after the meeting was
over when this man came and said, "Mr. Ranney, can I have a little talk
with you?" I said, "Yes." "Wait till I get the pastor," he said, and in
a few minutes the minister joined us in the vestry. The man could not
speak. I saw there was something on his heart and mind, and wondered
what it could be. I've had lots of men come and tell me all about
themselves, how they were going to give up stealing, drinking, and all
other sins, but here was something different, so I waited. He tried to
speak, but could only sob. Finally he cried out with a choking sob,
"Sister!" The minister's hand went out to his shoulder, mine also, and
we tried to comfort him; I never saw a man in such agony. After a little
he told this story:

"Mr. Ranney, I am sure God sent you here to-night. I had a lovely
sister; she may be living yet; I don't know. Seventeen years ago she
went out to take a music lesson, and we have never laid eyes on her
since, and have never had the first line from her. Oh, if I only knew
where she is! She was one of the sweetest girls you ever saw, just like
the girl you spoke about to-night. She was enticed away from home by a
man old enough to be her father, who left his own family to starve. I've
hunted for them all over. I've never passed a poor girl on the street
without giving a helping hand, always thinking of my own sweet sister,
who might perhaps be in worse circumstances. Mr. Ranney, will you
promise me whenever you tell that story--which I hope will be very
often--just to mention that girl who left a New Jersey town some years
ago? Say that mother is waiting for her daughter with arms open. Say the
latch-string is out and there's a welcome. Perhaps--who can tell?--you
may be the means of sending that daughter back to home and mother!"

He gave me his name and address, the girl's name also, and I promised
what he wanted. Would to God this book might be the means of uniting
these separated ones and sending the gray-haired mother home to heaven
rejoicing! Oh, how many a mother's girl is in bondage to-night for the
want of a helping hand and some kind friend to give advice!

[Illustration: READING ROOM, SQUIRREL INN.]

[Illustration: MEN'S CLUB AT CHURCH OF SEA AND LAND.]

CHAPTER VIII

BOWERY WORK

God moves in a mysterious way to work out His ends, and I can testify
that His dealings with me have been wonderful indeed,--far beyond
anything that I have ever merited. During all t