Are you a Christian boy, Hal ?" The question was asked with deep seriousness.
"I a'n't a heathen," said Hal in surprise.
"No, you don't bow down to a wooden idol, or worship snakes and bulls, as some heathen people do.

But are you trying to serve God in all you think and do and say?
Have you asked him to forgive you all your sins, for the sake of his dear Son; and do you believe he has forgiven you, and taken you to be his own dear child ?" "I never had anybody talk to me so before," said Hal with a confused look; "but I take it, I a'n't what you call a Christian." "I dare say you do not understand me very well," said Mrs.Robertson.
"God can make these things plain to you.

Close your eyes, and I will kneel down here and ask him to teach you to know and love his holy will." Hal had been at church many times in his life, and looked curiously on at the whole proceeding, as at a "show." Now for the first time he heard prayer made for him, for poor Hal Hutchings, to the great God of heaven.
He gathered but little of the burden of the prayer; yet his first remark after Mrs.Robertson resumed her seat beside him was a proof that he appreciated the sincerity of her interest in him.
"You are very kind, ma'am," he said.

"I'd like to be such an American as you.

I take it you are the best sort, not like them boys on the wharf." "Those boys are very sorry for their mischief by this time," said Mrs.
Robertson.