Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/90



marriage. Now you have divorced her. The Big Man will count this serious against you, Eben. Dear me, one hundred sovereigns and a house, and eight Sabbaths off in the year.” “How could I preach against my conscience?” asked Eben. “Look you not at things in that light, dear man. Suppose now we give you ten more sovereigns? Awake and gather yourself together, and ask the Big Man bach to show you the way.”

People in the neighbourhood declared Eben was mad, that he had spewed on his own glory.

“Gird on your armour,” remarked Lloyd the Schoolin’ to him. “Pray to be rid of the Evil Spirit.” Eben made no answer.

“Wicked you are,” proceeded Mishtir Lloyd. “Has not the Big Man given you a talent?”