with the tobacco and other stuff for
washes, and he and old Mat set to work to mix them, and to wash the
diseased sheep. While they were at work, a horseman was seen drawing
near to the station, but not from the direction the master would come.
It proved to be young Mr Harlow. He had heard of the distemper having
broken out among his neighbour's sheep, and wished to know what was to
be done to prevent its spreading.

On learning of the accident which had happened to Rudge, he went in to
see him. "I have studied as a surgeon, and may, I hope, be of use to
you," he said. "From what I see, I have great hopes that you will soon
recover with the help of remedies I will apply."

Joseph thanked him, and begged that he would look at Troloo's foot.

"This is a more difficult case, but the natives' hurts heal so rapidly,
that I have little doubt that he also will soon be well," he observed.

It is not necessary to describe the means he employed. He rode over
every day, though his time was of great value, and in the course of a
few days, Joseph declared that he could once more see light and people
moving about. Troloo's foot was also nearly well. "A white man's would
have taken twice the time," Mr Harlow observed.

Troloo, however, showed no desire to go away; "Black fellow lub Jo, work
for Jo," he said.

Of course Rudge was very glad to get his assistance, though he knew that
he could not depend long on him, and that any moment he might set off
again by himself. He could help with the sheep, but cattle have such a
dislike to black men that they will not let one come near them.

When Mr Ramsay arrived, he highly approved of all Rudge had done, and
was much concerned to hear of his blindness, though Mr Harlow assured
him that he would soon recover his sight, as he shortly did. Joseph and
his wife were very grateful to Mr Harlow.

"Do not thank me, I am but making a right use of the talents God has
given me," he answered.

He brought with him a number of small books and tracts, and told Joseph
that he should be glad to have them lent to all the neighbouring
shepherds and stockmen. "We will also meet together for prayer and
reading God's word, when next I come over," he said.

This was done; and not only old Mat but several other shepherds and
hut-keepers came to Joseph's hut which he had prepared for them. This
was the beginning of a Church in the wilderness, for after this, Mr
Harlow often came to the station