ow more of His love and care if we could
but become like the young and pure," remarked Joseph. "We are told that
we must become like little children, that is, in our trust in God's love
and our obedience and faith."

"Ah yes, but that is a hard matter for the old and hardened," sighed
Mat.

"Yes, but it is a blessed thought that God's grace is sufficient for
even such, if they will but seek it," observed Rudge.

Nothing very particular happened at the station for some time. The
children, as may be supposed, did not wander out by themselves any more.
Joseph and the rest of the men, however, had a great deal more to do in
consequence of the flight of Peach and his mate. They also had to help
in getting back the cattle he had carried off. Mr Ramsay was very much
pleased with the way Joseph had acted, and increased his wages by ten
pounds a year, while to Sam and Bob he gave five pounds more each.

After this there was a marked change in Mr Ramsay. He was always
looked on as a worthy, upright man, but he had been inclined to stand
somewhat aloof from his neighbours, Mr Harlow and his sisters, because
they were known to be religious. Not a week passed, however, that he
did not pay a visit to Upland, Mr Harlow's station, and sometimes he
went twice a week, and was often seen riding out with the Misses Harlow.
It then became known that he had united with Mr Harlow to send for a
missionary minister, who would go about among the out-stations and
preach and hold school as best he could. Mr Bolton was his name. He
lost no time in coming. His plan was to preach, and then to set lessons
to all the learners, many of them grown-up people, and to help those who
required it, and then to hear them when next he came that way. When Mr
Bolton came to the head station, Mr Ramsay always attended, and after a
time formed a class, and taught himself. It was said that he was going
to marry one of the Miss Harlows. A word spoken in season may do good;
and there can be little doubt that the good example set by Joseph Rudge
had a great effect in bringing about an important change in the
character of his master.

While many of those who went to the gold diggings came back as poor as
they started, and with loss of health, Joseph and his family, by
remaining at their posts and doing their duty to their employer,
prospered, and were well and happy.

One afternoon Sarah and Sally and Nancy were at work in the hut. Nancy
was able now