Towards evening William’s brothers came home, bringing a deer with them which they had shot; they also had a jug of brandy. After making a hot fire, they roasted some of the venison which they ate and drank freely of the brandy. They did not look at their dying father, but asked William to eat with them. Nothing could induce the boy to leave his father, and he remained at his bedside till he could keep his eyes open no longer, then fell asleep.
When he awoke early in the morning, his first look was towards his father at his side. He was lying so quietly that William dared not stir for a long time. At last he whispered, “Father!”
There was no answer. While William slept, his father went to sleep, never to waken again on this earth. He had gone to be forever with his Lord.
When the truth of this came to the little fellow, he cast himself on the bed, crying most bitterly. William’s crying awakened his brothers who were sleeping in the next room. They came and looked at their father without one expression of sorrow, and no tears came from their eyes; their hearts were untouched. They conferred together about what to do with the corpse— whether to let it lie a day, or bury it right away. They concluded to bury it the same day, and with the most heartless indifference they made preparations to commit the mortal remains of their father to the grave. After filling it, they put a few grass sods on the top, and went back to the cabin as if nothing had happened.
William remained at the grave, crying and lamenting. He felt so forsaken and lonely. What would become of him now? He could expect nothing good from his brothers, but rather feared the worst. His only friend on earth that never left him, and even now was at his feet, was his faithful dog. Overcome with grief, he threw his arms around Caesar’s neck, who, as though he understood the difficulties of his young master, began to whine and lick his face.
But was William really altogether forsaken? Did he not know a truer and mightier Friend than even his father had been to him? The thought of this Friend in heaven suddenly brought him to himself again, and kneeling down he asked the Lord Jesus in simple childlike manner to help him, and show him what he should do now.
While William had been occupied with his sorrow outdoors, his brothers were busy eating the remnants of their evening meal and emptying the whiskey jug. They were considering together what to do with their youngest brother. He was too young to go with them on their long hunting expeditions, and to leave him at home for days, and often weeks, would not do either. Besides, their hearts were full of hatred towards him because, although so young, he would admonish them at times and plead with them not to go “poaching.” He had told them that poaching was stealing, and that God said, “Thou shalt not steal!” His father had taught him so.
His childlike prayers were very disagreeable to them, because they constantly reminded them of their condition before God. The question with them was how they could most conveniently rid themselves of the boy. Poor William! His father had been dead only a few hours, and his brothers were already considering how to do away with him.
“We can’t take him along when we go hunting,” said the oldest one; “he would betray us as soon as he got a chance.”
“But what shall we do with him?” asked the second one; “he’d be better off in the grave with his father.”
“Hold on!” broke in the third brother; “He’s our brother, and we must not touch him; not a hair of his head shall we hurt, if I can help it.”
“What shall be done with him, then,” growled the eldest.
“I know what we could do,” replied the fourth. “The best way would be to take him a few days’ journey into the forest, and then leave him to his fate. He may then go where he chooses. He won’t find his way back to us very soon.”
“But then we must see to it that Caesar stays in the cabin; otherwise we will have trouble, because William himself can’t drive him off. Besides this, I would advise you to take the boy almost to the other side of the forest, and from there he may be able to find someone to go to.”
“Very well,” said the youngest of the five brothers; “let us take him into the forest. We can take one of the donkeys along and put him on it, so that we may be able to walk fast; when we have gone far enough, we will leave him at night.”
After a little more talk back and forth, they concluded to start the wicked plan the next morning. It was now late, and as they decided to be off very early in the morning, they all went to rest. William too, after eating a little, went to bed.
The day had hardly dawned when all was astir in the log cabin. The breakfast was prepared in haste. A sack full of provisions was loaded upon the strongest donkey. William was wakened early and after dressing and washing himself, he stood and looked on, thinking no evil, awaiting the preparations.
When all was ready for the journey the oldest brother took the little one by the hand, ordered him to put on his hat, and lifted him on the donkey which stood in readiness outside.
“Where are we going?” asked William, who would rather have stayed at home, but he dared not make any objections.
“Into the forest to chop wood and chase deer,” responded one of the brothers with a laugh.
“What! are you going to steal the good forester’s game again? Don’t do it!” begged William, with a sad look.
The brothers gave no answer but looked at each other.