Was the boy thinking of the old legend of the Wishing-Well? At all events, his amazement was great when a voice spoke:
"Have, then, thy wish. In the name of the King of kings, I invite you to join in the noblest crusade that has ever been made—to rescue the thousands of prisoners held captive in vile bondage by the Prince of Darkness. Will you join?"
The lad rose quickly, a flush on his cheek. He had forgotten that he had spoken his thoughts aloud; and certainly imagined he was alone in this solitary spot, forgetting that an open pathway to the village below ran through the copsewood close behind the well. Turning, he faced the speaker—a young man of tall figure, and a countenance full of intelligence and fire.
"Who are you?" said the boy. "And what do you wish me to do?"
In a powerful yet musical voice the answer came: "I am an ambassador of the Most High God, seeking in his name to get recruits for his service to join the crusade I have spoken of, which is led by the Captain of Salvation, the Lord Jesus. Again, I say, will you, while the dew of your youth is upon you, join the band?"
"How can I?"
"First may I ask, have you taken the Lord as your Master, and given him your heart?"
The lad bent his head, then raised it calmly. "I have," he answered. "By my mother's death-bed, seven years ago, I gave myself to Jesus."
"The Lord be praised!" answered the stranger. "Then, when the Captain calls, you are bound to fight his battles, and display his banner fearlessly."
"But, sir, how can I? To-morrow I leave this for school."