I was permitted to follow, with sight or ken, as the Teacher led them away, away from those enchanting scenes to where the clouds and shadows hung dark beneath and around them.
They had drawn near a large city of Earth.
“O let’s not go here,” said one, “it seems so dark.” But the others urged her on.
Soon one little boy among them said, “See, there is a little girl. She is cold and is crying on the street; she is hungry too, let us help her.” They drew near, and the child, feeling comforted (she knew not why), sobbed more softly and prayed:
“O, my mamma in heaven, can you hear me and send help to brother and baby—you loved us so?” Then the spirit children saw a man approaching; they fairly pushed him toward the weeping child to whom he spoke kindly asking:
“What is the matter my little girl?”
“O, sir, my mother is dead, and my brother is sick and the baby has nothing to eat. We’re so cold in that room.”
“Can you take me there?” asked the man, and he held out his hand for her to lead him. She clasped two of his fingers with her tiny hand and led him through the dark streets to a narrow alley and up some dark, creaking stairs. Yes, there was little brother crying for “mamma,” for “sister,” and the baby asleep but sobbing.
The kind-hearted man saw everything at a glance.
“Don’t cry, my little man. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Take care of them, little lady, until I come.”