Classic Audiobook Collection - The Browning Boys by Pansy ~ Full Audiobook [family]

Episode Date: March 25, 2025

The Browning Boys by Pansy audiobook. Genre: family On their eleventh birthday, twin brothers Aleck and Ben Browning make a vow that sounds simple until life tests it: they will be truly helpful at home, not just in words but in sacrifice. Their family is under strain, their father is an invalid whose health is failing, and every penny in the household seems to have a purpose already. Ben, thoughtful and quietly ambitious, tries to plan a sensible way forward. Aleck, rougher on the outside and quicker to bristle, has to learn that real strength is not loudness, but steadiness. As the boys take on adult-sized responsibilities and face the daily pressure of wanting more than they can afford, they begin using the Sunday-school 'golden texts' they have memorized as practical guides for ordinary decisions: how to work, how to speak, how to be honest when a shortcut would be easier, and how to keep courage when results come slowly. With each small choice, the Browning boys discover that character is built in the unnoticed moments, and that faith, applied one day at a time, can reshape an entire household. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:07:36) Chapter 02 (00:20:16) Chapter 03 (00:28:41) Chapter 04 (00:41:46) Chapter 05 (00:50:43) Chapter 06 (01:01:50) Chapter 07 (01:16:36) Chapter 08 (01:25:30) Chapter 09 (01:37:24) Chapter 10 (01:45:28) Chapter 11 (01:57:45) Chapter 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Browning Boys by Pansy Chapter 1 Looking Forward Behold, the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee Behold a greater than Solomon is here Keep thy heart with all diligence

For out of it are the issues of life The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom I love them that love me And those that seek me early Shall find me There were two of them, red-cheeked, hearty-looking fellows, but their faces were rather sober as they sat, one on the fence-post, the other on the horse block this November morning. Ben was whittling as he was apt to be. Alec rested his elbows on his knees and his face on his hands and looked away at the blue hills. At last Alex said,

It seems as though two great, strong boys like us ought to be able to do something. Well, that isn't exactly the way I put it. Let's do something, I say. Agreed, but what will it be? Now, you are farther along than I've got. It stands to reason that there must be something we can do to help, but what it is I can't say. If a fellow only knew,

said Alec. There's a chance. Beckwith is looking out for a clerk. Jim Bates told me about it, and I stopped in there last night when I came home from the freight office and had a talk with him. I thought if it were just to sell tape and things, I would do as well as an older one. But he said his clerk had to make up his own cash account and strike a balance, whatever that is. Understand bookkeeping, you know, so there's no chance there. That started Ben on a new train of thought. Did you know old Mr. Stevens was going to start his night school again? And he's going to teach bookkeeping. The boys over at the rolling mill are going to join the class. That would be a good chance for us. Sixpence a night, said Alec. I know it. Might as well be two shillings a night.

It is the old story of the cow and the elephant. Then they laughed again. You couldn't expect to know bookkeeping, old fellow. You never had a chance to learn. That's the rub. Never a chance to learn anything. Ignorant folks can't do anything. We aren't very aged, said Ben. No, but then we're growing older every day, and when is the learning to begin? We'll never grow wise by whittling or hoeing gardens. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Ben did not say these words aloud. They just flitted through his mind. He had heard them often enough that morning to fix them. Father and mother and little Effie and Alec and he had each repeated

them at family worship. Here we are almost 12 years old and we haven't begun to learn anything yet. That's so, said Ben with energy, but he did not mean what Alec did. He was thinking of his father's prayer after the verse had been recited so many times. Oh, Lord, give to each of us the true wisdom to guide us this day. Ben knew just what the fear of the Lord meant, and he knew that he and Alec had not begun to get wisdom. He wandered off into the thoughts that this thought suggested, until it brought him to this remark. George Strong is going to join the church the next time. Did you know it? "'No, how should I?'

"'I didn't know he hadn't told you. "'He told me last Sunday night "'when we were coming home from meeting. "'He says his mother is as pleased as anything, "'more pleased than if he had found a fortune for her.' "'Presently Alex said, "'One can't do a thing of that kind "'just to please one's mother.'

"'No, of course not, but it made me think of the verse. "'What verse? "'Why, the one you have heard, five times over every morning this week. Oh, said Alec, it is about wisdom. It is about the beginning of wisdom, and you said we hadn't made a beginning yet. I don't want to talk about George Strong,

said Alec, speaking sharply. I'm more interested just now in trying to contrive how we can raise a Thanksgiving dinner for Mother. A Thanksgiving dinner? Yes, just that. I know it's troubling mother. It will be the first time in five years that she can't afford a turkey and invite Mrs. Strong and George to dinner. But if George has got so far ahead of us, maybe he can get the turkey himself and take us in. Ben was dumb with astonishment and a little

pained, for nothing looked less likely than that his mother would spend any of her hard earnings for a Thanksgiving turkey, even for the sake of having Mrs. Strong to dinner, who had never failed to be present at a Thanksgiving, since her husband met his death by falling from the roof he was shingling for the brownings. Well, why not? He said aloud and thoughtfully. In fact, he was thinking aloud rather than talking to Alec. Just as likely as not, it means wisdom for every day. That's the kind of George needs. I don't know, but his religion is going to help him get dinners and everything. You make me think of another Bible verse. What's that? Behold, a greater than Solomon is here. Ben's face was grave. That verse means Jesus Christ, you know. There was rebuke in his tone.

A curious thing happened to the Brownings that very evening. George strong came, his eyes shining. He had been at work all the week doing errands for the corner market, and that evening the master of it had told him not to plan for his Thanksgiving turkey, for he had one picked out for him. And mother said, would Mrs. Browning be so good and so kind as to just come for once with her family and eat a Thanksgiving dinner with them? She had wanted to do it all these years. The boys exchanged glances, and Alex said, speaking low for only Ben to hear, it looks as though he were getting wiser every hour. The next morning the new verse for the week came into use in the Browning family.

Ben repeated it slowly. I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me. How much did it mean? George Strong had sought and found him. What had he found with him? End of Chapter 1. Chapter 2 of The Browning Boys by Pansy. The Sliberovoc's recording is in the public domain. Chapter 2. A True Friend. Be not among wine-bibbers. Wisdom excelsth folly as far as light exceleth darkness. Remember now thy creator is. in the days of thy youth. For two years, the Brownings had been steadily growing poor. Not that they had

ever been rich, but so far as Ben and Alec were concerned, they might have been. The boys had always found breakfast waiting when they came in from doing farm work, and dinner waiting when they came from school. They had worn clothes that were patched, but the patching was neat and did not trouble them, and when the coat grew too shabby, a new one was forthcoming somehow. Boots were ready for them in the autumn, and new straw hats as the summer opened. What more did the boys want? Their father might have been worth millions for all they knew or cared. But this was when they were little fellows, so they said, thinking of those happy days, rather contemptuously so far as their share in them was concerned. They were older now. The first day of November, both had become 12 years old.

For two years, they had known that their father was poor, and for at least a year they had known that he was growing poorer. He was a carpenter by trade, and had at odd times built himself the need and pretty little house in which they lived. But one day he grew in a hurry to have the kitchen done and worked out in a steady rain, not thinking much about it until suddenly he felt chilled and sick. Then followed a sickness long and hard. The doctor's bill and the drug bill ate up all the little savings. And, worse than all, the father did not grow strong after the illness. He coughed a little and walked feebly and took cold easily and was easily made dizzy when he tried to work on high places as he used to do. His step grew slower, and there were days together when he could not work at all.

The boys gave up school, for a while, the mother said cheerily, until father gets better. They helped about the house. They worked hard in the garden. They did any and everything that willing hearts and nimble fingers could find to do. And when the father could work at all, he worked beyond his strength, and still the Brownings grew poorer. They went to Mrs. Strong's and had a good dinner on Thanksgiving Day, as good as their mother had made the year before, and better than she could have had this year. And from that time, Alec knew, though he would not own it even to Ben, that George Strong was ahead somehow. Ben thought much about it, wondered whether George's new notions had to do

with his finding a first-rate place to work at good wages, had to do with a good many things which had happened lately. It was a clear cold winter evening. Mrs. Browning's kitchen was neat and clean, and a good fire burned in the stove. The Brownings had entirely given up the keeping of two fires. The boys remembered the time when a fire used to be started in the stove in the little sitting room,

as regularly as after dinner came. But that had not been done this autumn. Mrs. Browning was busily mending a pair of trousers, which Ben had split in the knees that very day. It is too dreadfully bad, Mother, he said, gazing ruefully at the gaping hole. I tried as hard as ever I could not to tumble, for I knew the shabby old things would go and burst at the first chance, but it was so dreadfully slippery, and my old shoes are worn as smooth as glass. Never mind, said Mrs. Browning, waxing her thread and taking hold of the wound with vigorous hands. It is a good thing that the trousers broke and not the knee.

Clothes will wear out, of course. These have done well for being made out of an old pair to begin with. I shall have to put in a patch, but it is almost exactly like the cloth and won't show much. Where's your book, Ben? Why aren't you at work? Alick will get ahead of you. "'Cause,' said Ben, glancing over at Alec, who sat with one elbow on his knee, his forehead resting on his hand, the other hand holding up an arithmetic,

at which he stared in such an absorbed way that he had not heard a word of the talk. "'I guess I won't study tonight, Mother. Alick is ahead of me anyhow, and one evening more won't make much difference.' Mrs. Browning looked up with quick alarm in her eyes. "'Don't you feel well, Ben? I'm afraid the tumble on the ice hurt you more than you have told.' Ben laughed cheerily. "'No, it didn't, Mother. I'm good for a great deal harder tumbles than that. My bones are used to it. I only wish my clothes were. They are the only part of me that is delicate.

