THE SEEDLINGS' 
 - > HARVEST ' 
 
 L-E-R.OY
 
 BEKTRA^D SMITHS 
 ACRES Of- BOOKS 
 14* PACIFIC AVENUH 
 BEACH. CALIF.
 
 Joe mixed some meal 
 
 (Page 79)
 
 THE 
 SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 BY 
 LILLIAN E. ROY 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 NEW YORK 
 WESSELS & BISSELL CO. 
 
 1910
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1910, BY 
 WESSELS & B1SSELL CO. 
 
 September 
 
 ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL 
 ( All Rifhtt Rtierved )
 
 To my beloved brother 
 WILLIAM BECKER, 
 
 the Walter of this story
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 I. PLANTING OF THE SEED i 
 
 II. THE FIRST DEPOSIT . 13 
 
 III. JOE 23 
 
 IV. THE FIRST REAL MEMBER 33 
 
 V. THE SEED TAKES ROOT .... . 39 
 
 VI. "FIRST THE BLADE" . ..... 55 
 
 VII. WHAT RESULTED FROM THE BERRY PARTY 67 
 
 VIII. JOE'S DEMONSTRATIONS ..... 79 
 
 IX. SOME NEW SOCIETY MEMBERS ... 93 
 
 X. THE " BENEFIT " CIRCUS . . . . . 117 
 
 XI. " THEN THE EAR " 149 
 
 XII. THE BUNNIES JOIN THE SOCIETY . . . 171 
 
 XIII. MARY'S DEMONSTRATION 195 
 
 XIV. THE FULL GRAIN IN THE EAR . . .231
 
 SRLE 
 URL 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 Joe mixed some meal (page 79) . . Frontispiece 
 
 FACING PAGE 
 
 A sweet woman drew them into conversation 6 
 "I thought I'd go acrosst to where the trees 
 
 and birds are" 2 4 
 
 Laughing and shouting they trudged along . 66 
 
 Betty waving her wand toward Clare's poodle 142 
 
 "I'll take you with me when I'm found" . 216
 
 The Seedlings' Harvest 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 PLANTING OF THE SEED 
 
 /^vNE beautiful June afternoon while the 
 sun challenged the birds and bees to do 
 their best in Nature's Choral, two little play- 
 mates sat under an apple-tree in an old 
 orchard. They had been discussing the pit- 
 iable condition of some qrphan children who 
 had been left homeless. 
 
 " Betty," said Rod impressively, after a 
 long silence, " I'll tell you what! When we 
 grow up we'll build the biggest house that 
 ever was. All the children and poor people 
 can live there and be happy." 
 
 "That's perfectly lovely!" exclaimed 
 Betty; "and can we build a big barn too, 
 for all the homeless animals that wander about 
 with nothing to eat? "
 
 2 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "Why, of course! Our people will help 
 look after them." 
 
 "Goodness! How could we ever do it 
 Rod? " asked Betty doubtfully. 
 
 "You've just said it, Bet. ' Goodness!' 
 We'd have to be so good and study our bible, 
 to learn how to follow right in the Master's 
 footsteps." 
 
 " Then " prompted Betty as Rod wan- 
 dered mentally. 
 
 " Why, then we'd build this big home. It'll 
 have a beautiful wide door that opens out this 
 way," explained Rod, holding out his arms 
 invitingly. " A large, round light on each side 
 of the steps will shine brightly all night so 
 that everyone can find their way home." 
 
 "And have a name over the door," Betty 
 suggested eagerly. "Let's call it * Love's 
 Home/" 
 
 "Just the name for it! Because it will be 
 Love's," said Rod, nodding his head approv- 
 ingly. " I'd be the manager and you'd be the 
 matron."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 3 
 
 "Doesn't it sound businesslike?" asked 
 Betty. " You would have to have a safe like 
 father's to hold the money, and I'd have a big 
 book to write down the names of our people 
 like they do in hotels." 
 
 " We'd have to account for all the members 
 too; what they are doing, and how we are 
 teaching them to live," added Rod. 
 
 " Oh, dear," queried Bet, tremblingly, 
 at the magnitude of the plan, " do you really 
 think we could ever do anything so beauti- 
 ful?" 
 
 "Why of course!" asserted Rod positively. 
 " Won't we have God's love with us for every 
 help?" 
 
 Several moments of silence ensued, broken 
 by Betty. 
 
 " Rod, what's the use of waiting to grow up? 
 I want to do something now. Why can't we 
 begin in a teeny, weeny way, and grow up with 
 our work? Then when we're grown-ups we'll 
 know enough to take charge of a big home." 
 
 "Say, Bet, you're great!" exclaimed Rod
 
 4 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 admiringly. " That was a good thought to fol- 
 low up. We can begin planning after lunch. 
 We'll go home now, and get some paper and 
 pencils, and, Bet, don't forget your bible. 
 That will be very necessary if we want to start 
 right." 
 
 Betty ran home whistling to the robins who 
 answered her from the cherry-tree, while Rod 
 went into the house to gather equipment for 
 work, among which was a small bible on the 
 fly-leaf of which his mother had written: 
 
 " All Scripture is given of God and is pro- 
 fitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction 
 and for instruction in righteousness that the 
 man of God may be perfectly furnished unto 
 all good work." 
 
 Bet or Betty were the only names Elizabeth 
 Dorand answered to. Had anyone called 
 " Elizabeth " Betty would have looked about 
 to see who it was. She was a bright, slender 
 f child of ten years, loving everybody and every- 
 thing. 
 
 Dr. Dorand was a veterinarian, but had
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 5 
 
 been an invalid for several years, having re- 
 ceived spinal injuries in a runaway accident. 
 
 Mrs. Dorand was a sweet, placid woman 
 who thought as her family did in everything. 
 She was devoted to her husband and children, 
 making their home an oasis of love. 
 
 Bert, the eldest son, age eighteen, expected 
 to enter college in the Fall ; Ned, age sixteen, 
 was just finishing high school; Walter, age 
 fourteen, could spare no time for future stud- 
 ies, being fully occupied in planning new fun. 
 
 " Rod " was short for Rodney Alvern. He 
 was a sturdy clever lad of eleven ; studying in- 
 dustriously and playing as gleefully as any of 
 his playmates, although a deep current of 
 Love impelled his actions. 
 
 Mrs. Alvern was a widow, her husband 
 having passed on during Rodney's infancy. 
 Marion, a daughter, aged fifteen, was the 
 only other child. 
 
 Mrs. Alvern had sufficient property to en- 
 able them to live very comfortably, although 
 she was generally prostrated from nervousness,
 
 6 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 seldom leaving the house. The children had 
 acquired the habit of coming to her in every 
 perplexity, which she would solve from her 
 bible. She would read and explain a scrip- 
 tural verse, applying it to their direct needs, 
 until they regarded their bibles as daily 
 guides. 
 
 Thus it was that Betty and Rod believed in 
 God as an All-wise Father who meant His 
 children to be happy. Their playmates, how- 
 ever, feared God as the power that sent them 
 all mortal trouble, finally allowing Death to 
 take the life that had been given. 
 
 The summer before this story opens, Betty 
 and Rod were at the seashore with Mrs. Do- 
 rand for a few weeks. While on the beach 
 one morning, a sweet woman being interested 
 in the children, drew them into conversation. 
 After discussing various subjects, Betty incid- 
 entally mentioned the way she used the bible 
 as a guide. Their new acquaintance, rinding 
 they had receptive thoughts, carefully ex- 
 plained Truth to them, as Scientifically taught
 
 A sweet woman drew them into conversation
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 7 
 
 and practiced by Christ Jesus. Many things 
 that had been perplexing before, grew clear to 
 them with their new understanding. 
 
 As they parted the lady kissed them saying: 
 " My name is Penelope Wilson and I am 
 returning to New York to-day, but I feel sure 
 we will see each other at some future time. I 
 intend going abroad soon or I should ask you 
 to correspond with me." 
 
 The lady's name was not written down, con- 
 sequently it was forgotten, but the children re- 
 membered her teaching and practised it as far 
 as they could. To them God was All-Love, 
 All-Life and All-Mind; being All there was 
 no-thing else and it was an error to think 
 otherwise. 
 
 :. 
 
 When Betty hurried over after lunch, Rod 
 was already waiting in the summer-house 
 with books and papers spread out on the table. 
 
 " Now, Bet, we'll have to realize this is to 
 be done in a business way and apply every- 
 thing to some good. You remember ' the ser-
 
 8 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 vant with the talent?' Well, by working and 
 watching we will gradually get results." 
 
 " Rod, if we ' are to get about our Father's 
 business' don't you think we'd better ask Him 
 for help?" ventured Betty. 
 
 "You're right. I'd almost forgotten," re- 
 plied Rod. 
 
 After a few moment's silent communion 
 with the Spirit,. Betty said: 
 
 "A verse just came to my mind that will 
 make a fine text for the heading of our con- 
 tract." 
 
 " What is it?" asked Rod. " Say it slowly 
 while I write it down." 
 
 " * If two of you shall agree on earth as 
 touching anything they shall ask, it shall be 
 done for them of my Father which is in Heav- 
 en," recited Betty slowly. 
 
 " That seems encouraging, don't it? " asked 
 Rod, finishing the writing. 
 
 "Yes, it is," stated Betty. " I think it's per- 
 fectly beautiful when God's thoughts sing 
 through our mind if we would but pay atten-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 9 
 
 tion. Now let your book open to see what He 
 tells you." 
 
 Rod's bible opened at the seventh chapter of 
 Revelations, but his eye glancing over several 
 verses, he read them in order: the ninth 
 sixteenth and seventeenth : 
 
 " l Lo a great multitude stood before the 
 throne 
 
 'They shall hunger no more, neither thirst 
 any more 
 
 ' For the lamb which is in the midst of the 
 throne shall feed them and shall lead them 
 unto living fountains of waters and God shall 
 wipe away all tears from their eyes." 
 
 " I think that is wonderful 1 To think your 
 leading is so full of great promises. Why, I 
 feel so anxious to have that Home that I wish 
 we were grown-up now" Betty cried enthusi- 
 astically. 
 
 " Well you've got to begin with * the mus- 
 tard-seed' you know, then if you tend and care 
 for it you will have a harvest," admonished 
 Rod.
 
 io THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 The texts having been written at the top of 
 the paper, the contract was continued with 
 much difficulty. They wrote and erased, puz- 
 zled and spelled, until, after great effort, an 
 agreement was produced bristling with legal 
 terms that sounded very grand to them. It 
 read: 
 
 "We, Elizabeth Dorand and Rodney Al- 
 vern, hereby do contract to work fora Home 
 of Love's. We will be satisfied with a small 
 beginning but hope it will grow big enough 
 to care for all whom Love sends to us. 
 
 " We agree to be kind and give love to 
 everyone, and to use any money given us for 
 our Society, to pay expenses. 
 
 "Manager: Rodney Alvern. 
 "Matron: Elizabeth Dorand. 
 "Membership List. 
 
 Finally this document was finished to their
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 11 
 
 satisfaction, rolled up and a red ribbon tied 
 about it. Betty and Rod then took it to Mrs. 
 Alvern, asking her to place it safely in a 
 drawer of her desk. 
 
 " What is ij? " asked she, smiling. " May 
 I read it or is it a secret? " 
 
 " It will be all right for mother to read it, 
 won't it?" asked Rod of Betty. 
 
 "Ye-es," reluctantly answered she, "but I 
 don't believe you ought to tell others of some- 
 thing you propose doing, 'specially when 
 you've nothing to show." 
 
 " Never mind, children," said Mrs. Alvern. 
 " It was senseless curiosity that prompted me 
 to wonder what you had written." 
 
 " We'll tell you all about it just as soon as 
 we think proper to announce it publicly," 
 Betty assured her. 
 
 So the contract was placed carefully in the 
 desk and the children giving Mrs. Alvern a 
 hug, ran away.
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 THE FIRST DEPOSIT 
 
 COON after the contract had been made, 
 Mrs. Dorand decided to go to the city on 
 a shopping trip, and planned to take the chil- 
 dren to Barnum's circus in the afternoon. 
 Accordingly, she sent Betty over to Mrs. Al- 
 vern with a note inviting Rod to go. The 
 two children stood by her side eagerly watch- 
 ing her face as she read the invitation. 
 
 " I suppose it is needless to ask if you would 
 like to go?" asked Rod's mother, laughing 
 at his expression. 
 
 "Oh, wouldn't I though!" exclaimed Rod. 
 
 "And you will be careful not to cause Mrs. 
 Dorand any annoyance while she shops?" 
 
 " Bet and I will be as good as lambs," pro- 
 mised Rod. 
 
 "Well, then, run along and thank Betty's 
 mother." 
 
 The children devoted the balance of the day 
 13
 
 I 4 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 in anticipation of the wonders to be seen at 
 the circus. Rod brought his illustrated book 
 on natural history to the arbor where Betty 
 and he read about the strange animals they ex- 
 pected to see. 
 
 Being so interested, Rod had not noticed 
 Betty's unusual silence, until asking a ques- 
 tion, he looked up in amazement at the regret- 
 ful tone and tearful eyes. 
 
 " Do you think we ought to go, Rod?" said 
 Betty. 
 
 "Why not?" answered he, his eyes wide 
 with astonishment. 
 
 " Because the money it would take to go 
 there could be put in the box to start our So- 
 ciety fund," replied Betty, growing firmer in 
 her conviction as Rod seemed doubtful. 
 
 " But we haven't any members yet, so there 
 is no need for the money," mused Rod hesitat- 
 ingly. 
 
 " I think this is a problem on which we had 
 better ask God's advice," affirmed Betty de- 
 cidedly.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 15 
 
 Instead of replying, Rod went to the house 
 for his bible. After a moment's silence the 
 book was opened at these words : 
 
 " God is not unrighteous to forget your 
 work and labor of love." 
 
 Rod looked at Betty questioningly? 
 
 " I think it means we are to save that money 
 as there'll be a need for it soon," interpreted 
 Betty. 
 
 " I suppose so," sighed Rod, regretfully. 
 
 " But, Rod, we must give cheerfully, not 
 grudgingly, if we expect a blessing for the 
 gift," said Betty, rebuking his regret while 
 she tried to smile through her tears. 
 
 "All right; we'll sing and dance with joy," 
 Rod answered rather sarcastically. " I'll go 
 and tell mother we're not going, then we'll 
 run over to ask your mother if we may have 
 the money instead of the treat." 
 
 Mrs. Alvern asked no questions when told 
 of their decision about the circus, but Betty's 
 mother was so surprised that she thought it 
 was a jest. When assured that the renuncia-
 
 16 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 tion was for a good purpose she took her purse 
 and counting out two and a half dollars to 
 each child, said: 
 
 "One dollar each for railroad fare; fifty 
 cents for the circus ticket and a dollar for din- 
 ner, including other expenses." 
 
 Five dollars seemed such an enormous 
 amount to the children that they could hardly 
 believe it was theirs. They hugged Mrs. 
 Dorand until she gasped breathlessly: 
 
 " Mercy! Mercy! Two of Barnum's lit- 
 tle bears are smothering me." 
 
 They all laughed at this, making Betty and 
 Rod feel better. Taking the money, they 
 hurried to the arbor to place it in a tin safe 
 which Betty had begged from her father. 
 Rod had secured an old account book from his 
 mother, in which he now wrote the amount 
 of the first deposit. 
 
 The following evening Mollie, the maid, 
 brought Mrs. Dorand a letter which the post- 
 man had just delivered. 
 
 As the letter was opened a new two-dollar
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 17 
 
 bill fell out. Reading the letter through, 
 Mrs. Dorand smiled and calling the children 
 to her said: 
 
 " I've just received a letter from Aunt Belle, 
 in which she invites you to lunch with her to- 
 morrow and go to the circus in the afternoon. 
 She writes that I may go too, provided I will 
 escort you safely to her house in time for the 
 treat. This two-dollar bill was sent to buy 
 candy on the train." 
 
 Betty and Rod looked dumbfounded. As 
 the demonstration became clear to them, Rod 
 flung his cap in the air shouting " Hurrah 
 for the Society " ; while Betty danced joyfully 
 about her mother, who was at a loss to under- 
 stand what was meant by the references to the 
 Society. 
 
 Then the whole secret of their plan was con- 
 fided to Mrs. Dorand, who commended the 
 children's willingness to appropriate the cir- 
 cus money to their Cause. 
 
 " I think it is a lovely idea, but I can't see 
 how it will work out," said she.
 
 i8 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "We don't know either because God hasn't 
 told us yet, but we will find out when the time 
 comes," replied Betty, trustfully. 
 
 When Mrs. Alvern had been told about the 
 circus invitation Rod also told her what the 
 secret paper in the desk was for. 
 
 " Children, I have the feeling that your So- 
 ciety will prove a blessing to many. I, for 
 one, will pray all success attend the endeavor. 
 If you will get out the contract, I'll subscribe 
 a dollar a month to become an honorary mem- 
 ber." 
 
 Mrs. Alvern wrote her name under the Di- 
 rectors'. 
 
 "'Cause you see," explained Betty, "you 
 aren't a real member, just a company one, to 
 visit us once in a while but not to work." 
 
 Mrs. Alvern nodded understandingly and 
 gave Rod a dollar which he placed in the 
 bank with the other five. 
 
 The next morning Betty and Rod were up 
 before the maids had begun to prepare break- 
 fast. Being so anxious not to miss the train,
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 19 
 
 they advised Mrs. Dorand not to wait for 
 breakfast. Laughing heartily she remarked: 
 
 " Why, then you would have to draw 
 money from your Fund to buy some breakfast 
 in the city, while here you may have it 
 free." 
 
 The very idea of touching any money be- 
 longing to the Society, quieted their impa- 
 tience. 
 
 " Rod," whispered Betty, as the train car- 
 ried them on the way, " I wouldn't hurt 
 mother's feelings for the world, but I know 
 Aunty will give us a jollier time than mother 
 would. Since my cousins went away to be 
 with,God, Aunty loves to have us visit her." 
 
 One dollar of the lollipop money had been 
 used for tickets while the other dollar was in 
 Rod's pocket. As the man with a basket of 
 sweets went through the car, Mrs. Dorand 
 turned to the children, saying: 
 
 " Do you wish to have any candy? " 
 
 Betty closing her mouth firmly, nudged 
 Rod. He, glancing at her mouth, said:
 
 20 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " No, thank you. We'll keep the dollar urv 
 til later." 
 
 "Don't you think it would be right for us 
 to buy some candy?" asked Rod, wonder- 
 ingly. 
 
 "Of course!" replied Betty, "but I kind 
 a-felt as if we would want it for some other 
 cause. I don't just see why, myself." 
 
 Lunch was ready when they reached Aunt 
 Belle's. After greetings were exchanged, 
 they went directly to the dining-room. 
 
 " I suppose you ate so much candy this 
 morning that you will not feel like eating the 
 good things I have for you," said Aunty as 
 they took their seats. 
 
 " I'm so hungry I could eat the flowers off 
 of the dishes," answered Betty directly. 
 
 " I feel so light I believe I can fly. Any- 
 way, I could eat boiled onions," said Rod. 
 
 As onions were the abomination of Rod's 
 otherwise healthy appetite, they all laughed 
 heartily. 
 
 Then Aunty was told that part of the candy 
 money was used for railroad tickets.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 21 
 
 " Tickets! " exclaimed Aunty, in surprise. 
 "You don't mean to say they paid for their 
 own fare?" 
 
 " Yes, they did," answered Mrs. Dorand, 
 smiling at Aunt Belle's reproving look. 
 " Children, tell Aunty 'why." 
 
 Then Aunty was told how the idea came to 
 them to do something for their Father; about 
 the contract; how their first money was depos- 
 ited; and what they hoped to do when they 
 were " grown-ups! " 
 
 Aunty listened attentively, then leaving the 
 room returned presently and gave Rod a check 
 for five dollars. 
 
 ( "I want you to enroll me as an honorary 
 member too," said she, " in memory of Jack 
 and Dot who would have delighted in joining 
 you in this work. I will pay you five dollars 
 every month, for I really believe it will be 
 needed." 
 
 They thanked Aunty, Betty adding: 
 
 " When we send the monthly receipt, we'll 
 tell you just what we are doing in our work."
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 JOE 
 
 F course everyone has seen a circus with 
 all its wonderful sights, like Betty and 
 Rod saw. 
 
 Aunty bought so much candy and popcorn 
 while taking them to all the side-shows, that 
 Mrs. Dorand laughingly called "halt." 
 
 When they finally came out to the carriage, 
 they were so laden with pictures and songs for 
 the boys at home, while Aunty held balloons 
 and souvenirs for them, that the coachman 
 hid a broad grin back of his hand. 
 
 When they reached the ferry-boat and were 
 homeward bound, the children chattered so 
 joyously about the day's fun, that the other 
 passengers smiled in sympathetic amuse- 
 ment. 
 
 Presently a little boy about Betty's age crept 
 up to listen. He was ragged and dirty, while 
 
 23
 
 24 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 here and there through his tatters were 
 glimpses of an emaciated little body. Watch- 
 ing Betty's face with its bright blue eyes and 
 ruddy curls, the boy's intent gaze attracted 
 her notice. 
 
 Without hesitation, Betty slid down from 
 the seat and taking his hand led him to her 
 mother. 
 
 He bashfully hung his head and scuffled his 
 feet while Betty turning to Rod said : 
 
 " Let's divide our pictures and candy with 
 him." 
 
 " And give him the dollar," eagerly sug- 
 gested Rod. " Maybe he's the * idea ' we were 
 keeping the money for." 
 
 "Where are your friends, little boy?" 
 asked Mrs. Dorand kindly. 
 
 'Ain't got none, ma'am," stammered the 
 boy. 
 
 "Then where were you going?" continued 
 she. 
 
 " I didn't know, ma'am. I jus' found an 
 ole ferry ticket so I thought I'd go acrosst to
 
 I thought I'd go acrosst to where the trees an' birds are "
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 25 
 
 where the trees an' birds are. Pete's there, 
 workin' I guess." 
 
 "Who's 'Pete'?" asked Rod. 
 
 " He's my fren' what used to sell papers on 
 
 our corner." 
 
 "Where's your home? How do you live? " 
 questioned Rod eagerly. 
 
 "Won't your family be worried?" asked 
 Betty anxiously. 
 
 " I only got a big brother what was good to 
 me. The cop took him one day 'cause he took 
 some bread for me off' a wagon. We was 
 awful hungry that day," the child said, pite- 
 ously. 
 
 " Have you no parents, little one?" asked 
 Mrs. Dorand, whose motherly heart was 
 stirred by the expression of the thin face be- 
 side her. 
 
 " My brother toF me our father an' mother 
 was dead a long time. Pete let me sleep with 
 him after Brother was tooken away, but Pete's 
 went to the place where the grass grows, to 
 work fer a man. I ain't se'ed him in so long
 
 26 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 I wanted to go to his place to be with him a 
 little while." 
 
 Betty turned to Rod with an inspira- 
 tion. 
 
 " Let's ask mother to buy him a ticket with 
 our dollar to take him with us?" 
 
 Mrs. Dorand thought rapidly for a moment 
 as Betty finished speaking, then asked: 
 
 " Would you like to go to the country for a 
 few days, little boy? " 
 
 Instead of answering, the child burst into 
 grateful tears. Kindness had been unknown 
 to him except from his brother and Pete. 
 
 As the boat was entering the slip, Mrs. Do- 
 rand felt embarrassed to find a circle of spec- 
 tators gathered about. Suddenly a gentleman 
 placed a dollar in his hat and gave it to Rod, 
 calling out: 
 
 "Anyone who has witnessed this scene can 
 assist this child by contributing to his welfare 
 now. Pass the hat around, my boy, and find 
 what tender hearts beat under these rough 
 clothes."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 27 
 
 The audience responded generously while 
 others, in passing, ascertained the cause of the 
 collection and added their contributions. By 
 this time Mrs. Dorand was laughing nerv- 
 ously, while Betty patted the boy's hand re- 
 assuringly and Rod eagerly tried to reach the 
 money a score of people held out to him. 
 The boat had long been docked before they 
 finished. 
 
 Rod gave the hat filled with money to the 
 gentleman who carried it carefully with both 
 hands. Betty followed close behind him 
 watching the ground to see that no money was 
 dropped. Mrs. Dorand, holding the boy's 
 hand, walked beside the gentleman, explain- 
 ing why Betty and Rod were interested in this 
 boy whom they considered a protege for their 
 Home. 
 
 Arriving in the waiting-room, the man 
 rolled up the bills and handed them to Mrs. 
 Dorand, emptying the coin into her shopping- 
 bag. 
 
 Turning to the boy he asked kindly:
 
 "What is your name? " 
 
 "Joey Bruce," answered the child. 
 
 "Well, Joe," the gentleman said, "these 
 kind people will take you to the grass and 
 trees where the birds sing. If you are good 
 you can be happy, but if you are naughty you 
 will lose your friends." 
 
 Asking Mrs. Dorand to communicate with 
 him should an occasion arise for further help, 
 the man proffered his card. 
 
 " Archer Hilman, Councilor-at-law," read 
 Mrs. Dorand with some surprise. 
 
 " I am Mrs. Steven Dorand. My husband 
 has an old college friend whose name is the 
 same as yours. I never met him but his let- 
 ters always interest me. He lives in Califor- 
 nia and it is a long time since we have heard 
 from him." 
 
 " Can it be possible that you are the wife of 
 my dear old friend Steve Dorand, who lives 
 inM- -?" 
 
 "I am!" exclaimed Mrs. Dorand, "How 
 strange that we should meet in this manner,"
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 29 
 
 and calling the children who were interested 
 with Joe, she introduced them. 
 
 After some moments of interested conversa- 
 tion, Mr. Hilman said he left California to 
 travel in Europe, returning to begin business 
 in New York. 
 
 "You will be surprised to hear I am mar- 
 ried since last I wrote you," said he. 
 
 "Oh, how nice! I always said you were 
 .too good to be alone," answered Mrs. Dorand. 
 " Won't you bring your wife to visit us and be- 
 come acquainted?" 
 
 " We will certainly come with pleasure, and 
 I shall be happy to meet Steve again." 
 
 As they walked toward the train Mrs. Do- 
 rand was still speaking of the unusual meeting 
 and Mr. Hilman said earnestly: 
 
 " When we understand the Law of Good, 
 every individual expression drawn from the 
 Almighty Source, brings recompense; some- 
 times a peace, other times a joy. For the love 
 we reflected this waif to-day we are repaid 
 with a very great pleasure."
 
 30 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "Your reasoning reminds me of a lady the 
 children met at the sea-shore last summer," 
 said Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 Mr. Hilman, placing them on their train, 
 said good-bye, as he took a different train to 
 reach S where he was bound. 
 
 " What a delightful day we have had," re- 
 marked Mrs. Dorand on the homeward jour- 
 ney. " Father will be so happy to hear the 
 news of his old friend." 
 
 " That's because we went with God's help 
 for our pleasure," answered Betty. " If we 
 had been selfish about the Society's money we 
 wouldn't have had such a treat." 
 
 " And we couldn't have taken Joe, either," 
 added Rod. 
 
 Joe, seated by the window, his hands and 
 lap rilled with candy and pictures, thought he 
 was dreaming. He heaved great sighs of 
 heart-joy as the train whizzed over rivers and 
 ravines, through fields and meadows, and past 
 dear little cottages surrounded by flowers and 
 trees.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 31 
 
 " Mother," whispered Betty, fearful of dis- 
 turbing Joe, " what shall we do with him 
 when we get home? " 
 
 " I thought we'd consult father and Mrs. 
 Alvern ; until then we'll allow the child to fill 
 his hungry soul with God's beautiful pictures 
 of the country." 
 
