e birds in captivity. It is pretty to see them
wild flying about, and to hear them singing, but I pity them in
cages, and tied by string as the Chinese are fond of doing with
them. When I see birds tied I often think of mamma who used so much
to like to see them wild.

'I remember one day in Mongolia mamma stopped me from plucking a
flower; she said it looked so pretty growing. Another time a beetle
flew and alighted somewhere; mamma said, "It is so glad that it is
alive, don't hurt it."

'I am a good deal distressed to see the boys in the market-place.
They steal just as much as ever they can from the sellers of straw
and fuel, pluck out handfuls from the bundles and run away not at
all ashamed. If the owner does not chase them they get off with it.
If he throws down his load and runs after them they drop the
plunder, the owner picks it up, and no more is said about it.

'In summer little naked boys follow people carrying fruit in open
baskets and steal it as they can: it all seems so dishonest, and no
one seems to care. On the street lots of people will see a thief
stealing a man's pipe and never say a word, because it is not their
business.'

'I often think of you and pray for you. You do not forget mamma, I
am sure. She is with Jesus. Be you His lads, and do your lessons
well, and He'll guide you all through life. Be diligent and careful
lads, and you'll grow up useful and honoured men. Constantly tell
Jesus all your affairs.

'Goodbye meantime, my boys.
'Much love from your affectionate Father,
'JAMES GILMOUR.'

CHAPTER XI

CLOSING LABOURS

James Gilmour remained in Great Britain less than eight months. The
society of his boys was a great delight to him. He rejoiced in renewed
intercourse with relatives and old friends. His religious convictions
and his own spiritual life deepened still more. He went to a
considerable number of meetings to speak on missionary work and needs,
and he everywhere produced a great impression.

Referring to this visit, and especially to his intercourse with the
boys, a near relative writes:--

'It was a time full of interest and pleasure. What a variety of moods,
from the frolicsome to the pathetic, he displayed! But evidently his
wife