Page:Cup of Gold-1929.djvu/21

His father went on smiling valiantly.

"When will you be off, Henry? It will be lonely here without you."

"Why, I'll go, now, as soon as I may," said Henry; and it seemed that he was the older and Robert a little boy.

"Henry, will you do two things for me before you go? Will you be thinking to-night of the long sleeplessness I'll have because of you, and of how lost my days will be. And will you remember the hours your mother will fret about your underclothing and the state of your religion. That's the first thing, Henry; but second, will you go up to old Merlin on the crag-top to-morrow and tell him of your going and listen to his words? He is wiser than you or I may ever be. There is a kind of magic he practices which may be a help to you. Will you do these two things, son?"

Henry has become very sad.

"I would like to stay, my father, but you know-"

"Yes, boy." Robert nodded. "It is my sorrow that I do know. I cannot be angry nor forbid your going, because I understand. I wish I might prevent it and whip you, thinking that I helped you. But go to bed, Henry, and think and think when the light is out and the dark in around you."

Old Robert sat dreaming in his chair after the boy had gone.

"Why do men like me want sons?" he wondered. "It must be because they hope in their poor beaten souls that these new men, who are their blood, will