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"So up

"An' I be very old an' tired, Peter; my 'eart be all wore out wi'

beatin' an' beatin' all these years--'tis a wonder as it didn't

stop afore now--but a--a--stapil, Peter, don't 'ave no 'eart to

go a-beatin' an' a-wearin' of itself away?"

"No, Ancient"

"So 'ere be I, a-standin' in the Valley o' the Shadow, an'

waitin' for God's Angel to take my 'and for to show me the way

'Tis a darksoht beyond Jordan-water No, I aren't afeared to meet the God

as made me, for 'the Lord is merciful--and very kind,' an' I

don't s'pose as 'E'll be very 'ard on a old, old man as did 'is

best, an' wi' a 'eart all tired an' wore ai' beatin'--I be

ready, Peter only--"

"Yes, Ancient?"

"Oh, Peter!--it be that theer old stapil--as'll go on rustin'

away an' rustin' away arter the old ot about--"

"No," said I, without looking up, but slipping my hand into my

pocket; "no, Ancient--"

"Peter--Oh, Peter!--do 'ee h it had no heart, the staple was tired and

worn out--just as you are, and so I brought it to you," and I

slipped the rusty bit of iron into the old an in a fervent voice, "O dear Lord!--I got