Three Young Pioneers Part 15

"And I will be a school teacher," Agnes said, "and teach all the children that come, white or Indian, the blessed story of Jesus, besides other things. It is a n.o.ble calling, and one which deserves that many good children dedicate themselves to it with heart and soul."

"And I," Matthew finally said, "will study theology under our new pastor, until I, too, may preach and teach and win souls for Jesus."

There were tears in the eyes of all, even in those of the rough soldier John Mason.

"If our young people are thus minded," he said, "we shall have no fear for the future of our colonies. We shall become a strong and powerful nation."

"If our young people are thus minded," said old, genial John Rawlins, "we shall have a large city here in the woods some time, with plenty of happiness and peace and wealth."

"If you are thus minded," Mrs. Bradley finally said, "I shall die in peace and thank G.o.d eternally for having bestowed upon me such dear children. G.o.d bless you richly in time and eternity."

"And that is also my prayer," Mr. Bradley joined in, as he gathered his arms around the children and kissed them.

"Well, well," John Rawlins finally said, when no one knew exactly just what to say. "All day long I thought of something which would not come into my fool head, because we were so busy and happy. I never forgot it in England, but here my poor head is so addled that I am forgetful of even the most important thing.

"What is that?" they all asked.

"I forgot to wish you all a merry, merry Christmas," the old servant said, as he bowed himself out of the room to go to bed.

The End