and barefooted, and almost dead from exhaustion.  There the Brothers wanted me to remain with them, to be nursed and cared for; but this uncontrollable longing did not suffer me to tarry.  After reaching Europe I felt as if I was on the threshold of home, and I grew more impatient than ever.  I obtained a loan of money from the Brothers, and was thus enabled to ride the rest of the journey, and get some suitable clothing; but I sickened on the road and was forced to lay up in a Polish town, where I remained until nearly all my money was gone.  Afterwards I was again obliged to travel on foot—­and here I am.  Now all will go well, since I am again at home,” he concluded, smiling contentedly at the last thought.

Sister Agatha had, meanwhile, brought refreshments for the weary old man.  What a heart-felt joy, this first meal with his daughter in the old familiar room!  And how much he had to relate, while regaling himself, of wonders and adventures in distant lands!  It was very late when, strengthened by the good cheer, and comforted by the presence of his child, he bade good-night to Carmen and Sister Agatha, and betook himself to the lodging-house to seek repose.

* * * * * *

“Have you heard the news?  Brother Mauer, whom we thought dead and buried, is here!” passed from lip to lip in the settlement the next morning.  The wonderful event occupied every mind, and filled the Brothers and Sisters with amazement.  But no one except Carmen had seen him as yet.  He had slept until near noon, recovering some of his lost strength, and his daughter had sat quietly watching by him during the whole morning, so that his first waking glance might fall on her.  Afterwards they took breakfast together in his room, each recounting the occurrences of the past years, and drawing happy plans for the future.  He proposed to buy a house in the settlement, and Carmen should keep house for him, nothing but death ever separating them again.

Carmen’s heart grew light as a bird.  She was so delighted to have her father restored to her—­so happy in the security of a love which would always shelter and protect her!  It would shield her even against Brother Jonathan’s love, which was so abhorrent to her; and she took counsel with herself whether or no it would be best to tell the old man all the terror she had suffered a short time before.  Truly a promise of silence had been given; but ought she not to make her father an exception?  She could not see clearly what was the right thing to do, and therefore resolved not to mention Jonathan at all.

The latter had gone on a short journey a few days previously, and she would thus have time to consider the matter, and wait for some quieter hour in which to make her disclosure.

In the afternoon, when service was held in the chapel, everybody hastened thither, intent upon seeing Brother Mauer, and hearing about his mission work and adventures.  He sat among the widowers; devoutly singing, his eyes cast down, as if he felt that all eyes were gazing upon him.