once more. I have thought that the old martyrs who were burned at the
stake, while they smarted terribly at first, had an easier time after
that. Bad enough to step upon the hot round of such a ladder to heaven,
but it was easier climbing after that. You got confused, Tim, didn't you,
in the mill, when trying to find your way back?"

"O yes; and as I said, I opened a door where the fire rushed at me. It was
so smoky I wonder I ever got out at all. It seems I had some good
friends."

"Yes, and God was your best friend, and he helped you, and if you are not
a martyr, you can try to bear your pain as patiently as you can, and some
people in bearing pain stand more than the martyrs even."

Tim looked up. "Could you--could you--say a small prayer for me? I don't
want to knuckle under, but grin and bear it best I can."

When Mr. Walton came out into the kitchen where Ann was she said: "I heard
Tim ask you to pray. That was a good deal for him to do. Afore, you did it
without the asking, but I was glad to have him just speak up for himself.
O, he has been a softenin' since the fire, a comin' round a good deal."

"Where is your brother?"

"Mine? Tim, you mean?"

"Yes."

She only shook her head, and looked sad.