r
unselfishness, "_I_ must settle the business. If you won't take the
money, I will take _you_. From this day, Walter, you are my son. Come to
my heart. Old as it is, it beats warmly for fidelity and honesty. Thanks
to God that He has given me such a son in my lonely old age!"

Walter stood as if rooted to the spot. But the old man drew him to his
breast and embraced him warmly, till both found relief for their
feelings in tears.

"But my father," stammered the young man at last. "My father is all
alone at home."

[Illustration: "HE WRAPPED HIMSELF IN HIS DRESSING-GOWN, AND WALKED
HASTILY TO AND FRO."]

"Oh, we will start off to him at once, bag and baggage," exclaimed the
general. "I know your fatherland well, and shall very soon feel myself
more at home there than I am in France, where there is not a creature
left to care for me. Yes, Walter, we will go to the glorious Bernese
Oberland, and buy ground, and build a house, within view of your noble
mountains, and live there with your father. He shall have cattle and
goats to cheer his heart in his old age, and we will lead a happy life
together as long as God spares us."

Walter in his happiness could scarcely believe his ears, and thought the
whole a splendid dream. But he soon found the reality. The general sold
his property in France, and departed with his adopted son to
Switzerland, where he carried out the intention he had so suddenly
formed. Old Toni Hirzel renewed his youth when he had his son once more
beside him, and he and the general soon became fast friends. A year had
scarcely passed ere a beautiful house was built near Meyringen, and
furnished with every comfort; while an ample garden, surrounded by
meadows, in which cows and oxen fed, added to the beauty of the scene.
Walter's dream had become a reality; and everything around him was so
much better than he had ever dared to hope, that his heart overflowed
with gratitude to God, and to the benefactor who had done so much for
him.

Nor was this prosperity undeserved. Walter had not spent his time in
idleness and sloth. He knew that the diligent hand maketh its owner
rich, and he managed the land with so much energy and skill that he soon
became renowned as one of the best farmers in the Oberland. The general
and Toni assisted him with their counsel and help as far as they were
able; and the old soldier soon experienced the beneficial influence of
an active out-door life and the change of air and sce