 As they came from the train, several ac- 
 quaintances bowed to Mrs. Dorand, wonder- 
 ing where under the sun she picked up such a 
 forlorn little object of humanity. Joe was so 
 preoccupied with everything about him, that 
 he never noticed the curious glances. He was 
 not the same boy who but a short hour before 
 was so homesick and miserable. He was go- 
 ing to stay in the country with the birds and 
 flowers just as long as he was good. He was 
 so quiet, the children wondered if he were 
 unhappy, but it was the cup of overflowing 
 joy that made him speechless. 
 
 When the party reached home Rod asked: 
 
 " Can Joe come with me? I've got lots of 
 clothes just his size."
 
 32 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " I think it will be best for him to go with 
 me, while you explain to your mother about 
 him," answered Mrs. Dorand. " When he 
 is clean we will bring him over to talk about 
 plans. I'll bring the money too, so you can 
 count and deposit it in the Society's bank for 
 Joe."
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 THE FIRST REAL MEMBER 
 
 A T the supper-table that evening Rod 
 talked so much of the day's experiences 
 that he scarcely found time to eat. His 
 mother and Marion were interested in the 
 story about Joe and were planning what 
 would be best to do for him, when Rod inter- 
 rupted. 
 
 " Mother, you see Joe is our problem. As 
 long as God's Love sent him to us, I believe 
 we'll be shown what to do about it." 
 
 As Rod finished speaking, Dinah came in 
 with the dessert. 
 
 " Please, Missus Al'ern, Jim, he say kin he 
 speak wif you'se a minnit? When you'all is 
 done, he mean." 
 
 " Why, yes, Dinah. Ask him to come right 
 in," replied Mrs. Alvern. 
 
 Jim was a quiet, industrious young man who 
 
 33
 
 34 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 had been with the Alvern family since Rod 
 was a babe. He took charge of the garden, 
 cared for the horse, and did the heavy chores. 
 It was well known that he and Mollie, the 
 Scotch maid at Dorand's, were saving money 
 to start house-keeping in the cottage at the end 
 of the lane, where Jim now occupied a room. 
 
 " Good-evening, Jim," said Mrs. Alvern as 
 he came in. 
 
 There was an unusual air of embarrassment 
 about him as, endeavoring to speak several 
 times, he hesitated and cleared his throat. 
 Mrs. Alvern guessed the cause intuitively. 
 
 " Jim, have you news concerning Mollie 
 and yourself? " asked she, smiling. 
 
 " How did you hear of it?" asked Jim in 
 surprise. "We just decided, so I came right 
 over to tell you." 
 
 " I didn't hear of it, I guessed it from your 
 face." 
 
 Jim rubbed his brow as if to erase the tell- 
 tale message. They all laughed, causing him 
 to feel more at ease, as he continued :
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 35 
 
 " I got a letter to-day from a lawyer, tellin' 
 me a relation died in the old country, leavin' 
 me a hundred pounds. I went over to tell 
 Mollie and Mr. Dorand said he'd 'tend to the 
 legal matters for me. I'll probably have the 
 money in a few weeks, so we'll not be delayin' 
 our house-keepin'." 
 
 " I congratulate you on the good fortune, 
 Jim, and wish you all joy," said Mrs. Alvern, 
 rising and shaking his hand. 
 
 " So do I, Jim," mumbled Rod, with his 
 mouth full of cake. 
 
 " But, Jim," asked Marion in a tone of an- 
 xiety, "what shall we do without you? And 
 how can the Dorands spare Mollie?" 
 
 "Well, that's another thing I wanted to talk 
 about," answered Jim. " We be thinkin' that 
 if we live in the cottage yonder, I would be 
 here just the same, and Mollie could break in 
 a new girl for Dorands. She's thinkin' of 
 sendin' to the old country for her sister to come 
 
 over." 
 
 " Jim, you're so thoughtful for us that I
 
 36 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 shall gladly have you live at the cottage free 
 of rent," said Mrs. Alvern. 
 
 "Mother, wouldn't it be dandy if Mollie 
 took Joe to live with them for a time? " asked 
 Rod suddenly. "Maybe Jim was led in to 
 tell his news so we could decide about Joe." 
 
 Jim was told the little waif's story and asked 
 what he thought of Rod's suggestion. 
 
 " I saw the little feller over at Dorand's," 
 answered Jim, smiling at the remembrance of 
 Mollie fussing over the boy. " Mollie took 
 a fancy to the starved little kid, and is washin' 
 and fixin' him up as pert as a bantam." 
 
 " Hurrah for Mollie! " exclaimed Rod, " I 
 know she'll take him." 
 
 " Sure she will," said Jim, " an' so'll I. He 
 can sleep in the little dormer room upstairs in 
 the cottage. I'll fix it up to-morrow." 
 
 "Just the thing," exclaimed Marion. 
 
 "Could you arrange a cot for to-night?" 
 asked Mrs. Alvern, appealingly. 
 
 " Yes'm," responded Jim, ever ready to help 
 some one. " We've got a cot in the store-room 
 that'll do."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 37 
 
 Jim left the room as footsteps sounded on 
 the verandah and Rod ran out to open the 
 door, calling over his shoulder: 
 
 "Hurry up, Marion! Here they come!" 
 
 As Mrs. Alvern and Marion came out, they 
 met their friends in the hall. Joe endeavored 
 to keep back of the others, but Betty pulled at 
 his sleeve until Rod went to him and led them 
 to the sitting-room. 
 
 Joe was transformed, with shining face, hair 
 smoothly brushed, and dressed in some of 
 Walter's clothes that were fresh and clean but 
 four sizes too large for him. Mrs. Alvern, 
 who had been scrutinizing the lad's features, 
 seemed satisfied. 
 
 "You just ought to have seen Mollie take 
 charge of Joe," remarked Betty in an injured 
 tone of voice. " She thinks she has a right to 
 scrub him hard enough to hurt." 
 
 " Dearie," replied her mother reprovingly, 
 "you know it was Mollie's love that saw Joe 
 needed the bath which has made such a nice 
 boy of him. We all feel grateful to her for 
 responding to the child's neglected condition."
 
 38 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "Yes, indeed," added Mrs. Alvern, "and 
 you will be glad to hear that Jim offered to 
 take Joe to the cottage to live." 
 
 After a long consultation which included 
 all present, it was decided that Joe should 
 have a room at the cottage and take his meals 
 at Dorand's, with Mollie. 
 
 The children were amazed to find the 
 money contributed for his benefit amounted 
 to twenty-seven dollars and forty cents. Rod 
 placed it carefully in trie-Society's bank while 
 Betty made an entry of the sum in a small ac- 
 count book. Then the contract was brought 
 in for Joe to sign his name as a member. He 
 couldn't write, but he printed it with a 
 cramped hand. 
 
 " I haven't been asked to .become an honor- 
 ary member but I would like to. I'll sub- 
 scribe a dollar a month," said Mrs. Dorand. 
 So her name was inscribed under Aunt Belle's 
 and another dollar added to the general fund.
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 THE SEED TAKES ROOT 
 
 A FEW days after Joe came, Dr. Dorand 
 
 received a letter from his old friend, 
 
 Archer Hilman, saying he and his wife would 
 
 visit them the following week if convenient. 
 
 Tuesday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Hilman 
 drove up in a station cab, but Dr. Dorand was 
 enduring one of his attacks when the pain in 
 his back almost unbalanced his mind. Mrs. 
 Dorand welcomed the visitors, explaining her 
 husband's absence. 
 
 Mr. Hilman expressed a desire to see his 
 friend, so, leaving his wife in the library, he 
 followed Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 Rod and Betty had been playing croquet on 
 the back lawn, but tiring of that, Rod sug- 
 gested trying a new game Walter had 
 brought home. Betty acquiesced, skipping 
 off to the library to fetch it. Upon entering 
 the door she stood stock-still with surprise. 
 
 39
 
 40 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Mrs. Hilman was equally astonished but re- 
 covering, said: 
 
 "Why, my dear little sea-shore friend! 
 We never dreamed we should meet again in 
 this lovely way, did we? " 
 
 "No, indeed!" exclaimed Betty. "But 
 how did you find us? " 
 
 " Haven't you heard? I am Mrs. Hil- 
 man," replied she. 
 
 "Oh! That's too good to be true!" cried 
 Betty, clapping her hands in delight. " Are 
 you the lady that married the lovely man who 
 helped Joe find our Society's Home?" 
 
 " Yes. I heard all about it, and that is one 
 of the reasons I was so eager to visit children 
 who are so full of Love that it must be ex- 
 pressed in such broad channels. But I did 
 not know your name at the beach, so, of 
 course, I never thought you were the two 
 Love-Workers my husband told me of. 
 Where is your little brother?" 
 
 " He isn't my brother," laughed Betty, " he 
 is my partner. He's just outside waiting for
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 41 
 
 a game. I'll call him. I shan't tell him 
 who's here, so's he'll be s'prised when he finds 
 who you are." 
 
 Betty ran out laughing gleefully. 
 
 Rod was as amazed and delighted as Betty 
 could have desired. The three friends were 
 deeply interested with each other when Mrs. 
 Dorand returned. 
 
 "I do declare!" exclaimed she from the 
 doorway. "You children are certainly not 
 shy. I never saw strangers develope a friend- 
 ship as rapidly as this." 
 
 A joyous laugh answered her as, joining the 
 trio, she heard their story and was much sur- 
 prised. 
 
 "We might have enjoyed a year more of 
 pleasant friendship, had we met at the Shore," 
 regretfully said Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 " We have all eternity for friendship, my 
 dear," replied Mrs. Hilman sweetly. " Last 
 summer I was staying at the cottage of an old 
 school-mate, for a few days, prior to coming 
 to New York where I was married. Immed-
 
 42 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 lately after, we went abroad to meet my sis- 
 ter's family. Even had you met me then, you 
 would not have known I was to be the wife 
 of your husband's old friend." 
 
 Mrs. Dorand then spoke Qf the way Mrs. 
 Hilman had explained the scriptural Truth to 
 the children, which they had since tried to 
 follow. 
 
 " I never thought the few seeds of Truth 
 planted that day would bring out such sweet 
 buds of promise," said Mrs. Hilman happily. 
 " Our pathway is made beautiful if we but fol- 
 low God's leading." 
 
 "Of course they do not remember every- 
 thing you told them," said Mrs. Dorand, " but 
 the substance of your faith and teaching re- 
 mains in their minds. I have often wished / 
 could hear some of your religion." 
 
 Mrs. Hilman eagerly gave of her under- 
 standing of Truth, as taught in Christian Sci- 
 ence, answering many questions of her pupil, 
 until Mrs. Dorand sighed as a load of doubt 
 vanished.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 43 
 
 " How wonderful is this light about God, 
 with even the glimpse I have. What differ- 
 ent lives can be lived," she said. 
 
 When Mr. Hilman came in the room and 
 heard of the children's acquaintance with his 
 wife, he said smiling t 
 
 " I'm becoming accustomed to pleasant sur- 
 prises." Then turning to Mrs. Dorand, he 
 added, " I have started Steve on the highroad 
 to health and happiness. I think we came on 
 a mission, Penelope, instead of a visit." 
 
 The meeting of the old friends after years 
 of separation had been inexpressibly touching. 
 
 "Arch, you haven't changed a hair," said 
 Dr. Dorand, when he had recovered from 
 the joyful surprise. His voice trembled as he 
 added hopelessly, " I wish you could say the 
 same of me. I'm down and out for good." 
 
 "What do you mean by saying you are 
 down and out for good? Don't you know 
 Good is never down and out?" asked Mr. 
 Hilman earnestly.
 
 44 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " Joke all you want to old fellow; you al- 
 ways did," answered Dr. Dorand. " I suppose 
 it is just as well to laugh as cry over our trou- 
 bles." 
 
 " I'm not joking, dear friend. I'm deeply 
 in earnest. We have not met since college 
 days and instead of the great stalwart man I 
 always see in my mental vision, you wish me 
 to believe you are a wreck from disease and 
 suffering. If you had written me of this I 
 should have sent you Hope and Truth as I 
 found it." Mr. Hilman spoke with such sin- 
 cerity that it thrilled his suffering hearer. 
 
 " I do not want to. fill you with a recital of 
 my miseries," Dr. Dorand replied with a wan 
 smile. " I've been afflicted so long now, that 
 I try to forget it except when these attacks 
 come on. Let's drop the subject if you want 
 to enjoy your visit." 
 
 " Steve, do you remember when we were at 
 school, why we chummed together without 
 any scrapping?" asked Mr. Hilman appar- 
 ently irrelevant of his friend's preceding 
 words.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 45 
 
 " I know we * hit it off' pretty good even if 
 you did just as you liked. I generally fol- 
 lowed my own inclination too," answered Dr. 
 Dorand, smiling reminiscently. 
 
 " That's exactly what I wanted you to say," 
 declared his friend emphatically. "Now 
 stick to those tactics and we'll hit it off again. 
 I'm going to enjoy this visit in my own 
 way." 
 
 There followed an interval of silence during 
 which Mr. Hilman sat with closed eyes while 
 his friend gazed intently from the window. 
 The former was the first to continue the con- 
 versation. 
 
 " Steve, why are you on that couch?" 
 
 "Well, Archer," answered Dr. Dorand 
 seriously, " more than six years ago a fright- 
 ened horse kicked me, striking a nerve-center 
 on my spine that put me out of business, as 
 you see." 
 
 " No, I won't see! That is why I led up to 
 this. I suppose you'd think that I was crazy 
 if I told you that it's unconsciousness that
 
 46 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 keeps you there. That's what it is, not spinel 
 Wake up old chap and find yourself." 
 
 "Why," said Dr. Dorand breathless with 
 amazement, " what are you talking of?" 
 
 " Each and every good act we do brings us 
 nearer to Omnipotent Principle. For in- 
 stance : You and I, college friends My go- 
 ing to California in business my accident 
 while there meeting old friends who knew 
 the Truth my own awakening my coming 
 to New York my meeting your wife at the 
 ferry my visit here your coming into the 
 Truth now can you see the wondrous plan?" 
 asked Mr. Hilman fervently. 
 
 "You speak the way my little daughter 
 does I" exclaimed his friend. "She told me 
 of a lady at the beach who taught her such 
 beautiful truths. She often reads from the 
 Scriptures and her understanding of the Bible 
 struck me as original instead of true." 
 
 " You should thank God that your child has 
 the Truth in her youth," said Mr. Hilman. 
 
 " Tell me, Archer," asked Dr. Dorand after
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 47 
 
 a short pause, "you mentioned an accident? 
 You never wrote of it." 
 
 * " I never think of it now, but for your good 
 I'll tell you. About five years ago I was in- 
 jured in a railroad crash. My leg was so 
 badly crushed that septisemia set in. Special- 
 ists ordered amputation, but my brother, who 
 was a young surgeon in the hospital at that 
 time, interfered, saying: 
 
 " Not yet! With his clean blood and nerve 
 to back it up, he'll pull through." 
 
 " I seconded his decision by saying I would 
 rather be dead with two legs than drag out an 
 existence with one. We were termed 
 'crazy' by the doctors who deemed it neces- 
 sary to wash their hands of the case. In a 
 month I had recovered far enough to undergo 
 an operation. My brother having engaged 
 the services of a well-known surgeon-friend 
 joined, set and wired the various fragments of 
 bones. I was kept in plaster for months, suf- 
 
 * An account of the author's own healing in Christian 
 Science.
 
 48 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 fering such agony as defies description. Then 
 they fitted a steel brace to the useless member 
 and in about a year's time I was able to get 
 about on crutches. But my days were so full 
 of pain and despair that I decided to end 
 them. 
 
 " One evening, after an unusually despond- 
 ent day, as I was writing some last letters, I 
 seemed to hear someone call my name. I 
 opened the door of my apartment but could 
 see no one. I looked out of the window and 
 searched the room thoroughly, even opening 
 the clothes-closet. In slamming to the closet 
 door, a book fell from the shelf. Stooping to 
 pick it up I found it was an old bible my 
 mother had left me. Thinking it was custom- 
 ary before ending one's life to read scripture, 
 I opened the book at the words, 'Neither 
 yield ye your members as instruments of un- 
 righteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves 
 unto God, as those that are alive from the 
 dead, and your members as instruments of 
 righteousness unto God.'
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 49 
 
 "I read different parts of the Bible that 
 seemed to open at verses meant for me. It 
 stirred my being so, that I dressed and taking 
 my crutches went out. 
 
 " Seldom venturing out after dark, I made 
 no note of the direction in which I went. 
 Turning a corner, I was halted by a crowd of 
 people coming from a church. I watched 
 them, being struck by the expressions of joy 
 and peace in their faces. As a lame man on 
 crutches passed me, his face caught my atten- 
 tion: it beamed with hope and thanksgiving. 
 I stood there thinking of the scriptural lines 
 I had read when a voice called out at my 
 elbow. 
 
 "'Archer Hilman, as I live! But what on 
 earth are you doing in this plight?' 
 
 " I turned quickly about to have my hand 
 shaken like a pump-handle. 
 
 "'Penelope Wilson! Why!!' was all I 
 could gasp. 
 
 " She was a playmate of mine whom I had 
 not seen since the country school-days. She
 
 50 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 introduced her married sister, and a number 
 of friends, to me. 
 
 " ' Did the church have a sociable to-night? ' 
 I asked, seeing the groups of joyous and happy 
 people with the music and lights in the back- 
 ground. 
 
 "'Oh, no, laughed Penelope, 'just our 
 regular mid-week meeting. It was unusually 
 blessed this evening. That is why we are so 
 happy.' 
 
 " I looked at her in amazement. She fairly 
 radiated life and joy. It was impossible to see 
 her and retain any idea of pessimistic dying. I 
 was sure she must be about my age, but she ap- 
 peared as youthful as any girl. She gave me 
 her card with the address of her sister, beg- 
 ging me to call soon. 
 
 " Well, old boy, to cut it short, I did call. 
 Then I called again, until I was there most 
 of the time. I went to church regularly with 
 the family and began a systematic study of 
 Christian Science and in a few weeks I was 
 walking as well as ever. All my troubles have
 
 1 gone a-dancing ' and last summer Pen and 
 I were married! " 
 
 "Arch, you astonish me!" Dr. Dorand 
 managed to gasp. "Did Christian Science 
 accomplish this miracle?" 
 
 " No miracle, Steve, just the same Truth 
 as practised by our Saviour, taught and 
 demonstrated to this age through this little 
 book," said Mr. Hilman, drawing from his 
 pocket a copy of Science and Health, with 
 key to the scriptures, by Mary Baker G. Eddy. 
 
 Dr. Dorand, taking the book, turned over 
 its pages curiously. 
 
 " You will find it is Jesus Christ's doctrine 
 of over-coming sin, sickness and death," said 
 Mr. Hilman impressively. " Long lost, but 
 re-discovered in the Scriptures and re-written 
 in plain language by our dear Leader." 
 
 " I don't see how this could be done by a 
 mortal the same as you or I?" questioned Dr. 
 Dorand. 
 
 " Don't bother about that now, Steve. Just 
 follow this teaching and you will be cured.
 
 52 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 If all the world knew and lived the Truth as 
 here set forth we would be enjoying Heaven 
 
 now." 
 
 " Arch," asked the Doctor anxiously, " are 
 you really in earnest? " 
 
 " In earnest? " laughed he for answer. 
 "Well I guess I am! So much so, that I'm 
 going to leave you to rest for a time with this 
 messenger of peace and health. I'll come up 
 later if you like and talk some more." 
 
 As Mr. Hilman left the room he sent a 
 silent prayer to God for the awakening of this 
 child of Divine Love to the understanding of 
 Truth and Love. 
 
 Dr. Dorand thought deeply over the as- 
 tonishing news his friend had told him, con- 
 cluding that if an intelligent man like Archer 
 believed in this old-new understanding of 
 God, he too, would endeavor to seek and find 
 Truth. 
 
 He began reading the book, becoming 
 deeply interested in the thoughts conveyed to
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 53 
 
 him. He realized they were not ordinary 
 words and messages, but thoughts of the Great 
 Mind. It was a voicing of God's truth to his 
 children, just as the prophets of old foretold 
 the coming of the Healer of all mortal error. 
 
 Twilight was falling when in his eagerness 
 to get more light on the reading, Dr. Dorand 
 forgot his spine and drew near the window. 
 
 When his wife came in, followed by their 
 visitors, he looked up with a sigh. Suddenly 
 realizing he had moved from the couch he 
 asked in amazement: 
 
 " Why, how did I get over here alone?" 
 
 They all laughed delightedly, for Mr. Hil- 
 man had told Mrs. Dorand that her husband 
 was so interested they might look for a speedy 
 recovery. 
 
 During their animated talking, the dinner- 
 bell rang and they all went down, Dr. Dorand 
 being helped without much pain. 
 
 The family were so happy to have their 
 father with them, they could speak of nothing 
 but the wonder of it.
 
 54 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 When Dr. Dorand was once again in his 
 room he reminded his friend of the promise 
 to read or talk to him. 
 
 " You can help yourself with no other guide 
 than the text-book, but I know you will feel 
 better if you think someone is helping," said 
 Mr. Hilman. 
 
 The following morning the Hilmans went 
 home, leaving their little volume with the 
 Dorands, while promising to send two new 
 copies as soon as possible. 
 
 Dr. Dorand was soon able to get about and 
 in some months was entirely recovered. His 
 friends were so astonished at his healing that 
 it caused much comment and started a num- 
 ber of them to investigate a religion that could 
 produce such results.
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 "FIRST THE BLADE" 
 
 1Y/T RS. ALVERN had been an interested 
 witness of Dr. Dorand's healing. She 
 glanced over the pages of the book that the 
 Dorands called " wonderful," to see what 
 could bring about such a change in this 
 family. A line catching her attention, she 
 read on, page after page, until closing the 
 volume with reluctance she said : 
 
 " I must stop now. I have so many duties 
 to attend to ; but this book is a jewel. I must 
 have you get me one." 
 
 Betty and Rod read so much of the litera- 
 ture that abounded in both homes, that their 
 progress was marvelous. There were many 
 times when error led them astray, but soon 
 they would see the light, returning to Good 
 with more zest than before. 
 
 Joe began to comprehend who and what 
 
 55
 
 56 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Divine Love meant. He understood that if 
 he lived mimdful of God he would have the 
 " ever-ready help in time of need." 
 
 The children were constantly preaching to 
 Mollie and Jim, but they would answer laugh- 
 ingly: 
 
 " Oh, we're not worth bothering about, be- 
 sides we're not sick. Wait until then." 
 
 This generally shocked Betty into renew- 
 ing her efforts with more fervor. Gradually 
 her perseverance, added to the general talk of 
 those about them, brought the desired change 
 of thought. 
 
 The cottage, with some added improve- 
 ments, had been painted and papered, the 
 rooms assuming an air of cozy comfort when 
 the carpets and simple furniture were ar- 
 ranged. Mrs. Dorand gave pictures and cur- 
 tains, while the Alverns presented dishes and 
 utensils to Mollie and Jim, but the most pleas- 
 ure was realized by Betty and Rod giving, and 
 Joe receiving, the furnishings of his room. 
 Many consultations were held in the tiny dor-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 57 
 
 mer as to the wisdom of buying a rocker or 
 armchair; whether to invest two dollars in a 
 table or wait to buy a desk. Pretty colored 
 prints were tacked on the walls and dotted 
 sash curtains hung at the windows. Checked 
 matting covered the floor while the little cot 
 looked very inviting with a white spread. The 
 toilet-stand with drawers had a swinging mir- 
 ror over it, giving the room a completed 
 look. 
 
 Mollie's sister Nan having arrived on the 
 steamer was given the rear dormer room for 
 a few days. Nannie proved to be a nice cap- 
 able girl some years younger than Mollie. 
 
 Shortly after Nannie's arrival Mollie and 
 Jim were married and Nan began service at 
 Dorand's while Mollie kept house for Jim 
 and Joe. 
 
 Soon after this event, while Joe was helping 
 Jim do some garden work, Betty and Rod 
 went to the Dorands' garden to get some cher- 
 ries. A high picket fence separated the gar- 
 den from that of their neighbors, while a row
 
 58 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 of cherry trees on Dorand's side of the fence, 
 hung full of tempting fruit. 
 
 " Children," called Betty's mother from the 
 window, " father does not want anyone to 
 climb in the trees as the branches are too young 
 to bear a weight. You can reach the fruit 
 from the lower boughs." 
 
 Rod found an old pole in the end of which 
 he hammered a nail over in hook-shape. 
 Giving Betty the pole to use in pulling down 
 the boughs, he climbed on the fence to pick 
 his cherries. 
 
 Clare Salters, a little girl who lived next 
 door, ran over to the fence to peer between 
 the pickets. 
 
 " I've as much right to those cherries as you 
 have," she said pertly. 
 
 "They're on my father's tree and the tree 
 is on our gardens," answered Betty, thinking 
 unkind thoughts. 
 
 " Maybe so, but the branches that hang over 
 our fence b'long to us. My father said so," 
 continued Clare aggravatingly.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 59 
 
 "This isn't your fence," said Rod, inter- 
 fering in another's problem. 
 
 "Tisn't yours, neither I I wasn't talkin' 
 to you anyway, so, there now! " Clare snapped 
 out. 
 
 " I think you're a rude girl, and I wish 
 you'd go away from our fence," said Betty, 
 self-righteously. 
 
 " I don't care what you think. My papa 
 said your father got his old fence on some of 
 our land, and he's going to tear it down, some 
 day. So!" replied Clare, tossing her curly 
 head. 
 
 Betty almost decided to go and ask her 
 father about the fence but Clare climbed up 
 on it and reaching out broke off a twig of 
 cherries, beginning deliberately to eat them. 
 Vexatious tears filled Betty's eyes as she 
 watched Clare. 
 
 "They'll make you sick, 'cause they're not 
 yours. See if they don't!" exclaimed Rod, 
 forgetting all about his Love contract. 
 
 "Just guess they won't, either! I'll eat all
 
 60 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 I please! They taste fine!" answered Clare 
 provokingly. 
 
 " Well, you better not take any more, is all 
 I say," said Rod warningly. 
 
 Opposition giving her false bravado, Clare 
 climbed on the over-hanging limb and thence 
 to the tree. She sat on a branch eating the 
 largest cherries and throwing down the bad 
 ones at the heads below. Her temerity made 
 Betty and Rod indignant. 
 
 " My mother said not to climb the tree," re- 
 monstrated Betty. 
 
 " Pooh ! She isn't my mother. I don't have 
 to mind her," taunted Clare, swinging her 
 feet. 
 
 " It's awful error to disobey your elders," 
 Rod now said, thinking Clare might take 
 notice. 
 
 "Huh! I wouldn't be such goody-goodies. 
 My brother says you're too good to live long," 
 sneered Clare. 
 
 While speaking she reached for a cluster of 
 inviting fruit and lost her balance. Scream-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 61 
 
 ing frightfully, she crashed down through the 
 branches. 
 
 Suddenly Truth flashed up in Betty's mind 
 and she prayed: 
 
 " Dear Father, hold Clare from error hurt." 
 
 Rod had closed his eyes to realize God's 
 help. 
 
 The screaming brought several families to 
 the scene, but Clare would not allow anyone 
 to touch her. Jim ran over and gently raising 
 her, paid no attention to her kicks and cries, 
 but carried her to Dorand's sitting-room 
 couch. 
 
