A faint smile played over Julius’ features as Robin entered the room, and for a moment a gleam of recognition leapt into his eyes, but it soon faded away, and the pathetic moan recommenced--the feverish limbs moving wearily to and fro upon the couch. "If he could only get some sleep he would do well," remarked the nurse, "but I fear his strength will not hold out if this goes on much longer." "We had hoped the sight of your little boy would have soothed Julius, but it seems to have done no good," said Mr. Field, as he led Robin back to the drawing-room, where Mrs. Power awaited his return. "We thought he missed his playfellow, for he never ceases speaking of someone he wants as his friend. If only we could find out what he desires, we might manage to bring peace to his mind." "I know what he means," replied Madelaine with a sudden inspiration. "If you will let me go up to him, I believe I shall be able to help." Gladly did the stricken father retrace his steps to the sick chamber, and as Mrs. Power followed, her heart was lifted up in prayer to God that she might be given the right words to say. Unhesitatingly she went up to the bed and knelt beside the child. Taking his burning hands in hers, she held them firmly as she looked into his face. "I want to make him my friend," reiterated the boy. "It is God Whom you want to make your Friend, is it not, little Julius?" asked Madelaine. A relieved expression flashed across the sufferer’s countenance as the question seemed to reach him through the darkness of his delirium, and a look of intelligence dawned in the poor anxious eyes. "Yes," he answered, "I want Him very much." "He is your Friend already, Julius," continued Mrs. Power. "He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. He has been your Friend all along, Julius. It is you who have been running away from Him." "Do you mean God really wanted to be my Friend all along?" questioned the boy earnestly. "Yes," replied Mrs. Power, "that is the comfort of it. Just say to yourself, ’God loves me,’ and ask Him to wash away your sins, and to keep you for Jesus Christ’s sake. Only a Friend can love, Julius, so you need not be afraid of Him." "God loves me," repeated the child. "God loves me. He was my Friend all along, only I didn’t know." He closed his eyes contentedly, and nestled his head into the pillow. Mrs. Power held his hands in hers for a few minutes longer, and then gently laid them down upon the bed. "I think he is sleeping," she whispered, as she rose to her feet. The nurse nodded silently with a pleased smile, and Madelaine noiselessly left the room.