simple-hearted children backward in imploring help and protection from
the Most High. They earnestly prayed that no dangerous creature might
come near to molest them during the hours of darkness and
helplessness, no evil spirit visit them, no unholy or wicked thoughts
intrude into their minds; but that holy angels and heavenly thoughts
might hover over them, and fill their hearts with the peace of God
which passeth all understanding. And the prayer of the poor wanderers
was heard; they slept in peace, unharmed, in the vast solitude. So
passed their first night on the Plains.




CHAPTER II


"Fear not: ye are of more value than many sparrows."--_St. Luke_.

The sun had risen in all the splendour of a Canadian summer morning
when the sleepers arose from their leafy beds. In spite of the novelty
of their situation, they had slept as soundly and tranquilly as if
they had been under the protecting care of their beloved parents, on
their little palliasses of corn straw; but they had been cared for by
Him who neither slumbereth nor sleepeth, and they waked full of
youthful hope, and in fulness of faith in His mercy into whose hands
they had commended their souls and bodies before they retired to rest.

While the children slept in peace and safety, what terrors had filled
the minds of their distracted parents! what a night of anguish and
sorrow had they passed!