"And now we'll finish up with a fresh one." But Jasper hardly heeded them as they commenced to sing again. The words already sung seemed to have taken such a hold of him, as he sat there pondering over them.
Presently the boys suddenly ceased their singing, and Rob said,—
"I've forgotten the next line, Phil; what is it?"
And Phil replied,—
"Remember, I'm the sinner
Whom Jesus came to save."
Jasper started; for like a voice from heaven the words fell on his ear. The boys finished the hymn, and then, seeing that their old friend was not inclined to talk, they quietly wished him "good-night," and crept away into the cold dark night, leaving Jasper alone.
They were a little bit puzzled over him; he was so quiet, and not like himself, as Rob said. But could they have seen him after he had closed the door upon them (and bolted it, to prevent intruders), they would have been still more astonished; for there he was upon his knees, his eyes filled with tears, and his hands clasped in prayer.
"O God," he whispered, "I think I can understand it now. Thou didst send Thy Son to be a Saviour, and I'm the sinner that Jesus came to save. Oh, I am a sinner, and a big sinner too; but I can't be too bad for Jesus. Save me now, Lord; wash me in the blood of Jesus now, to-day!"
He paused, and then added softly,—