“The very thing I am fearing,” returned Mr. Bright.  “In one sense it is nobody’s business but your own what becomes of you; in another sense, it is the business of a great many.  Young man, I tell you again to get out of your present defiant mood as soon as you can.  I know that your life for the past few months has had more of genuine enjoyment for you than you have experienced for years previous to this time.  I don’t say this boastfully, I say it thankfully.  And what I am anxious for is to have you keep going in the same way.  Just think it over, and see what there is before you.  On the one hand, a return to your place in school, and with that a continuation of all that you have so much cared for; on the other hand—­but I leave that for you to think out.  There are two ways right here, and you must choose which one you will take.”

“Well, what have I got to do if I go back?” asked “Dodd,” yielding ever so little.

“You must apologize to the school for your conduct and pledge to your fellow students your word of honor that hereafter you will behave like a gentleman.”

“Dodd” gave his head an angry toss and was about to speak when the parson sprang to his feet, and, rushing across the room, shouted: 

“He shall do it, or I will disown him, and he shall never enter my house again, but shall be—­”

“Sit down, sir!” exclaimed Mr. Bright, almost forcing the distracted parson into his chair.  Mr. Weaver sat down and was silent.

Mr. Bright proceeded: 

“So now, my boy, here it is for you to choose, and you must use your own judgment about it.”  But “Dodd” looked down and said nothing.

It was a critical moment.  A soul was at stake, and fiends and angels were striving together for it.  Mr. Bright was the captain of the heavenly host, and devoutly he stood, waiting the issue.

There are no rules laid down in the machine guide books that lead up to this high estate, nor does the machine manager care so much for marshaling angelic forces as he does about controlling the election of a member of the board from the —­th ward.

As Mr. Bright spoke his last words a silence fell upon the group.  The father sat with his hands over his face, “Dodd” gazed at the carpet, and the school teacher bowed his head reverently.  For nearly a minute this impressive calm brooded over all.  Then Mr. Bright felt in his soul that the tide was turned in his favor.  He advanced towards “Dodd” and extended his hand.

“Come!” he said.

The boy did not raise his eyes, but he did lift his hand, just a little—­only a little—­and Mr. Bright grasped it with all the fervor of his thankful soul.  He drew “Dodd” towards him, and he arose, hesitatingly.  They walked out of the room hand in hand, nor did they break their clasp till they reached the school-room.  When people are too weak or too timid to go alone they musk be led; yes, sometimes they must be carried!  But, led or carried, the point always to keep in mind is this, that the nearly dead are to be made alive again, the lost are to be found.