Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/237

This page has been validated.

A BUNDLE OF LIFE


mixed with the tobacco spittle that dribbled from each corner of his mouth and formed curves around his chin, and stained the tannish fringe of hair thereon.

Leisa wedded Abram Bowen, and in a set time she gave birth to a child, whom Abram named Jos, saying: “This is Leisa’s bundle of sin.”

Abram made fruitful the starving soil of Penlon; and he caused a brick flooring to be put in the dairy, and trained Leisa to wash her hands before separating milk and before making butter.

And as Abram grew in strength and regard, so the spirit of Silas forsook him. His name was derided at wheresoever it was said, and people sneered at him in his presence. None fried carrots nor brewed tea for him any more. He submitted unto the new King.

Once he said to Bertha Daviss:

“Dammo, boy of Satan is Abram.”

225