ilent lessons,
conveyed through every bird that flies, every insect that crawls, each
flower that raises its smiling beauty to the sun, helped him to
understand. He had learned to read, in an imperfect sort of way, during
his early years. He bought a Bible with clear type in the next village
they stopped at, and, by dint of frequent practice, he was soon able to
read it easily. The Book became his constant comfort and delight.
Henceforth existence ceased to be a burden to the despised dwarf; each
day brought a fresh message of hope, and held a sweeter significance of
love for this hitherto hopeless, loveless creature, because the Lord had
discovered to him the real meaning of life, and he knew himself--mean,
unworthy though he was--at his true value: no longer only a log, a
spectacle, an offence, but an immortal soul for whom the dear Christ
Jesus had esteemed it no shame to die! He was sure that he was wanted in
the world, that there was a use for him, a something which he alone
could do, and he patiently awaited the Lord's orders. Now he knew that
his special work had been put ready to his hand--the deliverance of
these two little ones. And although the call to action did not sound
until his sands of life were well-nigh run, the answer "Ready!" rang
none the less cheerily and promptly.

* * * * *

At midday, which Bambo was able to guess pretty nearly by the sun, the
fugitives halted to have their dinner. Joan said it was not dinner at
all, only breakfast over again; for it consisted of some more cold
rabbit, a slice of bread each, with a drink of water. And very good it
tasted to these hungry little people, who many a time at Firgrove had
discontentedly turned up their noses at much more dainty fare. Then Joan
fell asleep, cradled comfortably in the dwarf's long arms, and Darby
dozed at his side.

When they awoke it was well on in the afternoon. The sun was no longer
visible; a chilling wind had sprung up from the east; dull gray clouds
hung loweringly overhead; a close mist, as of coming rain, wrapped the
landscape as in a mantle. Bambo felt that they must push on, and, if
possible, find somewhere to shelter in for the night. It would never do
for these tenderly-nurtured children to be exposed to a drenching. About
himself the dwarf had no anxiety. A shower more or less could not matter
much, he thought, as a more severe fit of coughing than usual shook his
frail, thin body and tore