The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-11-27

over, knew that merely shaping at the
leading strings OF preacherdom would
bring me in favor in the eyes Of Isobcl
Weir. And already l saw my self saying
farewell TO her, and asking of her a
kindly word, and it might be kiss, be-
fore / went for the good cause TO for
eign land. i saw her lift her eyes to
mine with willingness and sweet sur
render in them. Faith, l would have
gone to Holland for less, had IL been
farther than the moon and aswarm with
cannibals.
IL would see your sons" said Mr..
Welsh, after he and my father had ar
rived at the house door, 'and then there
may come message and a sign to me
which of them the Lord has chosen for
this work.
"Content!" said my father. "I Will
go gather the laddies in, that you may
see whether there are signs of grace
about any Of them"
Then, setting Mr.. Welsh in the great
oak chair by the window, and giving
him the Bible to divert himself with,
my father went to the barn-end, and.
making trumpet of his hands, he cried
far-heard cry up and down the Cluden
water. And silent Duncan at the herd.
Ing on the hill caught, it, and he left bis
ewes in the charge Of Tweed, his wise
dog, to keep them from breaking
bounds. And Gilbert the ready of
speech, hastened up from the meadow!
] could see his scythe glittering as he
sat IL against the dyke, for he had casten
his coat end to the work as soon as ever
he came back from the feld-preaching.
And the rest, my brothers, were oil by
this time in the little ben-room-all
saving Robert who was my youngest
brother, and of little account amongst
us. For his mother had spoiled him,
making believe that he was delicate,
and must not be stirred to rough work,
when all the time he was but lazy end
petted with being made much of. as the
youngest of household often il.
"Whcre is Robert?" said my father.
when we were all settled in the room
down the house.
At ken not that" said my mother,
''but will go and seek him. He will be
busy with his learning in some corner,
doubtless"
Then, after she was gone out, the min
lister asked which amongst us most de-
sired to go to Holland, and be collcged
there with the young men who are about
10 set sail. Most of my brothers hung
down their heads, being just come in
from their work and having heard moth
ing of the matter. Besides, some OF
them had fassies who we're fond of them
in the countryside, and that made q
great difference In their eagerness to
adventure forth of the realm.
But i spoke up and said: "Mr. Welsh,
I am the eldest son of the house, and
IL any ought to go forth to see strange
lands and gather lear, 1t is surely i. If
nv father give his consent, am ready
to set sail with William Gordon and the
rest. And i will strive every way TO do
your bidding, that may prove no dis
credit 70 you either In the low coun-
tries or on my return. My father knows
that i do not lie. And this ! promise
faithfully"
Mr.. Welsh turned his head toward
me as / spoke. He had beautiful white
hair, and broad collar of fair linen
came down over his coat.
"Young man." he said, "ye speak
somewhat carnally, but fairly. What
We say is of a good sound so far as it
goes. But whether We have indeed the
root of the matter In ye--that i know
not"
THAT" replied I, "I know not either.
But at all events, have the will and de-
sire for better things In me. And this,
as see il, is as much as at my age one
may expect. will cen go to Holland TO
learn more"
But my father shook his head.
aye are setter foddering the horse,
Patrick" he said. "I fear all thut ye
would learn of divinity at Groningen
would not choke a week-old chicken!
Mind, / will not spend my good un-
clipped silver TO let you play your pays
among the Dutch birkies."
For this was ever his manner of max
ing light of me. And his words made
nv heart bitter. For, had had one TO
believe in me, all might have been diff
ferent. But IL lad be flouted at home,
with none TO give him credit for good,
he will soon seek credit of another sort
elsewhere.
At this the minister looked more
kindly, methought, at me-
"But tell me-" he asked. what Ia the
reason that you SO strongly desire to
proceed overseas?"
So i spoke up bluntly. even as the
words were given 20 me. For 1 never
could cloak nor gloze things over pref
tily.
81 am weary of the way Of life here
Of the stabling of horse and the milking
OF kye. would fain lift my soul a,ove
the mixen. And there Is a lass that
-. - a. c,otb~r leo rnipu oNpr Al.