"Hastily packing a few things in his traveling bag, William boarded a
train and started for the town in the far-distant state. Arriving at the
end of his journey, he stepped out upon the station platform. He was
astonished when a gentleman came up to him and said courteously, 'Is
this Reverend Sutherland?'

"'Yes,' replied the minister, 'I am he.'

"'I have been sent to meet you, sir,' said the stranger. 'I have met
every train during the past week. Will you come with me?'

"A few minutes later, he led the minister into a darkened room where a
sick man lay. As they tiptoed into the room, he looked up eagerly, and
his breath came fast. Holding out his hand, he asked in a feeble voice,
'Is this Reverend Sutherland?'

"'It is,' said the minister gently, clasping the thin white hand. 'Where
have I met you before, my friend--and what can I do for you now?'

"'You have never met me before,' said the sick man, and his voice sank
to a whisper. 'I saw you only once and that was many years ago. But I
have kept track of your whereabouts all these years. I have sent for you
now, sir, because--I am dying.'

"The sick man sank back upon his pillows and rested a moment; then,
fixing his large eyes on the minister's face, he went on:

"'Mr. Sutherland, one afternoon many years ago you were entrusted with
a large sum of money to take to the foreman of a certain mill. In a wild
and lonely spot, you slipped from your saddle and knelt down by some