him to find them a home
in the Far West.

Here, when they had reached the land of independence, they began to
develop "the natural man" in a most unpleasant form.

They would not go to the places selected; their language was so bad
that the farmers would not take them; finally, after their refusing to
take places where they were wanted, and making themselves generally
disagreeable, Mr. Gourley had to inform the lads that they must shift
for themselves! Hereupon they turned upon their benefactor with the
vilest language. Subsequently they met him in the streets of the Western
town, and were about to show themselves--what a Western paper
calls--"muscular orphans," by a vigorous assault on their benevolent
protector; but finding, from the bearing of our excellent brother, that
he had something of the old Covenanter's muscle in him, and could show
himself, if necessary, a worthy member of the old Scotch "Church
militant," they wisely avoided the combat.

Mr. Gourley returned home down-hearted, his high Calvinistic views of
the original condition of the human heart not being weakened by his
experience. We all felt somewhat discouraged; but, as if to show us that
human nature is never to be despaired of, Mr. Gourley afterwards
received the following _amende_ from the two ingrates:--

HOPEFUL NEWS FROM HARD CASES.

"P----, Mich., June 6, 1870. "Mr. J. GOURLEY:

"_Dear Sir_--Knowing that you are one of those who can forget and
forgive, I take the liberty of writing these few lines to you, hoping
that I will not offend you by so doing. W---- and I both wish to return
our thanks to the Society for giving us the aid they have. We are now
both in a fair way of making men of ourselves. We are happy to think
that we are free from the evil temptations that the poor boys of New
York are exposed to. We are respected by all who know us here. Boys of
New York little know of the pleasure there is to be found in a home in
the 'Far West.' We expect to stay here for two years yet, and then make
a short visit to New York. We would like to visit the 'Old Hotel,' if
you have no objection. We would like to have you write and let us know
how the boys are getting along, and if little Skid and Dutchy are still
in the hotel. I would advise all boys who have no home to go West, and
they will be sure to find one. W---- is foreman on the largest farm in
the town, and has hired for three years at one hu