"I could keep the wolf from the door a few years longer if it wasn't for my rheumatism," said the father. "The after-clap of old hardships gets the better of me now and then. I 'm only able, much of the time, to potter round the place and help your mother at odd jobs. I reckon she would miss me if I should be called away, however."
"God grant that we may be called away together when we are wanted in the land o' the leal," said the good wife, fervently; and her husband responded with a hearty "Amen."
"You are not to be allowed to worry any more!" exclaimed Joseph, rising to his feet and straightening himself to his full height. "I am not rich, but I am amply able to place you above want; and, so help me God, I'll do it. I Ve been the stray sheep. I Ve wandered far from the fold, and I Ve been a long time conning to my senses. But I have put the past behind me, and, come what will, my dear father and mother shall be provided for during the remainder of their lives."
"But you have a family, my son. Don't make any promises that will interfere with your obligations to your wife and children."
"I have some gold mines in Utah, mother dear, and an interest in several trading-posts on the frontier. I will never neglect you again."
"Jean went away under a promise to assist us as soon as she could earn some money of her own," said the fether;" but we can look for no help from that quarter for some time to come. It isn't right to expect it of her, either. Oh, boys, if you could only know how it has stung us to be treated as mendicants, after we have worn ourselves out in the service of our children, you would appreciate our joy over this cheering news!"
"Who is treating you as mendicants, mother, I should like to know?" exclaimed the elder son. "Didn't I leave you provided for when I started for Oregon?"
