the past, and come out to him, for he never doubted her love and
fidelity. But, though he had soon found a situation where he might have
risen and achieved his purpose, he had no sooner commenced to save than
his brother Dick would appear, and lead him into scenes of revelry and
dissipation, where his money would be more than wasted. After one of
these times John said, with bitterness:

"Pity I didn't bring my Ruth out! She'd have kept me straight instead of
helping me down as you do."

In a letter that Dick had subsequently written home, he had sneeringly
said that Jack wanted a woman to look after him. What effect that remark
had upon Ruth we have previously seen.

Finally, Dick had persuaded John to leave his situation, and join him
and his lawless companions in their wild bush life; yet, even there, his
thoughts often reverted to Ruth, and he made up his mind that if she
would only break the silence and tell him she cared as much as ever for
him, he would leave his present surroundings and begin a new life.
Often, when engaged in pursuits new and exciting, or carousing with
companions as degraded as his own brother, the sweet, happy restraints
of the old home life, and the pure face of the woman he loved would rise
before him in vivid contrast, and with an unutterable loathing he would
turn from his present life, and long to be free. Yet he lacked moral
courage to break from his brother's influence; and, as John, in many
ways, proved serviceable to Dick, the latter, by flattery or by threats,
was continually strengthening his hold upon John's weaker nature. So
Dick was rejoiced that Ruth's letter had fallen into his hands, well
knowing that John could never have withstood the temptation it would
have presented to him.

"Any letters from home, Dick?" inquired John of his brother, who sat
before a rough, uncovered table, making heavy inroads upon the
provisions with which it was loaded.

"There's one in my coat," answered Dick, nodding in the direction of his
top-coat, which he had flung aside on entering. John got up and felt in
the pocket, and drew out his mother's letter.

"No other, Dick?"

"No; ain't that enough for you?" was the answer.

John took the letter and went out of the room.

"She is too hard on a fellow, she is; but, oh, Ruthie, if I had you
here, I'd be out of this soon enough!" he said to himself.

Yet, all through the hours of the following night, John laughed as
loudly and drank as deep