We didn’t have a farm, for father was a carpenter.  My brother worked for neighboring farmers, receiving his pay in corn and vegetables, and picked up what odd jobs he could.  Then mother was able to do something; so we managed after a fashion.  There were times when we were brought pretty close to the wall, but God carried us through.  And by and by father came safely home, and I don’t think he ever regretted having left us.  After awhile the good news of peace came, and he felt that he had been abundantly repaid for all the sacrifices he had made in the good cause.”

Frank listened to this narrative with great interest.  It yielded him no little encouragement to know that another boy, placed in similar circumstances, had succeeded, and he just felt that he would have very much less to contend against than the brother of whom Mrs. Chester spoke

“Thank you for telling me about your brother Mrs. Chester,” he said.  “It makes me feel more as if things would turn out well.  Won’t you come over soon and see us?  Mother is always glad to see you.”

“Thank you, Frank; I shall certainly do so.  I hope I shall not make you late to school.”

“Oh, no; I started half an hour early this morning.”

Frank had hardly left Mrs. Chester when he heard a quick step behind him.  Turning round, he perceived that it was Mr. Rathburn, his teacher.

“I hurried to come up with you, Frank,” he said, smiling.  “I understand that I am to lose you from school.”

“Yes, sir,” answered Frank.  “I am very sorry to leave, for I am very much interested in my studies; but I suppose, sir, you have heard what calls me away.”

“Your father has made up his mind to enlist.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you are to superintend the farm in his absence?”

“Yes, sir.  I hope you do not think me presumptuous in undertaking such a responsibility?”

He looked up eagerly into Mr. Rathburn’s face, for he had a great respect for his judgment.  But he saw nothing to discourage him.  On the contrary, he read cordial sympathy and approval.

“Far from it,” answered the teacher, with emphasis.  “I think you deserving of great commendation, especially if, as I have heard, the plan originated with you, and was by you suggested to your father.”

“Yes, sir.”

The teacher held out his hand kindly.  “It was only what I should have expected of you,” he said.  “I have not forgotten your essay.  I am glad to see that you not only have right ideas of duty, but have, what is rarer, the courage and self-denial to put them in practice.”

These words gave Frank much pleasure, and his face lighted up.

“Shall you feel obliged to give up your studies entirely?” asked his teacher.

“I think I shall be able to study some in the evening.”

“If I can be of any assistance to you in any way, don’t hesitate to apply.  If you should find any stumbling-blocks in your lessons, I may be able to help you over them.”