The evening sunshine streamed in through the open window, and alighting on the white hair of the minister and the boy’s fair curls, as they knelt together, bathed them in a golden glory.  With closed eyes and folded hands Teddy listened to Mr. Upton’s prayer,—­

’Loving Father, another lamb I bring to Thee.  Guide him in his decision, and if he enters Thy fold, use him and bless him through all eternity.  Grant that he may fight a good fight, and be crowned with glory hereafter.  For Jesus Christ’s sake.  Amen.’

An hour later, and Teddy was seated by his mother’s side in the old porch.  His grandmother and uncle had gone to evening church, and Mrs. John was left with her boy alone.

He had been telling her the substance of his conversation with the rector, and now curled up on the low wooden seat, his small legs crossed underneath him, he was gazing dreamily out into the sweet-scented garden.  The bees were droning, and the gnats humming amongst the tall hollyhocks and crimson and white roses close by; the birds were already twittering their last ‘good-nights’ to one another, and a soft, peaceful spell seemed to be falling on all around.

‘I feel,’ he said presently, as he gazed up into the still blue sky, ’as if God is waiting for me, mother.’

Mrs. John did not answer.  He added quickly, ’When did you enlist, mother; long, long ago?’

‘Yes, darling, just before I married your father.’

‘And when did father enlist?  When he was a little boy like me?’

’Not till he was a grown man, sonny.  He often used to say he wished he had given his heart to God when he was younger.’

’I suppose God will take little soldiers?  Do you think I shall be the youngest He has?’

‘No, darling; He has many brave little soldiers younger than you.’

Another long silence, then a deep-drawn sigh from Teddy.

’I feel I have very big thoughts to-night, mother, and I get so crowded thinking.  Will you read to me before I go to bed?’

Mrs. John pressed her lips on the curly head so near her.

’My boy, I am so glad for you to have these thoughts.  Mother has often prayed that you may be one of Christ’s little soldiers and servants.  Now what shall I read?’

‘Read me about the three men and the burning fiery furnace.’

And the young mother took her Bible in hand, and drawing her boy close to her till his little head rested against her shoulder, read him the story he wished.

Later on, as she tucked him up in bed, and was giving him a kiss, he clasped his arms round her neck and whispered, ’I think I’m going to do it quite by myself to-morrow.’

CHAPTER IV

Enlisting for Life

The village children were swarming out of school the next afternoon.  The heat and confinement of the crowded schoolroom had not lessened the superabundance of energy and high spirits amongst them, and the boys soon congregated on the green, bent on a game of cricket.