Mother, I thought I would go down street to-night.' Then the mother looked again, and the troubled look grew stronger and showed in her voice. Without Alec? Yes, mother, he doesn't care to go. I don't care much about it myself, but I almost promised if you are willing. I wouldn't, she said coaxingly. I wouldn't stir a step out tonight. It is real cold, and your coat is none of the warmest, and it is so nice and cozy

here. Your father won't be home till ten o'clock, and Alec and I don't want to stay alone. Do we, Alec?' "'And nine are twenty-three,' said Alec. "'But that don't make it. How on earth is that? What did you say, mother? Were you talking to me?' "'Never mind,' his mother said, smiling on him. "'I mustn't interrupt the figures. Ben, my boy, you won't go out if Mother doesn't want You too? I know. Of course not, Ben said heartily, but I almost promised George that I would, if you were willing. Is it George strong? I thought he did not go out on evenings. He has since the meetings began. What meetings, Ben? Why, prayer meetings and preaching some of the time,

they have them every night, and this time it is just for young folks. What is? The meeting. There is a man from some other town who was going to preach a sermon to the young folks. He preached last night, and folks like him. And that is where George wanted you to go? Yes, mother. I don't suppose it is so very cold after all, and it isn't far down to the church if you want to go. You might fold the little gray shawl for a muffler. Was George going to call for you? Yes, he said he would stop on his way, down. Mrs. Browning glanced at the student, who seemed not to have heard any of this talk,

then sank her voice lower. Why doesn't Alec go with you? He doesn't want to, mother. He said he wouldn't outright when George asked him, and besides, we wouldn't want to leave you alone. I shouldn't mind that. There was a stamping of feet on the doorstep, and Ben made haste to open the door, and let in a gust of wind and a tall boy with a tin pail in his hand. "'Good evening,' he said briskly. "'It is warmer in here than it is outdoors, "'but it is a nice night. "'You're going, aren't you, Ben?'

"'Mrs. Browning, Mother wants to know if you will accept this pail of milk. "'The lady she irons for up on the ridge sent a great pailful to her this afternoon. "'She says it is more than she can use before it sours, and she thought maybe you would like some. It is so much nicer than what you buy of the milkman. Where is Effie? asked George. Not ill, is she? Oh, no, not ill, Mrs. Browning said, but completely worn out.

She has had a hard day in school. The poor child misses her brothers. Then the two boys trudged away. Isn't that a nice pail of milk? Mrs. Browning said, heartily to her boy who was left. But Alec frowned and ran his fingers through his thick hair and said, I don't want the Strongs to be sending milk to us. Mrs. Browning only sighed at this. It did seem a strange turning round of things to be receiving gifts from the Strongs, but for all that she was

thankful for the milk. I know what the text is going to be tonight, George said as they turned the corner and reached a broad path where the two could walk together. He told us last night what it would be. Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth. I never could understand what that verse meant, Ben said. A body isn't likely to forget who made him. I don't know about that. I think lots of folks do. Not out and out forget, you know, but act as though they belonged to themselves, and it was no business what they did. Don't you say and do things that you wouldn't if you always remembered that you belonged to God? Belonged to him, repeated Ben. Why, yes, if he made us, we belong to him, don't we? And what I say is that we act as though we belonged to ourselves. As they went homeward,

George said, well, do you understand what it means now? Yes. Ben said slowly, only I think it is hard to do. What, to belong to Jesus? It isn't. It's just as easy. How could anybody remember him all the time? You have to think about other things. It isn't that. You think about other things now, but you remember your mother without much trouble. If you are going to do anything, you think whether your mother would like it. And when you want to please any, would a good deal rather do it than not. You know why it is easy enough to think about it. I will tell you what, Ben, I cannot explain it to you, but just you try it and you will see how it is.

I don't know how to try it. Why, just begin. Say you will and the thing is done. Saying you will isn't doing a thing. Yes it is, if you mean it. If you say, said you would go right straight back to the church, and meant it, you would turn around this minute and go. Yes, but this isn't going anywhere. Oh, yes, it is. It is going exactly where he tells you to go. You don't do it all at once, you know. It is every day. You try it, Ben. It will never be easier. Didn't he make it plain tonight why we should begin in our youth? Ever so many began there tonight, I thought you would. I couldn't, said Ben huskily.

But you will, won't you? I don't know. It is different with you. You have your mother. Yes, I have mother, but then Ben, you need his help all the more, and he will help about everything, every single thing. I need help, Ben said, his voice still husky. Then they reached the narrow path. Ben was almost home. There was no time for more.

End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of the Browning Boys by Pansy. The Slibrovox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 3. A Great Change And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them. repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. The will of the Lord be done. Ben stamped the snow from his boots and went into the neat little kitchen. His mother sat there alone.

She was sewing, but the big Bible lay on the table before her, as though she might have been reading or might be intending to do so. Ben hung up his coat and cap and sat down a little way from her and looked at the fire. Where is Alec? he asked. Alec went to bed a few minutes ago. He seemed pretty tired. Hasn't father come home yet? No, he said he would be late, perhaps. Mr. Acres was to tell him about a piece of work he wants done. Did you have a good meeting? Why, yes, I suppose so.

is a good meeting. Mrs. Browning laughed a little. Why, it is a good meeting, she said. It isn't easy to describe. Were there many out? Room full. That is good, and most of them young folks? I wish Alec had gone. No, there were a good many old folks, or at least men and women there. But the sermon was to young folks. Why do you wish Alec had gone? Oh, because I would like to have him interested in such things, and you too. I would like it better than arithmetic or anything else for you. A boy isn't safe in this world until he has settled. Mother, do you believe everything that there is in the Bible? Why, of course, Ben. I don't know what would become of me if I didn't. And she sighed a little. What makes you ask such a question? Oh, I don't know. It doesn't seem to me as though folks acted as though they believed it. Now, that about praying and getting things you need. If it is true, what is the use of worrying about whether everything will go right? Of course it will, if God takes care of it. Mrs. Browning laid down

her sewing and looked with an almost startled gaze at her boy for a few minutes. Then she said, that's true, Ben, and it is no fault of the Lord that it does not give us comfort all the time. It is our poor weak faith that refuses to trust him, and that thinks things must be going wrong because we cannot see the way. You used to cry sometimes when I carried you through a dark room because you couldn't see where to go. You thought you were going to be hurt, and there I had you safe and knew I could take care of you. I often think of it nowadays. It is just about as I trust my heavenly father. Then she sighed again. They were still for a few minutes, then Mrs. Browning glanced at the big Bible. Don't you want to read a few verses to me? She asked. Your father may be quite late

getting home. Mr. Acres is a great hand to talk when he gets started. I haven't had time to read today. I haven't had time to read today. I need to finish this work as quick as I can. So Ben drew the Bible toward him. Where shall I read? He asked, and Mrs. Browning gave the book and chapter, and told what pencil mark he would find at the verse where she stopped, and he presently began, testifying both to the Jews and the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. There it is, said Mrs. Browning. Now, if I had lived like Paul and testified of my faith in Jesus Christ, you would have been sure that I believed the Bible. Oh, Mother, Ben said, I was sure of it all the time. I didn't mean that.

I know, but then it is true, as you say, that people don't act as though they trusted Christ. I worry a good deal about your father's health and about how we shall get through the winter, and about you boys being a out of school, and I oughtn't to do it. I can trust the Lord about great big things somehow, better than I can about the little ones. What does that verse mean anyhow? Well, it means most everything. I was thinking, as you read it, if I had just lived that verse, I would do my whole duty in every direction. If I repented of everything that was wrong, repented of it so heartily, you know, that I asked God to forgive it, and then trusted everything that Christ has said, I would be a wonderful Christian and a happy one.

You never did anything wrong, said Ben sturdily, and he shut the Bible with a bang. I don't believe I can read any more tonight, Mother. Well, said Mrs. Browning, you needn't. That verse is enough to last me for the rest of the evening. I wish he would take it for your verse, Ben. But Ben had no answer to make to this. He lighted a lamp, said good night, and went off upstairs. Alec was asleep. The room was cold.

Ben made all haste about the business of getting ready for bed, blew out his light, and tucked himself under the clothes. There he lay wide awake. Two sentences seemed saying themselves over to him. Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth, and repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Wasn't it time for him to remember his creator? The sermon had been very plain. What had he to repent of?

Many a thing. He knew that. He well knew enough that a boy who had known all about the Savior for as many years as he had, and yet had never honestly tried to serve him, had a great deal to repent of before God. I've treated him meanly, and that's a fact. He said, turning restlessly in bed, but I don't know what he wants me to do.

What of that? Can't you trust him to let you know what to do? Who said that? It seemed almost to Ben as though a voice spoke the words. But Alec was snoring, and his mother was downstairs. He could hear her moving around the room. A long time he lay there, his eyes wide open, thinking, thinking, and at last he said aloud, in a clear, firm voice, I mean to do it. He covered his head with the bedclothes after that,

and what he said next was spoken to God. Not many words, just a simple, Oh God, I have made up my mind to remember my creator now. I repent of everything wrong. I want to do right. I want to believe every word that Jesus Christ has said as fast as I find it out. Take me for a servant, for Jesus' sake. Amen. It did not take more than a minute to speak these words, but they made the greatest change in all Ben Browning's future life that words could possibly have made. He never forgot them. And what is more important, God never forgot them. He had the name Benjamin Browning written down that night in his book, and the angels heard the news, and they smiled as they talked it over. Another soldier for the king, among the boys too. Ben Browning aged 12.

End of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 of the Browning Boys by Pansy. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 4. A Serious Charge. I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the sake of the Lord Jesus. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the night following the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer, Paul. Ben Browning awoke the next morning later than usual, so much later indeed that Alec was dressed and gone. As soon as Ben was awake enough to take in that fact, he made all speed with the dressing. Indeed, the room was cold enough to give him nimble fingers. Still, when fairly dressed, he lingered. He had by no means forgotten what happened the night

before. Life was different with him. He knew it and felt it. Just a moment he stood, with a curious look on his face, partly of pleasure and partly of awe, then he dropped on his knees by the bedside. He must begin the day with prayer. Among other things, he prayed about work. If he could only find something to do, some way to earn money so that he could help. He went down at last into the warm little kitchen. Effie was bustling about, helping with the breakfast. Alec had gone to the grocery for a little tea. Ben took the empty pail, filled it with water, brought another arm full of wood for the box, then stood watching his mother while she carefully measured the milk for her Johnny cake. Alec bustled in with the tea.

"'Done up in newspaper,' said Mrs. Browning, in a reproving voice. "'I never saw tea put up that way before.' "'He said it was most too little to do up at all,' Alex said. "'I do wish I didn't have to go after such little dribbles of things.' It was not too little to charge for, it seems. The mother said, as she carefully counted the change, It is fourpence more to the pound than the last we bought. Bring the caddy, Effie, and I will put it in right away.

