MISSIONARY.

Spring was now advancing. Laurence was anxiously looking out for the
return of his father. He would, at all events, have longed to see him;
but his desire to do so was greatly increased by his wish to impart to
him a knowledge of the glorious truths he himself possessed. Having
learned the priceless value of his own soul, he could now appreciate
that of others.

Laurence's faith was simple, and he enjoyed a clear view of the gospel
truth.

From every Indian who came to the fort he made inquiries for the old
trapper, who was known to many of them. At length several brought
tidings of his death. Laurence refused to believe them; and when Mr
Ramsay came to cross-question his visitors, he found that they had only
heard the report from others. Laurence, therefore, begged that he might
be allowed to go out and search for the old man.

"I know all his haunts so well," he said, "that I am sure I shall find
him better than any one else; he may be sick in some distant place, and
unable to come as he promised."

So earnestly did he plead that Mr Ramsay, hoping that his old friend
might still be alive, could no longer refuse to let him go.

A Cree who had become a Christian, and was named Peter, offered to
accompany him; and Laurence thankfully accepted his assistance.

The only provision they took with them was a good supply of pemmican;
but they had an abundance of ammunition, knowing that they might depend
for their support on the animals they might shoot.

"You will come back, Laurence, when you have found your father?" said
Jeanie, as, with tears in her eyes, she wished him good-bye.

"If God spares me, and I have the means to do so, I will come back,
whether I find him or not; I promise you that," answered Laurence.
"That object alone would have induced me to quit the fort. I have no
longer any wish to roam or lead the wild life of a trapper; and when I
return, my great desire will be to go on with the study of that blessed
Book which you first taught me to read and love."

"I taught you to read it, but God's Holy Spirit could alone have taught
you to love it," answered Jeanie.

Laurence and Peter, followed by the prayers of many in the fort, set out
on their expedition. The appearance of the country was now completely
changed from the stern aspect it had worn but a few weeks before. Trees
and shrubs were clothed with a livery of green of varied hues, the grass
was springing up in rich luxu