r
influence and the chief portion of their gains; but how do you know that
it is the true one, my young master?"

"Because it is in the Word of God, the Bible. And I am very certain
that God, who has done so much for us, would not have left us without a
clear statement of His will--clear rules for our guidance, and therefore
I believe that the Bible is the Word of God," observed Eric.

Hans rode on in silence. He was meditating on his young master's
remarks. They had not gone more than a league or two when some sharp
cries reached their ears. They came from some person before them. They
rode on, and arrived in sight of a big youth who was belabouring with a
thick stick, in the middle of the road, a young boy. The boy had
something under his cloak, which the youth was insisting on his keeping
concealed. Eric's generous feelings were at once excited. He could
never bear to see the strong tyrannising over the weak. He rode forward
and demanded of the big lad why he was thus ill-treating the little one.
The youth did not reply, but looked up sulkily at him. Eric turned to
the little fellow.

"This is the reason, noble sir," answered the boy, "he is my
`bacchante,' and I am a poor little `schutz.' We are poor scholars
seeking education at the schools. For the protection he affords me he
insists that I shall provide him with food. Lately his appetite has
been very great, and I have not got enough for him, and to-day he
insisted on my stealing this goose, and hiding it under my cloak, that
if it was discovered I might be punished and he escape."

"So, my master, and is this the way you afford your protection?"
exclaimed Eric, looking angrily at the big bacchante. "What is your
name, my little schutz?" he asked of the boy.

"Thomas Platter," was the answer. "I come from Switzerland, and have
for long been wandering about, finding it hard to live in one place for
want of food."

"Then, Thomas Platter, know that I am going to Wittemburg, where there
is a good school; and, if you desire it, you shall remain with me and
pursue your studies, and if you ever have to beg for bread, it shall be
for yourself alone. Are you willing to accept my offer?"

"Gladly, most noble sir," answered the boy, throwing down the goose and
springing out of the way of the big bacchante, who sought to detain him.
Hans, who once had a little boy who died when he was of the age of
Thomas Platter, approved of his young master's genero