My friend fell back, and I stood alone. Mr. Dall seemed to give up all hope of sending young men to America, and asked me if I would act like others. “I have put my hands to the plough and I shall not take them back,” was my reply. A rich native merchant of Calcutta had told Mr. Dall that he would give the passage-money of two young men if they came to America; but as my young friend fell back, he paid the passage money and other expenses of one. The day before my departure I had to go to Calcutta to do some shopping with Mr. Dall. My dear mother inquired of me the reason of my going to Calcutta so early in the morning, as I had to go to the school by nine A. M. I simply said I should probably return in time! but I did not get home till nine in the evening. Mr. Dall rather injudiciously detained me in Calcutta, carrying me here and there to see that everything I needed had been bought. I begged him to dismiss me,--told him to attend to, and arrange all that was necessary, and it would be agreeable to me. But he would not. This detention had caused such an alarm in my house that were it not a true purpose in me to go, I could not have left home the next morning. I fully realized what the phrase, “wise like a serpent,” means. As I was passing by the house of a gentleman, my steps drew the attention of a boy, who cried, “Who are you?” “It is I, Prosono,” I answered. “Where have you been, uncle? Your mother has been crying the whole afternoon for you.” With slow steps and anxious heart, I entered into my mother’s house. “Is it Joguth?” “Yes, mother, it is I.” I walked into the dining-room to eat my supper, with a heart full of fear and anxiety. She did not speak a word, but sat by me and bathed the floor with her tears. I looked towards heaven, and my spirit whispered, “Father, this is the beginning of the tears that must flow from those loving eyes of my mother! Kind, loving, affectionate as she is, I must leave her and follow the call of Him who said, “Who is my mother?” I desire to be “about my Father’s business,” so strengthen me to bear this separation. In Thee I recognize a heart more tender than that of earthly mother. Most High, I would not look _around_ me in this juncture, but _above_, for all the help I need.” After I had finished my supper, she spoke, “Child, I heard that you had gone to America.” This information was given to her by a friend whom I had told that I should go to America very soon.