THETORN BIBLE
OR
HUBERT'S BEST FRIEND
BY
ALICE SOMERTON
AUTHOR OF "LAYTON CROFT" ETC.
LONDONFREDERICK WARNE AND CO.AND NEW YORK
He tried to open the window that he might throw it intothe sea.
See p. 24.
TO GLANVILLEANDHIS EIGHT SCHOOLFELLOWS.
Perhaps, dear boys, you wonder why I should have dedicated this littlebook to you: it is that you may feel a deeper interest in it, andimbibe, from reading it, an earnest love and reverence for your Bible,which, like a good angel, can guide you safely through the world as longas you live. Like Hubert's mother, I ask you to read a portion everyday; and, whatever be the battle of life you may have to fight, mayGod's blessing attend you, making you humble towards Him, dutiful toyour parents, and a blessing to mankind.
Believe me,
Yours affectionately,
ALICE SOMERTON.
Contents
- CHAPTER I Hubert's Departure From Home.
- CHAPTER II Too Late For The Post-bag.
- CHAPTER III The Bible Torn.
- CHAPTER IV Ellen Buchan.
- CHAPTER V Hubert Wounded.
- CHAPTER VI The Time For Reflection.
- CHAPTER VII What The Torn Bible Had Done For Hubert.
- CHAPTER VIII Homeward Bound.
- CHAPTER IX True Friendship.
- CHAPTER X The Wanderer's Return.
- CHAPTER XI Home At Last.
- CHAPTER XII Memories Of Childish Days.
- CHAPTER XIII At Rest.
THE TORN BIBLE.
CHAPTER I.
HUBERT'S DEPARTURE FROM HOME.
May thy goodness
Share with thy birthright! * * * *
* * * What heaven more will
That these may furnish and my prayers pluck down,
Fall on thy head! Farewell.—Shakespeare.
The rural and picturesque village of Hulney, in the north of England, isa charming place; it is almost surrounded with well-wooded hills, andthe little rivulets, which ever murmur down their sides, run into thelimpid stream along the banks of which most of the cottages are built.
At the north end of the village, on the slope of a hill, is the church,so thickly covered with