"Your story has taken away mine, Mark."
"Don't worry, mother; it will all come right."
"I am afraid worrying comes natural to me, Mark. I've seen more trouble than you have, my son."
"Forget it all till supper is over, mother."
Supper was scarcely over when a knock was heard at the door, and John Downie entered. He was a boy of Scotch descent, and lived near by.
"How are you, Johnny," said Mark, "won't you have some supper?"
"Thank you, Mark, I've had some. Have you heard about Deacon Miller's cow?"
"What about her?" asked Mark, eagerly.
"You know old Whitey?"
"Yes, yes."