Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-08-18

head at the sound OF the voice, but with
out stopping he replied, bluntly:
Same old chase Bound TO get that
antelope to-day.
I'D give it up, if We're you" ex-
claimed Jacob
"Humph, know you would, - shout
ed back the hunter IF father depend
ed on you he'd never know the taste OF
venison."
Esau had a good natured contempt
for his brother He viewed him as a
sort OF a weakling, and on occasion did
not hesitate 10 express himself on that
point. as in the present instance But
although Jacob felt the thrust he ven
tured no reply. but turning, entered the
tent, while Esau continued at a vigor-
out gait down the path.
1t was evident that Rebekah had over
heard the last remark of Esau, for as
she took The jar from Jacob she ejacu-
lated with much spirit, at the same time
casting swift glance in the direction
OF Isaac who sat on The farther side
of the tent:
-Yenison is not the only thing 10 be
desired"
What's that. mother, he said. look
ing up
Il say that Esau better stay at home
and help look after things instead Of
trailing some frightened deer over the
mountainside We need him more than
We need his veuison!'
Jacob did not linger to hear what
reply his father would make but huT-
ried of TO attend 10 one OF the lambs
which his watchful eye had discovered
that morning lying with one OF its legs
injured He was a careful husband
man. and had il not been for his faith
fitness the easy going, yenison-loving
Isaac would have been poorer by many
a lamb and many measure OF grain.
And SO while Esau roamed the fields
with wild. free spirit, Jacob busted
himself at home He was a keen cal
culator. and careful manager, knowing
how to obtain the largest increase. or
drive the sharpest bargain. and his
mothers nature and spirit were in per
feet harmony with her thrifty son. But
Isaac loved Esau. lie ate of his yenison,
and delighted in the stories of the chase.
perhaps because his nature and train
ing under the gentle Sarah had shut
him out OF that wild realm in which
his big strong agile son reveled
Now Isaac had long since learned
that he was no match for Rehekah' 5
sharp tongue and SO on this occasion
he maintained discreet silence and
presently she continued her complaint.
One would think from Esau's shift
less, worthless habits that the only
worthy ambition in life was 10. hunt
venison and the only thing wonth do
ina after Il was killed was to ear it, 90
Isaac WINGED under the sharp thrust
and feeling that some kind of a show Al
defense must be made. he said
Who was il cleaned out that den
OF lions after the flocks had been raw
aged Who was IL that trailed the great
she bear that had killed one Of the cam
els. and feSrlessly attacking her in her
lair and fought her in hand hand
conflict and slew her? Who was il who
set che traps which caught the foxes
that were causing us 50 much trOable
Surely Esau has served us well On more
than one OCCASION"
All that is true" Rebekah admitted.
but II the care and management of
the focks and herds had been left to
Esau. there would have been none for
lions, or bears or othei- beasts to have
troubled
oh. well. when the responsibility OF
the Inheritance as elder son comes upon
Aim he will change apologized the ia
Their. ever ready to. make excuses for
his favorite son.
"Yes. change" shifted Rebekah
skeptically He's been changing TO,
the worse ever since he was a bos
Never could be depended on"
And it was true. for as a mere lad Dc
had manifested the Wild free nature and
If set 10 tend the sheep he was more
than likely so become interested 10 set