I don't like tea done up in newspaper. She tossed the paper to the floor, and Ben caught it. A late paper, for a bit of the date, was on the corner. Quite a large piece, and one side of it taken up with the adjutant, advertisement of a children's magazine, a list of premiums for getting new subscribers. One caught his eye at once, a complete printer's outfit, with type enough for printing handbills, small advertisements, cards, and indeed, if one might judge from that paper, almost anything that a boy could print. Ben's cheeks were in a glow. How often he had thought that if only

he had a printing press, he could print the handbills that Mr. Mathers, was very fond of scattering through the town advertising his goods, and he could print cards for ladies and texts for the children, and scores of things. If only he could get ten subscribers for that magazine at eight shillings each. It looked like a large undertaking, but the more Ben thought about it, the more he was sure that he would try it. Why not? It was only asking people. Suppose he didn't succeed.

no harm would be done. All the while the Johnny Cake was baking, he stood looking out of the window, apparently watching the steady fall of snow, but really planning how he would begin his work. "'Look here,' he said to Alec at last. For a while he thought he would say nothing to Alec about it. Then he decided that that would not be brotherly. He would offer Alec a partnership. "'Humph,' said Alec. "'What of it? "'A fellow couldn't get ten subscribers in this place "'in a hundred years.

"'How do you know? "'I mean to try it anyhow. "'I wouldn't. "'You will just be told to get out "'and not trouble people. "'That won't hurt me. "'Then I will get out and go to the next one. "'I mean to try anyhow.'

"'There is nothing like trying,' said Mrs. Browning, as she stopped to turn the Johnny cake, and Ben turned and smiled on her, and wondered if the prayer he offered had anything to do with this chance. He began to try it as soon as his breakfast was eaten, and by noon the next day had twenty-four shillings in his pocket, a gold sovereign and four shillings of silver. Mrs. Simons had been the first one who paid any attention to him. Ben had thought it strange that she did, for she was at the depot waiting for the train. He had thought himself foolish for troubling her just then, but yet had resolved to try. Why, yes, she said, smiling, I was going to take that book for Nettie this year, and I might as well

take it of you as of anyone. And she had given him Nettie's address on a bit of paper and eight shillings. after that a good many refused him. Then he went to Judge Morrison's office. The judge was a dignified gentleman of whom Ben was afraid, but he took off his gold glasses and looked kindly on Ben and asked a number of questions and said that was a very good idea, and he began life something in that way himself, and finally said he would give two subscriptions,

because Alice always expected her cousin to get, just what she did. Could Ben change a sovereign? Oh yes, Ben could. So four shillings were given up, and a gold sovereign took their place, and Ben went out believing that he would one day be a judge and wear gold glasses and fill his pockets with gold pieces to help honest boys. The fact is, Ben Browning's heart was in a glow all day over that gold piece, though not a penny of it belonged to him. But the rest of the day was work without reward. Nobody would even take time to listen to his story of a wonderful magazine. Never mind, he said cheerily. Twenty-four shillings in one day will do. Then he stopped short, for there was a sign in the window. Boy wanted. Was this a chance?

In he went. Yes, it was. Business was brisk, and errand boys were scared. and he was hired. Only until after the holidays, Mr. Jones explained, but Ben was glad of a little work at small wages. Before night of the next day, he was not sure about being glad. Trouble came to him in this fashion. The door opened hurriedly, and Mr. Parnell looked in. Give me a package of common envelopes, large size, in a hurry. He said, and Ben sprang to do his bidding. He said, he He tossed a shilling on the counter, studying an open letter while he waited for change, and darting out the moment his package was ready. In twenty minutes he was back again.

Young man, what did I give you to pay for the envelopes? You gave me a shilling, sir, said Ben promptly. No, I didn't. I gave you a sovereign. Now there was a scene. Mr. Jones the merchant and Mr. Acres, his chief clerk, and Tommy Nelson the errand boy all came over to attend to the matter. Ben had very little to say. He was sure that the man gave him one chilling, and he gave him back tenpence. And I am sure, said Mr. Parnell, that I gave you a gold sovereign I had. It had just been handed to me,

and I very carelessly dropped it into this pocket and came in here. I have been nowhere else, and the gold piece is gone. and the only shilling I had is still in my pocket. The money drawer was drawn out and searched. No gold piece appeared. Ben, said Tommy Nelson, you was a wishing just this morning for a sovereign. Are you sure you didn't pocket it?

Tommy meant nothing but mischief, but Mr. Parnell turned and looked suspiciously at Ben, and Mr. Jones, who trusted him as fully as he did himself, said, Turn your pockets inside out, Ben, and show us the folly of this. Why don't you? said Mr. Jones impatiently. And Ben began, because I have a sovereign, but it isn't Mr. Parnell's. Oh, of course not, said that gentleman significantly. I suppose sovereigns are plentiful with you.

Ben told the story of this one, but he could feel while he was talking that it was not believed. Well, said Mr. Jones, it is easy to learn the truth, Mrs. Simons doesn't live far from here. Mrs. Simons went to town yesterday, sir, said Ben. She was at the depot when she gave me the money. A likely place in which to subscribe for a magazine, said Mr. Parnell. Tommy, said Mr. Jones sharply, run around to Judge Morrison's office and ask him if he will see two or three people for a few minutes on business. Tommy came back in haste and breathless. Judge Morrison went to town in the ten o'clock train, he panted. Ben bit his lips until they burned, and Mr. Parnell laughed. The shortest way out of this, my boy, is to give me that sovereign.

He said, looking steadily at Ben, I don't want to be hard on you, and I can understand how you were suddenly tempted, but you will never find it so easy to get back into the right as it is now. Give me the money, and I will forgive you, and Mr. Jones will, I think, and you can redeem your character. Come in here, said Mr. Jones, and they three went into the little back room, and the door was shut. It was of no use. Be as kind as they could.

No confession could they get from poor Ben. stoutly held to his first story. It ended by Mr. Jones commanding him to give up the sovereign and go home, and not show his face in the store again, and be thankful that he was not arrested for a thief. Poor Ben Browning! He told the story at home, and his father looked paler than ever before, and said, Oh, poor boy, are you sure you are telling the exact truth? Father, said Ben, and his face was crimson. Of course he is, said Alec hotly, and I would have knocked them all down.

I know he is, said the mother gently, and Ben dear don't feel too badly. It is a trial, but it will all come out right. Mrs. Simons will be home in a few days. Upstairs in his own room, in the dark and the cold, Ben cried as though his heart were broken. Was this the love and care that his new master was to have for him? To be called a thief.

Hark, Ben! And the night following, the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer. Did someone speak the words? Yes, the Holy Spirit whispered them in Ben's ear. He had read them only that morning in his Bible. He told himself then that he should have thought that would have been enough for Paul, that he could stand anything after that.

Well, if enough for Paul, why not for Ben? They told lies about Paul, and he bore it. Ben rose up from his knees with his face quiet. He was glad it was night and that he could go to sleep. He was tired, but not angry anymore. He went downstairs and kissed his mother, and then went to bed and to sleep. He meant to lie awake,

and think how to earn the money that belonged to Mrs. Simons and to Judge Morrison, but he was too sleepy. End of Chapter 4. Chapter 5 of the Browning Boys by Pansy. The Sliberovoc's recording is in the public domain. Chapter 5. A Frank Apology If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed. A conscience void of offense toward God, toward men. And he said, who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day. It was that last verse which held Ben Browning's eye and heart as he read it over the next morning. His room was so cold that there was not much chance for reading. He had therefore resolved to snatch at a verse while he combed his hair,

and see what it had for him. It struck him as strange that this verse he snatched should happen to be just that one. Certainly, he had obtained help of God. Nobody could feel more sure of it than he felt last night when he rose from his knees, than he felt this morning. For though with the first blink of his eyes, the troubles of yesterday flashed into his memory, he noticed that the heavy feeling was gone. It seemed to him that there would certainly be some way out. Mrs. Simmons would be at home in a few days, and would prove that part of the story, and Judge Morrison never remained away long at a time, and would certainly own to the gold piece. But then, said Ben, aloud and thoughtfully, even when they do tell their stories, they will not prove that I did not take Mr. Parnell's sovereign and hide it.

all these things go to prove that I was after money. He stopped over this thought, blowing his fingers to keep them from freezing, then beginning to move the brush rapidly again. Why, then, I suppose they will have to think so until I can prove that it isn't true. Anyhow, I'm sure of one thing. I didn't do it. And that ought to be enough for me. It was enough for Paul.

He got through, and so shall I somehow. whereupon he whistled, just a little bit breaking off in the midst of a strain. He thought it might sound heartless to the people downstairs. To all but his mother, she would understand. Well, his mother said as he came into the kitchen, she was turning cakes on the griddle, but she turned to look at him and was evidently relieved when she saw his face was bright. Well, he answered her, I continue unto this day. Having, therefore? Her voice was eager, and he saw that she knew the verse. Yes, he said, and she only answered, oh, Ben, and turned quickly back to her cakes,

but her face grew bright. What are you talking about? Alec asked. He had a book in his hand and was studying. Help, said Ben. Ben. You'll need some before the day is done. That little wretch of a Tommy Nelson has told all over town about yesterday's scrape. If I could catch him, I'd square him. He says that comes, he guesses, of your turning pious. He heard that you had turned pious along with George Strong. What does he mean by that? I don't know, said Ben, and his face flushed a little. Was he to have trouble about this, to if any man suffer is a Christian let him not be ashamed who said that why it was effie getting her verse ready for morning prayers

it was strange how things fitted ben knew that the bible was a wonderful book but it had never seemed to him just like this his face was more flushed still but it was a surprise and a sort of strange delight which flushed it now instead of embarrassment. While his father was reading in the Bible, he found his thoughts wandering away to decide what he should do all day, since he was shut out from the store. He brought them back sharply with the statement that it was not their business to attend to that question now. But when his father prayed to be directed that day, to be shown just where to go, and what to say, and to be helped out of trouble, Ben's heart said, Amen. and he was glad to be reminded in this way that God knew all about the trouble and the day.

Before prayers were fairly over, there was a knock at the door. The caller was Tommy Nelson. "'Where's Ben?' he asked. "'Oh, there you are. You are wanted down at the store as fast as your feet can carry you.' Then Tommy Nelson vanished, not waiting for Alec to square him, though that young person glared at him as though he would like to do so. Ben waited only to kiss his mother, then hurried away. He did not want to hear any talk as to what could be wanted of him now. Early as it was, there were several people in the store, among them Mr. Parnell. Ben bowed respectfully and said nothing. He felt it was the business of others to speak. He was the one who had been sent for. Well, sir, began Mr. Parnell.

