on of
eleven Indians came to see me. They had travelled the whole distance of
two hundred and sixty miles in order that they might hear the Gospel,
and get from me a supply of Bibles, Hymn-books, and Catechisms. One of
them had been baptized and taught years ago by the Reverend H.
Brooking. His life and teachings had made the others eager for this
blessed way, and so he brought these hungry sheep in the wilderness that
long distance that they might have the truth explained to them more
perfectly, and be baptised. As it had been with the others who came
from a different direction, so it was with these. Their earnest, oft-
repeated entreaty was, "Come and visit us and ours in our far-away
homes."

A few weeks after, another boatload of men called to have a talk with
me. They seated themselves on the grass in front of the Mission House,
and at first acted as though they expected me to begin the conversation.
I found out very soon that they were Saulteaux, and had come from
Beren's River, about a hundred and fifty miles away. After a few words
as to their health and families had passed between us, an old man, who
seemed to be the spokesman of the party, said, "Well, Ayumeaookemou"
("praying master," the Missionary's name), "do you remember your words
of three summers ago?"

"What were my words of three summers ago?" I asked.

"Why," he replied, "your words were that you would write to the Keche-
ayumeaookemou" (the great praying masters, the Missionary Secretaries)
"for a Missionary for us."

When I first passed through their country, they with tears in their eyes
had begged for a Missionary. I had been much moved by their appeals,
and had written to the Mission House about them and for them, but all in
vain. None had come to labour among them.

For my answer to this old man's words I translated a copy of my letter,
which had been published, and in which I had strongly urged their claims
for a Missionary. They all listened attentively to the end, and then
the old man sprang up and said, "We all thank you for sending that word,
but _where is the Missionary_?" I was lost for an answer, for I felt
that I was being asked by this hungering soul the most important
question that can be heard by the Christian Church, to whom God has
committed the great work of the world's evangelisation.

"WHERE IS THE MISSIONARY?" The question thrilled me, and I went down
before it like the reed before the storm. I could only