Arthur was alone with his mother, and she told him of the arrangement she had made for him, and the reasons for it.  Arthur was quite overcome at the idea of a separation from the mother he loved so dearly, and exclaimed—­

“Oh, mother, don’t send me away from home, I can earn something, and will work very hard if you will only let me stay.  Please mother, let me stay with you!”

“It is quite as painful to me, Arthur,” said his mother, “to part from you, as it can be to you; but I think it is best for you; and I am sure you will not increase my trials by complaining.  Be a brave boy, Arthur, and learn to submit cheerfully to what God sends upon you.  Trust in Him, and he will bless you wherever you are.  Always remember He watches over you, and loves you.  I think Mr. and Mrs. Martin will be kind to you, and I hope you will make yourself very useful to them.  They are quite aged, and a pair of young hands and feet can be of great service to them.  Always do cheerfully whatever they wish of you, even if not quite so agreeable at the moment.  Always be respectful in your manners to them, and to all others with whom you come in contact, and try to make them happier.  A little boy may do a good deal to make others happy, or unhappy.  I hope you will try to do what is right at all times, and I doubt not you will be contented and happy there, after you become accustomed to it.”

Arthur had dried his tears, but his heart was heavy as he laid down in his bed that night, and when he was alone, his sobs burst forth afresh.  It seemed to him very cruel to send him among strange people, and he thought he should rather go without much to eat or wear, than to leave home.

About ten days after, John carried Arthur to Mr. Martin’s.  Mrs. Hamilton had made his clothes look as neat and tidy as possible, by thoroughly washing and mending them, (for she could not afford to get any new ones), and John had made him a nice box, in which they were all carefully placed.

Arthur tried to be a brave boy, as his mother wished; but he could not eat his breakfast that morning.  Every mouthful seemed to choke him; and when he bade his mother and the children good-bye, the tears would come fast and thick into his eyes, in spite of all he could do to prevent it.  Tears were in his mother’s eyes too, but she spoke cheerfully.

“Well, Arthur,” said she, “it will be only six weeks to Thanksgiving, and Mr. Martin has promised you shall come home then; and how glad we shall all be to see you!”

It was a sunny, autumn morning.  The white frost lay on the grass and the fences, and the north-wind was chilly, as the boys drove on.  Rover persisted in following them, and finally Arthur begged John to take him in, and carry him over.  Rover was delighted, and laid himself down in the bottom of the wagon, and looked affectionately into Arthur’s face.

“Poor Rover,” said he, “you will miss me I know; and I shall miss you a great deal more.  I wonder if Mr. Martin has a dog?”