What do you suppose we want now? I don't know, sir, answered Ben, and he looked at the gentleman with clear eyes and a face that said, Whatever you want, I have no need to be afraid of it, for I have done nothing wrong. Mr. Parnell laughed. I guess you don't, he said. It is rather new business for me. I don't often have to make apologies. The fact is my boy, I made a big mistake.

yesterday, which has cost you all this trouble. There's the very sovereign I thought you had in your pocket. It seems it was in mine all the time, slipped inside the lining somehow. I knew I had but one, and this morning, when I went to put the vest on, out it tumbled. Then I remembered in a flash that I did have a shilling in that pocket, too. It was given me an hour before, and I forgot all about it. So now you were right and I was wrong, and I ask your pardon for having stolen your sovereign, which I now humbly restore to its rightful owner. Mr. Parnell had a loud voice. There was no fear that all in the store did not hear him distinctly. Tommy Nelson in particular, with his mouth open, drank in every word.

Ben's cheeks were very red before the speech was through. He did not know what to say. Thank you, sir, he stammered at last. Of course, I knew I didn't take it, but I wanted you to know it. Just so, said Mr. Parnell, and he laughed as loudly as he had talked. Something in the replies seemed to please him wonderfully. Look here, young man, he said as soon as he had done laughing. I am vexed with this other sovereign.

It has given me more trouble than go. gold ever did before. I'm going to let it change hands and see if it can behave better. It belongs to you now. Look out for it. It is a slippery fellow. And he tossed the gleaming thing skillfully into Ben's hand, which lay palm upward on the counter against which he was resting. Oh my, said Tommy Nelson, then clapped his hands over his open mouth. Ben tried to stammer thanks again and to give back sovereign and to protest that he wanted nothing but to have it known that he was an honest boy. All right, said Mr. Parnell, nodding rapidly. We all understand that you knew all about it all the time, and now the rest of us know.

But I'll have nothing more to do with that gold piece. Mind you see if you can make it behave itself, and when I want a boy who knows he is honest, I'll remember you. Goodbye. and Mr. Parnell opened the store door and vanished. Ben, said his old employer, I'm sorry I couldn't seem to believe you yesterday. Are you ready to go to work?

Yes, sir, said Ben, and to work he went. End of Chapter 5. Chapter 6 of the Browning Boys by Pansy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 6. Perseverance rewarded. I believe God that it shall be even as it was told me. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. He thanked God and took courage. The salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles. One afternoon, Mrs. Browning's kitchen table was a sight to behold. Paper and ink,

and quads and wedges, and indeed all the tools connected with a small printing office were scattered over it. Alec had been helping, and Effie had been helping, and father had been helping, and of course mother was at hand with suggestion and kind word of caution or of sympathy at the proper moment. A very important piece of work was being accomplished. You are to understand that Ben did at last succeed in getting subscribers enough to get the prize of the printing press. There had, however, been a good deal of delay. One of his letters miscarried, and then the press, when finally sent, went to the wrong town and lay there a few days. And when it arrived, a certain small, but very important part had been injured, and had to be written about and waited for,

and another part sent and studied over. And indeed, the trials were so great connected with the setting up of that press that more than once Ben Browning was tempted to wish that he had never heard of it. And Alec did say, often enough, to be very trying, I told you so. Then, after the press was in complete working order, came the business of learning to set type, to find the right letters in the first place, to distinguish between the P's and Q's, the N's and U's, to stand them so that they did not appear in print on their heads or wrong side before, to keep them from pitching forward or backward or a trifle to one side, to so arrange them that half the word would not be a blur of ink and the other half too faint to be read. No one but a practical printer can begin to

imagine the trials that poor Ben Browning had to undergo. If he had not been a persevering sort of a fellow, he would have thrown up the whole business in disgust long before this evening in March in which he was eagerly working. But at last, patience and perseverance had been rewarded. Ben could set type with some degree of speed. He knew at a glance which was N and which was you, and just what way the R's ought to run. He had so arranged his wedges that he could lock his frame securely with no fear of pie. And he had a job, his first one, which was to introduce him in town as a skillful printer

ready for business. On the first day of April, the Temperance Society was to have an ice cream festival in the town hall, the first of its kind for the season. One of the members, knowing of Ben Browning's little printing press, proposed that they give him a job, for of course he would not charge so much as the regular printers. So a committee was sent to see him, and a bargain was made. The society was to furnish the paper for 200 notices, and Ben Browning was to do the work for sixpence. Certainly they could not have expected anything cheaper.

And as this was the first money Ben's press would, earn, he was eager and glad over it. So were the whole family. Alec worked faithfully, though he indulged himself in telling Ben that he was a regular duffer for doing such a cheap job. It was worth every penny. When Ben was ready for bed that night, the notices were not only printed, but affixed to every available fence and post and tree and block. The first word was, notice in the largest type that Ben had, which to tell the truth was not very large, and the committee from the society had objected at first that the size would not do at all, but they finally decided to try it. Then followed an account of all the good things which

would be served to those who would visit the town hall on the evening of April 1st. The boys came in from placarding the town with faces bright. George Strong had been with them all the evening helping, and he was sure it would give satisfaction. Ben looked over Effie's calendar cards and told his mother that he would take that verse for a week. That verse was, he thanked God and took courage. Then Ben went to bed and dreamed that he had made his fortune. Alas, for dreams and for courage! This is a wicked world, and among the mean things in it are sometimes boys. And the next morning was the special day for fools, and they were up early and at work. When Ben Browning saw the chairman of the Temperance Society Committee coming, and went to the door

to receive his expected thanks and sixpence, he met an enraged young man who could not talk fast enough to do justice to the subject. It was some time before Ben could understand what he meant. In fact, he had to go out and stand at the street corner and stare sadly at the post before he took in the fullness of the trouble. No ice. These were the words which greeted his astonished eyes. And the letters with that ominous space between, which he had not made, looked somehow much larger than they had when he worked over them. All over town, the enterprising seekers after mischief had gone, and with care and skill worthy of a better object, had cut out the letter T from every notice in the lot. An ice cream festival was something which had not been thought of before that season.

And now, behold, all that the notice told the hurrying passers-by was that the ice had given out, and therefore, of course, no ice cream could be expected. Loud was the wrath of the temperance society. In vain poor Ben attempted certain and bewildered explanations. They persisted in thinking that it was his own miserable little joke on them, and went away shaking their heads and assuring him that he would pay for this. "'Shall you have to get a new verse?' asked his mother, as he stood looking doubtfully out of the window, uncertain which way to turn. She said it wistfully and in a sympathetic tone. He turned to her and smiled as he said,

Seems to me I shall. I don't feel very courageous. Give me one, mother. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. Ben gave a little start and said, But mother, this is such a little trouble for him to attend to. Is it little to you, Ben?

No, it feels large. It will just about spoil all my hope, for getting any work to do with my press. Do you think it seems small to your mother? No, mother, I know you care. Then he smiled, and I see what you mean. After that, he went up to his room. The story of the festival and of no ice spread through the town, of course. Among others who read the notice and inquired about it was Mr. Parnell. It is all owing to that rascally gold-peas. It is all owing to that rascally gold-peas, peace, he said, I knew it couldn't behave itself. Then he went to the printing office. Two hours afterwards he came to call on Ben. The mournful story was told, and Ben being questioned as to what was to be

done next, admitted that he did not know. Oh yes, he could print more and would gladly do so. The type was distributed, but it would not take long to set it up. But he had no paper, and when he offered to make a hundred more if the committee would advance the paper, they told him that they had had enough of his printing. "'If father had any money to spare,' said Ben, "'he would have given me some to get paper with, but he has none at all this morning.' Then Mr. Parnell unrolled a package which he carried in his hand. What do you think of these?' he asked. Blue, green, pink, white, grey paper, in squares the size of Ben's form. Another package, heavier than paper, it was type, large letters, loud ones. Not many, but enough to print a few telling words such as Ben had longed to have in his notice. This paper and this type belonged to you. That is, I borrowed this particular alphabet from the printing office, but they sent out an order for me to have some like it sent to you by tomorrow.

The truth is, I shall want some printing done, which will need this kind of type, so I send for it. I shall lend it to you as long as you need it. Why, the fact is, I'm trying to get ahead of that gold piece. I was afraid it would serve you a mean trick. You should have seen how the notices flew about the town that afternoon. Temperance Society, in large letters, then, come to the town hall tonight. then in large type again ice cream the town hall was thronged never had a festival been better advertised never was so much ice cream sold in one evening ben went and took his sister there came two tickets for him just at dusk from one of the committee and before nine o'clock another member of it came with smiling face and paid him four shillings for the notices which were so neatly got up and so thoroughly scattered, assuring him that he would have all their work in future. At half-past nine, Ben Browning proudly dropped the money into his father's hand. Then as he kissed his mother, he whispered,

I cried and he brought me out. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of The Browning Boys by Pansy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 7 The Power of Conscience Children Obey your parents in the Lord

for this is right Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus The God of peace shall be with you This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners

The Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation It really did seem at last as though good times had come again to the Brownings, at least better times than they had been having. Mr. Browning's cough grew better as the spring set in, and he began to talk cheerily about being quite well when the long summer days came. Alec and Ben had both joined the evening school, the proceeds from the printing press having furnished the money. That printing press had been a success from the first effort. Ben was astonished to discover how much work there was found to do on it. Cards and circulars and handbills, and church notices of one sort and another,

seemed to be wanted all the time. Orders poured in upon him so constantly that Alec had long since been taken in as a partner, and the proceeds were equally divided. Ben generously refusing to let Alec share half the expense of the first beginning, because, as he said, the beginning was a sort of happen. In about five minutes, he changed that sentence. I don't mean any such thing, Alec. Nothing ever happened less than that whole thing did. If it wasn't planned, then nothing is. Planned? Who planned it? God did. Ben's voice was very reverent. Alec made a queerly. little sound. It was not a laugh, and it certainly was not a sneer, and yet it sounded a trifle like both. I wonder if you are so foolish as to suppose that God thinks about all such little affairs as that.

