THOMAS J. COMBER. 
1 14 
at IS all ordered, all inevitable, all God’s will, and 
therefore all for the best.’ ” 
On his way to the Kroo country he passed within 
sight of Victoria. Would that the boat could have 
called ! For had not his sister Carrie come to live 
there, having undertaken missionary work in connec- 
tion with the school, thus realising the long-cherished 
desire of her heart ? On his way north, he also passed 
the steamer carrying the English mails ; this was 
especially trying as having previously heard of the 
dangerous illness of his little sister Clara, he was most 
anxious to receive his letters. To this sister — a child 
of his father’s second family — he was particularly 
attached. How dear a place in his affectionate heart 
this little girl held, the following two letters will 
show. The first is written to this sister. 
“ My dearest little Sister, — Although I have 
allowed 54 days for this letter to reach you by your 
birthday on the 3rd of July, I am afraid it will be too 
late. I hope not, because when I send you a birthday 
letter, I should like it to be delivered by the postman 
on the very morning. 
Once more, dearest little Pussie, I have to write to 
wish you many happy returns of your birthday. Your 
big brother Tom does not forget his little sister, 
although he is so far away in Africa. It is now more 
than two years since I saw you, and said good-bye to 
you ; and, do you know, I should like to see you again 
if I could. I wonder if Puss of twelve years old would 
jump into my arms and give me good hugs and kisses, 
like the smaller Pussie of years gone by, or whether 
she would hold out her hand, with a bow, and say ‘ It 
gives me great pleasure to see you, Mr. Tom Comber.’ 
I think I know which it would be. Only don’t you 
go for to come for to think, that I am coming home 
suddenly and quickly again, to surprise you — as I did 
two and a-half years ago; because I mean to try to do 
a lot of work before I come home this time. I wonder 
