ut there are a thousand helps for
him who treads this path with me.'

"As she spoke, an army of bright-eyed little squirrels came fleetly into
the thicket and gnawed down thorns and briers before the pilgrims, until
they emerged safely into an open field.

"'A heart full of thanks, little ones,' called Purity after them as they
fled.

"'Why did they do that for us?' asked the astonished man.

"'Because they know I love them,' replied the child, and she moved forward
lightly beside her companion.

"They had walked for perhaps half an hour when a sound of rushing waters
came to their ears, and they soon reached a broad river. There was no
bridge and the current was deep and swift.

"The man gazed at the roaring torrent in dismay. 'Oh, child, behold the
flood! Even if I could build a raft, we should be carried out to sea, and
no swimmer could stem that tide with you in his arms. How ever came you
across by yourself?'

"'Love helped me,' answered Purity.

"'Alas, it will not help me,' said the man. 'I know Hate better.'

"'But you are becoming acquainted with Love, else you would not look on me
so kindly,' returned the child. 'Have faith and come to the shore.' She put
her little hand in his and he held it close, and together they walked to
the edge of the rushing river. Suddenly its blackness was touched and
twinkling with silver which grew each instant more compact and solid, and,
without a moment's hesitation, Purity stepped upon the silver path, drawing
with her the man, who marveled to see that countless large fish, with their
noses toward the current and their fins working vigorously, were offering
their bodies as a buoyant bridge, over which the two passed safely.

"'A thousand thanks, dear ones,' said Purity, as they reached the farther
bank; and instantly there was a breaking and twinkling of the silver, and
the rushing water swallowed up the kindly fish.

"The man, speechless with wonder, moved along beside his guide, and from
time to time she sang a little song, and as she sang he could feel his
heart swelling and there was a strange new happiness born in it, which
seemed to answer her song though his lips were mute.

"And then Purity talked to him of her King and of the rich delights which
were ever poured out to him who once found the path to the Heavenly
Country; and the man listened quite eagerly and humbly and clung to Purity
as to his only hope.

"When night fell he feared to close his eyes l