r was doing his best with old-fashioned remedies,
blisters, mustard baths, hot herb teas and fomentations. He told her she
would soon be well, but Kitty knew better. On the third day, she asked
in a whisper for Jim, but told them first to wash his face and hands
with salt water. So the long-legged, bright-eyed boy came and sat by his
mother's bed and held her hot hands. As he gazed on her over-bright
eyes, she said softly:

"My darling, you'll soon be alone, without friend or kith or kin. This
place will no longer be your home. God only knows where you'll go. But
He will take care of you as He took care of me."

For the first time Jim realized the meaning of the scene--his mother
was dying. She quieted his sobs with a touch of her hand and began
again, slowly and painfully:

"I tried to leave you well fixed, but it was not to be. The hotel will
go to another. This is all I have for you."

She drew a little cedar box from under the covers, and opening it,
showed him her Bible, the daguerreotype of his father and a later
photograph of herself.

"Jim, promise me again that you will never touch tobacco or liquor till
you are eighteen."

"Oh, mother, mother!" he wept. "I'll do anything you say. I'll promise.
I give you my word I never will touch them."

She rested in silence, her hand was on his head. When her strength in a
little measure came again, she said in a low tone:

"My wish was to see you educated, a minister for Christ. I hope it may
yet be so."

She was still a long time; then, gently patting his head, she said to
those around:

"Take him away. Wash him with salt and water."

* * * * *

Thus it came about that the hotel which had been Jim's only home and
which he thought belonged to his mother, passed into the hands of John
Downey, Jr., nephew of the original owner. It was Mrs. John Downey who
offered the first ray of comfort in Jim's very bleak world. When she saw
the tall handsome boy she put her arms around him and said:

"Never mind, Jim, don't go away. This will always be home for you."

So the lad found a new home in the old house, but under greatly changed
conditions. The new mistress had notions of her own as to the amount of
education necessary and the measure of service to be returned for one's
keep. Jim was able to read, write, and cipher; this much was ample in
the opinion of Mrs. Downey, and Jim's school days ended. The
understanding that he must make