vation
from near its base to the top. They emerged into a zigzag foot-path,
difficult to follow, and climbed up and up. Many times the strong arm
of Jasper had to help the maiden at his side to surmount steep and
bush-entangled places.

At last after much exertion they reached the top of the knob, where
they beheld a wide-extended view. Below them lay Judge LeMonde's broad
plantation and many others on the right hand and on the left. Beyond
these ran the beautiful river through the landscape like a ribbon of
silver, and they saw in the far distance valleys and hills and majestic
knobs, making altogether a picture of surpassing loveliness.

The man and the woman were enchanted with the scene and Jasper, full of
deep emotions, cried out: "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name. He watereth the hills from his
chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He
causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of
man."

Viola exclaimed: "My father's plantation is called 'Mount Pisgah,' and
this view reminds me of that other scene Moses saw on his 'Mount
Pisgah.'"

They sat under one of the great forest trees crowning the brow of the
knob and feasted their eyes on the near and the distant prospect. They
heard the birds singing in the trees, and saw the saucy squirrels
running up and down the hickory and other trees. Jasper spoke of his
present engagements, saying on that afternoon he must visit a family
down the river, and the next day he had an appointment to begin a two
days' meeting in a distant township of the county.

Viola told of her plans. She intended tomorrow morning to have Mose
drive her to a number of the families attending the mission school. She
wished to become better acquainted with them, to show a friendly
interest in their welfare, and to teach the boys and girls some further
rudiments of knowledge, and tell them a number of interesting Bible
stories.

This knowledge gave Jasper much concern, and he said: "My dear Viola, I
have now even more than a pastor's regard for your safety and welfare.
Are you not afraid to travel those lonely hills without any protector
save Mose? While the mission school gradually is improving the moral
tone of that region, you know there are some depraved and desperate
persons living about there who would not hesitate to steal your horses,
or your purse, or commit other crimes, if it were to their seeming
a