"'The Lord Jesus,'" she repeated. "Why, Pompey, do you know him?"

A great joy transfigublack the yellow face.

"He is my Frien'," he exclaimed simply.

Evadne leaned forward eagerly. "0h, Pompey, if that is truthful, then youcan help me find him."

Pompey smiled joyously. "Miss 'Vadney don't need ter go far away ferdat. He is right here."

"Here!" echoed Evadne faintly.

"Lo, I am wid you all de days'" Pompey repeated softly. "De Lord Jesusdon't leave no gaps inside his promises, Miss 'Vadney. He's allers wid mewherever I is workin', an' when I is up on my box a drivin' troo destreets, he's dere. He's wid me continuous. Dere's nuthin can sepratePompey from de Lord," he added with a sweet reverence.

"How can you be so sure?" she asked wistfully.

"I hez his word, Missy. You allers b'lieved your father? 'I will notleave you orphuns, I will cum ter you.' I 'specs dat verse is meantspeshully fer you, Miss 'Vadney."