CHAPTER XII.

Where is Joseph?

CHAPTER XIII.

A Troop of Hobgoblins

CHAPTER XIV.

Lost in the Forest

CHAPTER XV.

A Child seeking his Father

CHAPTER XVI.

Asleep and awake again in the Forest Mill

CHAPTER XVII.

A great Event in a small House

CHAPTER XVIII.

For the sake of the Child

CHAPTER XIX.

A Voice at Midnight

CHAPTER XX.

Daylight

EPITAPH.

"Here lies a little child, lost in the forest deeps.--
At midnight from the slumbering fold he strayed;
But the lost lamb was found by One who never sleeps,
And to his everlasting Father's fold conveyed."

* * * * *

These lines are written on a small cross, in the churchyard of the
village where the scene of the following simple story is laid. This
mournful inscription would have been applicable once more, if a
merciful Providence had not watched over Joseph. He retained however
through life the appellation of "Joseph in the Snow," for being lost in
the storm was the cause of his eventual good fortune, and of his rescue
from destitution and misery.

JOSEPH IN THE SNOW.

* * * * *

CHAPTER I.
IS IT NOT YET MORNING?

"Mother, is it morning yet?" asked the child, sitting up in bed.

"No, not nearly--why do you ask? Lie still, and go to sleep."

The child was quiet for a short time, but then repeated in a low
voice:--

"Mother, is it morning yet?"

"What is the matter, Joseph? do be quiet--don't disturb me, and go to
sleep. Say your prayers again, and then you will fall asleep."

The mother repeated the child's night prayers along with him, and then
said, "Now, good night, Joseph."

The boy was silent for a while; but on hearing his mother turn in bed,
he called to her in a whisper, "Mother!"

No answer.

"Mother! mother! mother!"

"What is it? what do you want?"

"Mother, is it not daylight yet?"

"You are a naughty child; very naughty; why do you persist in
disturbing my night's rest? I am weary enough, for I have been thr