make any use of him, but I'm sure that you will very soon be sick of your
bargain."

Mrs. Hahn assured the mother they were willing to run the risk, and it was
decided that Edwin should stay with the Hahns for a while. So it happened
that Edwin saw his people pack their goods and drive away from the farm
leaving him behind. To be left in the care of the old couple whom he was
learning to love so dearly was indeed a happy change, but how great it was
none but him and his heavenly Father could understand. Surrounded as he was
in this home by kind friends, provided good food, and enabled to think
happy thoughts, he soon grew well and strong and was able to do all the
work that could be expected of any eleven-year-old boy.

In the new home of Mrs. Fischer things went along seemingly well enough for
a time, but as Elmer continued his underhanded work of taking things that
did not belong to him, he became more and more bold, and Mrs. Fischer, not
having Edwin to blame, was forced to see some of his faults.

One day shortly after the family were settled in their new home, word that
the barn was on fire rang out loud and clear, and a smell of burning wood
and hay and clouds of smoke filled the air. Rushing to the door, Mrs.
Fischer saw that the barn was wrapped in flames. With a scream for help she
ran out into the yard, where she discovered the uncle and several others
endeavoring to deaden the flames, but their efforts seemed all in vain.

It was too late to save the barn, so the attention of all was turned to the
house and other buildings. As the wind was in their favor, no other
building besides the barn was lost, and fortunately the disaster had
occurred in the daytime, when the animals and chickens were out in the lot,
so that the damage was not so great.