John, his attention was at once caught, and he had soon satisfied himself, to his wonder and gladness, that his First Epistle was no sealed book any more than his Gospel.

To the third chapter of that Epistle he now turned, and read until he came to these words: "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." "What learned him that ?" said Gibbie to himself; Janet had taught him to search the teaching of the apostles for what the Master had taught them.

He thought and thought, and at last remembered "This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you." "And here am I," said Gibbie to himself, "sittin' here in idleseat, wi' my fire, an' my brose, an' my Bible, and a' the warl' aneath Glashgar lyin' in a speat (flood)! I canna lay doon my life to save their sowls; I maun save for them what I can--it may be but a hen or a calf.

I maun dee the warks o' him 'at sent me--he's aye savin' at men." The Bible was back in its place, and Gibbie out of the door the same moment.

He had not an idea what he was going to do.