I thought you had more sense. Ben worked away at the paper he was cutting into squares, ready for his press, and said nothing for several minutes. At last he spoke with great quietness. Alec, there are some things that a fellow knows because he has read them or heard other people in whom he believes tell them. And then there are some things that he knows because he has felt them, and it is very hard to cheat him about such things. Now, I know that what I am talking about is so, because I have felt it. I didn't expect you to understand how it could be, and you won't until you try it for yourself. When you do that, you will be as sure as I am, and you will remember what I told you. To this, Alec had no reply. It certainly seemed reasonable. Mrs. Browning, too, felt much more cheery than

she had in the early winter. It was not because her work was easier. The truth is, she had found some new work. Mrs. Strong asked her one night if she happened to know of anybody who was a good ironer. Every week she had more and more shirts to iron, and it would grow worse as the weather grew warmer, and she hated to part with any of her regular customers. And so she thought if she could find anybody who would do it, she would get help for a while. Why, yes, said Mrs. Browning, stopping in the midst of the long seam she was sewing. I do. I know myself, and Henry thinks there never was anybody who could iron a shirt better than I, though I suppose all husbands think that way. Oh, but of course I wasn't thinking of such a thing

as you're doing it, Mrs. Browning. And Mrs. Strung's face grew red, and she knitted very fast. But I was, said Mrs. Browning. Now that is an idea. I have turned that question over and over for a week, wondering how I could bring in a little money for some things that are needed this spring. Ben would say the Lord put it into your heart to ask that question, Mrs. Strong. That plan worked nicely. There were only two people who did not thoroughly like it. Mr. Browning was disposed to think that his wife had quite as much as she ought to do without ironing other people's shirts. And Alec was disgusted. It wasn't the ironing, nor the fact that the shirts belonged to other people, which troubled him. But the thought

that George Strong's mother furnished the work. He could not help feeling that it was humiliating to be depending for help on a woman whom his mother had done so much for a little while ago. But this thought troubled nobody but Alec. It was a lovely May morning that Ben counted the money in his iron bank, a little box of his childhood that had long been empty, but now was growing very useful. Thirteen and sixpence, he said to Alec, who was waiting for him, if we get a job of some sort today and it pays us well, we shall each have a pound by night, and then, say I, for shoes and hats for Sunday.

There won't be likely to be a job today, Alex said. I don't know a thing that calls for printing. Something has popped up in somebody's brain through the night maybe. Anyhow, let us keep our eyes wide open. At the corner, the two boys separated. Alec had an errand to do for his father, and Ben was on his way to buy starch for his mother. Keeping his eyes open, he saw Mr. Simons in his door beckoning to him.

Ben took long strides and reached the door. Looking for work, young man? Yes, sir, said Ben, smiling. could you furnish printing and errand boy yes sir ben's answer was as prompt and his face as bright as before this sounded like a good job well i have a prime article that i want to have advertised pretty generally you may get me up say about five hundred bills in your best style and if you circulate them through the town thoroughly in the places where i want them i will pay you four shillings for your job The printed matter is very short, only a sentence. "'All right, sir, I'll do it,' said Ben.

He could afford to smile broadly now. Only a sentence. Why, he and Alec could have the work done in a couple of hours and be ready for the next job. Shoes and hats for next Sunday, sure. "'Here's your copy,' said Mr. Simons. "'Report to me when the work is done, and your money shall be ready.' and Ben took the sheet of paper and said, Thank you, sir, and walked away, reading,

call at Simon's corner store and try his fresh logger, splendid quality, just the thing for a spring tonic. This was the sentence. Ben read it carefully, moving slowly, slower still. Finally he stopped, his whole face falling into shadow. What was the matter with the sentence or two? father he said suddenly as he saw his father step from a hardware store just ahead of him father wait a minute and he hastened to overtake him what do you think of that mr browning read the sentence something that he wants printed a well drinking beer is poor business according to my way of thinking but we can't help it i suppose if folks will drink the stuff why they will. But father, ought I to help them along by printing the bills? Why, as to that, somebody will

print them quick enough if you don't. You might as well have the pay as anybody. Then you think I ought to do it? Why, I don't say that, and yet I don't know but you ought. You need the money, and you are not to blame because Mr. Simon sells beer or advertises it. He will sell as much to a glass, probably, whether you do his work for him or not. By this time, Mr. Browning had reached the shop where he worked, and Ben went on alone very slowly, a thoughtful, perplexed look on his face. Things seemed to him very much muddled. At the gate he met Alec, for which he was sorry. He was not ready to see him just yet. "'Any work?' asked Alec. "'I didn't get a thing.

"'I knew this was going to be a bad day. "'What is that? "'Halloo! So you did get a job. "'Good for you. "'Not a very long one either. "'We can work that off in less than no time.' "'I wish I were sure of that. "'Don't you ever feel afraid of starting things

"'that don't work off very easy? "'Who wants to advertise their old beer?' "'Well, of course. course. As to that, we can't help their drinking the stuff. If they will be fools, we might as well have the pay as anybody.' His father's argument expressed in a little rougher language. Yet Ben was not satisfied. What would Mother say? He went into her, showing the paper. Alec went at once to the box and began to get out the printing materials. Mrs. Browning read the sentence, looked at Ben with a meaning smile on her face that he did not understand, and ironed away.

Well, mother. Well, Ben. Is it all right, mother? Father thinks it is. Or, that is, he says we can't help it. If folks will sell beer and drink it, we are not to blame. Do you feel so too? Do you, my boy? Ben wriggled a little and drew the ironing cloth out of place. I don't know what I think. We need the money, and it won't make any difference who prints it, I suppose. It will get printed all the same. If that little boy passing the window were to be shot today, and you and I knew it, would it make any difference with you and me whether you shot him or whether somebody else did?

That's a fact, said Ben. It seemed a curious way to answer a question, yet apparently his mother understood. I'm most sure father thinks I ought to do it. He says I need the money. This was Ben's next remark. His mother's reply, if it could be called a reply, was to ask if the verses said anything about it. Ben laughed. The idea of Effie's calendar cards having anything about his business troubles seemed queer. However, he went presently and took down the card for the month, and read the first verse carefully. Children, obey your parents in the Lord. It was the last three words over which he stopped with a thoughtful face. He had never seemed to notice them before.

Then, even if his father thought he ought to do a thing, it didn't settle it unless the Lord thought so too. But was it likely that his father would make a mistake? Ben did not like to think so. He read on. Perhaps the card spoke more plainly. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. That was the next sentence. His face flushed as he read. Then he must act as he thought Jesus would have done. Would he have printed and handed all over town an invitation to men and boys? to go and drink logger beer, when his own book spoke so plainly against the sin of drunkenness, and logger beer helped to make drunkards? Ben hung up the card and went in search of Alec. We can't do it, he said, speaking quickly. Why not? asked Alec, stopping in the act of taking out a

quantity of quads. Has he changed his mind already? No, but we must. Alec, it's isn't right. I know it isn't. I've been afraid of it all the time. Now I'm sure. Fiddlesticks, said Alec quite shortly. You are getting too good to live in this world. I wonder what's the harm. Nobody will drink a drop more or less of the stuff because we print it. Just as though he couldn't go around to the printing office and get it printed in ten minutes. He only does it to help us along, Ben. I know all that. But we mustn't do it. It is wrong. I must go and tell Mr. Simons that I have made a mistake. He will think you are a first-class idiot, and that is all you will accomplish.

All right, said Ben, smiling. A fellow may better be an idiot than a scamp. It is breaking my pledge to touch the thing, and I mustn't do it. I wonder I didn't see it right away. How came you to see it now? Ben hesitated and his cheeks grew red. Alec would not understand. At last, he spoke. I saw my orders for the day hung up in the sitting room, and they go right against this business. Your orders for the day?

What do you mean? What were they? Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. There is no use in talking, Alec. I know he wouldn't have printed those bills. Stuff and nonsense, said Alec, and he left the quads and type in confusion and stalked away. End of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of the Browning Boys by Pansy. The Sliberovacs recording is in the public domain.

Chapter 8. Important Questions How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to makeeth intercession for them. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Browning family were gathered in the little summer sitting-room, spending the June evening together. They were busy, of course. Mrs. Browning had her mending. There never seemed to be any end to the mending

for those two boys and their father. Mr. Browning used some sometimes, to say that his wife had never seen the bottom of her basket. The boys were busy with their books, and Effie had her crochet work. As for Mr. Browning, he had the weekly paper which his next neighbor had lent him, and was reading bits of news from it for the benefit of his wife and Effie, occasionally saying, I must keep still so the boys can work. Whereupon both boys would assure him that their work was getting on nicely, and he need not stop for them. Suddenly Mr. Browning uttered an exclamation. I declare that was dreadful.

What is it? asked Mother and Effie in the same breath, while the boys looked up from their books. So he read the article again. It was the account of a boy who had gone out in a rowboat with his little sister. They had rode toward shore at last as the tide was rising, and the boy had been forbidden to try and row against it. Sitting there in the boat, the little sister, playing with the lilies she had gathered, the boy idly turning the leaves of a book, intending every moment to fasten the boat, but neglecting to do it. He paid no attention to the

fact that presently the boat began to drift farther and farther from the shore, until at last his little sister exclaimed, "'Look, Harry, look!' And behold, they were out to see, the oars lying on the bank, and the swift-flowing tide carrying them on with no one in sight to help them. The story went on to tell how the boy and girl were missed, and searched for, and called after, and no answer came, and nothing was known of them for days and days, when it was discovered that they had been picked up by a passing steamer, the boy almost dead with fright, and the little girl in a burning fever. so much for meaning to do a thing and neglecting it for a few minutes said mr browning the boys had been listening and ben spoke his thoughts

It was natural enough, wasn't it, father? He had no idea, I suppose, that harm could come in so short a time, and he meant to fasten the boat before there was the least danger. Alex spoke sharply. He had no business to try it. Any boy who would risk his life and his sister's life in that way ought to suffer. The idea of neglecting such a thing as that, when there was a possibility of there being any danger. Still, ever so many people do it. Ben spoke thoughtfully, with a little touch of sadness in his voice, but Alec answered with eagerness and a little bit of scorn, Not honest people, Ben, or honorable people. I don't think a boy who respected himself would do such a silly thing. If I had been that fellow, and had to say to my father and mother that I meant to take good care of my sister,

and just neglected it for a few minutes, I'm afraid I should have almost wanted to drown to save myself the shame of having to make such a confession. I know I should not expect to be trusted again in a hurry. Effie had left her crocheting and slipped around to her brother's side, and now she wound her arm caressingly around his neck as she said, You would not have taken care of me in that way, would you? And he returned the curtailed,

with a kiss and declared that he just wouldn't, and neither would any other fellow who thought anything of himself. He should like to see Ben doing such a thing, for all he said it was natural. No, Ben said, after a thoughtful silence, he didn't believe he should, and yet it was queer how people did neglect things of even more importance than that. "'More important than taking care of one's little sister,' said Alec, his voice expressing astonishment and a little disgust. "'I don't know about a fellow having a much more important duty to attend to than that.' Ben said no more, but went back to his lesson, and the next interruption was a call from the mother to lay aside work because it was time for prayers. Then came the verses, and when Effie recited hers, Ben looked with a quick, meaning glance

at his brother. Effie's voice was clear and sweet. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? When the boys were in their own room, Ben spoke the thought in his heart. Alec, old fellow, I didn't like to say it before the folks, but I know something which lots of people neglect, and which is more important than taking care of anybody. Out with it, then. It must be you think I am caught in the trap with the lots of people. What are you driving at? Didn't you notice Effie's verse tonight? Alec was silent for a few minutes. Then he said, That is something which I don't know anything about.

