le.
Bad as wife and I have taken on since our only child ran away from
us, we should have been a great deal worse but for the words of
comfort we found in God's book."

"I am truly rejoiced to hear you say that," exclaimed Mrs. Curtis,
warmly. "If you have learned to pray, you will find comfort in leaving
your child in the hands of the almighty Friend whose eye has followed
him in all his wanderings. Remember the heart of our Saviour yearns
over the creatures for whom he has shed his blood."

"Thank you, ma'am," faltered the man, his eyes growing dim. "I wish
wife could have heard you talk; but I shall tell her every word I can
remember. I don't mind saying to you, that wife and I were never so
nigh each other as since we began to pray. There used to be high words
between us, I accusing her of humoring the boy; and she calling me a
hard old tyrant. But each of us sees now that we were both in the
wrong. If we'd taught him the Bible from the first, he would have
stuck to it. There's the promise, 'Train up a child in the way he
should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.'"

At this moment Mr. Curtis was seen hurrying toward them; and Mr.
Cahart with a "God bless your boy, ma'am," turned abruptly away.

CHAPTER VI.

CLEARING THE CREEK.

Albert Dodge, the new gardener passed ten days while he was recruiting
his health, in visiting gardens and green houses, trying to improve
his taste and gain all the information in his power. He had agreed
with Mr. Curtis to return to Oxford as soon as the family were settled
at Woodlawn and remain as long as the weather would allow out-door
work. When the frost forbade further improvements, he was to leave and
spend three months in the employ of Hantz, the celebrated florist.

But one morning the very last of October, as Mr. Curtis was sauntering
along near the lake, absorbed in a project he had just formed, the
daily coach stopped before the gate, and who should spring from it but
Albert Dodge.

This young man, as I have already described, had such a merry face
that few could meet him without a warmth in the region of the heart.
Certainly his new master could not, and advancing cordially he held
out his hand, exclaiming:

"I was just thinking of you, and wishing you were at hand to help me
plan a little. I want to do something with this brook."

"I came on purpose to offer a suggestion, sir. I've been here and
there on an exploring tour; and I am happy t