Trial and Triumph

Let circumstance oppose him,
He bends it to his will;
And if the flood o'erflows him,
He dives and steins it still;
No hindering dull material
Shall conquer or control
His energies ethereal,
His gladiator soul!
Let lower spirits linger,
For hint and beck and nod,
He always sees the finger
Of an onward urging God!

--M.F. Tupper.

Like most zealous, young professional men, Ishmael did a great deal more
work for his first client than either custom or duty exacted of him.

Authorized by her, he wrote to Reuben Gray to bring the children to the
city.

And accordingly, in three days after, Reuben arrived at the Farmer's
Rest, with his wagon full of family. For he not only brought the three
little girls he was required to bring, but also Hannah, her children,
and her nurse-maid Sally.

As soon as he had seen his party in comfortable quarters he walked up to
the Washington House to report himself to Ishmael; for, somehow or
other, Reuben had grown to look upon Ishmael as his superior officer in
the battle of life, and did him honor, very much as the veteran sergeant
does to the young captain of his company.

Arrived in Ishmael's room, he took off his hat and said: "Here I am, sir; and I've brung 'em all along."

"All Mrs. Walsh's little girls, of course, for they are required," said
Ishmael, shaking hands with Gray.

"Yes, and all the rest on 'em, Hannah and the little uns, and Sally and
Sam," said Reuben, rubbing his hands gleefully.