THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 93 
“ I am sure,” was the reply, “ that the neg¬ 
lected children of Blufftown and its neighbor¬ 
hood need instruction, and I am glad to have 
the aid of one so competent to help me; and I 
shall not be deterred from my purpose by any 
insinuations of my rattle-headed sister.” 
“ Good for you, Ella !” was Milton’s response; 
“ you will find Lew a first-rate worker, and you 
need not stop to question closely the motives 
of his action, for whether he acts from love to 
the children or a liking for somebody nearer 
home, he will show his good sense, in my judg¬ 
ment.” 
“ Pshaw! brother,” was the reply; “ you and 
Minnie are both making ridiculous insinuations, 
and had better find some other topic to employ 
your thoughts.” 
“ True, my daughter,” said the father; “ but I 
am glad that young Rudolph has become inter¬ 
ested in your work, for there is no surer nor 
speedier way to knowledge than the effort to 
impart wisdom unto others; and if Mr. David¬ 
son could be induced to engage in a like enter¬ 
prise, it would be an addition to the moral forces 
by which it is hoped the desired result may be 
successfully reached.” 
