drinking-place. The refreshment of good water makes the coveted
hour of all the day; the spot where it is found amid the rough,
waterless hills and plains is the crowning token of the shepherd's
unfailing thoughtfulness. When at last the sheep are led 'beside
the still waters,' how good it is, after the dust and heat of the
sheep-walks!

"Would you get the shepherd meaning here? Then remember that
streams are few in the shepherd country of Bible lands. The
shepherds do not rely on them. Even where streams are found, their
beds and banks are usually broken and their flow rough. Sheep are
timid and fear a current of water, as they well may for they are
easily carried down stream because of their wool."

"Poor things, how do they ever get a good drink?" exclaimed one of
the two little maids, whose heart was always open lovingly to
animals.

"The shepherd sees to that, doesn't he?" said the other timidly,
with earnest eyes set on our guest.

His face beamed with winsome relish of these tributes to his
success. "Yes, the sheep would indeed have a hard time finding
water to drink, were it not that the shepherd sees to that."

The playfulness faded from his eyes and the shadow of manhood's
years was there as he said to me: "Brother, you and I have learned
how much is in that question and answer. How would we get the
refreshment we need in the rough world, if the Shepherd did not see
to that? But he does, he does!"