t the back door. The mother went to open it,
pausing on her way to push back some chairs and put the room to rights,
thus allowing the family to regain its composure.

"Good morning, Mrs. Finch. You will be thinking I have slept in your
barn all night." It was Long John Cameron.

"Come away in, Mr. Cameron. It is never too early for friends to come to
this house," said Mrs. Finch, her voice showing her great relief.

Long John came in, glanced shrewdly about, and greeted Mr. Finch with
great heartiness.

"It's a fine winter day, Mr. Finch, but it looks as if we might have a
storm. You are busy with the logs, I hear."

Old Donald was slowly recovering himself.

"And a fine lot you are having," continued Long John. "I was just saying
the other day that it was wonderful the work you could get through."

"Indeed, it is hard enough to do anything here," said Donald Finch, with
some bitterness.

"You may say so," responded Long John, cheerfully. "The snow is that
deep in the bush, and--"

"You were wanting to see me, Mr. Cameron," interrupted Donald. "I have a
business on hand which requires attention."

"Indeed, and so have I. For it is--"

"And indeed, it is just as well you and all should know it, for my
disgrace is well known."

"Disgrace!" exclaimed Long John.

"Ay, disgrace. For is it not a disgrace to have the conduct of your
family become the occasion of a sermon on the Lord's Day?"

"Indeed, I did not think much of yon sermon, whatever," replied Long
John.

"I cannot agree with you, Mr. Cameron. It was a powerful sermon, and it
was only too sorely needed. But I hope it will not be without profit to
myself."

"Indeed, it is not the sermon you have much need of," said Long John,
"for every one knows what a--"

"Ay, it is myself that needs it, but with the help of the Lord I will be
doing my duty this morning."

"And I am very glad to hear that," replied Long John, "for that is why I
am come."

"And what may you have to do with it?" asked the old man.

"As to that, indeed," replied Long John, coolly, "I am not yet quite
sure. But if I might ask without being too bold, what is the particular
duty to which you are referring?"

"You may ask, and you and all have a right to know, for I am about to
visit upon my son his sins and shame."

"And is it meaning to wheep him you are?"

"Ay," said the old man, and his lips came fiercely together.

"Indeed, then, you will just do no such thing this mo