Ten minutes later the three little pilgrims were in the
kitchen being regaled with cake and hot coffee, which even Toby
partook of with considerable relish.
Then Jane, taking a hand of each little child, led them quietly out,
and without any noise they all--even Toby--got into the light cart,
and were off, numberless twinkling stars looking down on them. Lydia
Purcell, believing she had the purse in her hand, was sleeping the
sleep of the sin-laden and unhappy. She thought that broken and
miserable rest worth the money treasure she believed she had secured.
She little guessed that already it had taken to itself wings, and was
lying against the calm and trustful heart of a little child; but the
stars knew, and they smiled on the children as they drove away.
Jane, when they got to the railway station, saw the guard, with
whom, indeed, she was great friends, and he very gladly undertook to
see to the children, and even to wink at the rule about dogs, and
allow Toby to travel up to London with them. What is more, he put
them into a first-class carriage which was empty, and bade them lie
down and never give anything a thought till they found themselves in
London.
"Do you think Jesus the Guide is doing all this for us?" asked
Cecile in a whisper, with her arms very tight around Jane's neck.
"Yes, darling, 'tis all along His doing."
"Oh! how easy He is making the first bit of our pilgrimage!" said
Cecile.
The whistle sounded. The train was off, and Jane found herself
standing on the platform with tears in her eyes.
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