“Nor in mine,” said David. “I only wish that I had more to offer him, not that I can ever pay him, but just to show my love and gratitude.”
Would that people were as grateful to God for the benefits daily received, and above all, to Jesus, for the great salvation He has wrought for us, as these young people were to the brave boy who had risked his life to save that of little Margaret.
The above conversation took place as they approached the handsome residence of Mr Galbraith. Alec had seen them. He ran out to meet his friends. “I am so glad you have come, Donald. My mother wants to know you—for I have often told her about you, and how hard you pressed me in the class. And is this little girl your sister? Why!” and he looked up from Margaret to Janet, and blushed, as if he had done something to be ashamed of. “I do believe that I had the pleasure of towing you on shore this morning; but don’t talk about it—it was no trouble at all, and I have often wetted these old clothes through and through before.”
“Oh, but I maun talk about it,” exclaimed Janet, grasping his hands, and pouring out her thanks with all the impetuosity which her grateful feelings prompted.
“I knew that was what you would say, Alec,” exclaimed Donald. “But we know better about the danger and trouble. You might have been carried away by the sea, for I am very sure you would never have let go of Maggie while you had life.”
Margaret tried to say something, but she could never exactly remember what words she uttered.
“If there was any danger, I am sure I did not think about it,” said Alec. “And I am very glad, for your sakes that we got safe to shore. But now come in and see my mother, for I have often told her that as you would not lot me go to pay you a visit, we must get you to come here.”
Mrs Galbraith, a very amiable and gentle looking woman, received her visitors with the greatest kindness, and tried at once to make Janet at home. The old nurse expressed to her the gratitude she felt to her young son for the service he had rendered.
“It is indeed a happiness to me to find that my boy has behaved rightly and bravely,” answered the lady. “It would have been a sad thing if the life of that sweet little girl had been lost, and I can only rejoice that my dear boy was the means of preserving it. I should like to become better acquainted with her, and you will, I hope, allow her and her brothers to remain here. I’ll send them home at night, or perhaps you would like to come for them.”
“I’ll come for them, mem, and am grateful to you for your kindness,” said Janet, who dreaded any one visiting her humble abode, while, at the same time her heart beat with satisfaction at the hope that at length her dear little Margaret might obtain a friend who would give her that assistance in her education which she herself was unable to afford.