im forth into the world alone. Therefore, without delay,
we are sending him to you, feeling sure of your response. Under
your guidance and care, with the inestimable benefits that he
will derive through the association with such a man as
yourself, we hope that he will recover his normal balance. Take
him in, do what you can for him for all our sakes. He has
always been devoted to you, although it was a lad's
devotion--you have not seen him for several years, and he is
now twenty. Put him to work, do whatever you think best for
him; we give him entirely into your hands. We turn to you in
this hour of our distress, knowing that you will not fail us.

"Such is the urgency, that he is going out to you on the boat
that carries this letter. Failing that, he will leave in any
event on the boat of the following week. We regret that there
has not been sufficient time to prepare you. He will be no
expense, being well provided with funds, although in future I
shall make out his remittances in your name. In haste, in
grief, and with all love,

"Your affectionate brother,

"ALLAN."

The Bishop sat thunderstruck in his chair, aghast at his predicament.
Here was a pretty situation! A scapegrace nephew, who had done heavens
knew what dishonourable thing--the Bishop thought of a dozen things
all at once, all equally disgraceful and equally probable,--was about
to be quartered upon him, in his peaceful, ordered, carefree life, for
an indefinite period! Really, it was intolerable. What did he, the
Bishop, know of young men and their difficulties? Who was he to guide
the footsteps of an erring one? What practical experience had he in
such matters--it was one thing to expound certain niceties of
theological doctrine, which, after all, had little bearing on daily
life--and quite another to become guardian and preceptor to a young
scamp. For he was a scamp, obviously. And of all places in the world,
to send a weak, undisciplined person out to the Colony--this rather
notorious Colony where even those of the highest principles had some
difficulty in holding to the path. It was obvious that the place for
this young man was in his home--in the home of his father and mother,
who while they had doubtless spoiled him, must nevertheless retain a
certain influence. He needed all the kindness and