drunkard's wife. Her husband had left home the previous evening and had not returned, and after these prolonged sprees she feared his coming, who was the kindest of men when himself, but very savage when under the influence of liquor. Then, too, she was afraid that he would lose his position, which his employer had threatened if he did not attend to work better.

The Witch told her to be of good cheer; that all would be well with her yet.

She looked at the shabby furniture and still shabbier clothing of the children. This family had once been in comfortable circumstances, but were brought to this state of poverty through intemperance, the prevailing evil.

And yet how much good these beverages might do if used in moderation, but too many are with this, like all their other appetites over which they have no control. The mind should be made to strive harder after the knowledge of God in order to subdue these carnal desires.

About midday this fallen image of God came home partially sobered and ferocious as a wild animal. The Witch mentally compared man with beast and gave her dog the preference.

He had commenced his wicked profanity, when a hand was laid on his arm and reproachful eyes looked into his.

After this he sat quietly for a long time apparently lost in thought; then this truly penitent one arose, stood beside his wife and vowed that in future he would be a better man, and their home should be happy as in the old days before this false friend took possession.

Tears of happiness were streaming from the little woman's eyes, and our Witch withdrew, thanking God in her heart for this power he had given her.

  CHAPTER III.

On reaching home she found a neighbor waiting outside, who entered with her, in the meantime pouring into the ever sympathetic ears her trouble.

She was bewailing over the downfall of her boy who heretofore had been exceptionally dutiful, invariably spending his evening at home, but of late all was changed. He had contracted the card disease with all its adherent vices, which was rapidly developing into a mania. His salary, which was the home support, was being sacrificed on the gambling altar.

Here was more work. The only son and mainstay of a widowed mother fast going to ruin. Yes, something must be done.

Early the following evening the Witch made it her business to pay a visit to the widow about tea time. The son was hurriedly finishing his meal preparatory to starting out for the night, when somehow he changed his mind and stayed at home instead, and our friend, the Witch, knew that in future he would have sufficient strength of will to pass by his old haunt and on home to his waiting loving mother with his earnings in his pocket, which meant more home comforts, more books and evening reading, and happiness to both.

The Witch went home well satisfied with her day's work, and that night thought and planned for the good of humanity. Why not venture further into a wider range for action?

She might peddle her songbirds from door to door, and in this capacity gain access into houses where she could more readily acquaint herself with those in need of her assistance.

  CHAPTER IV.

The next morning our Witch opened her Bible and read as she was wont to do before any new undertaking. Her eyes rested on these lines:

She knelt and prayed long and earnestly for an abundance of this Holy Spirit to guide and help her. She took her birds and started out.

Her first stopping place was at a dwelling that stood back some little distance from the street and was surrounded by flowers.

What drew her attention most was the appearance of a little child whose innocent face reminded her that purity still existed. She entered the grounds and rang the bell.

A young woman opened the door and kindly invited her in. The Witch made some remark about the pretty boy outside, when she saw an expression of pain flit over the lady's face. Something wrong here, she thought.

Yes, the child was hers; she had loved not wisely but too well, Her betrayer, a prosperous business man who was as yet unmarried, was allowed to move in the very best of society, but the finger of scorn was pointed at her from all sides.

She was the only daughter of parents who thought very fondly of their lovable grandchild, still felt keenly the disgrace that had been brought upon the hitherto spotless family name.

Does the seventh commandment demand more obedience from one sex than the other? It reads as if it was spoken to both alike. Our Witch learned the man's name and business address, and departed.

  CHAPTER V.

She was so in sympathy with this family that she felt in a hurry to get to work, and so signalled a passing car to stop, and entered. It was well filled, but two seats remaining unoccupied she seated herself in one of them.

Presently a little colored girl came in and took the other. A high-bred dame sitting next elevated her aristocratic nose and pulled her skirts aside as if fearing contamination.