Go home and think it out. And come and tell me when you
have decided.'

The boy's white brow was crumpled with anxious creases.

'I should like to be one of God's soldiers, but who shall I have to
fight? Any real enemies, or only make believe?'

'I will tell you about your enemies after you have enlisted. I can show
you one very real one that is your worst enemy.'

'Can you? A real live one?'

'A real live one.'

Teddy smiled contentedly.

'Now,' added Mr. Upton, 'I am going to send you home. If you enlist, the
first person you will have to hold up your banner to is that little girl
whom you said you hated. Before you go I want to pray for you. Kneel
down with me.'

The evening sunshine streamed in through the open window, and alighting
on the white hair of the minister and the boy's fair curls, as they knelt
together, bathed them in a golden glory. With closed eyes and folded
hands Teddy listened to Mr. Upton's prayer,--

'Loving Father, another lamb I bring to Thee. Guide him in his decision,
and if he enters Thy fold, use him and bless him through all eternity.
Grant that he may fight a good fight, and be crowned with glory
hereafter. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.'

An hour later, and Teddy was seated by his mother's side in the old
porch. His grandmother and uncle had gone to evening church, and Mrs.
John was left with her boy alone.

He had been telling her the substance of his conversation with the
rector, and now curled up on the low wooden seat, his small legs crossed
underneath him, he was gazing dreamily out into the sweet-scented garden.
The bees were droning, and the gnats humming amongst the tall hollyhocks
and crimson and white roses close by; the birds were already twittering
their last 'good-nights' to one another, and a soft, peaceful spell
seemed to be falling on all around.

'I feel,' he said presently, as he gazed up into the still blue sky, 'as
if God is waiting for me, mother.'

Mrs. John did not answer. He added quickly, 'When did you enlist,
mother; long, long ago?'

'Yes, darling, just before I married your father.'

'And when did father enlist? When he was a little boy like me?'

'Not till he was a grown man, sonny. He often used to say he wished he
had given his heart to God when he was younger.'

'I suppose God will take little soldiers? Do you think I shall be the
youngest He has?'

'No, darling; He has many brave little soldiers younger than you.'

Another long si