 Clare sustained no serious injuries but was 
 so covered with scratches and bruises that she 
 cried incessantly. When Mrs. Salters asked 
 Dr. Dorand for God's help, he willingly 
 consented, and in a short time Clare slept. 
 
 When she awoke that evening she was sur- 
 prised at her strange surroundings but grad- 
 ually recalled her disobedience with its im- 
 mediate punishment. She was amazed that 
 the pain had ceased while the marks were still
 
 62 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 so evident. Rubbing her hand over them she 
 wondered why they didn't smart. As voices 
 were heard in the adjoining room, she jumped 
 down from the couch to avoid seeing anyone 
 and running out of the side door, scampered 
 home. 
 
 Now, had Betty and Rod been repentant 
 for their part in prolonging error through 
 Clare and themselves, a very humiliating oc- 
 currence might have been avoided, but it 
 never dawned upon them that they were as 
 much, if not more, to blame for the acci- 
 dent. 
 
 The following morning, Betty and Rod were 
 at the end of the garden playing they were 
 fishermen while the old wood-shed by the 
 fence was a boat. Rod clambered on the roof 
 of the shed to troll with a clothes-line, while 
 Betty tied some string to a pole. 
 
 Turning to speak to Rod, Betty found his 
 attention engrossed by some cows who were 
 standing on the other side of the fence. 
 
 " What are you looking at? " asked she.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 63 
 
 "I can't make it out, can you? Look!" 
 answered Rod. 
 
 Betty scrambled over beside Rod and by 
 leaning far over the fence they could see the 
 cows munching at a large white thing while 
 the air was filled with feathers. 
 
 " Oh, those dreadful beasts are eating a 
 beautiful bird," cried Betty in alarm. 
 
 " Maybe we can save it for our Society. 
 Let's scare them away and get the bird," sug- 
 gested Rod. 
 
 " Maybe you can throw that line over so as 
 to strike the cows and make them run away. 
 Then we can see what to do," added Betty. 
 
 Without further urging Rod slung his leg 
 over the fence to balance himself, while Betty, 
 just as interested in error, leaned over curi- 
 ously to watch developments. 
 
 Rod threw the coil of rope, which struck 
 the cows causing them to jump about, but at 
 the same time the old and shaky fence gave 
 way precipitating Betty and Rod into the en- 
 closure among the cows.
 
 64 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 The children were so frightened they could 
 hardly climb back to the shed. Not until then 
 did they begin to work mentally in the right 
 line. They were not hurt but had had a good 
 shaking up, while the most trying part was to 
 be compelled to go home in a condition so 
 humiliating. 
 
 The white object that elicited their sym- 
 pathy was an old pillow-case, used at one time 
 to hold feathers, but afterward filled with 
 corn-cobs. A careless boy had thrown the bag 
 into the pen instead of emptying it. 
 
 The children presented such a sorry appear- 
 ance with spattered mud and downy feathers 
 all over their garments, that it was with diffi- 
 culty their families kept from laughing out- 
 right. The experience resulted in two meek, 
 humble children who fully realized the cause 
 of their accident 
 
 It was several days before Clare's mother 
 came to thank her neighbors for their assist- 
 ance. 
 
 " I would like to know something of this
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 65 
 
 religion that performed such wonderful cures 
 in your families and healed Clare's hurts," 
 said Mrs. Salters, in an embarrassed tone. 
 
 "We do not understand much ourselves as 
 yet, but I will loan you our text-book to read, 
 while here are some pamphlets which you may 
 have," answered Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 "We will help you all we can," added Mrs. 
 Alvern. " I begin to see how everyone has to 
 come to the * fountain ' to help themselves, 
 but it is very pleasant to journey with or meet 
 other friends at the fountain." 
 
 Other neighbors beside the Salters grew in- 
 terested and mutual talks about their various 
 demonstrations became so frequent that regu- 
 lar meetings were suggested. So every Wed- 
 nesday evening the meeting was held at Mrs. 
 Alvern's house and Sunday morning service 
 was read at Dr. Dorand's.
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 WHAT RESULTED FROM THE BERRY PARTY 
 
 NE Saturday in July, a number of the 
 children arranged a berrying party. 
 Joe was delighted to be invited. Lunches were 
 put up in baskets, and taking pails for the 
 berries, they started off in high glee. 
 
 They were soon among the trees and wild 
 flowers of the woods that began at the top of 
 Court Hill. Laughing and shouting, they 
 trudged along for about a mile before reach- 
 ing the spring where they left the lunch bas- 
 kets. After berrying they had planned to 
 have lunch and then play games until time to 
 return home. 
 
 Berrying was an entirely new experience to 
 Joe. Never having seen berries grow, it 
 caused such wonderment whenever he discov- 
 ered a bush, that he would cry out: 
 
 "Oh, look! look! I've found another." 
 67
 
 68 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Having tramped about for more than an 
 hour without finding many berries, they sud- 
 denly came out of the thick woods to a clear- 
 ing, and found high bushes loaded with ripe 
 thimble berries. An old broken rail fence had 
 at one time separated the clearing from the 
 adjacent forest. They were soon over the re- 
 mains of the fence, merrily employed in filling 
 their pails with the luscious fruit. The girls 
 having smaller pails had filled theirs, so sug- 
 gested returning to the Spring to spread out 
 the lunch. 
 
 After the girls left, the boys worked indus- 
 triously, unaware that they were trespassing 
 on private property. The surrounding trees 
 hid the farm-house which was some distance 
 from the berry-patch; as the boys went fur- 
 ther, they were startled by a hen that flew 
 from the tangled bushes and scuttled off, com- 
 municating her fright to some chickens which 
 were scratching about. 
 
 A flock of frenzied chickens make the most 
 deafening noise when once aroused! As the
 
 Laughing and shouting they trudged along
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 69 
 
 boys looked at each other in blank amazement, 
 one asked: 
 
 " Do you think anyone lives near here? " 
 
 " Naw," answered George Johnson, one of 
 the older boys. 
 
 At that moment they heard a barking dog 
 coming towards them. The boys were very 
 quiet but the chickens still kept up intermit- 
 tent squawkings, until the dog got the scent 
 and crashed through the bushes. 
 
 " Don't feel afraid, we're protected," whis- 
 pered Rod to Joe, closing his eyes for a mo- 
 ment and praying. 
 
 " Father, thou art ever-present Love. All- 
 seeing, all-knowing Love which reflects 
 through the children and this dog and creates 
 harmony." 
 
 As an immense black dog leaped over the 
 bushes, Rod went forward to him. 
 
 "Here, doggie! Nice old fellow! We 
 love you for you are a good dog to watch your 
 home." 
 
 The dog, wagging his tail, was coming up to
 
 70 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 make friends with Rod, when at that moment 
 George Johnson yelled and flung a stone at 
 him. It flew past the dog's head and landed 
 among the chickens, striking one with suet 
 violence as to knock the poor thing over, while 
 the dog ran back to the house and the boys 
 hurried away with their berries, leaving Rod 
 and Joe standing there. 
 
 When the party were out of hearing Rod 
 and Joe went over to the hen, which was lying 
 on her side. As they came near she tried to 
 get away but only succeeded in flying a few 
 feet, then falling over again. 
 
 " Joe, we must take the chicken to the house 
 and tell them how it happened," said Rod. 
 
 So, catching the hen and holding her fast, 
 Rod went in the direction the dog took, fol- 
 lowed by Joe with both pails of berries. 
 
 As they came near the farm-house the dog 
 wagged his tail in friendly recognition of 
 them, while an old lady came out on the 
 stoop. 
 
 "Well, well!" she said, after hearing the
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 71 
 
 story, " you'd better wait until my husband 
 comes back. He's gone after the boys." 
 
 " Must this poor hen wait too?" asked Joe. 
 " Can't you do something for her? " 
 
 " Oh, no," answered the woman. " I'll 
 wring her neck and cook her. That's all she's 
 good for now." 
 
 " Oh, don't! " cried Rod, " You can heal her 
 good as ever." 
 
 The woman looked quizzically at Rod. 
 
 " I'm too busy to fuss with a sick hen when 
 I've got hundreds to look after." 
 
 "Maybe you'll sell her to me?" ventured 
 Joe timidly. 
 
 " Why, bless your little heart, you can have 
 her if you want to fuss with her," said the 
 woman kindly. 
 
 The boys thanked her happily, and cared 
 tenderly for the hen. 
 
 The woman's .eyes were suspiciously moist 
 as she gazed over the hills, but seeing her hus- 
 band coming toward the house, she said 
 brusquely:
 
 72 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "Here's the boss. The chickens are mine 
 so you needn't say I gave the hen to you." 
 
 "Ah-hal" exclaimed the farmer when he 
 saw the berries. " I've got two of the rascals, 
 anyway." 
 
 "No, you haven't, either 1" answered his 
 wife quickly. " These little boys brought a 
 hen in that they found hurt. They have been 
 berryin' all morning and just found our patch 
 when the dog ran out, so they came over. I'm 
 goin' to pay them for the time they spent 
 pickin' these for me." 
 
 The farmer looked at his wife in surprise 
 but said nothing as she counted out ten cents 
 to each boy. 
 
 " Say, you young 'uns! what's the names of 
 them boys what run away? " asked the farmer 
 in a nasal tone. 
 
 " You know you'd think me pretty mean if 
 I told tales," answered Rod manfully. "When 
 I tell them the berries are yours, they'll bring 
 them back, for if they don't, they'll be pun- 
 ished by error."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS 1 HARVEST 73 
 
 The farmer looked at the boys, then shrug- 
 ging his shoulders went toward the barn, 
 while his wife put the hen in an old meal-bag 
 and tied the top. 
 
 " This is the best way to carry a chicken to 
 keep 'em from gettin' frightened." 
 
 " I'll be careful of her and thank you very 
 much," said Joe, taking the bag while Rod 
 carried the empty pails. 
 
 " Heigh there! " shouted a voice from the 
 hill-side, "where have you two kids been?" 
 
 Looking up they saw the rest of the party 
 coming along the foot-path. 
 
 " We began to get worried, so we came back 
 to see if you had lost the path," said Clare's 
 brother. 
 
 Then Rod told them about the hen, adding 
 that the farmer expected them back with the 
 berries. 
 
 " Do you think he'll do anything? " asked 
 one of the girls fearfully. 
 
 " Not if you take them back, but if you don't 
 I think he will do something about it."
 
 74 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " Catch me takin' mine back! " said George, 
 tossing his head defiantly. " I'm goin' to the 
 Spring to eat my lunch." 
 
 "Joe and you go to the Spring with George 
 and wait for us we'll hurry," said Fred Sal- 
 ters to Rod, starting for the farm followed by 
 the others. 
 
 When the three boys reached the Spring, 
 George noticed the bag that Joe carried. 
 
 "What'cher got in there?" 
 
 " The farmer's wife gave Joe the chicken," 
 answered Rod quietly. 
 
 " She did, eh! Well, I'd have broken both 
 its legs with the stone if I'd thought you sissy- 
 boys would make such a fuss over the old 
 thing," sneered George. 
 
 Joe, resenting his sneer, was about to make 
 an angry reply, but Rod nudged him saying: 
 
 " c A soft answer turneth away wrath.' ' 
 
 "Pooh! you little infant-school angels!" 
 said George, "I wouldn't be seen in your com- 
 pany even here in the woods." 
 
 Snatching up his pail of berries and the
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 75 
 
 lunch basket, George started to go, when his 
 toe caught in a running blackberry vine. 
 Falling full-length amid the sharp stones and 
 briars he, like all spoiled children, began cry- 
 ing loudly, while the lunch and berries scat- 
 tered far and wide. 
 
 Sitting up, he pulled down his stocking to 
 examine his knee which appeared to be badly 
 bruised and swelling rapidly. Rod imme- 
 diately closed his eyes and denied the error. 
 
 " Why don't you come over to help me in- 
 stead of standing there," cried George, rather 
 inconsistently. 
 
 "What do you want us to do?" asked Joe. 
 
 " You fell, losing your lunch and berries be- 
 cause you know it is wrong to keep those ber- 
 ries," said Rod. " And because you wish you 
 had broken the chicken's other leg, error trips 
 you up and hurts your leg." 
 
 " Stop preachin', you crazy kid, and fetch 
 some water to put on my knee," screamed 
 George. 
 
 " I'll do more than that," answered Rod,
 
 76 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 compassionately, " I'll help to heal you in the 
 true way." 
 
 "I just guess you won't either!" growled 
 George, catching up a rock and pretending to 
 throw it at Rod. The rock was so large it 
 slipped from his grasp, striking his knee 
 again, which caused him to scream. 
 
 " Come, Joe," said Rod softly, " if we irri- 
 tate him, it will be better for us to go away." 
 
 "Are you goin' to leave me here alone," 
 cried George. " Help me over to the Spring 
 at least." 
 
 As Rod and Joe managed to carry him to 
 the edge of the water, voices were heard in 
 the distance. The rest of the party, coming 
 back, were silenced when they heard how er- 
 ror brought such immediate punishment to 
 George. They knew that Betty, Rod and Joe 
 understood God to be .Good, and any pain or 
 disappointment was the result of wrong think- 
 ing, so no comments were made during the 
 lunch, and immediately after, the larger boys 
 carried George home.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 77 
 
 The doctor being summoned said it would 
 be a long time before George would walk 
 again as his knee had a bad dislocation. 
 
 After a week of severe pain, George felt so 
 humble and repentant, that he sent for Rod to 
 come and see him. Mrs. Alvern went with 
 Rod and after they had talked some time, Mrs. 
 Johnson asked if George could be helped in 
 Science. 
 
 Before leaving, Mrs. Alvern gave them a 
 treatment and loaned her text-book to Mrs. 
 Johnson. 
 
 The following Wednesday evening George 
 walked to the meeting, accompanied by his 
 mother. The Johnson family grew thor- 
 oughly interested in the study of God which 
 created entirely different, but harmonious 
 conditions in the family.
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 JOE'S DEMONSTRATIONS 
 
 \\7 HEN Rod and Joe brought home the 
 chicken, Betty led them directly to the 
 summer-house. Taking it from the bag, Joe 
 passed the hen to Betty, who sat down and 
 gave it a treatment. This done, Joe mixed 
 some meal, of which the hen ate sparingly and 
 then settled down to roost on the back of the 
 bench. While Betty watched in the arbor, 
 the boys ran to the barn to prepare a nest. The 
 hen (Betty had christened it Biddy) was re- 
 moved to her new roost where she behaved as 
 if that had always been her home. 
 
 Jim covertly watched the children when, 
 their task accomplished, they tip-toed from 
 the barn so the sleeping chicken would not be 
 disturbed. 
 
 "You don't think Love will bother about 
 that hen's leg, do you?" asked Jim quizzi- 
 cally. 
 
 79
 
 8o THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " You surely do not doubt it, do you, Jim?" 
 asked Rod wonderingly. 
 
 "'As the unthinking lobster renews it's 
 claws,' " quoted Betty emphatically, " so will 
 the hen's leg heal." 
 
 The next morning, Joe running to the barn 
 to see his hen, found instead, an egg in the 
 nest. 
 
 "Jim, Jim!" called Joe excitedly, "come 
 quick and see the present Biddy has given 
 
 me." 
 
 "That's why Miss Biddy acted so proud. 
 I saw her struttin' out of the barn-door, and 
 without sayin' good mornin' to me, started off 
 on a run for the summer-house. I think she 
 was lookin' for you to tell you about the egg," 
 answered Jim, smiling. 
 
 Joe, taking the egg, ran in search of Biddy 
 and found her standing on the bench in the 
 arbor where she had been helped the evening 
 previous. 
 
 She was very quiet that day but the follow- 
 ing morning began scratching about as lively
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 81 
 
 as a cricket. Joe found a nice, fresh egg 
 every day until Mrs. Alvern mentioned the 
 fact. 
 
 "Joe, I'd like to buy those eggs from you," 
 said she. 
 
 Joe was surprised; then an idea gradually 
 formed in his mind expressing itself thus: 
 
 " Mrs. Alvern, do chickens cost much?" 
 
 " I've heard the expense of maintaining 
 them is almost nothing but you should have a 
 number of them to make it pay," answered 
 she. 
 
 " I guess I'll ask Jim where I can buy some. 
 I can take some money from my l benefit,' then 
 when I sell the eggs, I'll put it back in the 
 bank," Joe said musingly. 
 
 Mrs. Alvern commended Joe's desire to 
 help himself, so Joe confided in Jim. To- 
 gether they went to Jim's friend who was a 
 gardener at a dentist's home. 
 
 " Say, Dennis, will you give this lad some 
 advice about chickens and tell us the best 
 layin' kind?" asked Jim.
 
 82 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Giving Joe much valuable information, 
 Dennis added: 
 
 "We have so many young chickens at 
 present that the boss told me to sell some 
 off." 
 
 " How much does he want for 'em? " asked 
 Joe eagerly. 
 
 " He didn't say, but I know," said Dennis, 
 nodding his head wisely at Joe, " if you goes 
 and asks the doctor yoursel' you'll git 'em 
 cheaper than me nor Jim could." 
 
 When Rod and Joe went to Dr. Anson's of- 
 fice to ask about the chickens, the doctor not 
 being busy just then, questioned Joe, concern- 
 ing himself. 
 
 Hearing the mention of " Love's Society " 
 during the conversation, the doctor asked in- 
 terestedly about it, so Rod described their 
 work. 
 
 " I'm goin' to find work somewhere so I'll 
 not draw the money from the box," added Joe. 
 " That's why I want chickens, until somethin' 
 else turns up for me."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 83 
 
 " How would you like to work in my of- 
 fice?" asked Dr. Anson. 
 
 " I don't know how," answered Joe wist- 
 fully. " I'd try hard to learn though." 
 
 " I want someone to run errands and do lit- 
 tle chores about the rooms. You could come 
 at nine and be through at five o'clock. I paid 
 the last boy two and a half dollars weekly. 
 How would that do? " said the doctor. 
 
 "Oh, it's fine! Will you keep it for me 
 until I ask advice about it? " asked Joe, fear- 
 ful lest a boy might come in and take the posi- 
 tion while he was gone home to ask permis- 
 sion. 
 
 " Certainly," answered the doctor laughing. 
 " I'll keep it in the refrigerator so it won't 
 melt away." 
 
 " Could I be spared to go to school in the 
 Fall, do you think?" Joe remembered to 
 ask. 
 
 " I guess we can arrange it quite easily," 
 said Dr. Anson, good-naturedly. 
 
 "Joe, I think it's a demonstration. That's
 
 84 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 what I think, if you should ask mel " Rod said 
 decidedly. 
 
 "A WHAT?" the doctor asked perplex- 
 edly. 
 
 "Why, a demonstration! It's something 
 real good that God gives you when you follow 
 as closely as possible, the teachings in our text- 
 book," answered Rod. 
 
 Dr. Anson made no further remarks in ref- 
 erence to Rod's explanation, but that didn't 
 prevent him from thinking. Thinking is 
 the first step in Truth. 
 
 The doctor wrote a note to his gardener, and 
 handing it to Joe, said he should select what 
 chickens he needed. 
 
 When Jim and the boys went over for the 
 chickens, Dennis read the letter. 
 
 " The boss says I should help you pick out 
 good layin' hens and you are to pay fer 'em 
 when you sells your eggs," Dennis said. 
 
 " Oh I How beautiful everything turns out. 
 I don't know why everyone likes me and shows 
 such kindness to me," remarked Joe grate-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 85 
 
 fully. "It must be because I am trying 
 hard to do just what the 'quiet voice' tells 
 
 me." 
 
 Three hens and a rooster were selected and 
 the price of them asked. 
 
 " Just an even dollar," answered Dennis, 
 winking at Jim who was too surprised to 
 speak. 
 
 " Maybe Biddy will fight these new-com- 
 ers," suggested Jim, as they carried the chick- 
 ens to the barn. 
 
 " Jim, I'm shocked to hear you claim such a 
 thing against Biddy," Betty spoke up. " She 
 loves company." 
 
 "Why! Dear old Biddy is too good to 
 fight," added Joe, in his hen's defense. 
 
 "Jim, I guess you forgot Biddy belongs to 
 our Society; we wouldn't have fighters on the 
 membership," said Rod, in great dudgeon. 
 
 Jim laughed with keen enjoyment at the 
 manner in which his casual remark was re- 
 ceived. 
 
 It was as the children said Biddy was so
 
 86 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 pleased with the strangers that she chattered 
 like a fussy magpie. 
 
 Joe kept his chickens so clean and comfort- 
 able that they repaid him with enough eggs 
 to supply both families. One of the hens was 
 setting on a dozen eggs and the children 
 eagerly awaited the little chicks. 
 
 Joe had accepted the dentist's position, 
 proving such a willing and bright boy that Dr. 
 Anson promised him an increase of a dollar a 
 week. 
 
 One day as Joe came from the office Rod 
 ran to him shouting, while Betty waved her 
 hat from the top of the gate-post. 
 
 "Joe! J e ! m e chicks are out! five yellow, 
 six speckled, and one weeny, white one. Jim 
 says it's wonderful they all hatched out alive." 
 
 The boys ran out to the barn to find Betty 
 had preceded them and was cooing to the lit- 
 tle puff-balls, while the mother-hen fiercely 
 scolded, for the interference in her family 
 circle. The children simply screamed with 
 merriment when they saw Biddy show off. 
 She went about excitedly with her feathers
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 87 
 
 spread out, scratching and clucking as proudly 
 as if the chicks were her own grand-children. 
 She strutted up to Joe, pecking at his shoes 
 and hopping back again to the wonderful 
 brood. 
 
 Joe's face wore a continuous smile. He 
 had never seen young chicks before and he 
 loved to hold them against his face. He felt 
 an affinity for the white one; it appealed to 
 him because, being the smallest, it was not as 
 spry as the others when the mother-hen called 
 her chicks to their dinner, so it often went 
 hungry. 
 
 " Joe, we'll have to build a coop and run- 
 way," Jim said, " for all these chickens are be- 
 coming a nuisance in the garden." 
 
 So Joe bought material from the egg money 
 and spent his spare time building a coop under 
 Jim's instruction. Joe selected a spot back of 
 the barn where he could see it from his win- 
 dow. 
 
 When the rows of roosts and nice square 
 boxes for nests were completed, Joe felt he 
 had achieved a wonderful feat.
 
 88 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "We ought to give the chickens a house- 
 warming," said Rod, laughing. 
 
 " If the chickens could write the invitations 
 they'd be glad to give the party," replied Joe. 
 
 " I've heard of * writing like a chicken's 
 foot-prints, ' : said Betty, smiling. " Why 
 shouldn't our chickens be educated too." 
 
 Mrs. Alvern over-heard the children joking 
 about a party and smilingly asked : 
 
 " Will you serve refreshments? If you do, 
 I may come." 
 
 "Yes, indeed," laughed Betty. "We're 
 going to have cracked corn served on chicken 
 feathers, toasted to a crisp." 
 
 "At what time will the feast begin?" 
 
 " About sun-down," replied Rod. 
 
 " Because the chickens go to roost at that 
 time and it wouldn't be polite to have the party 
 without them," Joe remarked, while they all 
 laughed. 
 
 That evening Betty extended an invitation 
 to her family and it was accepted very seri- 
 ously. Considering it all a huge joke, the
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 89 
 
 children soon forgot it; so the next afternoon 
 they were surprised to find a bushel of 
 cracked corn at the new coop. Tied to the 
 bag was a card that read: 
 
 " The Dorands regret that they will not be 
 present to eat any corn to-night." 
 
 Another bag containing meal displayed a 
 card reading: 
 
 "Alvern's donation to the coop-warming." 
 
 Alongside the bags was a bale of straw for 
 the nests, from Jim, Mollie and Nan. 
 
 These gifts were as much a surprise to 
 Betty and Rod, as to Joe. Making merry 
 over it, they had great fun moving the chick- 
 ens into the new quarters. 
 
 Before summer was over, Joe added more 
 young chicks to his coop and felt he was a 
 stock-farmer. The income from the sale of 
 eggs was regularly put away for the future. 
 
 One morning, Joe stopped in a store for a 
 moment, to watch an auction sale of books. 
 Bidding twenty-five cents for a bundle of 
 books, he was delighted to have them sold to
 
 90 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 him. Reaching the office, he placed the 
 books on his cap. 
 
 " Joe," asked the doctor, later in the morn- 
 ing, "what are you going to do with the 
 books?" 
 
 " Take 'em home," answered Joe. " I'm 
 goin' to save until I get a lot of 'em, then I'll 
 build a bookcase to hold 'em." 
 
 " Like you did for the chickens, eh? " said 
 the doctor. 
 
 Dr. Anson went home at noon leaving Joe 
 in charge of the office. He remained much 
 longer than usual, but upon returning gave 
 some trivial explanation. 
 
 " Joe, as we are not busy this afternoon, you 
 may go home to enjoy your books," said Dr. 
 Anson. 
 
 " Thank you, sir," answered Joe meekly, 
 but the moment he was out of the office door 
 he gripped his books and raced home. Near- 
 ing the cottage he heard voices coming from 
 his room, and found Betty and Rod sitting on 
 the floor amid a quantity of books. In the
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 91 
 
 corner stood a white enameled book-case with 
 thin silk curtains hanging before the shelves. 
 Joe was speechless with amazement. 
 
 " Isn't he just fine, though? " Betty greeted 
 him in high glee. 
 
 " Joe, these books on travel and adventures 
 are splendid," added Rod. " Dr. Anson came 
 over with the man who carried the books, and 
 asked us to arrange 'em for you." 
 
 "Dr. Anson!" repeated Joe. "Did he 
 lend 'em to me?" 
 
 " He gave them to you! For keeps! Ain't 
 he great? " exclaimed Rod, forgetting gram- 
 mar in his haste to have Joe comprehend. 
 
 The following morning Joe thanked Dr. 
 Anson, who replied: 
 
 " You might have had them long ago but I 
 never thought; all those periodicals that are 
 more than a few weeks old can be taken away 
 too." 
 
 Thus Joe realized his library from Divine 
 Love through the avenue of Dr. Anson.
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 SOME NEW SOCIETY MEMBERS 
 
 NE day a letter came from Aunt Belle, 
 whose check had come the week pre- 
 vious; Betty wondered what the news could 
 be, until Rod suggested that she open the 
 envelope to find out. 
 
 " Dear Love Workers : 
 
 " Have you room to accommodate a dog that 
 needs the country? He is a beautiful collie 
 that came from Scotland. They had him 
 fastened in the hold of the steamer, where he 
 became frightened, and acted too dazed to 
 move, when called. He has never seemed well 
 since, so I thought with the kindness he will 
 receive from your Society, Laddie will feel all 
 right. Answer at once if you will board him, 
 as I am going abroad next week. When I 
 
 93
 
 94 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 return I intend visiting you to inquire the way 
 to find Love. 
 
 " My love to all, and kisses to you, from 
 
 "AUNT BELLE." 
 
 "What do you think of it?" asked Rod, 
 after a long pause. " I love dogs, don't you? " 
 
 " Yes, indeed, but we'll have to ask father 
 about it," replied Betty. 
 
 Running indoors to Dr. Dorand, they gave 
 him the letter. He read it saying he would 
 do his share in welcoming the dog, and ad- 
 vised them to get Jim's help in building a 
 kennel. 
 
 "Jim, will you help us build a house for 
 Laddie?" asked Rod, after Betty had ex- 
 plained about the dog. 
 
 Jim willingly consented to help, so a letter 
 was written, telling Aunty to send Laddie at 
 once. 
 
