them to a vicious companion. Hunger, cold, debasement, suffering,
crime, were in the way before them; and but for your timely aid, I
should have had no power to intervene. But, you gave the means of
rescue, and here they are, innocent as yet, and out of danger from
the wolf.' In all my life, my friend, there has not been given a
moment of sincerer pleasure."

For some time Mr. Steel sat musing.

"This is a new experience," he said, at length. "Something outside
of the common order of things. I have made hundreds of investments
in my time, but none that paid me down so large an interest. A poor
speculation it seemed. You almost dragged me into it; but, I see
that it will yield unfailing dividends of pleasure."

"We have turned a leaf in the book of life," his friend made answer,
"and on the new page which now lies before us, we find it written,
that in wise dispensation, not in mere getting and hoarding, lies
the secret of happiness. The lake must have an outlet, and give
forth its crystal waters in full measure, if it would keep them pure
and wholesome, or, as the Dead Sea, it will be full of bitterness,
and hold no life in its bosom."






IX.