Her own clothing, since mother moved, had grown threadbare and ragged, forming but little protection against the cold, cutting winds.

Their hearts, notwithstanding all outward difficulties and the disappointments of the preceding day, were buoyant with hope as they started out once more upon their pilgrimage.

Their one friend, the policeman, saw them coming and met them a short distance from their destination.

“Good morning, grandpa and my little lady,” he cheerily called, “I have been expecting you for some time.  I had almost begun to fear that something had prevented your coming.  Follow me, and I shall see that the usher gives you a seat up in front.  I know you will find the way in here, and I have at last, thank God, found it myself!”

Rosa wondered at this, but could ask no questions.  They were entering the imposing building now, while throngs of well-dressed people, eyeing her curiously, were surging by.  She was disappointed, for her past experience had convinced her that no well-dressed person but her one girl in blue, knew the way to the beautiful land.

While she was considering the advisability of an immediate retreat, the policeman called to an usher: 

“Here, Dawson, are some friends of mine whom I want Dr. Fairfax to meet personally.  Send a messenger for him at once.  I know he will be willing to come; then give them good seats where they can both hear and see.  Do just as I say, for these are my very special friends,” he added, as the usher looked at him both quizzically and uncertainly.

“And, Dawson, tell him, too, that I have found the way, praise the Lord!

“I must go now, and God take care of you, Rosa.  You have taught me what you so want to know yourself.  The old Book says that a little child shall lead them, and it is true.”

The usher hesitated somewhat to break the pastor’s quiet half-hour which he had always spent with a few faithful workers before going into the pulpit, but seeing the tears beginning to roll down the sweet, sad face of the child, he sent the messenger post-haste.

Very soon a tall, handsome man appeared.

“Good morning, Mr. Dawson, and what may I do for you?” he pleasantly inquired.

Something about his voice and kindly manner attracted Rosa immediately, and, characteristically impulsive, not waiting for Mr. Dawson’s reply she ran up to the stranger’s side and said: 

“Oh, please, mister, won’t you tell me how to go?  The policeman said you could.  Grandpa and me want to go to the beautiful land, and mother’s gone.  Folks don’t cough no more there, and Jesus paid all the fare, ’cause the pretty lady said so, and it don’t cost nothing after you get there.  Can you tell me the way?”

The pastor in his surprise stood motionless for a moment, then astonished Mr. Dawson by lifting the little girl up in his arms and kissing her fondly.

“Rosa,” he said, “you are the straying lamb for whom Esther and I have been praying for weeks, and now God has sent you.  By His help I shall teach you the way this very morning.