 The following day Betty, Rod and Jim 
 were very busy with tools and boards, building 
 the kennel for Laddie. Jim marked the
 
 95 
 
 boards for Rod to saw, and instructed Betty 
 about hammering. Rod sawed with stren- 
 uous energy but did not make much head- 
 way; determined, however, not to grumble, 
 he sawed through the board at last, and 
 standing up, mopped his perspiring face. 
 Jim, coming over to get the sections, looked 
 down in surprise, while Dr. Dorand walked by 
 the group just then. Inquiring how they 
 were progressing, he noticed what Rod had 
 done and joined Jim in a hearty laugh. Rod 
 had laid the board down on the door-step, 
 holding it down firmly with his foot, and in 
 sawing it, had sawed through the thick door- 
 step at the same time. 
 
 The old saying, " A woman can never hit a 
 nail on the head," was proven by Betty, whose 
 fingers caught the thud from the hammer 
 oftener than the nail did. 
 
 By evening the kennel was finished. It 
 was not built upon strictly architectural lines, 
 but the carpenters that planned Laddie's house 
 worked with a desire to accomplish.
 
 96 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Toward evening, the following day, the ex- 
 press-wagon stopped and the driver carefully 
 lowered an immense crate to the ground. 
 Betty and Rod ran out and peering between 
 the slats of the box, had a cold nose immed- 
 iately rubbed against their faces. Betty, 
 laughing, danced about the box while Rod 
 went for Jim, to help carry the box to the rear 
 porch. Jim taking off the slats, Laddie 
 sprang out and shook himself while the chil- 
 dren clapped their hands gleefully. Dr. Do- 
 rand, after examining him carefully, pro- 
 nounced him in splendid condition. 
 
 Laddie was a beautiful, thorough-bred dog; 
 his ruff and bushy tail stood out accentuating 
 the sharp pointed nose and slender legs. His 
 eyes were so intelligent and alert that Betty 
 said he understood everything. 
 
 Jim suggested chaining Laddie to the ken- 
 nel for a time, to prevent him from running 
 away, but the children loudly denounced the 
 idea. 
 
 "Nothing runs away from Love, Jim,"
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 97 
 
 quietly remarked Dr. Dorand. " Laddie is a 
 member of Love's Society for animals and he 
 knows it, too, just see him wag his tail while 
 following those children about." 
 
 So Laddie was given all freedom, remain- 
 ing with the children by day, and going to his 
 kennel at night, after Betty and Rod were 
 asleep. 
 
 The morning following Laddie's arrival, he 
 was taken to the summer-house and shown the 
 Society's contract, while the children ex- 
 plained what it meant. Betty then held a pen- 
 cil in Laddie's paw and guided it while Rod 
 steadied the contract where the dog's name 
 was signed under that of Biddy. This labori- 
 ous task being completed, Laddie was told 
 that, as he was a member of the Society, he 
 must love everybody and do all the good he 
 could. 
 
 Laddie, looking up at the children, gave 
 several short barks and wagged his tail ener- 
 getically in acknowledgment of the honor be- 
 stowed upon him.
 
 98 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 When Aunt Belle received the letter from 
 the children saying how much they loved Lad- 
 die who was well and happy, she smiled, nod- 
 ding her head with approval. 
 
 The new member was introduced to the 
 neighboring children, who petted and hugged 
 Laddie to his great delight. 
 
 " I wonder if Laddie would like to play 
 with a cute little maltese kitten I've got 
 home?" asked Clare Salters. 
 
 She ran home, returning in a few minutes 
 with something held in her arms. 
 
 "Oh, the little darling!" cried Betty, pat- 
 ting the kitten who purred contentedly. 
 
 Laddie lay at the children's feet with one 
 eye open for the slightest move which might 
 suggest that he was wanted, his tail tapping 
 the floor spasmodically if his name was men- 
 tioned. Since the kitten's appearance on the 
 scene, however, he was curiously attentive un- 
 til Betty called. 
 
 " Come here, old fellow, we'll introduce 
 you."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 99 
 
 Laddie stood up, sniffing at the furry little 
 mite in Betty's lap. Kitty's paw went out 
 with an instinctive feeling of self-defense, but 
 rinding only love about her, instead of mali- 
 cious mischief, she allowed Laddie to lick her 
 fur. Thereafter, it was Laddie's especial 
 privilege to protect Kitty. 
 
 About the time that Laddie came to live 
 with the Society, Nannie moved her effects to 
 the Dorands' and left the little dormer room 
 in the rear of the cottage. 
 
 Joe occupied the front room, paying Mol- 
 lie two dollars a week for his board. 
 
 His chickens were attended to so faithfully, 
 that the daily increase of eggs was enough to 
 enable Joe to sell to the neighbors. Some 
 more eggs had hatched, among which was a 
 tiny bantam that became the pet of the chil- 
 dren. Biddy had so many grand-children by 
 this time that she gave up clucking and worry- 
 ing about them, subsiding into a quiet, indus- 
 trious old hen. 
 
 One morning while Betty and Rod sat in
 
 ioo THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 the summer-house with Laddie at their feet, 
 Dr. Dorand came over to them. 
 
 " I just witnessed a scene that will appeal 
 to the aid of your Society," said he, without 
 any preamble. 
 
 The children were interested at once so the 
 doctor continued : 
 
 " A farmer took me toward Green Village 
 this morning to examine some cattle that 
 seemed to be dropping off with no particular 
 complaint. I discovered the seeming cause 
 and after giving the cattle a good treatment, 
 advised the farmer concerning sanitary condi- 
 tions in regard to the. Board of Health law. 
 Not being aware of the existing evil he was 
 grateful to have it exposed. 
 
 " * But what are you going to do about the 
 cows?' he asked. 'Will you send down 
 some medicine for them? I don't want to lose 
 any more.' 
 
 " I told him it would not be necessary to 
 dose them with medicine as I knew they 
 would be all right.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 101 
 
 " Then in a simple explanation I gave him 
 some Truth food, mentioning how I found 
 Divine Love. He was very much interested 
 in hearing of my cure and invited me to come 
 to the house to tell his wife. 
 
 "As we were crossing the lower meadow, 
 near a grove of thick trees, we heard a child's 
 cries. Mr. Whiting, the farmer, looked about 
 in surprise, thinking it was one of his chil- 
 dren. 
 
 " Hastening our steps toward the shadows 
 of the grove, we distinguished a woman 
 sitting on the grass leaning unconsciously 
 against a tree. A small child was pulling at 
 her hands while another sat beside her, cry- 
 ing. 
 
 "I immediately declared the Truth but 
 with no apparent effect. Mr. Whiting and I 
 carried her to the farm-house, not far distant, 
 and I kept up working hard against error. I 
 soon found, however, that the woman was be- 
 yond temporal help, while the present duty 
 seemed to be, to see the two little girls cared
 
 102 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 for and the town authorities properly notified. 
 Mrs. Whiting had taken charge of them while 
 her husband and I drove into town to attend 
 to forms demanded by law. I came home to 
 ask if Love's money will help these little 
 ones? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, indeed it will ! " cried Betty 
 eagerly. 
 
 " We've got about sixty dollars in the 
 bank," added Rod. " Aunt Belle's paid Lad- 
 die's board for three months in advance, so 
 that helped a lot. What can we do for 
 them? " 
 
 "Can we go back with you to get them?" 
 asked Betty. 
 
 " I don't think you had better do anything 
 just yet," answered her father. " I must see 
 what the outcome of the investigation will be. 
 I see you have funds enough to assist if it is 
 found necessary." 
 
 Mrs. Alvern came over to the arbor as the 
 doctor finished speaking, so he repeated the 
 story to her.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 103 
 
 "Will they remain at the farm? " inquired 
 she. 
 
 " I don't see how they can," replied Dr. Do- 
 rand. "Whiting has a large family of his 
 own but a very small house." 
 
 " Mother, why couldn't we board them with 
 Mollie for a few days or, at least, until their 
 relatives are found?" asked Rod anxiously. 
 
 Mrs. Alvern looked inquiringly at the doc- 
 tor for an answer. 
 
 " That doesn't seem an unwise suggestion," 
 he said. " It opens an immediate shelter for 
 the tots where they will be well cared for." 
 
 " The children might run up to ask Mollie 
 and tell her to come here to talk it over," sug- 
 gested Mrs. Alvern. 
 
 Betty and Rod needed no further approval 
 but ran to the cottage to confer with Mollie. 
 
 "Oh, Mollie! what do you think! Love 
 sent us two dear little girls 'cause we have 
 sixty dollars. If they live with you how long 
 will that much money last?" called Betty ex- 
 citedly when she saw Mollie in the doorway.
 
 104 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "Yes, sir!" echoed Rod, "they're on the 
 farm where there ain't room, so Betty's father 
 says we can help, as we've saved heaps of 
 money, since Joe pays his own way." 
 
 "Children, children," exclaimed Mollie, 
 playfully putting her hands over her ears, 
 " if you want me to help, you'll have to go 
 slow. All I could make out was, that you had 
 a farm that two little girls were running, but 
 as it was too small for them to live on, you 
 wanted them to live with me. Is that cor- 
 rect?" 
 
 "Yes, yes!'' impatiently answered Betty, 
 " but will the money last? " 
 
 " Betty, I wish you'd try and tell Mollie the 
 story straight," said Rod, remonstratingly. " It 
 isn't scientific to be impatient; besides you 
 ought to know by this time, that if this present 
 supply of money is used, Love has all we will 
 need." 
 
 Betty felt rebuked, but knew Rod was 
 right. 
 
 " Mollie, we can't keep the girls if their re-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 105 
 
 lations come for 'em, but we want you to keep 
 'em for a few days. Take off your apron and 
 come over to see Betty's father," advised 
 Rod. 
 
 Jim came up, and having heard the tale, ad- 
 vised Mollie to see the elders who were at the 
 summer-house. 
 
 The result of the conference at the summer- 
 house was, that Jim hooked Ben to the phae- 
 ton, for Mollie to drive to the farm, and judge 
 for herself what the children seemed to be 
 like. 
 
 Late that afternoon, Mollie returned with 
 two girls. The elder nine years of age, sad 
 and forlorn-looking, the younger, about seven, 
 frightened by strange people and surround- 
 ings. 
 
 Rod and Betty appropriated the little sisters 
 at once, taking them over to the arbor to be- 
 come acquainted. 
 
 "Are you glad Love brought you to visit 
 us?" asked Betty gently, with an arm about 
 each child.
 
 io6 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "What's your names?" asked Rod with 
 boyish bluntness. 
 
 " Mine's Helen Graham and hers is Mary," 
 timidly answered the eldest. 
 
 " I love the name of * Mary' 'cause all the 
 Marys in the bible were full of love," said 
 Betty, patting little Mary's cheek. 
 
 "I like 'Helen' too," Rod added impar- 
 tially. " It sounds brave and strong." 
 
 Glancing shyly at him, Helen smiled her ap- 
 preciation. 
 
 " Is you two sisters like we is? " questioned 
 Mary. 
 
 The others laughed, establishing a feeling 
 of good fellowship which replaced the diffi- 
 dence that existed before. 
 
 " He isn't my sister," giggled Betty, " he's 
 a partner in Love's Society. His name's Rod, 
 an' mine is Betty." 
 
 "What's a partner?" asked Mary wonder- 
 ingly, while Rod explained about their so- 
 ciety, interrupted every few words by Betty's 
 supplements.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 107 
 
 Meanwhile Mollie sat on the piazza. 
 with the elders and repeated her story to 
 them. 
 
 "When I got to the farm, Mrs. Whiting 
 had washed the girls and dressed 'em in some 
 of her children's clothes. When I told her our 
 proposition she seemed relieved, for she has 
 such a large family that it would be out of the 
 question for her to keep these children with 
 her. 
 
 " She gave me a bundle made up from a 
 trunk of out-grown clothing and asked if she 
 could sto.p in to see the little ones when she 
 came into town. 
 
 "The man who came from town with Dr. 
 Dorand, wrote down the girls' names with all 
 they could tell him, sayin' to me, that maybe 
 the information would help straighten matters 
 out. I left the doctor at the farm to help sift 
 the trouble, an' I came on home with the poor 
 dears." 
 
 " Well, Mollie, the children are all right for 
 the present, thanks to the Society with its
 
 io8 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 funds," sighed Mrs. Alvern with a relieved 
 air. 
 
 " I guess I'll take them up to the cottage 
 now, and begin to get acquainted," said 
 Mollie, picking up the parcel. 
 
 " Come, children," she called to the group 
 in the arbor, " I'm going to show you our 
 
 \ 
 
 home." 
 
 The word "home" sounded so pleasant to 
 the little girls, that they ran to Mollie obed- 
 iently. 
 
 Late that night Dr. Dorand came home 
 tired, but triumphant. Mrs. Alvern had re- 
 mained with Mrs. Dorand until the doctor's 
 return. 
 
 "Well, friends!" said Dr. Dorand, " it's all 
 right as far as the girls are concerned. 
 
 " When I got back to the farm, Whiting had 
 already arrived with the doctor and constable. 
 They told me that consumption was the cause 
 of the poor woman's passing, but lack of fdod, 
 and over-fatigue accelerated the end. 
 
 " In her pocket was found a note which
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 109 
 
 read: * My children have relatives called Gra- 
 ham, at Watnong. Take them there as these 
 cousins are wealthy. My husband died last 
 year.' 
 
 " Mrs. Whiting, hearing of the circumstan- 
 ces, declared with loving compassion that the 
 mother should remain with her until the rela- 
 tives came for her. 
 
 " Well, to cut a long story short, I guess it 
 was as well the woman did not see these rela- 
 tives at Watnong. They have such a sense of 
 greed that it is a wonder to me they have any 
 success at all. We went there and found that 
 they own a fine, large farm and have an ex- 
 tensive dairy which supplies the city market. 
 
 "After the farmer heard the story of the 
 woman's children, with the note referring to 
 him, he said it was years since their cousin 
 Fred Graham visited them and as long as Fred 
 was gone, not providing anything for his 
 family, there was no sense in coming to him 
 who never knew the children. 
 
 " l The woman waVt no blood relation any-
 
 i io THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 ways,' the old farmer said. { An' as it's hayin' 
 time we can't stop to fuss over her funeral.' 
 
 " I very quietly asked him ' what about the 
 children?' 
 
 " * I ain't goin' to meddle in other folks'es 
 affairs. I pay taxes for the keep of the County 
 House where the youngsters can find room 
 enough, I guess.' Turning to his son, he said, 
 * Come on. We're losin' time. Time's gettin' 
 on, an' there's that load of hay waitin' at the 
 barn for us to fork up in the loft.' 
 
 " He was starting off in the direction of the 
 barn but the constable laying his hand on the 
 farmer's shoulder, showed his badge. 
 
 " ' Wait a minute my good man,' he said sar- 
 castically. c We have a form of identification 
 for you to fill out. If you refuse to come with 
 us, I can arrest you.' 
 
 " That brought the farmer, grudgingly. Not 
 a line of his hardened face relaxed with sym- 
 pathy, as he read the note and identified his 
 cousin, but the law was satisfied. 
 
 " I had a lawyer in the living-room, draw-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST in 
 
 ing up some papers while the farmer was up- 
 stairs, and when he came down I asked him 
 to sign them so no further trouble need be 
 given him. 
 
 " The farmer and his son, after reading the 
 paper over, signed and swore to the agreement 
 relinquishing all right and claim, together 
 with responsibility, to the children; giving 
 me the right of guardian, providing we as- 
 sume their care and maintenance until matur- 
 ity. 
 
 " The old man seemed to think he had the 
 best of the bargain because he smiled mali- 
 ciously at me as he went out and said: 
 
 " ' I'm much obliged to you, my good man, 
 for your meddlin'. Guess I got out of this 
 business pritty cheap, after all.' 
 
 " I was so vexed at him that it took me all 
 the way home to realize that that man was my 
 own brother and 'twas rank error that acted 
 in such manner." 
 
 " Steve, I think you were led to that farm 
 this morning," said Mrs. Dorand gratefully.
 
 ii2 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " I never had a doubt of it. I consider it 
 a divine and loving demonstration for all in- 
 terested parties. I am genuinely happy to 
 think I have been able to do a little good in 
 turn for all I have received," replied Dr. Do- 
 rand earnestly. 
 
 " It has all fitted together so nicely," said 
 Mrs. Alvern, rising to go home. "Nannie 
 moving from the cottage in time to give place 
 for these little ones, while Mollie's desire to 
 earn some money, demonstrated in such a lov- 
 ing way in taking care of the Society's mem- 
 bers. 
 
 " It reminds one of the scriptural text, ' all 
 things worketh Good for those that trust 
 God.'" 
 
 The following evening Dr. Dorand came 
 home and sat on the porch where his wife was 
 sewing. Handing her a newspaper folded so 
 the headlines caught her attention, he said 
 nothing, but awaited her remarks when she 
 should have finished reading. 
 
 The paragraph marked read as follows:
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 113 
 
 " Last night the barns on Farmer Graham's 
 place at Watnong were totally destroyed by 
 fire. The loss is absolute as no insurance was 
 carried, and the entire season's hay, excepting 
 one load, was stored. The homestead was 
 preserved with difficulty, as the roof and 
 other spots ignited and were badly damaged. 
 The stock houses and dairy plant taking fire 
 from the hay sparks, burnt to the ground. 
 New filtering and sterilizing machines costing 
 several thousand dollars were in the dairy 
 house. The fire is supposed to have originated 
 from a haymaker's pipe, he having been or- 
 dered to continue work while the farmer was 
 attending to a personal matter. Being acci- 
 dental no attachment can be made." 
 
 "Steve!" gasped Mrs. Dorand, "what a 
 punishment for error to give its victim. Have 
 you told the others?" 
 
 " Jim knows about it, but I will not repeat 
 it to anyone else as we know there are no acci- 
 dents in Mind, so I do not wish to make matter 
 real," answered the doctor.
 
 ii4 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 The Graham children were very happy in 
 their new environment. Helen, being a neat 
 little house-keeper was a great help to Mollie 
 in small tasks; Mary delighted in feeding 
 Joe's chickens, and hunting for eggs. Jim 
 called her his first-assistant, as she raked the 
 garden paths, weeded the garden and cleaned 
 destructive bugs from the plants. 
 
 A short time after the Graham's were domi- 
 ciled, Mrs. Whiting called to see them. She 
 smiled as they all sat on the vine-covered 
 porch of the cottage, Mollie telling of the 
 children's doings. Just before leaving, Mrs. 
 Whiting took up a huge basket and removing 
 the cover, displayed a roll of golden butter, a 
 pair of dressed chickens, a dozen eggs and 
 some fruit 
 
 "These are our contributions toward the 
 little ones' keep. Husband and I decided to 
 'give of our plenty, to these motherless chicks," 
 said Mrs. Whiting, her voice full of tender 
 love. " We are so thankful our dear family 
 are healthy and happy, it seems we must just
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 115 
 
 do somethin'. My husband's been thinkin' a 
 heap of prayin' and readin' the Scripters 
 since that fire of old Graham's, and he says, 
 * Laura, if we act as mean as Graham, error 
 will come-back at us too. Let's open our 
 hearts to help some one.' ' 
 
 " God will surely remember your love, 
 Mrs. Whiting," said Mollie, earnestly, while 
 her guest wiped her moist eyes on a corner of 
 the cloth that had covered the butter. 
 
 " That day when the doctor come to our 
 place to see the cattle, he jest told my man of 
 the old-new way of healin', an' he told him 
 of his spine disease bein' cured. We kin' o' 
 thought he was queer at first, when he 
 wouldn't give any medicine to the cows, but 
 they began to git better at gnce, and then he 
 was so spry about settlin' the girls 3 papers. 
 
 " My man gits out the family Bible what's 
 always kept on the what-not in the front room, 
 an' begins readin' it. 
 
 " * Laura,' says he to me, ' the doctor said I 
 could find the new testament full of the won*
 
 n6 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 derful healin's of people by Divine Love, an* 
 I'm goin' to find out.' 
 
 " My goodness! Miss Davis, the hull book is 
 full of the healin' without medicine. It's real 
 comfortin' readin' too, so we jest got to readin' 
 it every night an' it's s'prisin' where our wor- 
 ries have gone lately." 
 
 " Mrs. Whiting, I wish you could come to 
 our meetin' Sundays and Wednesdays," said 
 Mollie. " I'm sure it would help you to under- 
 stand our Master's True Way." 
 
 " I don't see why we couldn't come Wednes- 
 days, 'cause we come to town every Thursday 
 anyway, so we'll jest make it a day sooner, an' 
 arrange to stay to meetin'," answered she. 
 
 Mollie thought she had said enough for that 
 time but she ran in the cottage to fetch some 
 Christian Science papers to Mrs. Whiting, 
 who was very grateful for them. 
 
 " I mos' forgot to tell you, that we'll bring 
 the butter and what else is in season, for a pres- 
 ent each week for God's little ones," said Mrs. 
 Whiting, and took her departure.
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 THE " BENEFIT " CIRCUS 
 
 / HT^ HREE weeks had passed since Helen 
 and Mary came to Love's Home, 
 where they felt perfectly contented. Five 
 dollars was paid Mollie each week from 
 Love's bank, for which she gave Betty and 
 Rod a neat little receipt, showing them how 
 to enter payment in the account book. New 
 shoes and other necessities were purchased for 
 the two girls while Mollie altered the gar- 
 ments given them by Mrs. Whiting. 
 
 Joe's dormer room became quite a rendez- 
 vous for all the children; they delighted in 
 looking at his books, while Joe was only too 
 happy to think some personal property of his 
 could give pleasure. 
 
 One day while the children sat in the sum- 
 mer-house reviewing events of the past ten 
 weeks, Joe came in, having been given an 
 
 afternoon's holiday by Dr. Anson. 
 
 117
 
 ii8 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " I'm mighty glad your Aunty invited you 
 to that circus," said Joe, reminiscently. 
 
 " If she hadn't we wouldn't have had you, 
 Joe, would we?" said Betty. 
 
 "Well, you see," spoke Rod, thoughtfully, 
 "we were instrumental in fulfilling divine 
 Love's plans. It seems wonderful to our 
 small understanding, but God's plans are all 
 igreat and marvelous. You know that poem, 
 Betty, 
 
 * Love's plans, like lillies white, unfold.'" 
 
 There was an unusual pause broken finally 
 by Mary. 
 
 " I wish 7 could see a circus," she ventured 
 timidly. " One time mother took me an' 
 Helen to see all the gold wagons and beasteses 
 march past." 
 
 " I can remember the beautiful lady dressed 
 in pink silk!" said Helen, turning to Mary. 
 " She sat in a gold chair on the elephant's 
 back! And the big band that played from the 
 top of the red and silver wagon!" 
 
 "Oh, Nell," exclaimed Mary, "do you
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 119 
 
 recommember the awful hipporatamus that 
 had such a big tooth! " 
 
 All the children laughed, Mary joining in, 
 thinking they were laughing " at the big 
 tooth." 
 
 " Once," began Joe slowly, as if recalling 
 a picture of vanishing past experiences, " the 
 boy that was so good to me had a pass for 
 Barnum's. He said I could have the ticket if 
 I wanted to go, but I was afraid to go alone, 
 so I sold his papers on the corner while he 
 earned an extra quarter by doing some odd 
 jobs for the grocery man; and we went to the 
 show. Gee! it was great!" 
 
 " Joe, that boy was a * good ' thought," an- 
 nounced Betty, decidedly. 
 
 " I wish he was here," replied Joe wist- 
 fully. " He was so kind to me that I feel 
 greedy while enjoying all these nice things," 
 and he waved his arm about comprehen- 
 sively. 
 
 " You needn't worry about him," said Rod 
 cheerfully. " If he is doing i good ' in the
 
 120 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 darkness, Divine Love will surely lead him to 
 the light when the time is right." 
 
 " I like to hear you talk that way, Rod," 
 said Joe, smiling again, " it makes it easy to 
 kick out the worry and know it is our right to 
 be free and happy." 
 
 While they were talking, old Ben, the 
 horse, was cropping grass on the lawn. As 
 he came nearer, Betty noticed that Jim had 
 braided his mane and tail in small braids tying 
 them with old colored ribbons. The sedate 
 old horse appeared so frivolous that Betty 
 laughed. 
 
 " Oh! he looks just like a i pretend' circus 
 horse." 
 
 The children all laughed, but Rod jumped 
 up and ran out. 
 
 " Come on," he called, " let's play circus and 
 ride on Ben's back." 
 
 Ben enjoyed the sport as much as his riders, 
 seeming loath to go with Jim, when he came 
 for him. 
 
 "Wouldn't it be fun to have a make-believe
 
 circus?" suggested Betty, as the children sat 
 under the trees cooling off, after their frolic 
 with Ben. 
 
 " Say! do you know what!" asked Rod, sit- 
 ting bolt upright where he had been rolling in 
 the grass. 
 
 The others waited impatiently for an expla- 
 nation, because when Rod spoke with such 
 energy it usually portended an inspira- 
 tion. 
 
 " Let's have an amateur circus for the bene- 
 fit of our Society!" He looked about with 
 much satisfaction at the effect his idea pro- 
 duced. 
 
 " Oh, say! but that's a great scheme!" said 
 Joe, admiringly. 
 
 " I think it's grand!" admitted Betty, look- 
 ing at Rod as if he were the discoverer of some 
 new wonder. 
 
 " Where' d you get the gold wagons with 
 the music?" queried Mary. "Oh, and the 
 animals?" 
 
 "Where would you have it?" asked Helen,
 
 122 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 after the laughter occasioned by Mary's ques- 
 tion had subsided. 
 
 "We could clean out the barn spic-an-span, 
 and have the animals caged up in the stalls; of 
 course Jim would help us," said Rod. 
 
 They had talked their plans over thus far, 
 when Clare appeared on the scene. When 
 told of the circus idea she hailed it with en- 
 thusiasm and was unanimously elected one of 
 the troupe. , 
 
 " Ben can be our performing horse while 
 Jim will be ring master, with a high collar 
 and a whip," said Rod. " Won't he look 
 funny? " 
 
 " If we have it at night we can have Japan- 
 ese lanterns on the trees," suggested Betty, 
 thinking of the colored lights glimmering 
 from the trees. 
 
 " But how could we see to perform? " asked 
 matter-of-fact Clare. 
 
 " And the grass would be damp and the ani- 
 mals will get sleepy, if you have it at night," 
 said Joe.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 123 
 
 " Do you think Mollie and Nan would join 
 if we asked them to be in it? " asked Rod, con- 
 fidentially of Joe. 
 
 "Why, I don't see why they wouldn't. We 
 can ask 'em, anyway," answered Joe. 
 
 "Mollie and Nan can pretend to be wild 
 savages, eh?" asked Rod. 
 
 " Maybe Mollie won't like to stay in the 
 barn if you have the show there," said Helen, 
 speaking for the first time. " I think you'll 
 make more money by having a refreshment- 
 table on the lawn, with Mollie in charge of 
 
 it." 
 
 " Say, Helen, you've got a great business 
 head on your shoulders," announced Rod as 
 they all agreed that Helen's proposition was a 
 good one. 
 
 " I don't think it would be right to have 
 ugly, freaky people, either!" remonstrated 
 Betty, emphatically. " God made everyone 
 perfect and lovely, and it would be error to 
 pretend anything contrary." 
 
 " That's so ! " answered Rod. " We'll have
 
 124 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 to be careful not to be led by error into any- 
 thing where Love would not be mani- 
 fested." 
 
 " There's a lot of strange, interesting kinds 
 of people we can imitate without using error 
 to help us," said Clare, and then continued : 
 
 "At church fairs they always have a grab- 
 bag. I think they're a pile of fun. Can't 
 Nannie have one for us? " 
 
 " Sure enough ! " exclaimed Betty. " She'll 
 be gladder to do that than be a wild woman ; I 
 know I would." 
 
