older, you will be able to understand the large books that are in your
papa's book-case, and you may become acquainted with the history of the
whole world, if you like."




CHAP. V.


MISSIONARIES.

"Papa," said Charles, "I should like to know what a missionary is."

"Your desire can very easily be gratified," replied his papa; "but what
has made you think of missionaries just now?"

"Because I read in the newspaper, this morning, that the day before
yesterday there was a great crowd at St. Katharine's docks to take leave
of a missionary who was going to one of the South Sea islands; and it
said that a great deal of money had been given to him, and that when the
ship began to sail, all the people waved their hats, and wished him
success. Now I want to know what he was going for, and why every body
was so glad?"

[Illustration: THE GOOD MISSIONARY GOING ABROAD.]

"Then I will tell you, Charles. Missionaries are good and religious men,
who go out to different parts of the world, on purpose to benefit those
poor ignorant creatures whom we call savages, by teaching them religion,