she said, "I'll teach you how to attend to your business if there's any
sense in you at all!"

After looking at the baby's foot and finding that there was nothing wrong
with it at all, the woman, without a word of apology or sympathy for her
suffering child, returned to the house.

Once again when the poor boy was so much alone, as far as a human friend
was concerned, his heavenly Father understood and supplied his need. Perry
at once left his former master and, going close to Edwin, did all within
his power to soothe the little sufferer, and his sympathy was as balm to
the wounded, troubled spirit of the child. Casting aside his grief and
reserve, he caressed the noble animal, and when comforted he arose and was
soon able to care for the little child that had been placed in his charge.
And thus the afternoon slipped slowly away.

So thoroughly seasoned with bitterness and grief had the day been that
Edwin was glad when he saw the shadows lengthening, for he knew that it
would soon be dark. The sweet quiet and rest of the night were inviting. He
thought of the pattering of tiny feet upon his coverlet and wondered if the
rats and mice would call again. He hoped that they would, for they too were
his friends. But after supper another surprize and disappointment was
awaiting him. At bedtime he was told that he need not go to the attic to
sleep any more, as there was room for him in Elmer's bed, and that
thereafter the two would sleep in his mother's room. Edwin would have
preferred the attic, but he submissively did as he was told, and as he
slept the Lord kept vigil and watched tenderly over the sleeping child, for
"his eye seeth every precious thing" (Job 28:10).