 " Say, it'll take a long time to practice, 
 won't it? " asked Joe. " If only the Dorand 
 boys were home! We need more big boys, I 
 think." 
 
 The Dorand boys were visiting an uncle in 
 the West. 
 
 " Cousin Byram and Annette are coming to 
 visit us Saturday, for several weeks; Byram is 
 thirteen and Net is nine; they'll love to be in 
 it, if you'll let 'em," said Clare. 
 
 "That's fine! I think we're getting along
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 125 
 
 splendidly," said Rod, looking about for cor- 
 roboration. 
 
 "All except the main thing," ventured 
 Betty. 
 
 " What's that," asked all in unison. 
 
 " We've not asked Love to guide this under- 
 taking, and 'without Love, it would be a fail- 
 
 ure." 
 
 "Betty's right," was the reply. "We 
 won't plan any more until we have read in our 
 text-books and worked over it to see the Good 
 for everybody in the undertaking." 
 
 Dr. Dorand took a letter from his pocket 
 that evening and gave it to his wife. Betty 
 seeing the post-mark, knew it was from her 
 brothers. 
 
 " From Bert," said Mrs. Dorand, after 
 reading it. " He says they expect to be home 
 the latter part of next week. There are so 
 many interesting things to do on a ranch, he 
 writes, that it is impossible to tell it all in let- 
 ters, so we will not hear from them again un- 
 til they start for home."
 
 ia6 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "They'll just be in time for our circus!" 
 exclaimed Betty. 
 
 "The what?" asked her father, in sur- 
 prise. 
 
 As he had not heard of the " benefit," Betty 
 explained to him. 
 
 " Have you got your posters out? " he asked, 
 laughing, as Betty paused for breath. "You 
 know a circus advertises at least two weeks in 
 advance, so people will save their money." 
 
 " Oh, we can't be so stylish as to have post- 
 ers," replied Betty. 
 
 When the rest of the circus company heard 
 the Dorand boys would be home in time for 
 the show, there was general rejoicing, for 
 they would prove a valuable addition. There 
 was no doubt now, but that there would be 
 sufficient " stars " and " understudies " for the 
 various acts. 
 
 As much interest in the circus was mani- 
 fested by the neighbors as if a national cele- 
 bration was to take place. Everyone seemed 
 desirous of helping. Mrs. Dorand cut out
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 127 
 
 oblong tickets from cardboard, while Mrs. 
 Alvern printed them in a very neat way. 
 
 CIRCUS BENEFIT FOR LOVE'S 
 SOCIETY, 
 
 Alvern's Lawn, 
 
 Tuesday, August 7, 
 
 at 2 P. M. 
 
 ADMIT ONE. 
 
 There had been some discussion about the 
 price of admission, but Joe said it would be 
 better to charge ten cents and have a crowd, 
 making more money in selling refreshments, 
 than by asking twenty-five cents and only 
 have a few. The logic of this argument was 
 so apparent, that they all acquiesced in the ten 
 cent arrangement. 
 
 No one had thought that Dinah would like 
 to be included in the work, until one morning 
 in the kitchen, when Mrs. Alvern had finished 
 giving some orders. 
 
 " I do tink lil' massa mought hab lem'me
 
 i 2 8 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 sell cookies fer de sassiety!" she said ag- 
 grievedly. " He tinks dem good enuff to 
 eat." 
 
 " Why, Dinah! Would you? " asked Mrs. 
 Alvern, in surprise. " I know they would be 
 delighted to have you do it." 
 
 "'Deed I would, honey!" replied Dinah, 
 brightening up immediately. 
 
 "Dinah, you're a peach!" shouted Rod, 
 running into the kitchen as soon as he had 
 heard. " Everyone will want to buy your 
 cookies because they know you make the bestes 
 things to eat, that ever was ! " 
 
 Dinah smiled with pleasure. 
 
 " Sich a lil' honey-bird! I certain am glad 
 I lib wid sich a mighty fine fambly! " she mur- 
 mured to herself, as she placed her hands on 
 her ample hips and planned some wonderful 
 cookies. 
 
 Betty's brothers arrived and being informed 
 of the tremendous undertaking, straightway 
 entered into the fun. 
 
 " I'll be a l wonder ' in the side-show, but I
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 129 
 
 won't let anyone in the secret," ejaculated 
 Walter, wagging his head knowingly. 
 
 "Say, Bet, can I be door-keeper?" asked 
 Bert, in an ingratiating way. " I'll not allow 
 anyone to have a peep inside without pay- 
 ing." 
 
 " Oh, Bert! We forgot all about having a 
 "door-tender," cried Betty. " Of course you 
 can be it." 
 
 "All right. Then we'll consider that set- 
 tled." 
 
 Even Laddie seemed so interested in the cir- 
 cus proceedings that Betty mentioned it one 
 morning. 
 
 " I b'lieve Lad wants to b'long in the show, 
 too. Why can't he? They always have 
 trick-dogs at a circus." 
 
 There being no objections, Laddie's name 
 was added to the list of performers. Then 
 Betty had her hands full trying to teach 
 Clare's poodle, and Laddie, the tricks that 
 were expected by the audience. 
 
 About a week before the circus day, Joe
 
 130 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 was skipping around the corner, on his way 
 home, when his attention was attracted to a 
 flaring white and recj, poster on Cook's gro- 
 cery store. 
 
 The attention of the public was called to a 
 wonderful circus about to be held, then it went 
 on to say where, why and when, with the 
 names of the well-known " stars." The com- 
 poser's art had certainly not omitted anything 
 to make the advertisement attractive. 
 
 Meeting the other boys, Rod heard there 
 were twenty posters put up in various places; 
 also, that Uncle Dan had sent in for fifty tick- 
 ets. 
 
 " And paid for them in advance, too," 
 added Betty. 
 
 " Uncle Dan " was a universal favorite with 
 all the children, being "uncle" by courtesy, 
 to the entire neighborhood. 
 
 At supper that evening, Betty found a pack- 
 age on her plate. She looked about question- 
 ingly, but everybody was listening intently to 
 Dr. Dorand's account of a western bronco that
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 131 
 
 he rode while visiting his grandfather's 
 ranch. 
 
 Tearing off the wrapping paper Betty's sur- 
 prise expressed itself in "ohs." 
 
 A neat little pile of programmes lay in the 
 package. On the covers were pictured a cir- 
 cus tent with crowds of people about; flags 
 flying; horses prancing, and a band sitting on 
 a balcony. Oh, it was grand! Encircling 
 the picture, some gold lettering read as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 " Souvenir Programme of the Grand Circus 
 held for the Benefit of Love's Society, August 
 7th, Alvern's Lawn." 
 
 Betty jumped up in such haste to reach her 
 father that her chair fell over. Hugging him 
 until he seemed to choke, she looked wisely at 
 him. 
 
 " Now we know who stuck all those posters 
 up," she said. 
 
 " Not guilty! " immediately replied the doc- 
 tor, laughing. " I may have had a share in 
 the transaction, but was not the originator.
 
 132 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Uncle Dan and his friend, Mr. Lewis, are the 
 culprits." 
 
 Betty was told how Mr. Lewis, the man that 
 owned the newspaper, while in Uncle Dan's 
 office, overheard the children plan the show. 
 Meeting Jim the next day, Mr. Lewis found 
 out what the show was for, and he then 
 planned the poster surprise. 
 
 Gathering her programmes together, Betty 
 ran over to Alvern's. In a short time the en- 
 tire " troupe " were admiring the cards and 
 reading descriptions in glowing language of 
 the wonderful feats about to take place. Such 
 fine sounding names were given the perform- 
 ers that as each one discovered their title, it 
 caused much mirth. Jim was called " Profes- 
 sor Davis"; Betty was "Bettini"; Clare was 
 "Claribel"; Rod and Joe were " Rodimus 
 and Jodimus," etc. 
 
 As the day of the circus drew nigh the air 
 vibrated with hasty and important confer- 
 ences. 
 
 The day before the great event, Mrs. Whit-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 133 
 
 ing came in saying she had heard of the plan 
 and intended bringing her children. Pur- 
 chasing the tickets, she gave a huge package 
 to Dinah, and took her leave. Dinah, opening 
 the package, found five pounds of butter and 
 three dozen eggs for the baking of the cookies. 
 An attached card read: 
 
 " The Whiting's donation to the benefit." 
 
 The circus day dawned at last! 
 
 The barn was trimmed with greens and 
 bunting, until it looked quite festive. Even 
 Ben forgot his appetite for oats, in the general 
 hubbub. 
 
 On the lawn, colored lanterns and bunting 
 hung from trees, while the summer-house was 
 bristling with flags in every direction. Mol- 
 lie's stand of lemonade and candy, on one side 
 of the lawn, competed with Dinah's ever- 
 green-decorated kitchen table on the other 
 side. 
 
 Dinah had mixed and baked the previous 
 day until the pantry looked like a hotel supply 
 company's shop. Immense baskets of cookies,
 
 134 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 of all patterns and flavors, were ready for the 
 consumer. 
 
 Dinah, herself, was resplendent in a purple 
 challie gown that was carefully kept in tar- 
 paper, when not in requisition, being its own- 
 er's most precious item of wardrobe for the 
 past twelve years. Appearing to the public 
 to-day, after puffing and prinking, she resem- 
 bled a glowing dahlia. 
 
 Jim and Bert had borrowed the drop-cloth 
 from Cogman's paint-shop, for an awning, 
 stretching it from the corner of the house to 
 the trees. 
 
 Hard, narrow boards, arranged in rows for 
 seats, were jnore like the real circus article 
 than anything else. They rested on top of 
 soap-boxes, so one had to sit very still to pre- 
 vent the whole bgard from tipping over. 
 
 Jim had white-washed an old dump-cart for 
 the chariot race, draping it with colored 
 
 
 
 bunting and wild flowers until it was unrecog- 
 nizable as the former despised cart. 
 
 Dr. Anson had purchased some tickets f rorrx
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 135 
 
 Joe and given him permission to remain home 
 that day. 
 
 Immediately after noon the "troupe" hur- 
 ried to the barn and prepared their various 
 parts and poses. 
 
 Ben had been curried and groomed until he 
 looked and felt as he had twenty years before. 
 Gay rosettes and streamers were fastened to 
 his halter, and standing in the stall, ever and 
 anon reaching up to chew off a twig of ever- 
 green, he no more resembled the "steed" an- 
 nounced on the placard over his head, than he 
 did the battered tin horse on the barn's 
 weather-vane. 
 
 When the side-shows opened for the public, 
 they certainly presented a wonderful and 
 amusing collection. 
 
 In the first stall, Laddie was perched on a 
 log, tied and chained to prevent him from 
 tearing loose. A card suspended over his 
 head announced to' visitors the rarity of a 
 "wolf" like Laddie; how difficult to trap; 
 how untamable when once caught. The pub-
 
 136 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 lie did not seem intimidated, however, by the 
 warning over the den (?) to keep hands off, 
 nor did the ferocity (?) of the wolf's expres- 
 sion keep them from patting him on the head. 
 Poor Laddie's pleasure in this part of the show 
 was fettered, but his captivity was sweetened 
 by the children feeding him candy and 
 cookies. 
 
 Clare represented a beautiful Albani lady, 
 in a cheese-cloth dress draped like a Grecian 
 robe. Wavy, yellow hair, made of raveled 
 manilla rope, was sewed to a cap, close fitting 
 to the head, while her face, powdered with 
 corn-starch, had the rare, white-ivory tint. 
 Assuming a picturesque pose, she languidly 
 waved a fan of turkey feathers, in the latest 
 eastern style, while tin bracelets galore jingled 
 from arms and ankles. 
 
 Walking down past the stalls, you came to 
 some colored birds of strange plumage, which, 
 upon close inspection, discovered certain fa- 
 miliar " ear-marks." One would scratch and 
 cluck, while the other ruffled her feathers in
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 137 
 
 contempt and dozed. But their coloring was 
 truly wonderful. Bright feathers of all kinds 
 and colors stuck out in every direction, tied 
 on with baby-ribbons, which gave venerable 
 Biddy and her companion a rakish look. 
 
 Next came Clare's black poodle. He had 
 been fancifully clipped with tufts of hair left 
 here and there. Byram had shaken bronze 
 powder all over him, until he resembled a ver- 
 itable gold nugget, as the card inferred. 
 
 A corner of the barn was curtained off, 
 where, on some carriage robes, sat Mary and 
 Annette, wrapped in. Navajo blankets, with 
 their faces streaked with colored chalk. A 
 camp-kettle hung from some bean-poles that 
 stood in front of the tent, while a gun and some 
 spears from Dorand's cozy-corner were 
 grouped behind. What, with beads around 
 their necks and feathers coming from their 
 hair, they gave one the impression that 
 here, indeed, were the " Last of the Mohi- 
 
 cans." 
 
 It took some guessing who the wild man
 
 138 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 from Borneo could be. Walter had found an 
 old moth-eaten buffalo robe in the hay-loft, 
 which he wound about him and fastened with 
 tin bands ; an unkempt-looking wig made from 
 a hair mattress found in the attic, covered his 
 pate, while chains of corn and lima beans 
 hung about his neck; from a face painted 
 freely with red chalk mixed with grease, a set 
 of orange-rind teeth grinned fiercely at 
 friends, who unanimously declared Walter a 
 good fashion plate of the imported Borneo 
 type. 
 
 Joe was the strong man who lifted weights 
 and broke thick rods of iron. The surprised 
 children stood with their eyes wide open, 
 watching Joe lift balls of iron, marked 500 Ibs. 
 Even the elders thought the hollow paper 
 spheres were very cunningly joined and col- 
 ored to imitate iron. 
 
 The smallest baby elephant known, was a 
 stuffed toy mounted on wheels, about the size 
 of a sheep, that had been sent the Dorand boys, 
 years ago, from Aunt Belle. It had been rele-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 139 
 
 gated to the attic, but Betty, while searching 
 for trimmings, found, and hailed it as a 
 money-maker. Rod was appointed custodian 
 of the elephant, and rolled it about, giving the 
 children rides for a cent each. 
 
 Betty was an oriental flower-girl gotten up 
 regardless of style, color or material. A 
 Turkish fez cap perched on saucy auburn 
 curls; a Spanish bolero jacket trimmed with 
 sequins; a Roman scarf wound about her 
 waist; and a long Persian print looped about, 
 for a skirt; these with a pair of Japanese slip- 
 pers much too large and tied on her feet with 
 bright ribbons, formed a combination that 
 Betty fondly considered a great success. She 
 vended a large basket of flowers with such 
 persistence that they were sold out before the 
 ring-show began. 
 
 After the inspection of side-shows was over 
 and the audience had laughed over the won- 
 ders, a loud voice reached the barn. 
 
 "Lem-m on-n ade, fine, sweet lem-on- 
 ade, two cents a glass."
 
 i 4 o THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Recognizing Mollic's voice the circus goers 
 smiled. 
 
 Mollie stood in the summer-house waving a 
 flag to attract attention to the refreshments 
 waiting to be sold. 
 
 Dinah fearing she would be overlooked in 
 the rush to get at Mollie's stand, took a long 
 breath and sent forth a call like a calliope. 
 
 " Heah! Heah! Come to dis place fust 
 an' git you' home made cakes, an' den go tak 
 a drink ob lemyonade, when you'se good an' 
 tirsty! " 
 
 Dinah's anxious look combined with her 
 gala dress caused everyone to laugh; but 
 Dinah cared little for their laughing as long 
 as she got their money. 
 
 Mrs. Alvern went among the crowd be- 
 seeching every one to buy peanuts, while Mrs. 
 Dorand tempted the nickels from pockets of 
 people who never ate pop-corn. Marion was 
 busy, back and forth, getting small change for 
 all parties. 
 
 Presently the ring-master came out while
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 141 
 
 the crowd settled down for the ring perform- 
 ance. 
 
 Jim strutted about, snapping a whip, while 
 a centenarian silk hat tilted over his nose, and 
 artificial black mustachios having a fierce 
 twist at the ends, made him appear quite dis- 
 tingue. 
 
 " Ladies and Gentlemen," Jim began, 
 twisting his neck free from the tight grip of an 
 unusually high collar; "you have come here 
 this afternoon to see the wonders of your 
 block. (The audience laughed.) This great 
 show has been gathered together at great risk 
 and cost a-hem that is " 
 
 Jim looked at Dr. Dorand beseechingly for 
 a cue to the balance of his speech, but the doc- 
 tor laughed and shook his head. 
 
 " Well, then, risk to your furniture an' 
 clothin' an' temper. (Laughter.) We'll now 
 hustle up the rest of the show and cut out the 
 balance of my elercution." 
 
 When Jim made a low bow everyone 
 laughed and clapped their hands. Mounting
 
 142 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 an inverted butter-tub while flourishing his 
 whip, Jim called out " Hoop-la." 
 
 The barn-door swinging open at the signal, 
 Ben walked sedately out with Clare perched 
 airily on his back. Her cheese-cloth dress 
 was festooned with ribbons and spangles, and 
 waving a tinsel wand in one hand she threw 
 kiss-hands with the other. When the audi- 
 ence clapped, old Ben stood still to gaze com- 
 placently about. Jim chirped to him, while 
 holding up a paper hoop for Clare to jump 
 through, but Ben, spying a little, fresh-looking 
 tuft of grass, walked unconcernedly over to 
 and began chewing it. As Clare almost slid 
 off when he reached down for the grass, every- 
 one laughed while Jim came over to stir him 
 up a bit. Highly indignant at the public re- 
 buke, Ben started so unexpectedly, that Clare 
 clutched his mane as he defiantly cantered 
 toward his pasture lot back of the barn. 
 Clare's exit was so different from her stately 
 entrance that everyone screamed with mirth. 
 
 When Professor Davis announced the next
 
 Betty waving her wand toward Clare's poodle
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 143 
 
 act, Betty danced into the ring with her won- 
 derful trick dogs. Laddie enjoyed Betty's 
 waltzing so much that, barking and jumping 
 about her, he caught the mosquito netting 
 drapery in his mouth and carried off a long 
 strip of it to the other side of the lawn. 
 
 "That's a bully trick!" called out a boy's 
 voice from the rear, causing everyone to 
 laugh. 
 
 Jim called Laddie back, and Betty scolded 
 him for not behaving properly, while he 
 looked up in her face, wagging his tail under- 
 standingly. Two tubs and some tiny trestles 
 had been placed on a mat by the Professor and 
 Betty waving her stick at the tub, Laddie 
 climbed laboriously up and stood gingerly on 
 it. Betty, waving her wand toward Clare's 
 poodle, he also attempted to rise to the super- 
 ior elevation of his companion in misery, but 
 was just successful in getting his four feet too 
 near one side when the whole tub rolled over 
 on him, causing him to scamper home as fast 
 as he could go. (Great cheering and laugh-
 
 i 4 4 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 ter.) Laddie went through all the tricks 
 Betty had so patiently taught him, earning 
 honestly, the applause given at the end of his 
 act. 
 
 The acrobats and trapeze performers, ordin- 
 arily known to the assemblage as Rod, Joe 
 and Byram, then took their parts with great 
 enthusiasm. When the rest of the boys joined 
 in racing, jumping and wrestling, the juvenile 
 portion of the audience "shoo-ed" on their 
 brothers or friends. 
 
 An unforeseen pause occurring here, Jim 
 left his post to investigate. While he was 
 gone Dinah walked into the ring and sang old 
 plantation airs in her southern dialect. It 
 was so unexpected and spontaneous that it 
 proved the "hit" of the circus. Dinah fin- 
 ished, and bowing with great dignity, a storm 
 of applause showed that the audience appre- 
 ciated the act. 
 
 Jim came back to duty followed by the 
 Roman chariot with little Mary dressed as a
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 145 
 
 sprite, sitting among wild flowers, and Helen 
 driving the Roman steed. It seems the delay 
 was caused by Ben, who refused to be beguiled 
 from his pasture-lot even with a pail of oats. 
 With a comical-looking resigned air, Ben 
 valiantly tugged the white-washed cart over 
 the grass whilst it creaked so ominously that 
 Mrs. Whiting who sat in the front seat feared 
 it would fall apart. 
 
 When the chariot halted in the middle of 
 the ring, Bert and Ned climbed in to auction 
 off the contents of the grab-bag. 
 
 " Friends, please assist in emptying this bag 
 and your purses at the same time," called Ned. 
 
 " Before I forget it, I would like to say that 
 if anyone here feels as if they did not get their 
 money's worth to-day, we will give a compli- 
 mentary ticket to our next show, to be held a 
 few years hence," Bert announced, to fill in the 
 pause while Ned untied the snarled draw- 
 strings of the bag. 
 
 The articles in the grab-bag were sent, al-
 
 146 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 ready wrapped, by Mr. Hilman as his dona- 
 tion, and as they were auctioned off, much 
 laughing was heard as the packages were 
 opened by the purchaser. 
 
 Dr. Dorand then stood up in the cart. 
 
 "Friends, as long as we have the auction 
 fever just now, suppose I sell the rest of the 
 cakes so I won't have to eat them, warmed 
 over for to-morrow's dinner." 
 
 When Dinah saw her cookies bring such 
 high prices she sighed audibly. 
 
 " Laws-a-massy-me! I cert'ny wish'd I'd 
 baked free times as many." 
 
 From a " professional's " point of view, the 
 circus was a failure, but the audience declared 
 they had had more fun than if they had wit- 
 nessed a dollar show. To please the audience 
 is the important thing, especially when it com- 
 bines with financial success. 
 
 The receipts of the " benefit " came to sixty- 
 two dollars and forty cents. The children 
 being told the amount gained by such fun as 
 they had had, could hardly believe it.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 147 
 
 Later when Betty and Rod placed the 
 money in Love's bank, Betty whispered: 
 
 " Rod, it wasn't the show that made the 
 money come. It was Love renewing our 
 funds so's we can help some more."
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 "THEN THE EAR" 
 
 TIT OTHER, when can we have the pic- 
 nic you promised us a long time 
 ago?" asked Rod, one day late in August, 
 when rumors of school filled the air. 
 
 " I'll see some of the neighbors to-day and 
 if convenient, we'll have it next week," replied 
 Mrs. Alvern. 
 
 So the picnic invitations were sent out for 
 the following week. 
 
 The day of the picnic dawned bright and 
 beautiful. Long before the appointed time 
 Alvern's lawn was crowded with children who 
 ran down to the gate every five minutes to 
 see if they could see the carriages that were to 
 take them to the lake. 
 
 " Here they come! " shouted Byram, as two 
 large carry-alls came in sight. 
 
 149
 
 150 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Byram's announcement caused such a com- 
 motion! 
 
 " Hurrah ! " " They're coming " " Hurry 
 up " " Is everybody here? " " Count up and 
 see " and various other calls from impatient 
 children. 
 
 While Mollie stowed the lunches under the 
 seats, some of the boys climbed up with the 
 driver and others crowded inside. Jim, Mol- 
 lie and Nan went in the carry-all to maintain 
 harmony, while Mrs. Alvern drove with Mrs. 
 Dorand, in the phaeton. 
 
 Arriving at Speedwell Lake after an half 
 hour's pleasant drive, the wagons halted in a 
 grove of trees. The shouting of the chil- 
 dren as they scattered about, seemed to come 
 from ten times as many as were actually 
 there. 
 
 "Here, girls!" called Mollie, "you should 
 all help with the house-keepin' by puttin' the 
 lunch baskets and rugs away." 
 
 " Yes, while the boys, as providers, should 
 find the amusements," added Mrs. Alvern.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 151 
 
 Bert and Jim put up the swings while Ned 
 and Walter went off to secure some boats. 
 
 Rod and Joe having set out the croquet for 
 some girls, ran to the water's edge and pulling 
 off their shoes and stockings, splashed about in 
 the water with much enjoyment. 
 
 V This is fine fun ! " called Rod to those on 
 shore. "Come on in, why don't you?" 
 
 "Ooch! My toe!" cried Joe at that mo- 
 ment, stubbing his toe. 
 
 "What is it?" asked Rod, wading over to 
 see. 
 
 "Feels like an iron rail runnin' under the 
 water," answered Joe, probing along toward 
 the shore, until a track began to show above 
 the water. The boys following it through 
 the grass, found it terminated at an old, aban- 
 doned ice-house where there were several 
 shallow carts standing; these had been used to 
 draw up ice from the lake to the storage house, 
 but had not been in use for years. 
 
 "Reminds me of a chute-the-chute," re- 
 marked Byram.
 
 152 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " Say, that's a fine idea. Let's see if they 
 will go down," exclaimed others. 
 
 The boys found that by weeding out the 
 overgrown grass from about the tracks, the 
 ice-carts would make a tolerable chute. 
 
 Rod said it was a demonstration for their 
 pleasure, but Betty declared they must wait 
 until she asked her mother to see about it. 
 
 Mrs. Dorand ascertained that the house 
 and carts were abandoned, so she consented to 
 their riding. She remained at the top of the 
 track to assist, and as the empty carts were 
 pulled up by the rope attached to a ring in the 
 upper side, she would pair the children off so 
 all would share equally in the sport. Bert 
 and Jim stood at the bottom of the incline to 
 stop the cars before they reached the water. 
 This fun lasted until Ned and Walter were 
 seen in some boats on the lake rowing toward 
 shore, and then followed a general stampede 
 for the boats. A few children remained at 
 the chutes, but Mrs. Dorand asked them to 
 come with her; when they refused, she said
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 153 
 
 they must not think of riding in the carts with 
 no one at the bottom to catch them. As no an- 
 swer was made, she went over to join the party 
 which was preparing to go out in the boats. 
 
 Mrs. Dorand went in one boat while Mar- 
 ion got in the other, to watch the little ones. 
 Mrs. Alvern decided to remain on shore to as- 
 sist Mollie and Nan with the lunch. 
 
 After the lunch was prepared, Mrs. Alvern 
 bethought herself of some beautiful golden- 
 rod that she saw in a near-by field and started 
 off to gather some for the table. 
 
 Mollie and Nan were watching the boats 
 slowly recede from view, around the bend, 
 when they were startled by cries and a splash. 
 
 "Oh, Nan, see those disobedient children!" 
 
 The children remaining at the chute had fin- 
 ally succumbed to temptation. Grace Rod- 
 man asking Byram to stop the cart when it 
 rolled down the bottom of the track, got in, 
 followed by a smaller child, and sat down. 
 Someone giving a hard push, the cart rolled 
 down the incline gathering momentum as it
 
 154 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 went. Byram, clutching at it, was dragged 
 over on his face as the cart rushed on down 
 splash!! into the water, running some dis- 
 tance out on the track before it stuck in the 
 mud. The children screamed with fright, 
 while Mollie and Nan ran to their assistance, 
 to find the cart, at least ten feet out from the 
 shore. 
 
 "Nan, this is a mortal night-mare," said 
 Mollie, as kicking off her slippers, she caught 
 up her skirts. " Love takes care of all and I 
 am guided and shown what to do NOW." 
 
 "Oh, if the doctor or Jim were only here," 
 wailed Nannie, following her sister's example 
 in pulling off her shoes. 
 
 " God is here," declared Mollie fervently, 
 wading out to the cart. "Who more could 
 we want? He knows our need and has al- 
 ready heard me." 
 
 Mollie, realizing that God showed her just 
 what to do, endeavored to push the cart but 
 found it too deeply embedded in the mud, and 
 as the girls were too heavy to carry, she kept
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 155 
 
 their heads above water while she steadied 
 their feet on the edge of the cart. Looking 
 about her, Mollie saw the rope from the end 
 of the cart, float up to the surface of the water. 
 
