ffection. Presently Bounce's owner appeared, and
went through something of a similar performance--humanised, however, and
with more of dignity.

"I can't tell 'ee how glad I am to see you again, Jeff," said Bowers,
sitting down beside him, and grasping his hand. "But oh, man, how
thin--"

The huge coastguardsman choked at this point, as Wilson had done before
him; but, being more ready of resource, he turned it into a cough, and
declared, sternly, that night-work must have given him a cold, or
"suthin' o' that sort." After which he made a great demonstration of
clearing his throat and blowing his nose.

"But you'll soon be yours--at least, somethin' like your old self,
before long, Jeff. The doctor told us that, the last time he was at the
station."

"If God wills," returned Jeff, softly; "I am in His hands, and willing
to be what He chooses. You remember, David, the talk we once had about
Miss Millet's argument, that God brings good out of evil. I didn't
believe it then; I believe it now. I've bin to school since I last saw
you, David, and I've learned a good lesson, for I can say from my heart
it has been good for me that I was afflicted."

Bowers did not reply, but looked at his friend with an expression of
puzzled surprise.

"Yes," continued Jeff, with rising enthusiasm; "I have lost my health--
the doctor thinks permanently. I've lost the strength that I used to be
so proud of, and with it the hope of being able to make a living in any
active line of life; and I've lost much more besides. But what I have
found in my Saviour far more than makes up for it all."

In the "much more besides," poor Jeff mentally referred to his loss of
all hope of ever gaining the hand of Rose Millet; for if his chance
seemed small before, how immeasurably was it reduced now that his health
was shattered, and his power even of supporting himself gone. No; he
felt that that door was closed--that he must avoid the girl as much as
possible in future; and, above all, be particularly careful not to fall
in love with her. Of course, it was only a passing fancy as yet, and,
like fruit, would never ripen unless the sun shone. He would avoid the
sunshine! Meanwhile, of all these rapidly fleeting thoughts, he said
never a word to his friend David Bowers, but after a little more
conversation, begged him also to go away and let him rest.

All very good, friend Jeff; but what if the sun should shine in spite of
you?

Just abo