Ah, but what difference does that make? Suppose that boy had not known anything about the tide. Would that have hindered him from being almost drowned? It would have made him less to blame. I don't know about that. If he had heard that there was danger and had simply said, I don't know anything about it, and then had gone in just as though he had not heard, would not he have been to blame? This question Alec did not choose to answer. At last he said, I don't pretend to know what you mean when you talk about such things. I don't much believe there is any such thing as you tell about, a fellow being changed in a minute's time, so that he wants to do things that he didn't before, and all that sort of talk. Ben did not exactly laugh. In fact, the sound which he made ended in a little sigh. But he said, do you know that reminds me of old blind Pete? You never heard anybody go on as he did this morning.

He said he didn't know about all those colors that people named over, red and green and blue and all those. He had felt them and smelled them, and he couldn't see any difference. Sometimes he thought that people just imagined the difference. Alec couldn't help laughing at this. Old Pete was a character who, whose business was to amuse everybody with his queer ideas. Presently Ben said, Look here, Alec, I want to ask you four questions. May I? Fire away, said Alec, pitching one of his boots halfway across the room and sitting down on the side of the bed to pull off the other. Do you believe there is such a place as heaven, where folks can go when they die if they choose to? Of course I do. I'm not a heathen,

if I don't pretend to be as good as some other people. Well, do you believe that the Bible knows all about it and has planned the road for folks to travel? I suppose so. And do you believe that there might be such a thing as not getting there if you should neglect it long enough? That verse you are talking about says so. And do you think it is sensible to try it?

I think it is bedtime, said Alec, springing up from his seat on the bed and beginning to scurry around the room. That's all I wanted to ask, Ben said, and he too began to get ready for bed. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of the Browning Boys by Pansy. The Slibrovox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 9. Divine Guidance He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fool. shall be destroyed. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord. So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord. It was out on an old bench

under an old tree that they talked it over. Alec looked what the boys call glum. I thought you were ready for the whole thing, he said. I'm sure you said nothing against it the last time I talked with you. No, said Ben, that's a fact. I didn't think of the harm then. There isn't any harm, I don't believe. It is just one of your queer notions, slipping out of bed on a summer night at midnight

for the sake of having a little fun, who's heard, I wonder? Then why don't they tell their fathers and mothers? Because half the fun would be gone right away. It is to surprise them that the whole thing is done. They don't expect the bells to ring, and it will be just jolly fun to have them commence all of a sudden, and to have the crackers and things all go off at once, and the bonfires and everything. I wouldn't miss it for a good deal. Do you mean to go, Alec?

Alec kicked the dust right and left with his foot, and looked across for a full minute before he answered. It seemed to provoke him to think he should have to say what he did. I won't go without you. You know that well enough, but I must say I think it is mean in you to spoil a fellow's fun just for nothing. You don't know what all this is about? I can tell you. It is a simple enough story. For reasons best known to themselves, the grown people of the town where the Brownings lived had decreed that the bells should not be rung at midnight on the eve of Independence Day. Many fathers and mothers rejoiced over this. but the boys groaned and believed it was a cruel infringement on customs which had lasted ever since their own grandfathers were children.

A few of them, as the time drew near, did more than groan. They put their wise young heads together and made up a plan to astonish the fathers and mothers and set every bell in town to ringing on the same instant. Not only this, but a cannon on the green was to be fired, and a huge bond. firelighted, and the number of firecrackers which were to be sent off between the hours of twelve and one, I could not begin to count. To this bit of fun, which was to be kept secret from all old heads, the Browning Boys had been bidden, and had accepted with glee at first, and now here was Ben changing his mind to Alex's great disgust. How had it happened? That was just what Alec wanted to know, and after giving the dust another kick or two with his foot, he said, I should like to know what has turned you around so suddenly. Ben hesitated, then laughed a little.

It was something Mr. Saunders said that had a good deal to do with it, I suppose. Mr. Saunders, what does he know about it? Nothing at all, he talked about it without knowing it. You see, Alec, it was this way. After we left the boys the other night, you know, and you went to the post office, and I went after matches, I walked up street behind Mr. Saunders and George Morrison. They were walking slowly, and I couldn't pass them very well. At least, I didn't think it would be polite when I knew they would turn at the corner. I could hear what they were saying, as well as though I had been with them. They were talking about some folks whom I never heard of, and just as they reached the corner, Mr. Saunders said, Well, now, you mark my words, it is a good rule, and seldom fails. The boy who will do anything, I don't care how small, unknown to his parents, provided he has respectable parents whom he has reason to believe in, hasn't a very high sense of honor, and will never amount to much unless he changes his course.

Stuff and nonsense, said Alec Ingerly. just as if such talk applied to this, nothing but a little fun. At that rate, we could never surprise them with presents nor anything. Oh, now, Alec, you know that isn't quite the thing to say. It is all well enough to call it fun, and I don't suppose the boys mean anything else. But after all, don't you honestly believe that if you and I should tell father and ask his permission to slip out at midnight and help in the fun, he would say no quicker than a wink? To this question Alec made no reply. And Ben went on after a moment's embarrassed pause and another little laugh.

That isn't the whole of it either. It struck me as rather queer that Mr. Saunders' words should fit in so with our plans, or fit in against them rather, when he didn't know a thing about it. And I kept thinking it over all the way home. I got home first, you know, and the first thing Mother told me to do was to hand her the calendar till she could find the place for Effie in the Bible. As I carried it, I read this verse. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Well, I hadn't been walking with Mr. Saunders exactly, but I had been walking behind him and listening to what he said, and you know there isn't a greater dunce in.

in this town than Archie Reeder, who is getting up this thing. I shouldn't like to call him a fool, but he comes precious near it, so far as lessons are concerned. And putting the whole thing together, it made me feel queer. I thought it all over, and the long and short of it is, I don't believe it is the right thing to do, and I say, old fellow, don't let's do it. we can have lots of fun that father and mother will like without going into what we know they wouldn't. I thought there was some Bible mixed up with it in some way, said Alec discontentedly, but he spoke with the air of a boy who was giving up his plans. Ben's face brightened, then the two boys went away. Now it happened that just back of the old tree was a high board

fence, and just the other side the fence were Nellie and Edith Roberts, one perched in the lower limb of the apple tree, swinging her slippered feet, and the other on the ground beside her, hands clasped around a branch of the tree. The faces of both little girls showed that they were studying a question, though they had not spoken a word since the boys on the other side began to talk. They were two little city sisters who had come to spend the months of July and and August with Aunt Helen in the country. They had a plan for Independence Day. It was not to slip out at midnight and ring bells and firecrackers. It was to go with a party of boys and girls to the bit of an island that lay in the midst of Crystal Lake and have a picnic. Well, what was there

about that to make them look sober? Why, nothing, only both the little girls knew as well as they knew anything in the world, that their mother had a terror of the water, and would on no account allow them to go rowing. They could hear her voice now, speaking to Papa. By the way, Ellis, there is no lake or river in that part of the country is there? Not a mill pond, said Papa, decidedly, and the mother's anxious face grew content. But father had not been in that part of the country for years, and he had forgotten all about the pretty little pond four miles from town that now was beautified along its banks, and had several rowboats on it, and was called Crystal Lake. So the little girls had no orders about Crystal Lake, and Aunt Helen was going and other grown

people, and they had said to each other, only two hours before, that it would be just too silly for anything for them not to go just because they knew Mama was afraid of the water. Yet they looked thoughtful now, and were silent. At last, Nellie from her perch among the apples spoke her mind. Edith Roberts, I do truly believe we ought not to go a step. And said Edith, so do I. Don't let us. But the boys knew nothing of this. In the morning, they came downstairs early. They had lain awake the night before, listening to the noise, so had their mother, and she had a headache in consequence. Somehow, the noise did not seem half so interesting to the boys lying in bed listening to it as they had supposed it would. They were prepared for their father's grave face, but not for his news.

He had been at the gate talking with a neighbor. I am afraid that serious mischief will grow out of last night's uproar. He began. Mr. Snyder says the bells awoke poor Mrs. Kelland from the first sleep she had had in two days, and she went right into spasms again, and there is very little hope that she will live the day out. The boys and their mother exclaimed in dismay, and Mrs. Browning said, Why didn't they see to it beforehand that the bell should not ring? They live so near the largest bell, I should have supposed they would think of it. Why, they did think of it, and were assured that measures had been taken to keep everything quiet. It seems there were three or four pretty sick people that they were afraid would be injured,

but the boys planned a rush on all the bells at once, and contrived the thing so cunningly that it was some time before they could be stopped. I hope they all feel happy this morning over the misery they have caused. Were your boys in it, Mr. Wells asked. No, sir. I told him, my boys were where they ought to have been, in bed, and I was thankful to be able to say so, I can assure you. His two boys exchanged significant glances. Half an hour afterwards, Alex said, as he passed Ben his Bible for family prayers, look up another verse, old fellow, we may as well live by it. It has kept us out of this scrape. It was a week afterwards that

Edith and Nellie Roberts displayed with utmost delight two exquisite fans with ivory handles, around which bits of paper were twisted, which read, for two good girls who remembered their mother and gave up their pleasure for her sake. We ought to show these fans to the boys who kept us from going, said Nellie. Why, they don't know anything about it and never will, said Edith. Then both girls giggled. End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10 of The Browning Boys by Pansy.

The Slibervok's recording is in the public domain. Chapter 10. A Bad Bargain You have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Bailam. If the Lord be God, follow him, but if Bail, then follow him. The Lord, he is the God. The Lord, he is the God. and after the fire a still small voice. Thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord. Mrs. Eastman stood in the back doorway,

and Alec Browning, cap in hand, stood waiting respectfully for her to finish her sentence. You see, she was saying, I am more particular about Sunday than any other time in the week. We ought to be, you know, seeing it as the best day, Mr. Eastman is at home then, and Henry, and neither of them gets very good dinners on other days. So if I can get my berries and peas fresh and nice, I am willing to pay a better price for them. The ones we get from the carts on Saturdays seem worse than any we have through the week. They gather up all sorts, I suppose, for Sunday trade.

