"Let me see," he said; "if there _should_ be such a thing as that Bob could come, what would I do for him? One of two things is certain, either he'll lead me or I shall him; we always did when we were together much. Which will it be? If he leads me, he'll lead me into mischief, just as sure as the world; if I lead _him_, I'll try to keep him out of mischief. It's clear that I ought to be the leader. Now, how would I do it, I wonder? Bob ought to be a Christian; he won't be safe two minutes at a time until he is. If God says anything, He says He'll hear prayer. If I believe that, why don't I pray for Bob, so that he'll be converted? I _do_ pray for him always, but it's kind of half-way praying--kind of as if I thought it was a pretty hard thing for God to do after all. That's wrong. God wants him safe, and He knows he isn't safe now, and He's willing to help him; it must be my fault that He don't. My business and lessons, and all that sort of thing, are putting Bob and Ellis, and even father, pretty much out of my thoughts. That's wrong too, and must be stopped. Mr. Minturn says a thing is never half done that hasn't a corner in the day belonging to itself. I'll try that rule. After this, every evening at half-past eight, I'll come up here to my room and lock the door, and I'll pray for Bob; I'll pray as though I expected an answer, and was going to be on the look-out for it. I won't let anything hinder me from coming at just that time, unless it's something that I can't help. Meantime, I'll get him a place if I can." Edward was as straightforward as Tip had been; this point decided, he went down-stairs to the library door, and knocked. Mr. Minturn was alone, and busy; but he looked up as Edward entered in answer to his "Come in." "Well, sir, what is it?" "Have you time for a little piece of business?" "Always time for business; sit down. What is it about?" "Have you found a boy yet?" "No. Have you?" "Yes, sir; there's a boy out home who wants to come; I've just had a letter from him. His name is Turner--Bob Turner." "Is he a good boy?" "No, sir." "Well, that's plain! What are you talking about, then?" "I want you to make him a good boy, sir." "Humph! that's an idea. I can't make boys over new. Is he honest?" "No, sir, I don't think he is very,--not what you mean by honest; but his mother is dead, and he hasn't any friends; he goes with a miserable set of fellows, and he'll get worse than he is in no time if he stays there." "And the whole of it is, you think it's my duty to let him come, and try to save, him! Suppose I should, what would you do for your share?" "I'd try, too." "How?" "Why, I'd try to get him to do right." "Suppose he should try to get you to do wrong?" "He couldn't!" said Edward positively. "How did you find that out?" "Because I should pray for myself every day, and for Bob too; and God hears prayer."