"I think I know what you mean, sir," he panted out. "My mother was a good woman, and I know she prayed to God for me."
"Would you like us to pray for you in church to-day?"
"If you please, sir; me and Bob Fox. He's nearly as bad as I am."
"We won't forget you," I said. "I will come in after church and see how you are."
I knelt and offered the prayers for the sick, and then took my leave. I did not think the poor fellow was going to die.
I may as well mention here, that he has been in my service ever since. We took him with us to Marshmallows, where he works in the garden and stables, and is very useful. We have to look after him though, for his health continues delicate.
CHAPTER X.
THE SERMON.
When I stood up to preach, I gave them no text; but, with the eleventh chapter of the Gospel of St. John open before me, to keep me correct, I proceeded to tell the story in the words God gave me; for who can dare to say that he makes his own commonest speech?