Christmas before the cold and snow drove us into winter
quarters in Toledo.

The doctor intended to treat himself to a three months' rest, and for
that purpose hired two rooms and kept bachelor's hall, and invited me to
keep him company.

I received no wages; but as he was to bear all expenses, I willingly
agreed to the arrangement.

These three months were absolutely uneventful, and about the first of
April we started out again.

The doctor had laid out a new route for this season. We traveled across
country by stage to Keokuk, Iowa, intending to travel up the river as
far as St. Paul, and then work eastward thorough Wisconsin and Michigan,
and close the season at Detroit.

But we never carried out our programme. My cruel fate pursued me--or was
it punishment for my foolishness?--and at Davenport I was once more cast
adrift.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

INTERNATIONAL LESSON--FOR MAY 29.

Exodus 14:19-21. Golden Text--Isaiah 43:2.

Central Subject--THE PASSAGE OF THE RED SEA.

BY REV. D. P. KIDDER, D.D.

INTRODUCTION.

According to Jewish tradition, it was seven days after the Passover that
the Israelites passed over the Red Sea.

Before they left they were directed by God to ask (not "borrow," as it
is in our version) of the Egyptians jewels of silver and gold, and other
articles that would be of service to them.

It was customary thus on the eve of a journey, or at the close of a term
of service, to ask gifts. The practice corresponded to the asking of
_backshish_, still so common in the East.

The Egyptians, it seemed, readily and generously granted the request of
the Israelites and supplied them abundantly. Thus, in some slight
measure, they made return for the long years of unrequited service which
the Hebrews had rendered to Egypt's land and Egypt's king.

While the Egyptians were bewailing their dead, the children of Israel,
having finished hurriedly their Passover feast, started on their journey
of escape. Leaving Rameses, the western part of Goshen, they assembled
at Succoth--"place of tents"--so called because it was a camping place
for caravans going east, then and now. They were, perhaps, four days
gathering at this spot, about two millions of people all told.

The next point which they reached was Etham. This was a district of
country just on the edge of the desert. From this point there were three
routes to Palestine. The Israelites, by divine direction, took th