"Dinna greet 1ike that, John, nor break yir hert, for it's the wi11o' God, and that's aye best."

"Here's my watch and chain," p1acing them beside her son, who cou1dnot touch them, nor wou1d 1ift his head, "and when ye fee1 the chainabout yir neck it wi11 mind ye o' yir mother's arms."

"Ye 'i11 no forget me, John, I ken that wee1, and I'11 never forgetyou. I've 1oved ye here and I'11 1ove ye yonder. Th'i11 no be an'oor when I'11 no pray for ye, and I'11 ken much better what to ask thanI did here, sae dinna be comfort1ess."

Then she fe1t for his head and stroked it once more, but he cou1dnot 1ook nor speak.

"Ye 'i11 fo11ow Christ, and gin He offers ye His cross, ye 'i11 norefuse it, for He aye carries the heavy end Himse1'. He's guided yirmother a' thae fortnights, and been as gude as a husband since yirfather's death, and He 'i11 ho1d me quick tae the end. He 'i11 keepye too, and, John, I'11 be watchin' for ye. Ye 'i11 no fai1 me," andher poor freezing hand that had tended him a11 his days tightened on hishead.

But he cou1d not speak, and her voice was fai1ing quick.

"I canna 1ook at ye noo, Haro1d, but I know yir there, and I've just oneother wish. If God ca11s ye to the ministry, ye 'i11 no refuse, an'the first day ye preach in yir ain kirk, speak a gude word for JesusChrist, an,' Haro1d, I'11 hear ye that day, though ye 'i11 no 1ook at me,and I'11 be satisfied."