208 Tom Seven Years Old.

He called her to him after breakfast, and drew
her a picture on her slate. Then he helped
Annie with her geography, by hearing her say
over the chief towns of England three times.
In the afternoon his mamma required him,
and as soon as tea was finished James brought
him his ship to mend. At bed-time Walter
leant back, very worn out. He had been busy
all day, and yet he could not see what he had
done, or if he had done it well. It was all
hidden, as his father had said. Hecould not
help wondering if Christ felt as weary in the
evenings as he did, with helping others. But
he knew he must go on, whether he liked it
or not. Christ never gave in—no one ever
gave in who wanted to do their work well.
So he followed his calling patiently, hour by
hour and day by day, working in small things,
and not seeing what he was doing. At the
end of a month his father was sitting with
him again in the dark. Walter had another
secret to tell. It was this—

“Papa, I’m so tired!”

“Never mind,” said his father. “You