A perfect stillness settled over the boys at these words, and not only Ellis Holbrook's cheeks, but his whole face glowed. Howard came to the rescue at last, very stammeringly: "But, father--I don't think--do you think--I mean--well, sir, you know Ellis and the rest of us didn't mean to make fun of what God said. Don't you think that makes a difference?" "I don't know, I'm sure. How do you know that Joe Barnes means to make fun of what his father says?" "He acts like it," Howard said. "Exactly; and so do you, every one of you, except Tip. I don't say, boys, that you are all going to be disrespectful to your elders after this; I only say I don't see why your earthly friends should expect more reverence from you than you give to God." Boys and man were all silent for a little after that, until Mr. Minturn broke the stillness by repeating reverently, "'Enter ye in at the strait gate.' I guess you all know what that means. I would like to know whether there is a boy here who thinks he has entered in at that gate." How still the room was while he waited for his answer! Tip could feel his heart throb--throb--with loud, distinct beats; twice he tried to break the silence, and couldn't. At last he found voice: "I do, sir." Mr. Minturn turned quickly. "What makes you think so, Tip?" "Because I love Jesus, and I'm trying to do what He says." Mr. Minturn's voice trembled a little: "God bless you, my boy; try to get all the rest to go through the same gate." The town clock struck the hour, nine o'clock. The boys made a move to separate. Tip took his cap and walked out alone in the cold, clear starlight. He felt quiet and strong. It was done at last: he had taken his stand before the boys--had "shown his colours." They all knew now that he was trying hard, and who was helping him. Things must surely be different after this, for ever. CHAPTER XV. "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in player, believing, ye shall receive." Meantime, was Kitty forgotten? Not a bit of it. If ever boy prayed for any one, Tip prayed for her. His very soul was in it; yet thus far his prayers seemed to have been in vain. The lesson, one Sabbath morning, was on "God's answers to prayer." Tip listened closely, yet with an unsatisfied longing in his eyes. "Mr. Holbrook," he said, waiting after the rest had gone, "is there time for just one question?" "Yes, for two, if you like," said Mr. Holbrook, sitting down again; "what is it, Edward?" "I want to know why God don't answer folks' prayers right away?"