Mr. Minturn turned quickly. "What makes you think so, Tip?"
"Because I love Jesus, and I'm trying to do what He says."
Mr. Minturn's voice trembled a little: "God bless you, my boy; try to get all the rest to go through the same gate."
The town clock struck the hour, nine o'clock. The boys made a move to separate. Tip took his cap and walked out alone in the cold, clear starlight. He felt quiet and strong. It was done at last: he had taken his stand before the boys—had "shown his colours."
They all knew now that he was trying hard, and who was helping him. Things must surely be different after this, for ever.
CHAPTER XV.
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in player, believing, ye shall receive."
Meantime, was Kitty forgotten? Not a bit of it. If ever boy prayed for any one, Tip prayed for her. His very soul was in it; yet thus far his prayers seemed to have been in vain. The lesson, one Sabbath morning, was on "God's answers to prayer." Tip listened closely, yet with an unsatisfied longing in his eyes.
"Mr. Holbrook," he said, waiting after the rest had gone, "is there time for just one question?"