Little Jessie overheard her parents talking on the subject, and made up
her mind to try and see what she could do. She thought she could not
wait three, four, or five months, to have Johnny cured: it ought to be
done at once.

The next day she told her plan to Johnny, and they made their
preparations; and one bright morning, when it was school-time, she and
Johnny stole out of the house hand in hand, quite unnoticed by any one.

They met a little girl named Jane Anderson; and by her Jessie sent the
following letter to her parents:--

DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,--I didn't ask you, for
fear you would say No; but Johnny and I are
going to Boston to see Dr. Williamson. I heard
all the reasons why you couldn't take Johnny
till fall, and I couldn't wait. 'Twon't hurt us
to walk this nice spring weather; and I don't
think any one will refuse to give a poor blind
boy and his sister a place to sleep, or a bowl
of bread and milk to eat. We shall ask our
road, and we won't get lost. Our Father in
heaven will go with us all the way.

Mr. Cortrell was much alarmed. "I must start after them, wife," said he.
"Those children on the road to Boston all alone! Jessie is crazy."

But Mrs. Cortrell said, "What if God put it into her heart, John?" And
so they concluded to do nothing about it.

Well, the children walked and walked, and now and then they got a drive;
and, on the third morning, Jessie led Johnny into Boston over the
Brighton road.

They found Dr. Williamson. He received them kindly. He examined Johnny's
eyes, and then said to Jessie, "I think there are nine chances in ten
that I can cure your brother."

Jessie bounded with joy. The good doctor accommodated them in his own
house while the cure was going on; and after not many days he sent the
children home in the cars, and, as he left them, placed a sealed
envelope in the hand of Jessie.

"My bill for your father: there is no haste about it," said he kindly;
and then he bade them good-by.

The journey was a short one. Happy enough were the parents to see their
dear children back again, and Johnny quite cured of his blindness.

Then Jessie handed her father the bill. "Whatever it is, I shall pay it
cheerfully," said he. He opened it, and read,--

"For services rendered Johnny and Jessie Cortrell.
"Received payment in full,