fle Serves an Apprenticeship. 33

the pull, the pull might stop the clock, and what
would papa say then? They tell me the owls are
up all night, but they’re no good, I’m certain. I
don’t see what I amto’do. I wonder if God would
wake me if I were to ask Him?”

I don’t know whether Willie did or did not ask
God to wake him. I[ did not inquire, for what
goes on of that kind, it is better not to talk much
about. What I do know is, that he fell asleep with
his head and heart full of desire to wake and help
his mother; and that, in the middle of the night,
he did wake up suddenly, and there was little Agnes
screaming with all her might. He sat up in bed
instantly.

“What’s the matter, Willie?” said his mother.
“ Lie down and go to sleep.”

“ Baby’s crying,” said Willie,

“Never you mind. I’ll manage her.”

“Do you know, mamma, I think I was waked
up just in time to help you. Ill take her from
you, and perhaps she will take her drink from me.”

“Nonsense, Willie. Lie down, my pet.”

“ But I’ve been thinking about it, mamma. Do
you remember, yesterday, Agnes would not take
her bottle from you, and screamed and screamed ;
but when Tibby took her, she gave in and drank it
all? Perhaps she would do the same with me.”

As he spoke he slipped out of bed, and held out
his arms to take the baby. The light was already