“It is the work I am here to do,” answered the missionary. “The Master came to seek and to save that which was lost, and I am his humble follower.”
“The child will have to be provided for,” said Mr. Graham. “It cannot, of course, be left with him. It needs a woman's care.”
“It will not do to separate them,” returned the missionary. “As you remarked just now, God sent him this little child to touch his heart and lead him back from the wilderness in which he has strayed. His safety depends on the touch of that hand. So long as he feels its clasp and its pull, he will walk in the new way wherein God is setting his feet. No, no; the child must be left with him—at least for the present. We will take care of it while he is at work during the day, and at night it can sleep in his arms, a protecting angel.”
“What kind of a place does he live in?” asked Mr. Graham.
“A dog might dwell there in comfort, but not a man,” replied the missionary.
Mr. Graham gave him money: “Provide a decent room. If more is required, let me know.”
He then went away, taking Mr. Hall with him.
“You will find the little one here when you come back,” said Mr. Paulding as he saw the anxious, questioning look that was cast toward Andy.
Clothed and in his right mind, but in no condition for work, was Andrew Hall. Mr. Graham soon noticed, as he walked by his side, that he was in a very nervous condition.
“What had you for breakfast this morning” he asked, the right thought coming into his mind.