declining to accept it will inconvenience me not a little.

"With all due consideration for your religious beliefs, I feel it my
duty as your father, John, to express my disappointment of the
profession you at present seem inclined to adopt. However you are
entering man's estate, and it is for you to decide as to your career. I
shall, however, insist upon one thing: that you take a good vacation
before making your final decision.

"If, upon your return you are of the same mind, I shall not oppose you,
although to speak frankly, John, I am not a little disappointed.

"Anyway a good western trip will greatly benefit you, and I shall not be
at all surprised if on your return your conception of your duty has
undergone important modifications." As if signifying that he desired to
discuss the subject no farther, Mr. Davis rose and left the room.

Keenly feeling his father's disappointment and displeasure, John
instinctively turned to his mother for sympathy. Mrs. Davis stepped to
his side and with a fond caress said:

"Thank God you have made this choice; I shall do all in my power to help
you."

"Thank you, mother dear. I believe you understand me, and know how
sincere is my desire to do what I can for my fellow men.

"I do so long to lead some of them to Christ; for many are wandering in
darkness, just waiting for some one to reach them a helping hand.

"In deference to father's wishes I shall take a vacation; though it can
by no possibility alter my determination. On my return I shall begin
active work without delay.

"I have education enough to preach the simple truths of God's love. I
wish to preach to sinners, not to saints. I shall ask no salary and have
no denomination. My Church will be Christ."

After tenderly embracing his mother, during which the souls of mother
and son united in a prayer to the Most High, John bade her "Good night"
and retired.

The following week found John on his way to South Dakota, his plan being
to make his first stop of any length at Aberdeen.

He arrived there at night and the following morning mounted his bicycle
for a trip through the surrounding country.

It was a new world to him. His first thought was: how splendid the roads
were for wheeling, they seemed even better than the paved streets of the
city.

He cast his eyes over his surroundings. On all sides was the vast
expanse of prairie, ending only in the horizon--the fields of grass and
grain, moving in the wind lik