Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-10-06

looking from one face to another, as
he raised himself on his elbow. Then
like a fash the memory of the strug-
gle in the sheepfold came to him, and
he asked, eagerly:
''And the lion?"
Dead" calculated Laban. THAT
was a finishing blow that you gave
him. But he caught you some pretty
vicious digs with his claws during his
death struggles"
well, no bones are broken, any
way" Jacob rejoinea, struggling to his
feet and swinging his arms and his
legs by way of testing. Nothing worse
than few bruises and ugly scratches"
"Oh, Jacob, ! am so thankful"
sobbed Rachel, smiling through her
tears
How came you out by the sheep
fold?' broke in Laban, curiously
The question carried Jacob back to
the meditasons of the night before.
He did not know what to answer. In
confusion he looked from Rachel's face
to that of Laban, and at last blurted
out
Il was MISUNDERSTANDING about
going home he finished up, his cour-
age falling him to tell the exact truth.
Laban's face fell and disappointment
was in his voice as he haSily rejoined:
Nay, nay, abide here. Thou canst
not do better. Because thou art my
brother shouldest thou therefore serve
me for naught? Tell me, what shall
thy wages be?'
Wages thought jacob He raised
his eyes to those of Rachel who was
looking at him appealingly, and hap
py thought struck him.
II will serve thee for Rachel. thy
younger daughter" he exclaimed,
boldly.
well, ii is better that give her
to thee than that / should give her
to- another man" and then added:
But how long shall thy service be-"
What could Jacob say? He could
not bargain for his beloved Rachel as
he would for a camel or a sheep. Love
must name a goodly price
will serve thee seven years." he
said.
Seven years. responded Laban.
quickly, wondering If he had heard cor
rectly. BE it as thou hast said" and
he chuckled to himself as he walked
away, leaving the family group in en-
barrassed silence.
And you're going TO stay" whis-
pered Rachel, as she came to Jacobs
side.
For you" be responded, eagerly.
"Oh. I'm so happy" and the fair
Rachel blushed prettily, AID then. not
ing the frown on her mothers face.
she hurried away and busted herself
with her morning work.
Jacobs eyes followed Ter. What was
that? A sob? He turned and caught
a heeting glimpse of Leah as she dis
appeared in her mothers tent. but he
was too happy to wonder long. for
Rachel was betrothed to him and the
years would soon slip by. But the
crafty Jacob was to learn many a les
son in sharp dealing at TIE hands OF
the 'craftier Laban. over and over
again was he reminded OF his own
subtlety in dealing with his brother
and father by some sharp practice at
the hands of Laban. But despite the
despite the exactions OF his
master. the years passed
swiftly. The glimpses he had of his
fair Rachel and the occasional smile
and bit OF conversation on his brief
visits to Laban's home after the long
seasons in the distant valleys with the
sheep and cattle were like the refresh.
ing GASES in the desert to the traveller.
and made him patient in his service.
Under his wise. faithful care the
focks and herds of Laban increased
until the man became very rich Five
years. six years went by and the sew
enth had begun.
"Ah. my love-" Jacob said gayly. as
he departed after one OF his brief Wis
Its, "only few more months now, and
shall claim thee as my bride"
Laban overheard the words as he
was sitting in the shadow OF his tent.
and he muttered to himself:
mot II Laban knows IT, Seven
years are too little, anyway" And. ris-