dvantage to do so?"

"Yes, I know that, dear Jasper, but hitherto the Lord has protected me,
and I believe I can trust him to hold me safely in the hollow of his
almighty hand. If I am called to suffer in his cause, I am willing. I
have no fear of physical violence, and I am sure duty calls me to that
settlement tomorrow."

"Well, my beloved, may heaven still safeguard you, and may you continue
to be a blessing to that community which needs reformation, education
and the gospel so much."

Viola spoke: "It is getting near dinner time, and we must not be late
for that meal as we were for breakfast." With that they arose, and
proceeded down the knob and on to the mansion.

After dinner Jasper Very bade them all a cordial good-by, and proceeded
on his errand of mercy to a family who needed his ministrations.

Early the next morning Viola, seated in her phaeton with faithful Mose
holding the reins over Prince and Bess, started to the mission school
settlement. She had taken with her some things which would interest the
children--candy for the little ones and some bright books for those
older. The distance was considerable, but at last they arrived at the
cabin of Mart Spink, where they were cordially received.

Viola stepped down from the carriage and, entering the house, soon had
the whole family around her. Their minds seemed famished for knowledge.
She first opened a paper bag and passed several pieces of candy to the
younger children, Elmira, Robert and Jonathan. She offered the bag to
the parents and to Susanna, and they helped themselves sparingly. She
then brought out from her satchel a nicely bound copy of Aesop's
Fables, and presented the book to Susanna. The girl was both surprised
and pleased. Opening her wonderful eyes wide, she thanked her teacher
in few words. Viola also gave the family some of the simpler school
books used in the public schools and a few volumes of a religious
nature. After a further half hour spent in pleasant conversation Viola
left the cabin, and directed Mose to drive to the Sneath home.

She found Harrop Sneath sitting under the shade of a tree about as lazy
and contented as ever. He was smoking tobacco contained in a corncob
pipe. But Viola noticed a decided improvement in the cabin. It was
cleaner than when she first saw it, and had a bit more of furniture in
it. All the children showed the benefit they had received from
attending the mission school. Jemima, the oldest daughter,