make clear the forest tangles Of the wildest stranger land. Trust! the blessed deathly angels Whisper, Sabbath hours at hand!' ijJNE is a 'story without an end.' We left home for a few weeks in the summer of 1849, but our absence was unavoidably protracted for several months, and when at length we returned the work was finished, and the workers dispersed to renew the 'battle of fife' on fresh fields. For a considerable time I continued to receive letters from my 'affectionate little boys, ' as they designated themselves; but from their wandering habits, and the almost incomprehensible addresses that they gave me, I fear but few of my replies ever reached them. I hope and believe that their confidence in my interest and remembrance stands the test even of this apparent neglect. A railway man, anywhere, always looks to me now like an old friend; and, if there be an opportunity of conversing with him, some mutual interest in persons or places is sure to be elicited. Some time since, I went one evening to see a viaduct erecting in the west of Cornwall. A rough-looking, weather-beaten navvy passed carrying home his 'tommy' from the shop. A few questions about the 'firedock, ' as he called it, were answered with weary curtness. Sympathy with the truck-shop grievance met with a more willing response. 'And where did you come from?' at last, I said. 'Fro' S'rosebury, ma'am; but you wunna know the place.' 'Shrewsbury 1 Oh yes. I have often been there.'No? han yo' raly, though? I dunna never see a body hear away as ben there. And old Sivern, too! And the black and white housen down by the Welsh bridge; d' yo' know them? I was born in one o' they?' 'Yes; I know where you mean. I went over the Welsh bridge a very short.