 " Here, Byram! " she called, "you and Nan 
 pull with all your might on this rope, while I 
 hold these children on the cart, and ush!" 
 
 So, pulling and pushing, the cart slowly be- 
 gan to roll up the track to shore. 
 
 The children, pictures of error and its pun- 
 ishment, stood on the bank with garments 
 dripping muddy water, while their faces still 
 expressed the fright they had had. Mollie 
 and Nan washed and cleaned them, while 
 kindly but firmly correcting the error. 
 
 " You see, dearies, when we are disobedient 
 to a good order, we generally get our punish- 
 ment from error. Of course, if we refuse to 
 be governed by God we give up to the enemy 
 and everything happens to those who shut out 
 Love and take in error." 
 
 "We didn't mean to be disobedient," an- 
 swered Anne, the smaller child.
 
 156 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " Byram made us ride," said Grace, un- 
 truthfully, looking at the repentant boy who 
 stood by feeling very sorry for his share in the 
 disaster. 
 
 "Oh, no! Byram couldn't make you do a 
 thing, unless you were willing to do what error 
 planned," said Mollie. 
 
 "Well, I don't care! It was all his fault 
 anyway. Why didn't he catch the cart as he 
 was told?" retorted Grace, feeling hateful 
 toward everyone. 
 
 " Let us whisper to Love to make us good, 
 so we may enjoy the balance of this day with 
 God's protection," admonished Mollie. " If 
 you say and think t I'm not wrong any more, 
 I'm God's own child, watched over and kept, 
 good and safe with Him,' you will be all 
 right!" 
 
 Mollie finished cleansing the children as 
 she spoke and Nan hung their garments on the 
 bushes to dry. 
 
 " I'll catch cold if I put on damp clothes," 
 cried Grace petulantly.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 157 
 
 She and Anne were wrapped up in shawls 
 while their clothes were drying, so Grace felt 
 anything but agreeable, sitting back under the 
 bushes unable to move from the folds of the 
 woolen shawl. 
 
 " Your garments will be dry before you put 
 them on," quietly answered Mollie, " and 
 you won't take cold unless you allow mortal 
 mind to tell you so." 
 
 " Let's ask God to keep error away so it 
 can't find even a teeny place to crawl in with 
 a cold," whispered Anne, after some hestita- 
 tion. Looking up at Mollie, she added : " My 
 mama said she'd rather b'lieve in a Good 
 loving Father, than the kind she used to think 
 brought her sorrow and troubles." 
 
 " Dear child," said Mrs. Alvern, who had 
 come up in time to overhear Anne's words, 
 " our dear Father who is all love could not do 
 anything unlike love. He gives us Good in 
 everything." 
 
 When Mrs. Dorand and Marion heard of 
 the incident, Mrs. Dorand said:
 
 158 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " Even this has turned out some good, for it 
 has brought us the knowledge of Anne's 
 mother groping for Truth ; now we can give 
 her a light." 
 
 The hungry children, when seated on the 
 grass enjoying the feast, started talking about 
 the accident. 
 
 "Children!" firmly rebuked Mrs. Alvern, 
 " let us not talk or think of it again. Forget 
 it!" 
 
 " What shall we play when we have finished 
 lunch?" asked Mrs. Dorand, to distract their 
 attention. " Let us vote to see what games 
 we shall play first." 
 
 "'London Bridge is Falling Down," 
 called one voice. 
 
 " Oh, I want to play Harvest Wedding," 
 said another. 
 
 "No, no! Let's play Ring-a-Rosy," ex- 
 claimed another; so, with cries of " Drop the 
 Handkerchief," and other games, the children, 
 finishing the meal joyously, hopped off to
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 159 
 
 play. Grace and Anne were dressed again, 
 but not very pretty-looking. Anne went with 
 the other children to play, but Grace felt too 
 stubborn and moody to join in any game sug- 
 gested, and finally wandered to the boats 
 where Frank Hascom was fishing. 
 
 " Grade," called Mrs. Dorand after her, 
 " do not go in the boats, will you, dear?" 
 
 "Who's going to," snapped Grace imperti- 
 nently; her mussed clothes and uncomfortable 
 condition making her so inharmonious that 
 she allowed error to induce her to be dis- 
 obedient as well as untruthful by asking Frank 
 to play in the boat. 
 
 "They're tied," said she. "Besides, I 
 never saw anyone so particular about their old 
 picnic." 
 
 " I guess you're mad," returned Frank, 
 significantly. 
 
 "Well, my mama said she hated to let me 
 come! She just knew something would hap- 
 pen where people never bother about anything,
 
 160 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 but just prayin' Love all the time, to do every- 
 thing for them," said Grace, looking back at 
 the party with a spiteful expression. 
 
 "Oh, pshaw! " ejaculated Frank carelessly. 
 " Let's forget prayin' and have a good time. 
 I'm playin' I'm a fisherman who goes out to 
 fish on the ocean." 
 
 Frank tied some twine to a sapling and gave 
 it to Grace, who played with it for a time, but 
 with the impatience of error for more exciting 
 fun, looked about for something else. "We 
 can push this boat over to the other, with the 
 oar," suggested she, suiting the action to the 
 words. 
 
 "Oh, say!" exclaimed Frank. "I'll jump 
 in the other boat while you stay here; we'll 
 push them back and forth, playin' we're 
 steamers meetin' at sea. We can exchange 
 goods, and signal to each other and every- 
 thing." 
 
 They became very much interested in this 
 play and had they stopped at that all would 
 have been well, but as the ropes gave them so
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 161 
 
 little latitude, they were let out to their full 
 length. Frank sprang back in the boat with 
 Grace, saying he would tie the fishlines to the 
 rope to give them a longer sweep. 
 
 "Oh, goodie! that'll be fine!" abetted 
 Grace. 
 
 Frank tied the line, then sat down to see 
 how far it would allow them to float. The 
 boat floated slowly out, but the tide caught it 
 broadside, which added a strain on the rope 
 and caused the twine to slip off. Grace was 
 frightened, but Frank chuckled softly. 
 
 " Keep still. Don't let 'em know we untied 
 it. I'll catch these branches and pull our- 
 selves back." 
 
 " Can you do it? " asked Grace, anx- 
 iously. 
 
 "Sure!" answered Frank, proudly, trying 
 to catch the over-hanging branch as the boat 
 floated under, but he just missed it. 
 
 " Gee! Here's a pickle," cried he. " Give 
 me an oar, quick!" exclaimed Frank. 
 
 Grace was about to pass it over, but Frank
 
 1 62 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 in his haste to get it, stumbled on the fish-pole 
 and fell over the seat, while the oar splashed 
 in the water and floated down stream. 
 
 "Now what shall we do?" whimpered 
 Grace. 
 
 "Oh, we're all right!" replied Frank, re- 
 assuringly. 
 
 Error had gradually led the children into 
 folly and now its victims feared punishment 
 instead of denying its power and refusing to 
 submit further to its control. 
 
 The current carried the boat slowly at first 
 while the two children endeavored to catch 
 the branches, but one after another they 
 slipped by them. 
 
 Frank, noticing how much faster they were 
 moving, became frightened and called loudly 
 for help, but the party on shore had gone to 
 the woods for flowers. 
 
 "What shall we do?" moaned Grace. 
 
 Frank said nothing but sat in the bow of the 
 boat with pallid face. After a long pause he 
 ventured:
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 163 
 
 "Grace, can you swim?" 
 
 " Oh, mercy, no! I'm afraid of water!" said 
 she as she gazed down in terror at the tiny 
 ripples. 
 
 " I was going to say we'd better jump and 
 try to swim to that island, when we get oppo- 
 site," said Frank, pointing one trembling hand 
 in the direction of the land. 
 
 "Oh, no! no! I never can do that! I'd 
 drown sure," said Grace, beginning to cry in 
 mortal fear. 
 
 "Well, I can swim, but I won't leave you 
 alone," said Frank, looking at the now reced- 
 ing island wistfully. 
 
 During another long pause, Grace con- 
 tinued crying helplessly. 
 
 " Stop cryin', Grace, and pray!" whispered 
 Frank, fearfully. " We're in the channel that 
 goes down to the mill." 
 
 This development of new danger hushed 
 Grace instantly, showing her the futility of 
 tears. 
 
 " Oh, Frank, if we only knew Mollie's way
 
 1 64 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 of prayin' we could be saved. She gets 
 answers right away," said Grace. 
 
 "Can't you remember how she prays? 
 Hurry up ! " cried Frank anxiously. 
 
 " They don't talk out. They just close their 
 eyes and think what they need," whispered 
 Grace, puckering her brow in the earnest en- 
 deavor to remember how to pray the right 
 way. 
 
 Frank, thinking their time was short when 
 he heard the mill-wheel whirring, dropped in 
 the bottom of the boat and covering his face 
 with his hands groaned aloud. 
 
 " Oh dear God save us! We want to pray 
 the right way but don't know how. We know 
 we're naughty children but we'll try to be 
 good if someone will show us how, for Jesus' 
 sake, Amen." 
 
 Grace closed her eyes while Frank prayed 
 but now they sat watching the swift current 
 as it hurried them down toward the mill. 
 
 When the party on shore came back to the
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 165 
 
 grove, Mrs. Dorand glanced instinctively to- 
 ward the boats and missing one, she sent out 
 Bert and Ned in the other. Going to a se- 
 cluded spot, she worked mentally with All- 
 Power and Love, knowing with the faith that 
 comes from experiences, that Grace and Frank 
 were safe in Love. 
 
 Mrs. Alvern meanwhile sent Walter with 
 Rod and Joe down along the shore to seek for 
 the missing children, then gathering the other 
 little ones about her, she spoke reassuringly of 
 their playmates' safety. 
 
 " They are God's perfect children but mor- 
 tals are tempted by error into these beliefs of 
 accident which come through error. God 
 would have us always happy and free but we 
 do not understand His love well enough to 
 keep from seeming trouble. 
 
 " Suppose we sing a song that some of us 
 know," continued Mrs. Alvern, and not wait- 
 ing for an answer she began singing the beau- 
 tiful hymn written by Mrs. Mary Baker G. 
 Eddy, " Shepherd show me how to go."
 
 1 66 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 The children listened with close attention to 
 the beautiful words and sweet melody sung 
 by those who knew it. Finishing that, several 
 other hymns were sung and then Mrs. Dorand 
 joined the group just as a shout caused them 
 to look toward the water, where Bert and Ned 
 were towing the runaway boat with Grace and 
 Frank in it. A prayer of thanks immediately 
 came from grateful hearts. 
 
 Without allowing anyone to ask questions, 
 Mrs. Alvern called out that the wagons were 
 waiting near the road. 
 
 " It's very nearly six o'clock, too," added 
 Mrs. Dorand, "so tget your belongings to- 
 gether and we can start for home." 
 
 Upon questioning Bert, the answer to prayer 
 seemed marvelous. 
 
 " We rowed out for dear life," said Bert, 
 " to where we rounded the point of land that 
 hid the lower lake from us. Seeing a tiny 
 speck down by the sluice-way, we got in with 
 the current and fairly flew through the water. 
 Nearing the boat, I saw a patch of drift-wood
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 167 
 
 and weeds, that had been catching on an old 
 snag sticking out of the water. The amount 
 of trash caught there made quite an island, 
 into which the boat with the kids had run 
 and stuck so fast we had quite a pull to get 
 it out." 
 
 That evening Grace and her mother called 
 to thank the boys for their help. 
 
 " No thanks are due us. We only acted as 
 God directed. He it was that saved those 
 children ' from the snare of the fowler,' " an- 
 swered Bert, earnestly. 
 
 " Our God is an ever-ready help in time of 
 need," quoted Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 " Well, I thank your God for his help to- 
 day," answered Mrs. Rodman. This coming 
 from one whose human will was known to be 
 unmoveable, was another revelation of God's 
 divine Love. " I came down expressly to hear 
 more of this faith that shows such wonderful 
 works. To be quite frank, I came while still 
 feeling my indebtedness to God, for I knew
 
 1 68 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 if I postponed coming, I would be diverted 
 from my purpose." 
 
 Mrs. Rodman's words were received with 
 silent thanksgiving. While talking of the 
 Truth as understood in Christian Science, the 
 door-bell rang and a few moments later Frank 
 and his mother were shown in. Before the eve- 
 ning was over, Mrs. Alvern brought in Anne's 
 mother who had called on her, to inquire the 
 truth of the story she had been told. There 
 was such a powerful spiritual presence felt by 
 those present, that the questions asked with 
 their answers given were realized by all, to 
 be inspirational, leading these seeking ones to 
 the Fountain of Life. 
 
 "We have service here every Sunday 
 morning, and Wednesday evening a meeting 
 is held at Mrs. Alvern's," said Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 " I shall most certainly attend," answered 
 Mrs. Rodman, " and I will bless the accident 
 that led me to the peace for which I have 
 longed these many years." 
 
 " I, too, have been delaying in asking about
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 169 
 
 the Truth that seemed to give you all such 
 faith, but now I see that my delay might have 
 cost me my boy's life," said Mrs. Hascom, 
 repentantly. 
 
 Anne's mother laid a bill on the table, while 
 asking Dr. Dorand to order a book for her. 
 She decided to take up its study seriously. 
 The other ladies also expressing a desire to 
 own a copy of Science and Health, the doctor 
 promised to write for them, that very night. 
 
 After the visitors had gone, Dr. Dorand 
 was writing to Mr. Hilman for the books, 
 while his wife sat waiting for him to finish. 
 
 " Steve," said she as he sealed the letter, " I 
 feel as if ' Love's Family ' was growing large 
 enough to warrant a meeting place of its own. 
 What do you think? " 
 
 " I shouldn't be at all surprised if we de- 
 monstrate a church, if the enlisting continues 
 in this way," replied the doctor. 
 
 " And if we do, it will be the fruit of a tiny 
 seed sown by two of Divine Love's little ones," 
 said Mrs. Dorand gratefully. " Steve, I often
 
 170 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 think of the wonders God has worked in our 
 midst, through the channel of Betty and Rod, 
 whose desire to ' do something ' was strong 
 enough to open their spiritual consciousness 
 to God's beautiful leading."
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 \\7 HEN school opened in September, Joe 
 was delighted by being allowed to at- 
 tend. Having studied hard all summer, with 
 help from Dr. Anson and the Dorand boys, 
 his face beamed with satisfaction upon hear- 
 ing the result of his examinations, which per- 
 mitted him to enter the same class with 
 Betty. 
 
 Their teacher was an unamiable woman 
 who considered teaching children a bore, par- 
 ticularly so, since she had been assistant prin- 
 cipal in a city school and had accepted the 
 position open in this school, simply because 
 the doctor advised her to live in the country. 
 
 One morning about two weeks after the 
 term opened, Miss Tomkins, nicknamed 
 " Aunt Becky " by the school-children, was not 
 feeling well, The pupils, although coming to
 
 172 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 school with bright, happy faces, unconsciously 
 felt the inharmony of error and before recess, 
 the room was in an uproar of disobedience. 
 
 Mr. Hadyn, the principal, who was hearing 
 a test-class in the adjoining room, found it 
 necessary to send in a message, requesting 
 silence. 
 
 This increased Aunt Becky's vexation, 
 and glancing indignantly over the class she 
 brought the ruler down on the desk with a 
 bang. 
 
 " Not a pupil shall leave this class for re- 
 cess ! " 
 
 Her announcement was received with a 
 grumble, but soon after, when the gong rang, 
 Miss Tomkins, being monitor at the coat- 
 room, went toward the door. 
 
 " I shall keep my ears open for the slightest 
 sound," she said, " and if anyone leaves their 
 seat I will punish them severely!" 
 
 The children, reflecting the teacher's error 
 of anger, mutinied as soon as she had left the 
 room.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 173 
 
 "The horrid old thing!" cried Ethel Lane, 
 who had planned a game of tag with some 
 friends. 
 
 " She'll be sorry she kept me in, I can just 
 tell you ! " exclaimed Andy Dowell, emphati- 
 cally. He was the most mischievous boy of 
 the class. 
 
 "What'cher goin' to do, Andy?" asked 
 some boys. 
 
 "You just wait and see! But don't cher 
 tell on me," warned Andy, knowingly. 
 
 Miss Tomkins was a small thin woman of 
 about fifty. She wore an entire head-piece 
 of brown artificial curls, while the few stray 
 hairs, showing from underneath, were gray. 
 Andy had noticed this and laid his plan of 
 vengeance accordingly. 
 
 Recess over, Miss Tomkins came in, calling 
 the arithmetic class to the black-boards, while 
 she took her seat.. It happened that Joe and 
 Andy worked at the same board that week, 
 just back of the teacher's desk. 
 
 While Joe faithfully worked his examples,
 
 174 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Andy bent a pin having a string attached, and 
 caught it in the curls of Miss Tomkins' hair, 
 passing the string down to, and tying it on a 
 rung of the chair. He then quickly copied 
 Joe's work, cleverly making some slight mis- 
 takes to bring the result out different. 
 
 When the pupils resumed their seats, Miss 
 Tomkins, who had been correcting exercises, 
 glanced at the class and detected some con- 
 vulsed faces. 
 
 "What does this mean?" she demanded 
 sternly. 
 
 The attention of the entire class centering 
 upon her as she spoke, they knew something 
 unusual had taken place, from the amused 
 faces of a few. 
 
 "Never in my life have I seen such ill- 
 behaved children! " announced Miss Tomkins 
 in a disgusted tone. " I shall detain every one 
 of you this afternoon to lecture you on de- 
 portment. I never " 
 
 Starting up as she spoke to make her re- 
 marks more emphatic, Miss Tomkins dropped
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 175 
 
 back on the chair with an exclamation of dis- 
 may, as her beautiful curls were jerked off 
 her head and hung over the back of the chair. 
 While placing both hands over her bare head, 
 the children laughed so spitefully at her pre- 
 dicament, that the principal came in to de- 
 mand the cause. 
 
 Miss Tomkins looked up to see who had 
 entered the room, while Mr. Hadyn, with 
 difficulty, controlled his features. 
 
 " Miss Tomkins," said he, "I seldom find 
 occasion to rebuke a class twice in the same 
 day, but as this one seems unmanageable, I 
 came in to inquire the cause." 
 
 "I never saw such a class!" exclaimed the 
 teacher, wrathfully. " I am not fit to be seen 
 as the result of their dreadful tricks." And 
 Miss Tomkins laid her head on the desk to 
 weep tears of mortification. 
 
 The pupils felt ashamed when they realized 
 the extent of her injured feelings, but Betty, 
 going quietly up to the desk, untied the curls 
 and replaced them carefully on Miss Tomkins'
 
 176 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 head, then putting her arms around her in a 
 comforting way, she kissed her. 
 
 " Thank you, Elizabeth," whispered Miss 
 Tomkins, " now run to your seat again." 
 
 No one seemed to have noticed Betty, but 
 when she was seated once more, the silence 
 was broken by Mr. Hadyn. 
 
 " This misdemeanor is unpardonable. Lesser 
 pranks than this have expelled the perpetra- 
 tor. I wish the guilty one to arise in acknowl- 
 edgment of his fault." 
 
 No one arose. Absolute silence reigned. 
 
 " Some one is the culprit," continued the 
 principal, becoming angry. " If I have to 
 find out by myself, I shall certainly not be 
 lenient." 
 
 Striding over to the desk he asked about the 
 incident, in an undertone. 
 
 Miss Tomkins, indicating the string and 
 pin, pointed to the examples on the black- 
 board, while mentioning the names of Andy 
 and Joe. 
 
 " Andrew Dowell, do you know anything
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 177 
 
 about this matter?" asked Mr. Hadyn se- 
 verely. 
 
 "Yes, sir," admitted Andy, seemingly re- 
 luctantly. 
 
 " Did you do it, sir?" 
 
 "Oh, no indeed, sir! " answered Andy with 
 an injured expression. 
 
 "Joseph Bruce, stand up!" 
 
 Joe arose, mentally asking Love to guide 
 him. 
 
 " Did you play this ungentlemanly trick? " 
 
 " No, sir," quavered Joe, while dreading the 
 next question, which he feared would either 
 cause him to tell a tale or refuse an answer 
 to the principal. Joe was allowing error to 
 worry him instead of quietly trusting God's 
 government. Consequently his face expressed 
 doubt and trouble. 
 
 Andy emitted an accusing "Oh!" while 
 Mr. Hadyn looked closely at Joe a moment, 
 then said in a cutting tone: 
 
 " You may come to my office, Joseph 
 Bruce."
 
 178 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 The class, dumbfounded at developments, 
 looked to Andy to correct the wrong. Andy, 
 however, considering it a huge joke, laughed 
 aloud after Miss Tomkins had left the room 
 to adjust her hair. 
 
 " Best thing that ever happened! Old Ha- 
 dyn and my Pop are great friends, while that 
 little imp of a news-boy comes from no one 
 knows where." 
 
 Betty bestowed a look upon him that plainly 
 expressed her sentiments. 
 
 Mr. Hadyn locked Joe in his office while 
 he attended to various class duties. When 
 school was dismissed, a carriage drove up and 
 someone called for the principal, who hurried 
 away, forgetting about the boy he had locked 
 up in his office. 
 
 Joe became so tired of waiting that he was 
 tempted to escape by the roof of the porch. 
 He felt .wretched to think that anyone would 
 accuse him of playing such a mean trick on a 
 teacher who was kind enough to teach him
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 179 
 
 lessons. After being obedient to Love while 
 trying hard to improve himself in every way, 
 he felt something was woefully wrong with 
 his thought to bring out such an unpleasant 
 experience. Remembering his neglected 
 duties at the dentist's, he wondered whether 
 Dr. Anson would believe his story, or simply 
 discharge him without a hearing. Lifting the 
 latch on the inside shutters, he swung them 
 open, determined to get out when a newspaper 
 was brushed to the floor. 
 
 " I guess I'll wait," he said hesitatingly. 
 " It will look like guilt if I run away. I'll see 
 this matter out even if I have to stay all 
 night!" 
 
 Picking up the paper which was several 
 days old, he settled down in the arm-chair to 
 read. As his eyes traveled down the columns 
 of " Lost and Found," his attention was ar- 
 rested by the following paragraph: 
 
 " Henry Bruce desires information of his 
 brother Joseph, aged twelve, slender, fair hair,
 
 i8o THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 known as 'Joey' to his friends. Address, 
 Peter Scott, Box 317, The Eagle, Downtown 
 Office, New York City." 
 
 Joe bounded up as if worked by a galvanic 
 battery, just as the door was unlocked and Mr. 
 Hadyn, accompanied by Dr. Dorand, entered 
 the room. 
 
 " Joe, I wish to ask your pardon for my 
 rash judgment," said the principal, holding 
 out his hand to Joe. 
 
 Joe, looking unconscious of what was being 
 said, never moved a muscle. The principal, 
 surprised at Joe for not accepting his apology, 
 turned to his companion with a questioning 
 look. 
 
 "Joe," said Dr. Dorand, coming forward 
 and laying his hand on Joe's shoulder, " you 
 need have no fear. Mr. Hadyn knows all. I 
 overheard the children talking about it, and 
 after questioning them, I went to tell Mr. 
 Hadyn." 
 
 Joe gradually recovered from his surprise 
 and handed the newspaper to the doctor.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 181 
 
 "I knew it! I just knew if I was good, 
 Love would send me word from Henry and 
 Pete, or bring them to this beautiful home." 
 
 Dr. Dorand read where Joe had pointed 
 and showing the item to Mr. Hadyn, both 
 gentlemen shook hands with Joe. 
 
 Great was the delight for Joe in both house- 
 holds when they heard Joe's good news. 
 
 "You won't think of leaving us, Joey, will 
 you?" asked Jim, who had grown very fond 
 of the upright little fellow. 
 
 "Mercy goodness, no!" exclaimed Joe. 
 "Why, Jim, I would get so homesick for all 
 of you if I had to leave here, I don't know 
 what I should do ! " 
 
 Dr. Dorand called up Mr. Hilman on the 
 telephone and carefully detailing all partic- 
 ulars, asked him to answer the advertisement 
 and send the two boys out to Joe the following 
 Saturday. 
 
 Henry and Pete came to visit Joe, who was 
 so happy at having them with him, that Pete 
 who had saved enough money to treat himself
 
 182 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 to this vacation, postponed returning to the 
 city from day to day. Henry was awaiting a 
 letter from Mr. Hilman who had promised 
 to look up an office position for him. 
 
 About a week after the arrival of Joe's 
 friends, an automobile stopped in front of 
 Dorand's house. Mr. Hilman and his wife 
 alighted. Before they reached the door, Betty 
 ran out, greeting them with kisses and snatches 
 of news. 
 
 "Joe knew Love would find them he was 
 so patient in school that day I tried to see 
 Love in Andy but I just couldn't! but when 
 he came an' told Joe he was sorry an' gave Joe 
 a whole trunkful of his nice clothes, when he 
 was sent away to school, then I saw Good in 
 him. Oh! Oh! You can't begin to guess all 
 our lovely demonstrations ' 
 
 At this point of Betty's recital, Mrs. Dorand 
 came out to shake hands with the visitors. 
 
 " I fear there is not a speck of good news 
 left for me to give," said Betty's mother 
 laughing.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 183 
 
 "We have heard such fine reports of the 
 Society, that we could not resist the desire to 
 come and see for ourselves," said Mrs. Hil- 
 man. 
 
 "Yes," added her husband, "and to be 
 allowed to join the honorary membership." 
 
 "Why! how could you have heard of all 
 our doings?" asked Betty, looking at each 
 with a puzzled expression. 
 
 " Have you forgotten that Rod's mother 
 comes to the city for instruction?" queried 
 Mr. Hilman. 
 
 "Why, of course!" replied Betty, "and if 
 she told you, you'd hear all, too." 
 
 The elders, including Dr. Dorand who had 
 joined the group, laughed heartily at Betty's 
 remark. 
 
 Mr. Hilman asked the doctor to take a run 
 in the machine with him as he wished to talk 
 with him, so Mrs. Hilman went in the 
 house with Betty and her mother, to enjoy a 
 visit. 
 
 " Steve, how are affairs turning out for Joe
 
 1 84 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 and his friend^? " asked Mr. Hilman, as they 
 sped along. 
 
 " I surmise! your visit meant something im- 
 
 m 
 
 portant and would begin with an interrogation 
 point," answered Dr. Dorand, laughing. 
 
 "Well, then, what do you think of Joe's 
 brother?" confessed Mr. Hilman, smil- 
 ing. 
 
 " I am impressed with Henry's apparent 
 honesty. Having studied him well, I have 
 come to the conclusion that he was punished 
 unjustly; but as it has all turned out, it prob- 
 ably was the best thing that could have hap- 
 pened, to bring out these present results." 
 
 "As you know," said Mr. Hilman, " I have 
 been on the lookout for an office position for 
 him among my friends. Yesterday the boy 
 who has been with me for a long time, showed 
 me a letter in which his uncle asks him to 
 come to Philadelphia, to work in his grocery 
 store. A ticket was enclosed, while the wages 
 offered were an inducement. Smiling at the 
 boy's eagerness to go, I saw the demonstration
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 185 
 
 awaiting Henry, and determined to assist him 
 in making something of himself, if you con- 
 sidered him deserving." 
 
 " Archer, I think he will do anything for 
 you, if he but has an opportunity. He is full 
 of gratitude and an open avenue for Love to 
 work through. He attended night-school for 
 several years, so he is not an ignorant boy by 
 any means, and he is quite anxious to resume 
 studies." 
 
 Returning, the friends had a talk with 
 Henry, and it was decided that he was to 
 present himself at Mr. Hilman's office Mon- 
 day morning. 
 
