20
ully rubbed down, blanketed, and fed, for he was entered for the four- horse race and it behoved him to do his best to win. Besides, he scorned to hurry himself for anything so unimportant as eating; that he considered hardly worthy even of Baptiste. Mr. Craig managed to get a word with him before he went off, and I saw Sandy solemnly and emphatically shake his head, saying, 'Ah! we'll beat him this day,' and I gathered that he was added to the vigilance committee.
Old man Nelson was busy with his own team. He turned slowly at Mr. Craig's greeting, 'How is it, Nelson?' and it was with a very grave voice he answered, 'I hardly know, sir; but I am not gone yet, though it seems little to hold to.'
'All you want for a grip is what your hand can cover. What would you have? And besides, do you know why you are not gone yet?'
The old man waited, looking at the minister gravely.
'Because He hasn't let go His grip of you.'
'How do you know He's gripped me?'
'Now, look here, Nelson, do you want to quit this thing and give it all up?'
'No, no! For heaven's sake, no! Why, do you think I have lost it?' said Nelson, almost piteously.
'Well, He's keener about it than you; and I'll bet you haven't thought it worth while to thank Him.'
'To thank Him,' he repeated, almost stupidly, 'for--'
'For keeping you where you are overnight,' said Mr. Craig, almost sternly.
The old man gazed at the minister, a light growing in his eyes.
'You're right. Thank God, you're right.' And then he turned quickly away, and went into the stable behind his team. It was a minute before he came out. Over his face there was a trembling joy.
'Can I do anything for you to-day?' he asked humbly.
'Indeed you just can,' said the minister, taking his hand and shaking it very warmly; and then he told him Slavin's programme and ours.
'Sandy is all right till after his race. After that is his time of danger,' said the minister.
'I'll stay with him, sir,'