Johanson's face as it was bent over
the book, and with her own little handkerchief wiped his tears; then she
went out silently, which was probably the best thing she could have done
under the circumstances.

The next day Johanson went to the pastor in his study. "I have not come
to talk about _my_ fitness for confirmation," he said. "Little Elsa has
taught me better. I have turned my face towards the Good Shepherd, and I
believe He will carry me home. May I meet with the class to-morrow?"

"Certainly," said the pastor, and the interview was ended.

Johanson sat among the candidates for confirmation the next day--among
the boys and girls, like a battered old ship that had been dragged into
the harbour beside the trim fresh vessels just starting with flying
colours for a bright far-away land.

He did not mind the nudges and half-smiles among the rustic
congregation, but answered the questions put to him with the others, in
his strong man's voice, as simply and naturally as a child.

He knew he was safe in the hands of the Good Shepherd, who would carry
him tenderly home, and his heart was full of humble joy.

The administration of the holy communion took place next day. The
newly-confirmed with their friends were to "go forward," while the rest
of the congregation were to remain in their seats praying for the young
soldiers of Christ, now fully enlisted under His banner.

Johanson had taken a modest place at the chancel railing; but even there
he was an outcast, for it was plain that no one was willing to kneel
beside him.

The pastor's wife was bowed low with new food for prayer and
thanksgiving. Little Elsa moved quickly from her mother's side up the
aisle, and to the astonishment and almost horror of the congregation she
knelt by Johanson, her little head not appearing above the railing; but
she held fast to his left hand. He felt the tender familiar grasp, and
it was to him like the Good Shepherd greeting him through one of His
little ones.

At the close of the service, when all the authorized words for the
occasion had been read, the pastor stepped to the front of the chancel,
and said, in loud, clear tones,--

"And the father saw him afar off, and ran and fell on his neck, and
kissed him." "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." "A
broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." "Come unto
me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

"I hope it was not