0f course it was explained to John that the missionaries do notactually carry butter to Africa, and that they must usually gowithout it themselves there, it being almost impossible to make itgood from the water in the cocoanuts. And it was further explained tohim that even if the heathen never received his butter or the moneyfor it, it was an excellent thing for a boy to cultivate the habit ofself-denial and of benevolence, and if the heathen never heard ofhim, he would be blessed for his generosity. This was all truthful.