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Edward patted her, and told her not to be frightened. The troopers, however, took no notice of the children; they searched thoroughly, and then came back to the front room.
"It's no use remaining here," said one of the troopers. "Shall we be off? I'm tired and hungry with the ride."
"So am I; and there's something that smells well," said another. "What's this, my good man?" continued he, taking off the lid of the pot.
"My dinner for a week," replied Jacob. "I have no one to cook for me now, and can't light a fire every day."
"Well, you appear to live well, if you have such a mess as that every day in the week. I should like to try a spoonful or two."
"And welcome, Sir," replied Jacob; "I will cook some more for myself."
The troopers took him at his word; they sat down to the table, and very soon the whole contents of the kettle had disappeared. Having satisfied themselves, they got up, told him that his rations were so good, that they hoped to call again; and, laughing heartily, they mounted their horses, and rode away.
"Well," said Jacob, "they are very welcome to the dinner; I little thought to get off so cheap." As soon as they were out of sight, Jacob called to Edward and the children to get up again, which they soon did. Alice put on Edith's frock, Humphrey put on his jacket, and Edward pulled of the hunting shirt.
"They're gone now," said Jacob, coming in from the door.
"And our dinners are gone," said Humphrey, looking at the empty pot and dirty platters.
"Yes; but we can cook another, and that will be more play, you know," said Jacob. "Edward, go for the water; Humphrey, cut the onions; Alice, wash the potatoes; and Edith, help everybody, while I cut up some more meat."
