Dan's sunshine during the meal. On account of Zeb, who when in doubt
still faithfully imitated him, he was obliged to be an example all
through the dinner. Even with such a model to copy, Zeb had great
trouble with his spoon and showed a regrettable tendency to feed
himself with both hands at once.

The turkey was a wonder of tenderness, the vegetables done to a turn,
the Indian pudding much better than its name, and as for the pies, the
Captain declared they were "fit to be et by the angels and most too
good for a sinner like him."

Beside each plate the Goodwife had placed a few kernels of corn, and
at the end of the feast, when the Goodman rose to return thanks, he
took them in his hand.

"In the midst of plenty," he said to his children, "let us not forget
the struggles of the past and what we owe to the pioneers who first
adventured into this wilderness and made a path for those of us who
have followed them. Though they nearly perished of hunger and cold
in the beginning, they failed not in faith. When they had but a few
kernels of corn to eat, they still gave thanks, choosing like Daniel
to live on pulse with a good conscience rather than to eat from a
king's table. As the Lord prospered Daniel, so hath he prospered us."

Then they all stood with folded hands and bent heads, while he gave
thanks for the abundant harvest and prayed that they might be guided
to use every blessing to the honor and glory of God. And the Captain
said, "Amen."

[Illustration]