Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/18



Rachel, the eldest daughter, a girl of twelve, with reddish cheeks and bright eyes, interposed with: “Indeed, indeed, now, little father; you are not going to preach to us this time of night!” Sadrach stretched forth his hand and motioned his children be seated.

“Put out your lantern, Sadrach the Small,” he said. “No, Rachel, don't you light the candle. Dear ones, it is not the light of this earth we need, but the light that comes from above.” “Iss, iss,” Sadrach the Small said. “The true light. The light the Big Man puts in the hearts of those who believe, dear me.” “Well spoken, Sadrach the Small. Now be you all silent awhile, for I have things of great import to tell you. Heard you all my prayer?” “Iss, iss,” said Sadrach the Small.

“Sadrach the Small only answers. My 6