Well, we'll consider it a bargain, shall we? a penny more on a court than you can get anywhere else, and they are to be picked fresh every Sunday morning. It won't take more than an hour these long mornings, and you live so near the garden you can slip in and out, you and Ben, without being noticed. Two things in that last sentence to consider. In the first place, why should he care about slipping into places

without being noticed? He had not been in the habit of thinking whether he was noticed or not. Then that phrase, you and Ben. He had not thought of Ben helping. Now that he did think about it, he knew that Ben wouldn't. But why not? Suppose it was Sunday. Didn't folks have to eat on Sunday? Yes, but a good many people managed to get along without buying things to eat. His mother, he knew, would never allow the milkman's bell to be rung at their gate on Sunday, and milk was more important than berries and peas. But what harm was there in going quietly into Mr. Harper's garden on Sunday morning and picking a couple of quarts of berries for Mrs. Eastman when she wanted them so badly,

and was willing to pay a good price? As for the peas, they grew in their own garden. He could think over his Sabbath school lesson while he picked. Well, for the matter of that, why didn't his mother get out Mrs. Eastman's calico dress she was making and sew on it? She could think about the sermon while she sewed. Thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord. Who said that? Alec looked about him, almost expecting to see someone, whether it was his own reference to thinking over the Sabbath school, a lesson while he picked Sabbath berries, or whatever it was, that verse came and stood out before him and insisted on being thought about. He walked for a long distance without speaking. If it is so, I have sold myself cheap, a penny on a court. This he said aloud after walking the entire length

of the street. It was Saturday morning, and when he first heard Mrs. Eastman's offer, he had expected to be happy all day over the added penny. But when he looked it all over at night, he thought it the most uncomfortable day he had spent in a long while. Sold? He, Alec Browning, who prided himself on his honesty and industry and manliness generally. Sold to do evil. He could not believe it possible. He would not for a long time own that it was evil. But that sentence about slipping in and out without being noticed, seemed to hover around him. Finally, he told himself to say frankly whether he was willing to be noticed. Suppose the minister should come through the woods while he was picking the berries. Suppose his Sabbath school teacher should come along just as he was

delivering four courts of peas at Mrs. Eastman's back door. Thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord. There came that verse again at the most critical moment. What was the minister's sight or the teacher's sight compared with the Lord's? Alec ate very little dinner, and especially he would not touch peas. His mother was worried, and when at tea time he refused blackberries, she looked really distressed and questioned as to whether his headache or his back. No, his conscience ached, but this he did not say. This, however, he did within an hour after tea. He walked with quick step and uplifted head to Mrs. Eastman's back door, and in plain, courteous language, made that lady understand that he must repent of his bargain. He had decided that it would not be right to sell goods on Sunday. She was just a trifle vexed. She told Alec that it seemed to her,

that his goodness had come late in the day. This was so undoubtedly true that there was nothing to answer with but blushes. Then she said that it was most unfortunate for her that he had promised in the morning. For now she had lost her chances for Sunday supplies. To this, Alec returned eager answer that he would pick the peas and berries at once, and bring them to her just at dusk, when the evening due fresh on them they would keep, his mother thought, almost as well as though picked in the morning. But Mrs. Eastman would have none of this, so it was with a somewhat sourful heart that Alec turned away. Still, his conscience felt light and glad. No more hints that he had sold himself troubled his heart. Yet he walked on and on,

scarcely noticing where he went, until suddenly he stopped short and said aloud, well why not another bible verse had kept him company during the walk if the lord be god follow him a familiar verse he had heard effie repeat it many times during the last few weeks it was not strange that he should remember it but it did seem strange that he should never have thought seriously about the direction in it until this evening now here was a question to answer why not follow him. Why not begin now? He knew he meant to be a servant of the Lord some time. Why not settle the matter at once? He must have stood there for several minutes, then he turned around and walked toward home slowly. It was time he was getting home, but he was not ready to reach there yet. Something was being decided. What if he should decide the wrong way? At last, just as a new star shot into the sky, or at least appeared in sight, he quickened his steps, and they became firm steps, which meant decision. So did his voice, as he spoke aloud again to the listening stars, no, to the angels

who were waiting to carry the news to heaven. I mean to do it. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11 of The Browning Boys by Pansy. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 11 The Broken Pitcher And Enoch walked with God And he was not, for God took him I am the resurrection and the life Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow

Effie Browning did not often have a chance to go barefoot For, though a plump-looking little maiden, She very frequently caught cold, So, though her feet fairly lunged for the soft, cool grass, she generally had to be content with imagining how it would feel. But on this particular morning, she begged so hard, and it was so warm, that Mrs. Browning decided it would be ridiculous not to gratify the child. It was the bare feet which took her through the meadow instead of the lane,

and which tempted her to linger so long, playing with the dandelion blooms when she went to the spring for water. She had her little work apron tied about her work, waist, and it had been her intention to hurry back to wipe the baking dishes for her busy mother. But she loitered. How she came to take just that particular pitcher to the spring, I hardly know. It had been a birthday present to Alec years before, and he was very careful of it. Effie had not been in so many words forbidden to take it to the spring for water.

Yet I suppose the child knew better if she had thought. Certainly the bare feet must be blamed for the fact that when the little maiden was at last ready to move on, instead of lifting her feet, as shoes would certainly have done, she shuffled through the pretty grass. Her eyes still on the dandelion, her lips puffed out to blow the downy thing whither it would. She shuffled them against the pitcher, and it rolled over and knocked its nose against a stone so small that you would not have thought a nose could have found it. But it did, and it broke itself, as noses to pitchers will, if they get ever so small a chance. Then Effie hurried home, very sober-faced. Neither dandelions nor grasses caught her again. Her deeply sorrowful face

ought to have calmed Alex's displeasure when at noon he found out his loss. I think he would have been less vexed if things had gone right with him that morning. But it had been one of the days when none of his carefully laid plans worked well, and the last thing he had done with his form had been to tip it over just as he was ready to lock it, and of course the carefully set up type rolled about in wild glee and made pie for him. In short, he was just ready to have no patience with F.E. You are a naughty little girl. He's said, in a more angry tone than Alec often used. I think you ought to be whipped. Oh, Alec, said the sorrowful little voice, I did not mean to break it. That is no excuse.

Of course I know you did not do it on purpose, but you ought not to have touched my pitcher. A tin pale is the thing to take to the spring. You are always meddling with what you have no right to touch. I wish I had a cupboard where I could look. I could look. I would have a cupboard where I could lock up my things from your fingers. I am so sorry, murmured the sad little voice. Oh, yes, I suppose that will put the nose back on my pitcher. The only thing I ever had given to me almost, and I have kept it ever since I was seven years old, and now you must needs go and break it.

I declare I think you ought to be punished. Then Alec went out and banged the door. Then Effie cried. I think she may have felt the hard words all the more because Alec rarely spoke in that way, and was generally patient even with her meddlesome fingers. Down she went on the foot of her mother's bed, face forward, and cried until at last she reached the point where it seemed to her she could not stop crying. "'Come,' said Mrs. Browning, thinking it was quite time for her to interfere.

There is reason in all things. You have cried enough. See if it teaches you a lesson not to take the boys' things, though Alec need not have been so cross about an accident. This last she spoke low, not thinking it wise for the little girl to hear. Effie rose slowly. Put on your bonnet and take this basket down to the corner of Mr. Jacobs Lane, so that he will see it when he comes by with his cows. effie arose slowly and went out into the cool air a brisk breeze was blowing and it fanned her hot cheeks and cooled her blood cooled it a little too fast indeed though effie did not think of that until she actually began to shiver then she made haste home i'm hot and i'm cold both at once she said to her mother and my headaches and i feel little shivers all over me and queer little eaves and i feel little shivers all over me and queer little Akes! Mrs. Browning, who knew just what queer little aches and shivers meant to Effie, set down her flat iron at once, and hurried the child unceremoniously into a warm bath and then to bed.

So the Browning's ate supper without her, and the mother said, with grave face, that she was sleeping, but tossed about and was feverish. Before morning, Alec took a brisk run through the meadow and across the fields for the doctor, and the fever which had begun with little shivers raged fiercely, and Effie's hoarse breathing could be heard distinctly all over the little house. Oh, the misery of the days that followed. The one most to be pitied was Alec. Mrs. Browning was busy every minute trying to do something for the relief of her little girl. Mr. Browning, when not hard at work earning for her, was bending over her, lifting her in his arms, or soothing and helping as best he could. But poor Alec wandered about like one distraught. Go where he would, do what he would,

it seemed to him he could hear again his harsh voice, saying, you are always meddling with what you have no right to touch. Would she ever meddle again? I wish I had a cupboard where I could lock up my things from your fingers. Poor Alec, it looked as though no cupboard would be necessary. Every time the doctor came, he looked graver, and at last he said, I am afraid, Brother Browning, that you ought to prepare yourself for the worst. Alec heard him, crouching as he was in a heap on the back door steps, waiting for what the doctor would say. Then it seemed to the boy as though he must die too. How could he ever live with that sweet, mournful voice, sounding in his ears, saying, I am so sorry, and always remember that his last words to her had been words of anger.

I think you ought to be punished. He went up to his room and locked the door. When Ben came knocking, he answered, I can't let you in now. Leave me alone a little while, won't you? Yes, said Ben, mourned. Only Alec, I wanted to tell you that she just roused up and looked at Mother and smiled, and said over that verse which she was studying that last day,

I am the resurrection and the life. Then Ben's voice broke into a sob, and he ran away. The verse stayed with Alec, set itself over and over in his brain. God held life and death in his power. He could cure Effie even now, though the doctor had given her up. Alec had been so angry and ashamed to think that his outburst to Effie and his miserable day generally had followed so fast on his resolve to be a soldier for Christ that he had almost been ashamed to pray, except in the formal words which had been the habit of his childhood.

Now it seemed to him as though this were a message from Effie asking them to pray for her. He dropped on his knees beside the bed and cried out another verse which his memory brought to him just then. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. O God, I am a great sinner, but I ask thee to wash me and make me white in thy sight. And, oh, spare effie to us! Thou canst cure her, for thou art the resurrection and the life. Give her life back again to us, and let me show her how sorry I am. Oh, God, don't take her to heaven yet, for Jesus' sake.