 During the week he was to sleep on a cot 
 placed in the back office, while every Sunday 
 could be spent with Joe in the country. 
 
 In the meantime Joe had taken Dr. Anson 
 into his confidence, concerning Pete; conse- 
 quently a note came one morning asking Pete 
 to call at Budd's department store, regarding 
 a position. 
 
 Pete nervously furbished his apparel while
 
 1 86 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Mollie patted him on the back as he was about 
 to start. 
 
 " Pete, just know you are being led. You 
 don't have to worry about what to do or say. 
 Love is doing the planning so all you have to 
 do is to follow." 
 
 Pete, smiling, felt easier as he hurried off. 
 The result was, he was engaged in the carpet 
 department to assist the clerks in rolling and 
 showing different patterns of carpet. Pete, 
 exultant to think that he could live in the 
 country instead of New York, resolved to be- 
 gin at once to learn of this Father-Mother- 
 Love who gave all good things to His chil- 
 dren. 
 
 One Saturday, shortly after these demon- 
 strations, the children of the neighborhood 
 planned a nutting party. 
 
 Marion, Bert and Ned joined the party, 
 excusing their presence by saying, it wouldn't 
 be wise to allow the little ones to go alone, 
 and besides the big boys could throw clubs 
 into the branches of the trees, with more force.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 187 
 
 No reply was vouchsafed to the given ex- 
 cuse, but each " little one " knew that Bert 
 and Ned were as eager for the fun as if they 
 themselves were " little ones." 
 
 It was a perfect Fall day. The night before 
 having been frosty, the fallen leaves were 
 crisp with hoary dew, while the air had the 
 briskness that makes one keenly awake to 
 Good. 
 
 As the party went deeper into the woods, 
 such exclamations as " I've got one " " Here's 
 a beauty," or, "Oh! quick! come here and see 
 all these," became less frequent as the novelty 
 wore off. The seekers were kept so busy gath- 
 ering that very little conversation was heard. 
 
 " If you think you'd care to walk a mile or 
 so, I know of a dandy bunk where the trees 
 bear the largest nuts of any about here," said 
 Bert. 
 
 A chorus of voices assured him that they 
 could walk ten miles if necessary, so, slinging 
 bags over their shoulders, off they went, alter- 
 nately singing or whistling, as they trudged
 
 i88 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 merrily through the forest to the "bunk," in 
 which they were not disappointed. 
 
 " Ned, you climb that tree and shake the 
 branch while I climb this one," suggested 
 Bert. 
 
 " I'll ' ram' the trunk of that one, shall I? " 
 asked Walter pointing to a thick tree. 
 
 "All right, but don't break the bark," re- 
 turned Bert, while taking off his coat. 
 
 The shower of brown nuts which came 
 pelting down from the opened burrs, succeed- 
 ing the effort of the boys, caused the children 
 to duck their heads while scampering hither 
 and thither for the glossy treasures. 
 
 " Say, ain't nobody hungry? " asked Tommy 
 Hunter, as Bert and Ned rested for a time. 
 
 A loud laugh answered his question, as 
 Tommy was a plump little boy who was al- 
 ways seen to be eating. 
 
 "I shouldn't think you'd be hungry," re- 
 plied Walter. " You have already eaten your 
 share, by your looks." 
 
 Tommy good-naturedly joined in the laugh 
 at his expense.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 189 
 
 " I really think Tommy's suggestion very 
 timely," said Marion. 
 
 " I'm awfully hungry too," seconded Betty. 
 "I've been eating chestnuts to keep from ask- 
 ing for lunch." 
 
 " Goodness ! We'd better begin at once, 
 then, or we'll have nothing to show at home 
 for our day's work," advised Bert. 
 
 A short walk brought them to a log hut that 
 had been built some years before by the older 
 boys and handed down to the younger set. 
 Just outside the hut stood " The Table Rock," 
 under which a spring gurgled forth into a tiny 
 rivulet of clear water. 
 
 Here the hungry party dropped their bags 
 and began the lunch. 
 
 When this important matter had been at- 
 tended to, some of the little ones feeling tired, 
 preferred to sit and listen to Bert tell stories. 
 He was their favorite romancer, and as he 
 lay on the grass, his head propped upon his 
 hands, with the children grouped attentively 
 about him, he was in his glory. 
 
 Ned and Marion wanted to gather some
 
 190 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 clematis for their mothers, so Betty and Rod 
 went with them, rather than sit still and listen 
 to Bert. 
 
 They had been gone a long time, when Bert 
 having spun his yarns, got up and shook the 
 dry grass and leaves from his clothing. 
 
 " Get your traps together, kids," said he. 
 " If the others are not here by that time, we'll 
 hallo-loo for them." 
 
 The children complied, sighing regretfully 
 when Bert prepared for home. Looking at 
 the disapproval expressed on their counte- 
 nances, he laughed. 
 
 " Do you want to stay all night? See 
 that sun? It'll be six o'clock before we get 
 home, because we've got a long way to 
 walk." 
 
 Before they were ready to start for home, 
 the other members of the party came up, Betty 
 picking her way carefully over the stones, 
 while holding something in her skirt. 
 
 " Well, we've had an experience worth tell- 
 ing," said Ned.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 191 
 
 Bert looked inquiringly at him while the 
 others said: 
 
 "Oh! do tell us about it. What has Betty 
 got there?" 
 
 " Well, we hunted all over for the clematis 
 vines but I guess it's too late for it," said Ned. 
 " We went further than we had meant, until 
 Rod got some nettles inside his stocking, which 
 pricked him every time he stepped, so we 
 waited while he sat down on a log to take his 
 shoe off. While we stood there Betty noticed 
 something stir, deep down under a heap of 
 brush, near the log. Lifting aside the twigs, 
 she found a family of woolly, grey bunnies, 
 curled up in a soft nest of leaves. We were 
 going to replace the covering, so as not to 
 startle them, when I saw just outside of the 
 tiny home, the bunnie mother lying. She had 
 been shot by some one who considered it great 
 sport." 
 
 "Oh Oh !" interrupted the children 
 sympathetically. "What did you do?" 
 
 " I found the bunnie mother was still breath-
 
 192 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 ing, although faintly, so, picking her up 
 gently, I sat down to realize Divine Love was 
 All-Life, and every manifestation of His life 
 drew its being from Him. We took the babies 
 from the nest where they were shivering with 
 cold, and wrapping them in Rod's muffler, 
 tucked them up in Betty's skirt. 
 
 Before Ned could continue his narrative, 
 the children demanded a peep at the cute, tiny 
 things that cuddled so confidingly in Betty's 
 lap. 
 
 "Then what?" asked Bert. 
 
 "Why, finding little mother bunnie breath- 
 ing better we tucked her in with her babies to 
 take them home until they are all right." 
 
 A hutch was built for the bunnies, who grew 
 and became so tame that all idea of returning 
 them to the woods was out of the question. So 
 they joined the society of homeless animals. 
 
 The mother bunnie with her five children 
 would jump and scamper about the children 
 and play hide and seek among the winter cab- 
 bages still remaining in the garden. The most
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 193 
 
 amusing sight was to see great big Laddie, 
 followed by Miss Kitty, racing about the lawn 
 in pursuit of the bunnies, who would suddenly 
 double on their tracks, causing Laddie to roll 
 all over in the fun.
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 MARY'S DEMONSTRATION 
 
 Society collected their monthly con- 
 tributions until quite a sum had been 
 saved. Most of the " active members " were 
 becoming self-supporting, so the disburse- 
 ments were very light. 
 
 Mollie found Helen such a help in house- 
 keeping, that she refused to accept money for 
 her board, while Mary played with a two-year 
 old child in the neighborhood so often, that 
 the little one, growing fond of her, led the 
 mother to offer Mary a dollar a week, to come 
 regularly for a short time each day to amuse 
 the baby. Hence, even Mary in her effort, 
 was able to demonstrate Love's supply. 
 
 " Children," said Mollie one day as they 
 came in from school, " Mrs. Whiting brought 
 her weekly gift this morning and left an in- 
 vitation for you to go on a straw-ride to Mount 
 
 195
 
 196 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Freedom, where Mr. Whiting wishes to look 
 at some cattle." 
 
 Of course the children were delighted, so 
 when the great farm wagon drove up Satur- 
 day, the Whiting children were greeted with 
 a whoop of pleasure. Shouting good-byes, 
 and waving handkerchiefs, they drove away, 
 while the elders stood on the piazza, smil- 
 ing. 
 
 Mrs. Whiting had put apples and dough- 
 nuts in the wagon and the children began to 
 enjoy them at once. 
 
 After a long drive the road ran through 
 some thick woods, where in the glade by a 
 stream were a number of tents. 
 
 "See those tents?" asked Mr. Whiting, 
 pointing his whip toward the glade, " the peo- 
 ple who live there are called gypsies. They 
 camp about these parts every year." 
 
 The children asked many questions about 
 the wanderers, while thinking it must be 
 great fun to keep house on wheels. 
 
 Soon after this Mr. Whiting, reaching the
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 197 
 
 place he had in view, the children were told 
 they could amuse themselves for an hour or 
 so. The farmer's wife coming out to greet 
 them, brought some raspberry vinegar and 
 cookies, while her children offered to take the 
 visitors about. 
 
 The first attraction visited was a small duck 
 pond where a rustic bridge led over to a minia- 
 ture island. A number of ducks and geese 
 paddling about, enchanted Mary so that 
 Marion had to drag her away. Then as they 
 went through the orchard toward the stock 
 yards, a row of bee hives proved very inter- 
 esting to Helen and Betty, so they got all the 
 information on the subject that their little 
 hosts could give. 
 
 " If we should keep bees," whispered Betty 
 to Helen, " we could make money for the So- 
 ciety without its costing anything; for they 
 eat their food from flowers and sleep in their 
 wax cells at night." 
 
 "That's so!" answered Helen. "Let's ask 
 Jim about it. He'll know."
 
 198 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Returning past the side porch, Mary said 
 she was tired and wanted to sit on the steps to 
 wait until the others came back. Being ad- 
 vised repeatedly by Marion and Helen, not to 
 go away from the steps, she nodded affirma- 
 tively, while the others ran off. 
 
 Mary sat thinking how nice it would be to 
 go over to the pond and play with the ducks ; 
 she said to herself, that when told not to leave 
 the steps, she only nodded, she didn't say she 
 wouldn't. Wondering whether she could run 
 over and get back again before she was missed, 
 she decided to try. Crawling under the fence 
 she scampered on through the grass until she 
 came in sight of the pond. 
 
 Forgetting all the Good she had been 
 taught, she allowed the "disobedience error" 
 to lead her. 
 
 Going down to the water, Mary called to 
 the ducks and threw bits of cake to them as 
 they swam silently around at the edge of the 
 water. Being so intent upon closely follow- 
 ing and watching them, Mary had not noticed
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 199 
 
 a woman sitting under a tree, until she heard 
 someone speak. 
 
 "Nice little girl, where do you live?" 
 
 Mary, starting with surprise, looked up to 
 see a woman sitting under a tree near the 
 water. 
 
 " I won't hurt you, pretty dear," continued 
 the woman. " Tell me your name? " 
 
 Mary gazed at her quietly. She over- 
 looked the hard, cruel face and soiled gar- 
 ments, in the mesmeric influence of listening 
 to error's flattery. To be called " sweet " and 
 "pretty" was so nice I 
 
 " Won't you come over to see me?" asked 
 the insinuating voice of error, "you are such a 
 lovely child and so pretty that I am sure you 
 are as good as you are beautiful." 
 
 As the woman reached out a hand to reas- 
 sure Mary, her shawl slipped down, revealing 
 a tiny fist, and causing a little, piping voice to 
 issue from under the shawl's fold. 
 
 "Oh, a baby!" cried Mary, in a pleased 
 tone.
 
 200 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Seeing the interest expressed by Mary, the 
 woman asked her if she would like to see the 
 baby. 
 
 " May I hold her? " asked Mary softly. " I 
 know how. I take care of a baby that lives 
 near my house and everyone says I'm an awful 
 good nurse!" 
 
 " You kin hold her whiles I git some milk 
 warmed," replied the woman, looking keenly 
 at Mary in a speculative way. 
 
 "Oh, goody!" exclaimed she, sitting down 
 on the grass. 
 
 " Not here," the woman said, rising and go- 
 ing toward a wagon. " I want her out of the 
 
 sun." 
 
 Opening a small door at the back of the 
 queer little house on wheels, she stepped up. 
 
 Mary had never heard of or seen gypsies 
 until the tents were pointed out, so she was not 
 aware this was a gypsy on the way to join a 
 tribe several miles on. Strange to say the 
 camp in the glade were strangers to this 
 branch of the Romany wanderers.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 201 
 
 As the woman went in the wagon she whis- 
 pered to a man lying on some blankets who 
 arose and climbed out. 
 
 Mary looked at the tiny square window let 
 in the side of the wagon and curtained with 
 bright chintz; at the tin smoke-pipe coming 
 from the roof, and then curiosity overcoming 
 her, she went in to hold the baby. 
 
 The house-wagon was fitted with a shelf 
 fastened on one side; two camp-stools; a bas- 
 ket to hold the baby and some blankets piled in 
 a corner. 
 
 Mary was most interested though, in the 
 tiny stove perched upon a box, which she 
 thought was a toy until the woman lit some 
 wood in it and placed a pan over the fire to 
 warm the milk. 
 
 Being so interested watching the woman 
 light the fire, Mary had not noticed a man 
 fasten the door on the outside. 
 
 " It's just like playing house, isn't it? " 
 asked Mary, delightedly. 
 
 "Oh, yes, I have lots of fun. I thought
 
 202 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 maybe you'd like to ride a ways with us, would 
 you?" she asked. 
 
 "No, no! " answered Mary in dismay. 
 " I've got to be back at the house or they'll go 
 home without me." 
 
 Having been so interested in the baby and 
 its surroundings, Mary had not heard the 
 creaking and jolting of the wagon, until 
 now. 
 
 " Oh, won't you please take your baby, so I 
 can get out? " she asked, in a troubled tone of 
 voice. 
 
 " I'll tell you a better plan," suggested the 
 woman. "We'll hurry the horses and drive 
 you right over to your house. That will save 
 time for you as we are going there any- 
 way." 
 
 Thus being reassured, Mary began to play 
 with the baby who was wide awake now. The 
 woman had opened a small slide in the front 
 of the wagon and spoken to the man driving, 
 in so low a tone that Mary could not hear what 
 she said.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 203 
 
 The wagon curtains being closed, nothing . 
 could be seen from inside, and all Mary knew, 
 was, that the man was urging the horses on. 
 
 "Are we almost there?" asked Mary, after 
 what seemed to her a very long ride. 
 
 "Almost," instantly answered the woman. 
 Mary wondered how she knew as she never 
 moved from her stool, nor inquired. 
 
 After another long interval of silence 
 broken only by the man's voice talking to the 
 horses, Mary grew courageous. 
 
 " I guess I'll get out an' walk the rest of the 
 way," murmured she tearfully. "Then I can 
 call to Uncle Whiting if he goes by." 
 
 "I just guess you won't!" said the woman 
 severely, her manner changing instantan- 
 eously. " You'll stay right where you are and 
 watch the baby." 
 
 Mary began to cry in fear and trembling. 
 
 " Don't whimper like that! My man can't 
 stand a squally child," said the woman. 
 
 Mary hushed immediately, but if the 
 woman had been watching closely she would
 
 204 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 have been surprised at the sudden changing 
 of the child's countenance, although she would 
 not have understood. 
 
 Mary realized that error had led her into 
 this inharmony, so, to bring out Good, she 
 must think and know LOVE. 
 
 They traveled on without halting until 
 Mary fell asleep from sheer exhaustion, then 
 the woman signaled the man. 
 
 During the night they joined a large tribe 
 of gypsies on their way to the South for the 
 winter. The wagon Mary was in, had broken 
 down at the place she first saw it, that was how 
 the woman came to be sitting under the tree 
 with the baby, while the man repaired the 
 wagon. 
 
 Not a word was asked of Phiny, the woman, 
 about the little girl she had with her, nor did 
 anyone act differently to Mary than to the 
 other children of the tribe. 
 
 Mary knew the names of her errors were 
 DisobediencCj Love of Flattery and Curiosity. 
 She made the best of the existing conditions,
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 205 
 
 knowing that it was but temporary; that Di- 
 vine Love would surely take her home again 
 to her dear ones. Meanwhile she prayed, to 
 do, with Love's guidance, what came to her 
 each day, and mayhap to show some of her 
 associates the Good way to live. 
 
 A few days after the kidnapping the tribe 
 halted near a large town. Some of the 
 younger members asked permission for Mary 
 to go with them to the shops ; as they had trav- 
 eled many miles and Mary had acted very do- 
 cile, Phiny consented to give the child some 
 liberty. 
 
 The young people went through the stores 
 to buy some gaudy trifles and spent the day 
 about town. A young boy about Walter's age 
 was especially kind to Mary and gave her 
 some candy. While tramping back to camp, 
 the boy Ola and Mary exchanged confidences, 
 she telling him of her friends who taught her 
 the Love truth. 
 
 " Divine Love will care for me an' at just 
 the right time someone will take me home
 
 206 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 again," said Mary, in so sweet and trusting a 
 voice that Ola determined to find out who 
 Divine Love was. 
 
 Mary was so tired with the day's walking 
 that she slept as soon as she lay down on her 
 blanket. 
 
 Scarcely a day passed thereafter that she 
 and Ola did not talk about Love; then one 
 day, Ola began telling Mary what he knew 
 of himself. 
 
 " I'm not a gypsy, you know. I was picked 
 up while I was such a little fellow that I 
 couldn't talk straight. A small tribe had me 
 until one day they were arrested for breakin' 
 the law, an' so they hurried me off with a man, 
 an' in a few days we came to this band an' 
 I've been with them ever since. Some day 
 I'll try to find my friends but if I leave here 
 an' don't succeed in finding my friends, I'd be 
 worse off than before." 
 
 " Oh," cried Mary, " but think of your 
 family all these years. They have wanted 
 you, so you ought to look for them for their
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 207 
 
 sakes. Maybe you've got dear sisters aa' 
 brothers." 
 
 " I think I have," mused Ola. " I remember 
 playing with children who used to call my 
 name, but just as I think I've remembered it, 
 it slips away again." 
 
 " Ola, Divine Love knows what you were 
 called!" said Mary earnestly. "In fact, 
 Love has your family waitin' now, to welcome 
 you, if you'll let Him lead you to 'em." 
 
 Mary's strong trust imparted itseff to Ola, 
 who began to hope also. Her knowledge of 
 God had grown wonderfully since she was 
 thrown upon her own mental work to keep her 
 safe in the arms of Love. 
 
 
 
 When Mr. Whiting had finished his busi- 
 ness satisfactorily with the stock-farmer, they 
 walked back to the barn where the wagon had 
 been left. While untying the horses, one of 
 his boys ran up. 
 
 " We can't find Mary," he said anxiously. 
 "We've called and searched everywhere."
 
 208 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 "The little mite is hiding and laughing at 
 your trouble," answered Mr. Whiting, with a 
 reassuring smile. 
 
 But when he and the men employed on the 
 place had diligently hunted about the imme- 
 diate vicinity with no result, expressions of 
 fear became visible on all faces. Helen was 
 crying, while Betty, with the other children, 
 felt wretched about the uncertainty of the 
 missing child. 
 
 " It's getting so late, don't you think we'd 
 better let one of my men drive these children 
 home in your wagon," advised Mr. Ramsey. 
 
 " I think that's a good idea, then we can do 
 some systematic work, while your man brings 
 back Dr. Dorand and the boys." 
 
 The children got in the wagon with hearts 
 too full of mortal fear to remember that 
 " Love watches over all." Arriving at Do- 
 rand's house a forlorn little group got out and 
 said good-bye to the Whiting children. 
 
 " Now, Whiting, I'll tell you what I think," 
 said Mr. Ramsey, as soon as the wagon had
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 209 
 
 gone. " I want to make sure of that duck- 
 pond before it grows dark." 
 
 "You're goin' to waste time if you dig 
 around there," said Mr. Whiting; "she 
 couldn't be there because she's protected." 
 
 While Ramsey and his men went toward the 
 pond, Mr. Whiting examined the ground. 
 
 "Did you notice these foot-prints?" he 
 asked. 
 
 "Yes, and I found they go direct to the 
 pond," replied Mr. Ramsey. 
 
 " But did you follow them up to where 
 these large ones are?" 
 
 "No, I didn't," answered Ramsey, getting 
 down on his knees to inspect the soft soil. 
 
 "These larger foot-prints may have been 
 made by my men when they went by here," 
 Mr. Ramsey suggested. 
 
 " I know she is perfectly safe somewhere, 
 and I do not want to waste the time over this 
 pond," declared Mr. Whiting again. 
 
 "Well, we will soon see! " was the answer. 
 
 The duck-pond was a streamlet scooped out
 
 210 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 into a wide basin and dammed up at one end 
 to form a tiny waterfall, which tinkled over 
 the rocks, down through the ferny glade be- 
 yond. 
 
 Using crow-bars the men pried out some of 
 the logs that upheld the dam, thus allowing 
 the water to rush out through the aperture 
 until it soon receded from the basin. Not a 
 sign of anything but weeds and stones re- 
 warded the work. 
 
 "What makes you so sure she is safe?" 
 asked Ramsey of Whiting, as they continued 
 the search elsewhere. 
 
 " Because she, and all the folks, includin' 
 my own fam'ly, know that God protects and 
 keeps His own from harm." 
 
 Ramsey looked at his companion curiously. 
 
 " That sounds pretty good," he replied, 
 " but I haven't time to think of church since 
 my family grew. I used to be a good Sunday- 
 school boy, but I haven't even thought of God 
 for years, 'specially when it takes so much time 
 every Sunday to get ready and drive to town.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 211 
 
 But I ain't so bad for all that. I give a 
 square deal to all, and am so honest that some- 
 times I think I'm a fool to do it." 
 
 "You can't be too good," answered Whit- 
 ing, emphatically. "And if you understood 
 God as Divine Love, you would soon find it 
 wasn't necessary to dress and go to church on 
 Sundays to find Him but you'd be usin' Him 
 all the time. It's the best thing ever happened 
 to me, the day I found out who God was. 
 That's why I say the little girl is all right! " 
 
 Coming back to the house they found that 
 Dr. Dorand, with his boys and Laddie, had 
 arrived. 
 
 "No news yet," said Whiting, answering 
 their questioning look. 
 
 " I brought Laddie, as he is so fond of 
 Mary, he may give us a clew," said the doc- 
 tor. 
 
 Showing Laddie Mary]s bonnet which she 
 had left on the steps, he started off, with the 
 men following closely. Going straight to- 
 ward the duck-pond he sniffed about the spot
 
 212 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 where Mary's foot-prints were noticed, then 
 giving short, sharp yelps of excitement, raced 
 about until he stood for a time, with nose high 
 in the air, seeking the scent. Circling about, 
 he ran across the hard ground where the 
 tracks had been lost, to a patch of green grass 
 under the trees. The grass was found to be 
 trampled, while wagon tracks led out to a side 
 road. Some gruel and wood cinders were 
 scattered around while fragments of hay and 
 oats were near a tree, where a horse had been 
 tethered. Giving short, whining cries, Lad- 
 die ran about this spot some time, then 
 crouched down in the grass and howled. 
 
 The men looked at each other in amaze- 
 ment until Jim spoke. 
 
 " I saw a gypsy camp as we came up. Do 
 you think it was them?" 
 
 " Might go and make sure," answered Bert. 
 
 " I don't think they would take her," said 
 Mr. Whiting, "but she may have met some 
 of the gypsy youngsters who enticed her to go 
 with 'em."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 213 
 
 " Well, how could you account for the signs 
 we see here?" asked Dr. Dorand, speaking 
 for the first time. 
 
 " If the gypsies from down yonder were 
 here, they wouldn't have a wagon," said Mr. 
 Ramsey, " because they've been hangin' 'round 
 my place several days, helpin' themselves to 
 fruit and fodder, but they're too near to bring 
 a wagon for anything, and it would be too 
 hard to hide, if I should run across 'em." 
 
 " Won't do any harm to run down and ques- 
 tion 'em, anyway," said Jim, moving off in 
 that direction. 
 
 Jim, Bert, and a couple of Ramsey's men 
 went to the camp to question the gypsies, who 
 were so dumbfounded at what they heard, that 
 the searching party knew without a doubt that 
 the child had not been seen there. The cap- 
 tain of the camp, however, insisted upon the 
 men going through every place a child could 
 have been stowed in. 
 
 Great bon-fires were kept burning all night, 
 while men trudged over hills and down val-
 
 214 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 leys with no success. After following every 
 suggestion given, without success, a lengthy 
 conference at Mr. Ramsey's house, showed the 
 futility of spending further time in that vicin- 
 ity. Agreeing to keep each other informed of 
 any news, they departed to their respective 
 homes. 
 
 Laddie went about for some days without 
 eating food, but when Mary's name was men- 
 tioned, he would jump up, wagging his tail. 
 Finding one of her old slippers at the cottage, 
 Mollie saw him, a few minutes later, racing 
 home with it in his mouth. Taking it to his 
 corner of the chimney, he licked it carefully 
 and watched it lovingly. 
 
 Posters, offering rewards, were put up in 
 every conspicuous place, while the papers re- 
 peated the description of the child, advancing 
 all kinds of impossible theories as to her dis- 
 appearance; then some other item of public 
 interest came up to notice and the kidnap- 
 ping story was dropped. 
 
 When Mary's friends had used every effort
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 215 
 
 to discover her whereabouts, they determined 
 to wait entirely upon Love for further leading. 
 
 Mrs. Alvern had said from the very first, 
 that as she was not found immediately, even 
 though they were all working right mentally, 
 it would be better to keep quiet and trust, in- 
 stead of rushing about, to create so much error 
 thought through the papers, that might only 
 serve to hold back the child's demonstration. 
 
 This attitude of quiet faith, awaiting Love's 
 leading, created tremendous notice in the 
 town. Some, declaring that the Christian 
 Scientist's trust in Divine Love was beautiful 
 to behold, while others denounced that very 
 trust. As the days wore on the interest in- 
 creased instead of diminished in the incident, 
 until the time Love gave His reward. 
 
 * 
 
 A few days after Mary's conversation with 
 Ola about his family, the gypsies pulled a halt 
 for several days on the outskirts of a town in 
 South Jersey. 
 
 The first day, Mary took charge of the baby
 
 216 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 while Phiny went to town. Ola had gone 
 too, but coming back early, he told Mary what 
 he had seen and done in the town, adding: 
 " Phiny said you could go with us to-mor- 
 
 row." 
 
 "What's the name of the town?" asked 
 Mary indifferently. 
 
 "Alloway Junction," answered Ola, while 
 playing with the baby's toes. 
 
 "Alloway Junction! Did you say Allo- 
 way? " cried Mary, jumping up in great ex- 
 citement. 
 
 "Why, yes," answered Ola, bewildered. 
 
 " Do you suppose it could be Alloway 
 Junction, Salem County, in Jersey?" asked 
 Mary breathlessly. 
 
 " The very same," replied Ola. " But why 
 do you ask?" 
 
 " Oh, Ola! it's my old home. I know every 
 street in the town. We lived on a farm just 
 outside the town and father used to drive us 
 in every day. Everybody there knows me!" 
 
 " Mary," said Ola solemnly, " I b'lieve your
 
 -'""- 
 
 I'll take you with me when I'm found "
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 217 
 
 God is goin' to send you home. You won't 
 forget me if you go, will you?" 
 
