"Yes," he said. "Only won't you add to them, 'And forgive and save me for Jesus' sake.'"
"Never mind me," she answered, promptly. "'Tain't of no consequence about me, never has been; and I haven't no time to waste on myself. I want to save him. 'O Lord, don't let Tode ever touch a drop of rum.'"
"He doesn't need time," pleaded her visitor. "He can hear both prayers at once. He can save both you and Tode in a second of time; and he loves you and is waiting."
This was her answer:
"O Lord, don't let Tode ever touch a drop of rum."
All that woman's soul was swallowed up in the one great longing. Unable longer to endure the scene in silence, John Birge dropped on his knees and said:
"Lord Jesus, hear this prayer for her boy, and save this poor woman who will not pray for herself."
The words seemed to arrest her attention.
"What do you care?" she added, at length.
"The Lord Jesus cares. He died to save you."