"I consent," said his father laughing; "but it's a mystery to me how you have learned so much of the world."
It was near the close of a cold winter's day, that Richard left the cars at Newark, and started on foot for the back country where he had heard cows were very cheap. He had his half-filled carpet-bag in his hand and was trudging through the snow in the middle of the street, feeling, I will not deny it, rather homesick. He was only a boy after all, fondly nurtured in a sweet home. He was alone in a strange land. He knew not where he should find a place to sleep. One thing Dick did know. He was sure that he had not gone beyond the notice of his heavenly Father.
"I can't be lost," he said half aloud, "while He sees me, and He knows that I need help," and up his heart flew on wings of faith and love to the throne above the skies.
"I want to do what is right," he said. "Dear Lord, lead me in the way, and help me in my business, so I can return home in safety."
His heart felt lighter after this, and he trudged on sometimes through drifts over the half broken road, for near a mile. It was growing quite dusky, and still no house in sight.
"I wont be afraid," said Dick to himself. "God knows just where I am, and how much I want some supper." To keep up his spirits he began to sing:
"The Lord my Shepherd is."
Presently he heard the sound of sleigh bells, coming swiftly toward him. He turned in the direction, and stood still. Soon he saw a man with a heavy beard, alone in a pung. His heart beat wildly.
"Shall I speak? He may be a robber."
The man had checked his horse and was staring hard at him.