 "I just guess not!" declared Mary decid- 
 edly. " I'll take you with me when I'm 
 found." 
 
 "You'll have to be very quiet so's not to 
 show you know anything. If anyone dreams 
 of your secret they'll pack up at once and ske- 
 daddle," warned Ola. 
 
 " Oh, Ola, don't you see how Divine Love 
 led these gypsies to camp here, where all the 
 people know me? And Phiny goes to-day, 
 so's I can go to-morrow and be found?" 
 
 " It's wonderful, but I don't s'pose anyone 
 remembers who I am, so I don't expect ever to 
 be found like you are," remarked Ola, discon- 
 solately. 
 
 "Why! you old error talking in Ola! how 
 dare you? Ola won't let you s'courage him 
 now, when he knows that God never lost him 
 an' knows just where his f am'ly are." 
 
 Mary's words acted like an audible treat- 
 ment to Ola who immediately began to feel as
 
 218 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 if he were going to meet his relatives too, on 
 the morrow. 
 
 Mary slept as soundly as ever that night, for 
 she knew God governed ALL. 
 
 The following day when the young people 
 went out, Ola kept quite close to Mary. 
 Neither spoke above a whisper, concerning 
 the hope that filled their thoughts, but Mary 
 tripped down the street as unconcernedly as if 
 she was with friends, instead of disreputable 
 looking young gypsies. Being at home in the 
 streets of the town, she showed Ola where 
 Helen and she went to school; passing the 
 road that led out to their farm, Mary nudged 
 Ola, quietly nodding her head and whisper- 
 ing: 
 
 " Our farm's out that road." 
 
 Just as they were passing a real estate office 
 on the main street, a man stepped down from 
 the steps. 
 
 "Upon my word!" exclaimed he. "The 
 very child I'm thinking of I Little one, come 
 here."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 219 
 
 The gentleman confronted Mary and Ola, 
 and placed a hand on her shoulder, while 
 pushing back her old straw hat. 
 
 " Oh, Mr. Woods!" cried Mary. "Love 
 has sent you to take me home! Oh, I'm so 
 happy! Oh, Oh!" 
 
 Mary was so overwhelmed with joy that not 
 another word could she utter. One of the 
 young gypsies tried to urge Ola away, while 
 the others hurried off. 
 
 "What do you want, you young scala- 
 wag?" demanded Mr. Woods so angrily, that 
 the gypsy ran off. 
 
 Then Ola told the tale Mary had told 
 him. 
 
 The excitement had attracted several pass- 
 ers-by, who notified an officer of the kidnap- 
 ping. 
 
 The policeman being only a substitute for 
 a friend, started alone after the gypsies, but 
 recalling the number he would probably have 
 to meet, he returned to head-quarters for as- 
 sistance. When the usual red tape had been
 
 220 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 attended to, a detachment of officers were de- 
 tailed to go and arrest the rascals. 
 
 But the gypsies were too sly. They were 
 many miles from their camping place when 
 the officers of the law arrived, to find noth- 
 ing but ashes and debris. 
 
 " Come right into my office, children," said 
 Mr. Woods kindly. " I don't remember your 
 first name but I recognized your face in a mo- 
 ment. I advertised for your mother's address, 
 this week, so I was thinking of her when you 
 popped up under my eyes." 
 
 " Oh, Mr. Woods, my dear mother went on 
 a visit to Love," faltered Mary. 
 
 "Went where?" 
 
 "Dr. Dorand, he's the man what found 
 Helen an' me the day we was so hungry, you 
 know, well, he said mother's gone to visit our 
 Father." 
 
 " Poor little dear," murmured Mr. Woods, 
 passing his hand over his moist eyes. 
 
 "We have been very happy though, and 
 Mollie loves Helen an' me just like we was
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 221 
 
 her own fam'ly. Everybody what lives there 
 loves everybody else, 'cause they wouldn' be 
 children of Divine Love if they didn't," said 
 Mary. 
 
 " I can readily see you were happy," re- 
 marked Mr. Woods, smilingly. "Now, if 
 you will tell me where to find these friends, 
 I'll send them word at once, then we will go 
 home and visit Mrs. Woods, whom you no 
 doubt remember." 
 
 Mary gave the names and addresses of her 
 friends, while Mr. Woods sent telegrams to 
 apprise them of Mary's safety, asking Dr. Do- 
 rand to come to Alloway Junction, as an im- 
 portant business matter needed attention at 
 once. 
 
 Mary and Ola went to Mr. Woods' home 
 where they were cared for by his wife, who 
 had been an old school mate of Mary's 
 
 mother. 
 
 . . 
 
 That noon while Mary was enjoying her 
 dinner at the Woods', Mrs. Alvern, many
 
 222 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 miles from Alloway Junction, stood by the 
 window thinking of Mary. 
 
 Presently, a messenger boy came up the 
 street and went up Dorand's steps. Throw- 
 ing a shawl over her head, Mrs. Alvern went 
 over, knowing intuitively that the telegram 
 contained news of Mary. 
 
 "My dear!" gasped Mrs. Dorand, as she 
 opened the door for her friend, " what do you 
 think?" 
 
 "About Mary! Isn't it?" asked Mrs. Al- 
 vern joyously. 
 
 Going into the library, Mrs. Alvern was 
 given the telegram to read ; as she realized that 
 Mary was safe at her old home, the wonder of 
 the demonstration amazed her. 
 
 " Did you ever! " laughed Mrs. Dorand de- 
 lightedly. "Just think] This gentleman 
 wants to see my husband about important 
 business. Do you suppose the children had 
 property?" 
 
 " I haven't time to think of that," answered 
 Mrs. Alvern, joyously. " I'm going home so
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 223 
 
 fast to tell the others of the glorious news, that 
 Mercury will lose the record for speed." 
 
 While she spoke, Dr. Dorand, coming in 
 the room, greeted her. 
 
 " Have you thought of the commotion this 
 news will make in the town?" asked he. 
 
 " If anyone needed proof that our God is 
 Love, this finding of Mary at her old home 
 ought to be sufficient," replied Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 Ned had gone for a cab to take his father to 
 the train, while the doctor searched his desk 
 for a timetable. 
 
 "I can get the 3:15 train from here," said 
 he, " and by changing at Newark, instead of 
 going to Jersey City, I can get the express that 
 stops on the switch at Alloway Junction a few 
 minutes, to allow the ' Southern Limited ' to 
 pass there." 
 
 Dr. Dorand, reaching the town of Alloway, 
 easily found Mr. Woods' home, where a 
 happy little face was waiting at the window 
 for his appearance. 
 
 After Mary and Ola had gone to bed, Mr.
 
 224 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Woods entertained his guest by discussing the 
 manner in which Mary was found. 
 
 " I had just been speaking of the Grahams 
 before I went to the door, so it seemed queer 
 that the child should be passing." 
 
 " You knew them well, I suppose, when the 
 father was alive?" questioned Dr. Dorand. 
 
 "Oh, yes indeed!" replied Mr. Woods. 
 "Jack Graham and I were old chums. I was 
 the indirect cause of that mortgage trouble on 
 his farm." 
 
 " I know absolutely nothing of their af- 
 fairs," said the doctor, " except that some rela- 
 tives at Watnong, would not receive the chil- 
 dren, when they heard they had nothing to 
 live upon." 
 
 " Then you don't know about the mortgage 
 affair," queried his host. 
 
 "No," answered Dr. Dorand. "All I 
 knew was that when we found the woman she 
 was beyond any earthly help. We followed the 
 directions in her note, concerning the girls, 
 but instead of sending them to the County
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 225 
 
 House as their relative suggested, we took and 
 cared for them, and now are very fond of 
 them both." 
 
 " It's mighty fine of you to help strangers 
 like that, but now, I'm going to give you a lit- 
 tle surprise," said Mr. Woods, taking some 
 documents from his desk. 
 
 " The farm and house that belonged to Gra- 
 ham, lay just the other side of the city line. A 
 very good real estate proposition came my 
 way, in which I saw an immense profit if I 
 could get a trusted friend to go in with me. 
 Suggesting it to Graham, he became inter- 
 ested at once. His place being free and clear, 
 he mortgaged it for six months and went into 
 the deal on the money borrowed. Soon after 
 this, I was sent to Liverpool on some business 
 for a friend who promised me a liberal com- 
 mission with all expenses paid. The transac- 
 tion coming at a time of year when my busi- 
 ness was quiet, I started, in anticipation of a 
 good time. Having left my office with relia- 
 ble clerks, I was not worried much when I
 
 226 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 discovered I would be detained longer than 
 had at first been estimated upon. 
 
 " Shortly after I left, Graham took a severe 
 cold, contracted pneumonia and went out like 
 a match on a windy night. His widow with 
 her two little girls struggled alone until the 
 six months' interest on the mortgage came due 
 and could not be met. I heard nothing of 
 these matters while away, as none of our 
 friends knew of our secret investment, conse- 
 quently they all believed Mrs. Graham to be 
 comfortably fixed ; but when the old Jew who 
 held the mortgage, foreclosed and took the 
 farm, everyone was amazed. Mrs. Graham, 
 knowing nothing of business, had never been 
 told of the investment her husband had bor- 
 rowed the money for, so she was ignorant of 
 the fact that she would be * comfortable' some 
 day; too proud to accept aid from friends, she 
 sold the furniture when turned out of her 
 home, and taking her children, left here, giv- 
 ing no idea of where she expected to go. I 
 knew the papers in the safe deposit bank
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 227 
 
 would have paid back the old Shylock's loan 
 while an advancement on the deal would have 
 kept the family. 
 
 11 One day, soon after I got back, while fil- 
 ing some papers at the record office in Salem, 
 I discovered those mortgages were not legally 
 executed, and if the Grahams would prosecute 
 they could recover the property. I then be- 
 gan to hunt them up but with no success, until 
 a few weeks ago, when the real estate invest- 
 ment began to boom, I realized I must find 
 some one who could authorize the sale of the 
 lots. Advertising, and following up every 
 trace of Mrs. Graham, I just got hold of these 
 farmer relatives you spoke of, when I practi- 
 cally fell over Graham's little girl this morn- 
 ing; as the matter now stands, she'll not be de- 
 pendent on any one." 
 
 " I am truly amazed and delighted at 
 what you tell me," said Dr. Dorand. 
 
 " Do you know whether the mother left any 
 writing or other paper, concerning the chil- 
 dren?" asked Mr. Woods.
 
 228 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " I do not know what she had done before 
 we found them," replied the doctor, "but no 
 writing was found excepting the directions 
 written on a card, how to reach the cousin's 
 farm." 
 
 " Then these cousins being next of kin 
 really have control of the girls until major- 
 ity?" asked Mr. Woods. 
 
 "No, they haven't! Being not very kindly 
 disposed toward the farmer when they acted 
 so meanly toward their little relatives, I had 
 a lawyer friend draw up papers, giving me 
 absolute right and control of the children in 
 every way until they come of age. The 
 farmer gladly signed it thinking to avoid ex- 
 pense and trouble. I was legally granted the 
 sole guardianship and appointed trustee of the 
 two girls, at Orphans Court that term. Not 
 that I ever thought I would have to work for 
 the honor of being trustee of their estate," 
 added Dr. Dorand laughing. 
 
 "Good for you!" exclaimed Mr. Woods,
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 229 
 
 slapping his visitor on the back in a hearty 
 manner. 
 
 " I'm afraid I'm still very mortal," laughed 
 the doctor, " but I was just thinking I'd like 
 to be behind a curtain, when old farmer Gra- 
 ham hears of the money he kicked out of his 
 house, when he turned those little orphans 
 away." 
 
 Mr. Woods joined in the laugh as they arose 
 to retire.
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 THE FULL GRAIN IN THE EAR 
 
 TIT R. HILMAN came down to Alloway 
 Junction the same day he read the 
 message from his friend. 
 
 That afternoon Dr. Dorand and his friend 
 sat in Mr. Woods' office, going carefully over 
 all the papers. 
 
 " What would be the law on the sale of this 
 real estate?" asked Mr. Woods presently. 
 
 " I'll have to look up Jersey law on that 
 point, particularly as this case is complicated. 
 I can give you my opinion of the moral and 
 just law in connection with it, however," an- 
 swered Mr. Hilman. 
 
 " Well, the only thing that concerns me and 
 which is quite sufficient, is, that Mary is with 
 us, old Shylock will be paid for his loan, and 
 that the girls will be independent," remarked 
 Dr. Dorand, settling back in his chair as if all 
 cares about the matter were entirely settled. 
 
 231
 
 232 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " I'd rather not have the responsibility of 
 these papers," said Mr. Woods, turning to the 
 lawyer. "As I am interested in the real es- 
 tate investment also, it would prove disagree- 
 able for me to explain, should anything hap- 
 pen to them." 
 
 " Why, I'll willingly take charge of them," 
 replied Mr. Hilman, signing a receipt for 
 them. " I'll look after the legal part of this 
 affair for the girls and endeavor to settle the 
 matter amicably to all concerned." 
 
 "What about those kidnappers?" asked 
 Mr. Woods. 
 
 " Nothing," said the doctor. " I believe in 
 letting ' the dead bury its dead.' We have 
 received more than a measure of meal ' 
 through the gypsies conducting Mary to her 
 
 old home." 
 
 . 
 
 When Dr. Dorand, with Mary and Ola, 
 reached home the morning before Thanksgiv- 
 ing, the calling, laughing and general confus- 
 ion was deafening.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 233 
 
 Mary was the heroine of the day, with so 
 many questions asked and answered between 
 smothered hugs and kisses, that her head was 
 fairly turned. 
 
 Ola smiled sympathetically at the demon- 
 strations of love so profusely bestowed. He 
 felt somewhat defrauded though, as if God 
 had not given him his share of loved ones. But 
 as he recalled that a feeling like that was er- 
 ror, he closed his lips hard and said to him- 
 self: 
 
 " Get out of my mind, error. Mary says 
 you're not to be trusted." 
 
 " And is this the dear .boy that our Mary 
 brought home to us?" asked Mrs. Alvern, 
 lovingly taking Ola by the hand to draw him 
 over by the window. 
 
 "Who does he remind you of?" continued 
 she to Mrs. Dorand, after looking well at the 
 boy. 
 
 "I don't know, I've been trying to guess, 
 ever since I first saw him," answered Mrs. Do- 
 rand in a perplexed tone.
 
 234 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 Everyone had a different idea to whom Ola 
 bore resemblance and amid laughable com- 
 parisons the boy began to feel more at ease. 
 
 Some time after this, Mrs. Alvern, who had 
 seemed lost in deep thought, looked up sud- 
 denly. 
 
 " I have it! " exclaimed she, with such vehe- 
 mence that those near her were startled. 
 
 " Hold it fast before it gets away," laughed 
 Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 " I just saw the resemblance. Ola looks 
 exactly like Bobsy Whiting." 
 
 " He does, for a fact! If Bobsy was Ola's 
 age, they might pass for twins," said Dr. Do- 
 rand. 
 
 " Ola, did you say you could remember 
 some brothers or sisters? Could you recall 
 your mother's face if you were to see her?" 
 asked Mrs. Alvern, earnestly. 
 
 "No, ma'am, I don't think I could. Some- 
 times I awake from a dream to think I'm sit- 
 ting on a stone door-step with tall flowers all 
 down the side of the house ; beyond, I can see
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 235 
 
 meadows with cows pasturing under the 
 apple-trees; in the distance I could see the 
 steam-cars slowing up at a station of a small 
 town that lay at the foot of some mountains. 
 I know I should recognize my mother's voice 
 if I heard it again, because she used .to sing us 
 to sleep every night." 
 
 The ladies shook their heads disappointedly 
 as the picture described did not tally with 
 any home they knew of. 
 
 " Ola, if you only could remember your 
 name!" said Betty, regretfully. 
 
 " Love knows," spoke up Mary, trustfully. 
 " I told Ola he didn't have to 'member his 
 name 'cause Divine Love knows all the time, 
 and will whisper it to him when it is time for 
 him to go back to that farm with his fam'ly." 
 
 " Mary is right," said Mollie, who had 
 come in to tell her family that dinner was 
 waiting at the cottage. 
 
 " Mary knows, for her beautiful demon- 
 n was due to her implicit trust in Love," 
 6 Mrs. Alvern.
 
 236 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 It was almost midnight when the last light 
 was turned out in the different households. 
 Joe and Pete arranged to sleep in one bed, 
 giving Ola the cot that Pete had been occupy- 
 ing. 
 
 None were happier when the good fortune 
 of the Graham children was heard, than the 
 Whitings. They had been invited to have 
 dinner at Mrs. Alvern's, but, as they always 
 went to their grandmother's on Thanksgiving 
 day, they sent two immense turkeys and a pair 
 of ducks, the day before. 
 
 Great preparations had been going on for 
 the celebration of this Thanksgiving Day, as 
 so much had come into the lives of these 
 friends. 
 
 Aunt Belle was expected early in the morn- 
 ing, to make her long promised visit, and Mr. 
 and Mrs. Hilman had accepted Mrs. Alvern's 
 invitation to dine at her house. As all of the 
 Dorand family were to join forces with the 
 
 Alverns at dinner, Nannie went over er ' - 
 
 o o 
 the morning to help Dinah. Molli-, tc^'
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 237 
 
 came in to assist, so everything worked 
 harmoniously for all interested in the din- 
 ner. 
 
 As the time drew nigh for the arrival of 
 Mr. Hilman, Mrs. Alvern seemed a center of 
 secret anticipation. She fairly bubbled over 
 with news that could scarcely be kept to her- 
 self. 
 
 All the scientists had been invited to Mrs. 
 Alvern's house for a Thanksgiving service. 
 A great number of friends and acquaintances 
 of the scientists, who had never attended any 
 of the meetings, were so interested in Mary's 
 return, that they asked permission to attend 
 the morning service. 
 
 When Mr. and Mrs. Hilman drove up in a 
 cab, Mrs. Alvern met them at the door. 
 
 " Have you got it with you?" asked she in 
 an excited whisper. 
 
 "All safe and sound," said Mr. Hilman, 
 laughing, while carefully taking some legal- 
 looking papers from his pocket and giving 
 them to Mrs. Alvern.
 
 238 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 There was a pause while Mrs. Alvern 
 looked over the papers. 
 
 " 1 think your gift of gratitude in Divine 
 Love is beautiful," Mr. Hilman remarked, 
 " and I wish to be the first to pray all bless- 
 ings to attend the gift." 
 
 " I have so much to be thankful for that I 
 do not deem this a great gift," said Mrs. Al- 
 vern, with thanksgiving tears of hope and 
 faith in her eyes. 
 
 Before eleven o'clock the parlors and hall 
 were crowded with a circle of friends to go 
 over the service. Just before the meeting 
 closed, Mr. Hilman arose to speak. 
 
 " To-day I have a pleasant task vouchsafed 
 me. I have a gift of gratitude to offer these 
 followers of Christ that will surprise and 
 gladden you as it has me." 
 
 Taking a folded paper from his pocket he 
 opened it and held it out so all could see. 
 
 " I have here a deed of land free from all 
 debt or encumbrance, made out to me in trust, 
 for a church property, subject to all such con-
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 239 
 
 ditions as are usual in our churches ; this beau- 
 tiful gift comes from our dear friend, Mary 
 S. Alvern. 
 
 " I wish to add, that I think the reaching out 
 of the little ones for homeless children is the 
 most beautiful thought I have ever known. 
 The simple fact that two little Love-ideas 
 v, ished to give their associates the understand- 
 ing and faith to help themselves to God's love 
 and supply, so that they in turn may give the 
 blessing to others, has been so blessed by Di- 
 vine Love that ' Love's Home ' is manifest- 
 ing in a Church, from which can be sent forth 
 the ' good tidings of great joy.' ' 
 
 When Mr. Hilman had finished, the won- 
 der and pleasure became so demonstrative that 
 Mrs. Alvern arose to escape from the room, 
 but Mr. Hilman, anticipating her action, 
 stepped forward and intercepted her exit. 
 
 "We are too grateful to express our 
 thanks," said he, " but coming just at this sea- 
 son it is most appropriate; so before our offer- 
 ings are collected, I vote that this 'gift' goes
 
 240 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 in the basket, and those who wish may sub- 
 scribe or give their contributions in the basket, 
 for a ' starter ' of a new church building." 
 
 The proposal meeting with unanimous con- 
 sent, Dr. Dorand took the basket in which 
 Mr. Hilman had placed the deed and his 
 check for $500. The doctor gave one for the 
 same amount, while Aunt Belle subscribed 
 $300. When the basket had gone around it 
 was filled with bills and papers of subscrip- 
 tion. 
 
 Marion, playing the beautiful communion 
 hymn written by our Leader, " Saw ye my 
 Saviour," the song rose with such fervor from 
 the hearts of all, that it was truly a Thanksgiv- 
 ing anthem. 
 
 While friends stood about congratulating 
 each other some of the men counted up the 
 contributions, until Dinah blocked the door- 
 way with an injured expression on her face. 
 
 " Laws-a-massy-me! Does dese folkses tink 
 our turkeys hab to cook till ebenin'? I'se ben 
 waitin' to serb de dinner dis las tree hour."
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 241 
 
 A laugh greeted Dinah's complaint, as the 
 delinquents hurriedly said good-bye, some of 
 them, in passing, slipping money in her hand. 
 
 That dinner was one Ola never forgot. 
 Everything seemed to him the acme of love 
 and joy; poor boy, he had never experienced 
 much of either. 
 
 When it became known in the town, that the 
 sum of money collected for a church building 
 Thanksgiving Day, was $4,130. several people 
 imagined the amount was exaggerated, but as 
 the sum was deposited in the National Bank, 
 it was soon corroborated. Many friends out- 
 side of the little band of scientists sent their 
 contributions towards the church building. 
 
 The morning following Thanksgiving, 
 Fred Whiting came home with the mail and 
 papers. Giving them to his mother, she sat 
 down in her rocker by the window to read 
 them. 
 
 "Nathaniel Whiting!" exclaimed she, 
 dropping the newspaper in amazement, 
 "have you read the paper to-day?"
 
 242 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " How could I, when you've had it ever 
 since Fred brought them in. What's the 
 news? Some one leave you a fortune?" 
 laughed Mr. Whiting. 
 
 " Better than that! " replied she. " Just you 
 read that!" 
 
 "Well, I never!" remarked her husband as 
 he finished reading the account of the church 
 fund. "That's the kind of religion to have. 
 The kind that acts and does and doesn't waste 
 time in talkin' and promisinV 
 
 The next morning as Mr. Whiting was go- 
 ing out to the barn, he turned about at the 
 door. 
 
 " Laura, I'm goin' to town to-day. Can 
 you go? I'm thinkin' of gettin' some new 
 fixin's for the incubator." 
 
 " Now, see here! Nat Whiting, you're goin' 
 for something more'n fixin's, ain't you? " asked 
 his wife, looking lovingly at him. 
 
 "Umph!" answered he, a twinkle coming 
 into his eyes, " I thought I'd drop in Dorand's 
 to see if I couldn't help along the good work.
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 243 
 
 I don't like bein' left out in the cold on a Love 
 business like this." 
 
 " I knew it! I've been jest thinkin' about 
 it all night, an' kinder wishin' you'd speak of 
 it first," said Mrs. Whiting, with satisfac- 
 tion. 
 
 After reaching the Dorands', Mrs. Whiting 
 sat talking with Mrs. Dorand, when Betty 
 came in, followed by Rod and Ola. 
 
 "Oh, Mrs. Whiting, did you hear the 
 news?" asked Betty immediately. 
 
 " Yes, indeed, dearie. I was just told how 
 successful the Thanksgiving Day was," an- 
 swered the lady addressed. 
 
 Rod, who had been standing back by the 
 door with Ola, now brought him forward. 
 
 " I want to introduce a member to you 
 who may be permanent, but we don't know 
 yet." 
 
 As Rod spoke, Mrs. Whiting stood up 
 stiffly and turned pale with emotion. 
 
 "Child, where did you come from?" she 
 asked.
 
 244 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " Mary found me and brought me here," 
 answered Ola, in surprise at the lady's strange 
 behavior. 
 
 "What's your name and where did you 
 live?" continued Mrs. Whiting, growing 
 more intense when she heard Ola's voice. 
 
 " Why, I'm the boy that came here from the 
 gypsies who had Mary. Dr. Dorand says I 
 can stay here until Divine Love brings me my 
 family," answered Ola, while the others 
 gathered about him. 
 
 "Mrs. Whiting, I've thought he looks so 
 much like Bobsy, do you see the resem- 
 blance?" asked Mrs. Dorand. 
 
 " He does look like Bobsy, but he is the very 
 image of my sister in Connecticut. Her first- 
 born boy was stolen by gypsies years ago, and 
 although they spent a small fortune trying to 
 trace him, nothing was ever heard from him. 
 It seemed for a time that my sister would have 
 to be put in a sanatorium for her mind. She 
 prayed continually, hoping God would bring 
 back her boy, until the family avoided all
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 245 
 
 mention of the child on account of the spell of 
 depression it brought on her. When I came 
 to understand the way to pray right, through 
 Christian Science, I wrote to her and sent her 
 a copy of our text-book. A few weeks ago I 
 had a letter from her sayin' that readin' the 
 book had helped her so much, that she was 
 just waitin' God's time to bring her Oliver 
 back to her." 
 
 "That's it!! That's it! I know now," in- 
 terrupted Ola, with great excitement 
 
 "What's wrong?" gasped Rod. 
 
 " I remember! My name was Oliver. It 
 sounds so familiar, too, when that lady says 
 it" 
 
 "Child, child! Don't raise my hopes too 
 much. I'm afraid I'll wake to find it a 
 dream," said Mrs. Whiting, pinching her arm 
 to assure herself she was awake. 
 
 As footsteps were heard on the piazza, Dr. 
 Dorand came in, followed by Mr. Whiting. 
 Looking at the group a moment the doctor 
 said:
 
 246 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 
 
 " Something must have struck here since I 
 last was in here." 
 
 " Been cryin' over the church, most likely," 
 said Mr. Whiting, jocularly. 
 
 "Nat! Say! If sister could have a demon- 
 stration sent from God, what do you think 
 she would most desire?" asked Mrs. Whit- 
 ing, patting Ola on the head. 
 
 "Wife, you don't mean it! " whispered Mr. 
 Whiting, in an awesome voice, gazing at the 
 boy. 
 
 " It is, it is!" cried his wife happily. 
 
 " Ruth's son found! Thanks be to God and 
 that dear woman who gave us such truth in 
 her book, ' Science and Health, with key to 
 the Scriptures." 
 
 Gradually, as Ola, with his new-found 
 uncle and aunt's assistance, mentioned differ- 
 ent incidents that he remembered, it was 
 proved beyond a doubt that he was the Oliver 
 with such loving relatives waiting for his 
 home-coming. 
 
 "Well, I never!" exclaimed Mrs. Alvern,
 
 THE SEEDLINGS' HARVEST 247 
 
 coming in just at that moment, " Divine Love 
 
 pours out blessing on us all the time." 
 
 
 And now, friends, we will leave the Society 
 for a time to work on the demonstration of the 
 church, while Ola returns to his home to be- 
 come acquainted with his loving family. 
 
 In thinking of the wonderful harvest gath- 
 ered through the Good planting of a tiny seed, 
 does it not seem possible for you and I to plant 
 seeds in the Vineyard that will, with Divine 
 Love to nourish the growth, blossom into as 
 many, or more awakened souls, from the mor- 
 tal dream of sin, sickness and death, as was ac- 
 complished by Love's Society. 
 
 THE END
 
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