ts fury. After this the rain ceased,
the thunder no longer rattled in the sky, nor did the lightning flash,
and the clouds passed away. Joseph had no difficulty in knowing this.
He was, however, not at all certain that Troloo was leading him towards
his hut. This made him anxious, because, though he could not be very
far wrong, it would delay his arrival at home. He tried to talk with
the black man, but they could not make out what each other said, so they
became silent. On and on they went.

In the morning he had galloped quickly over the ground; now, he was
creeping along, each moment expecting to fall. Suddenly his dog Trusty
started off and gave a cheerful bark, which was answered by Toby, Sam's
dog, and by old Mat's dogs, all of which came running out, and he felt
them licking his hands. He cried out, "Any one at home?" Presently he
heard his wife's voice, and Bobby's and the rest of the children.

"Why, Joseph, what is the matter?" exclaimed poor Sarah, running up to
her husband.

"Why wife, I've a cross to bear, I fancy," answered Joseph, taking
Sarah's hand which she put out; "God knows what's best. If I am to
remain blind, He has some reason for it. But here is this poor black
fellow, his foot is terribly hurt, and he is in great pain; look after
him, I can wait, or I'll bathe my eyes in warm water, I can do nothing
else."

With an aching heart, Sarah placed her husband in a chair, and then
helped the black off the horse, and with the aid of Bobby and Mat, who
came up, carried him into the hut, and placed him on Sam's bed. She
then bathed his foot and bound it up in a wet cloth, and then gave him
some food. Troloo was evidently grateful, and took every means to show
it. Night came, but Joseph still remained totally blind.

STORY FIVE, CHAPTER 3.

When the next morning broke, Joseph found himself as blind as before.
It was a sad trial to him. "So many things to be done, and I not able
to work," sighed Joseph.

"The boys and I and Sally will do our best, and may be, in a day or two
you will be able to see," answered Sarah. "You've often said, `God's
will be done;' we must say it now, husband."

"Yes, Sarah, yes, I do say it. And how is the poor black fellow?" asked
Joseph.

"His foot seems terribly bad. I wish there was a doctor to look to it,
or I am afraid that he will never walk again; I've kept on bathing it,
and he bears the pain wonderfully."

Early in the day, Sam returned