[Illustration: Leaving the Old Homestead]

The farmer for whom John began to work was known among his men as "the
captain." All the hired help worked under one manager, or boss; so
John's experience while in this service was new and varied.

"We have orders today to work for Farmer Z," explained the boss one
morning a few weeks after John's arrival. "And the captain says we must
be sure and get around there early in the morning, for we are to get our
breakfast over there."

The home of Farmer Z was some distance from that of John's employer; but
the prancing horses on which the men were to ride were soon carrying
them across the prairie, and it was not long until they were in sight
of Farmer Z's modest farmhouse. As they entered the gateway, Farmer Z
stepped into the doorway; and when he greeted the men with a kindly
"Good morning," John particularly noticed his countenance and expression
and wondered why he was so different from the comrades with whom he had
always associated. He noticed, too, that, as the men gathered in the
dining room and took their places around the table, they were quiet and
reserved; and he was puzzled by still another thing--Farmer Z bowed his
head and thanked God for all of His blessings and benefits and goodness
to them all.

Such things were new and strange to John; and when at the close of the
meal, the farmer invited them into another room, saying, "We always have
reading and prayer immediately after breakfast and would be glad to have
you all join with us," John suddenly felt extremely awkward and out of
place, and he longed to make his escape to the barn.