Jack the Conqueror, or Difficulties Overcome

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1869. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Great changes related which years have effected Jack's subsequent history shows what may be effected by an "early resolve " to conquer difficulties. WE must now pass over the space of twenty years, . and once more pay a visit, although a flying one, to the village of Bushgrove. That period has produced the usual amount of changes. Even the mountain cannot boast, like mountains in general, that on it time has produced little effect. For twenty years' constant blasting and working have altered the form of its outline. Jack's cave has been reached and blown away, the very stones of which it was formed being shipped to other parts. Mrs. Naylor's hair has grown gray, and the lines of her face are deepening into old age; but she still lives in the same cottage, and her two children are comfortably settled near her. Jenny Fowler rests peacefully in the church-yard. She lived to be upwards of eighty years old; but her last days were spent in comfort, and freedom from thought for the morrow; for there was one far away who ever retained the remembrance of how she had aided his childhood's struggles, and who claimed the right and privilege of providing for her old age. The 'squire and his wife live on together at the Hall, though their children are some married, some gone abroad. The good old gentleman may still be seen at times ascending the road to the quarries on horseback, generally with a grandson trotting by his side. One other flight we would ask our readers to take with us to a far distant part of England, to the place where rise the time-worn and honored walls of College. It is summer time, and the1 sun shines cheerily on its darkened and dingy stones, and on those of the grand old minster by its side. Merry young voices ring through the play-ground, as th...