Over and over and over again, the same thought was repeated, until at last Alec arose, feeling more quiet than he had since Effie was taken ill. It was late, nearly eleven o'clock. He stole out softly and listened at his mother's door. Ben was curled in a little heap on the old lounge. Do you hear anything? he asked, raising himself as Alec stood listening. Yes, Alec heard this.

She breathed more quietly. Yes, and her skin seems to be a trifle moist. Alec turned away and came and knelt down by Ben. Yes, he said huskily. I heard father say that her breathing was not so bad. Oh, Ben, get down here and help me to pray. He says he is the resurrection and the Lord. life. It would be just as easy for him to raise her even though the doctor can't. And I feel as though

she must not die, Ben, because I was so unkind to her that last time she could talk. Ben, let us ask God to raise her up, and I will try all my life to show him how glad and thankful I am. In the early morning, the boys who had curled together on that lounge and slept, and listened and prayed, and slept again, awoke to let in the doctor. Well, poor fellows, he said as he saw their worn faces, How have you got through the night? They keep real still in there, said Ben, and we don't know what to think. The fact was that Mrs. Browning had stolen out about three o'clock

and thrown a shawl over the sleeping boys, but they had not heard her. The doctor went on into the clothes. room. The boys looked at each other, then they took hold of hands and went softly to the door. They must hear what was said. They heard distinctly, What is all this? Why, the pulse is almost natural. Why, there has been a remarkable change here during the night. Then the listeners outside put their arms around each other's neck and actually kissed one another, a thing they had been too old to do for several years. It was a happy home that day. Once, during the day, Alec went away alone to thank God for his power and his loving kindness, and to ask him to keep his lips from ever saying another word to Effie that he should regret if she lay dying.

End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12 of The Browning Boys by Pansy. The Slibervok's recording is in the public domain. the answered prayer. Fear not, for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them. The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord. Mrs. Browning went about all day with a sorrowful face, and two or three times, when she came out of her little bedroom, her eyes were red. The boys were troubled. Mother had not looked that way even during Effie's sickness. The fact is that then she had not had time to cry. She had just hung over Effie and planned and worked for her comfort day and night. Effie was quite well again and was flitting through the house as gay as a bird, and mother had much ado to keep back the tears sometimes before her. This both Alec and Ben saw, and thought over for some time before they went out to the woodpile and sat down, one on a log, the other on a saw-horse, and talked it over. Clearly, something was the matter. It did not seem as though it could be money this time,

for father was at work pretty steadily, and it was astonishing how much that printing press and the garden and the store work that Ben was doing amounted to. To be sure, there was the doctor's bill for Effie's sickness, but the boys had themselves heard the doctors say, Don't let that trouble you, Mr. Browning. Sometime when you can pay me as well as not, you may do so, or you may pay me a little at a time and be a year about it if you want to. The boys knew their father would pay just as fast as he could, but he had looked grateful and thanked the doctor and spoken more than once of his kindness.

that did not seem to be a thing for mother to cry over. The decision from the wood pile was that mother must be asked the very next chance they had alone with her. The next evening, after tea, came the chance. Effie was playing croquet in the next neighbor's garden, and Mr. Browning sat on the piazza planning an addition to the neighbor's house. Mrs. Browning was mending Alex's coat, and he, in his shirt-sleeves, leaned his elbows on the stand and inquired, in the name of Ben and

himself, what was the matter? At first, the mother tried to evade the question. How did they know that anything was the matter? What observing boys they must be? They mustn't watch mother so closely and find out her secret. Then it was nothing that they could help, and it was no use to worry them. Still, since they insisted, she did not know but they might as well understand. Perhaps they would all know too soon. Didn't they watch father, too? Didn't they notice how he was coughing again this autumn, beginning earlier than last year? No, really, the boys, busy with their mother, and seeing little a father, had not noticed. Well, the mother said with a heavy sigh, such was the case, and there were reasons why it was a more serious thing for him to be coughing now

than it was last winter. The doctor knew it was serious, and had told him so, and that was one reason why the doctor had been so very kind about the bill. He knew there were more bills in store for them. Only a few days ago she had coaxed and coaxed father, until at last he had had a long talk with the doctor and had been told, Here the mother stopped, her eyes full of tears and her lips quivering, so that for a minute she could not speak. Told what? asked both boys at once, pressing forward in their eagerness and anxiety. Sorry for their mother, but oh, they must hear right away what this was that father had been

told, so she struggled with her tears and began again. told that his lungs were a good deal affected and that he could not hope to get well in this climate. If he could go to the south and stay all winter long until the mild June days come again, perhaps he might get well. But here, with the hard winter before him, and with the necessity of being exposed to it, the thing was impossible. And your father says he might as well have been told that he must go to the moon as to the for the one is not more impossible than the other. And here Mrs. Browning gave up to her tears for a few minutes.

Only a very few, for Mr. Browning, warned by the gathering darkness, ended his talk on his neighbor's piazza suddenly and came in coughing. The boys looked at him with wide-open critical eyes and wondered how it had been possible for them not to notice that he was growing thin and pale. here truly was something to think and talk about they said little more to their mother except to learn that the doctor had said that the west was as good a place as any in the south better on some accounts than any other that he knew of and that the journey was a long and expensive one and that it would cost a good deal to live and a stranger could not hope to get work and in short it was utterly impossible for father to go The boys had no answer to make to this, for certainly it looked as impossible as anything could. They had much talked together out by the woodpile or when husking corn. They calculated all the money

that they might hope to earn during the winter, and wondered if somebody wouldn't advance it. But when they found that they could not earn enough to pay for the fare to the south, they sighed and abandoned that plan. It was one evening after they had gone up to bed that Ben, with some hesitation, spoke a thought which had been hovering round him all day. There's one thing, Alec, we might ask God for a way for him to go. I know it, said Alec, kicking his boot halfway across the floor. But when a thing seems so impossible as this, I can't somehow make up my mind to pray about it real out and out, as you do when you expect something to come of it.

I know, but there was Effie. The doctor thought that was impossible. So he did, and so did we. But somehow you couldn't help praying about that. It seems as though God could do those things better. But Alec, did you notice the verse for the week? No, I haven't looked at the verse yet. Well, it is a big verse.

I looked at it just after I had been thinking about it. this very thing, and it almost knocked me over. It was so sort of tacked on to the thoughts I'd been having. What is it? The things that are impossible with men are possible with God. Silence for a few minutes, then Alec, as he roused himself to kick off the other boot, said, that is queer, Ben, let us two do it. Do what? Ask the Lord to do this impossible thing. When you come to think of it, I suppose it is very easy for him to do. Anyhow, we can ask him, and if he thinks best, we know he can. This was after they had been in bed for some minutes, and were supposed to be asleep. Well, said Ben, after a moment of thought,

I'm agreed, so the compact was formed. The days passed, and the cough, which the boys with wide-open ears heard plainly now, did not lesson. Neither did the mother's face grow less sad. Neither did the boys forget their agreement. It was a crisp October afternoon, no work on hand by which money could be earned, and a nutting excursion had been planned. Effie was to go in her brother's care, and at two o'clock they set out, a party of 12 boys and more than that number of girls. They passed Judge Morrison's office. Well, he said, coming to the door, here is a company of you. I ought certainly to be able to get my errand done. Which of you boys will go down to Judge Belmont's office with this package, and get it there before the four o'clock train goes out?

None of us, sir, said Charlie Bacon, with a sort of rude merriment. We are bound for the woods and the nuts, We have a contract with the squirrels to lay in our winter supplies today and give them full sweep after this. Judge Morrison looked troubled. I wish I could coax one of you, he said persuasively. I believe every boy whom I would like to trust with it is in your company. It is quite important, and my clerk is ill, and I can't leave. Sorry, sir, said George Strong. I have my little sister in charge, or I'm.

I would go. This was just as the boys trooped on. Lucky you have your sister to plead, said Charlie Bacon, laughing. I have to get along without any such help. What an old muff to expect us to give up our nutting to do his errands. Alec and Ben exchanged glances. I believe I'll go, said Ben in a low tone. He was good to me last winter. No, said Alec, I had better go. I don't think so. I've been once this autumn for nuts, you know, and you haven't. Besides, you promised to take care of Effie. It was you, mother spoke to about being careful of her, just as we came out of the gate. I mean to go, Alec. Hold up, boys. I'll divide my basket of apples with you. Alec has the bread and butter and things to carry. I'm going back. Such a chorus of voices greeted him. I'd see old Morrison in the river first, said Charlie Bacon, angrily, selfish old fellow to expect any such thing,

and you are a born idiot if you go back. We shan't have another nutting party this season. Ben merrily distributed his apples, stopped his ears to shouts of entreaty, and ran back breathless to Judge Morrison's office. I'm glad it is you. said the judge, looking pleased. I was thinking that if that Charlie Bacon should take a notion to come back, I would hardly like to trust him with such important papers. Not that I had the least fear of

his coming. Well, if you get that safely into Judge Belmont's hands, here is five shillings for your trouble. Then Ben's eyes shone. It was an easy way of earning five shillings now that he had decided to give up the nutting party. A trifle over half a mile to Judge Belmont's office, he decided to make all speed so as to be sure to be in time. The package was given into the judge's hands, and he expressed his thanks, and Ben was moving off when he caught a sentence from the tall gentleman who sat in the visitor's chair. Yes, sir, I've decided to build down there. It is the prettiest spot in the West by all odds. I've been all over that region. The trouble is in securing reliable workmen. I'd take a good hand down with me if I could find one who was willing to go at a

reasonable figure. The railroad fare wouldn't have to be considered, you know, I could pass him through. Just then, the judge caught sight of Ben's eyes. What is it, my boy, he asked. "'Oh, sir,' stammered Ben, "'I beg your pardon, but I heard him say the West, "'and I have been thinking so much about it, "'and my father is a builder, you know, "'and he is very anxious to go there.' "'What is that?' said the stranger,

"'and Judge Belmont drew a chair, and said, "'Come in, my boy, and tell us about it.' "'It was all arranged before night of the next day, Mr. Archibald's house was to be built in the West, and Mr. Browning was to have the job. The impossible was as good as accomplished. They talked it over, those two eager boys, that night while they were getting ready for bed. He's done it again, said Ben, with glowing cheeks and glistening eyes. I say, Alec, we may as well believe him always, whether the things to do are possible or not.

End of Chapter 12. End of The Browning Boys by Pansy.