By the way, father wants you to assist him on the first Sabbath in July.

I earnestly hope you can do so; he thinks you will be coming east about that time." Was there ever a more thankful heart than was that minister's as he laid down his old schoolfellow's letter?
How constantly, how sometimes almost hopelessly, had he prayed for Ellis Holbrook! How many times had he been obliged to reassure himself with the promise, "In due season we shall reap, if we faint not." And now again had God's word been verified to him.

He took the letter up once more, to look lovingly at that closing, never before written by Ellis,--"Your brother in Christ." There was still another letter to read.

That writing, too, was familiar; he had received many reminders of it during the past years.

He laughed as he read, it sounded so like the writer:-- ALBANY, _June_--, 18--.
"DEAR TIP,--Do you have Fourth of July out your way this year?
We do here in Albany; rather, I'm going to have one in my yard.