“He started for town before we were up. He wants to get there in time for church,” said Amy.
“Ten miles to church. That is a record and no mistake,” laughed Ned. Wilbur and his father joined him in the merriment, but Mr. Hill felt a twinge of conscience. “I might have let him have a horse if he was so determined to go,” he said.
“I wonder how Austin made it this morning. Wonder if he will be back for work tomorrow,” remarked Wilbur at the dinner-table.
Austin was entirely unmindful of these remarks. He walked the full ten miles to town and arrived in time for about half the Sunday-school. He was too late to teach his boys, but promised to be with them the next Sunday. He went out to the house and rested during the afternoon and remained in town for the night service. He rose early the next morning and started back to his work, but this time he did not have to walk the whole way.
“Good morning, Parson, want a ride?” a cheery voice called. Austin looked up, a little abashed at being addressed as Parson, but glad for the offer.
“Thank you, sir, I should be glad to ride,” he said, climbing in.
“I took you for a parson when I saw that book under your arm, but you look too young for the part,” said the man looking at him curiously.
“No, I am not a preacher, but a hay-hand from Jenkin’s ranch. I walked in to church yesterday, and am just getting back this morning.”
“You are more serious about such things than some people I know, to walk that far to hear a sermon,” laughed the man.
“Perhaps, but I find it worth being serious about,” good-naturedly replied Austin.