When Old Abner settled back in his big armchair before the firelight, he pondered over the added joys that had thrilled his jovial soul within the past fortnight. He soon sank in a deep reverie, which carried him back over a period of twenty years. He was alone in the home, those near and dear had been called away to the far beyond, and he hungered for the companionship of someone to share the bright glare of the open hearth, the comforts of a well appointed home, for Abner had been a prosperous farmer. It is not surprising, therefore, when Ned, a little waif of 12, applied for shelter, that he received a warm welcome. Ned proved a deserving little chap and soon had nestled close to the affections of Abner. Later, Fate brought in Nell, a little orphan, whom Abner took to his home when the mound over her mother's grave had been completed. The three playmates grew to be very warm friends in a short time, ever solicitous for each other's welfare under the wise guidance of old Abner. One night as the setting sun was casting its glow over the horizon, a stranger rode up on horseback and his winsome look won the unsophisticated Nell at first sight. Ned observed for a time and ventured well meant caution, expressed his fears to his guardian, old Abner, but all in vain. Nell was captivated and Abner thought he had his charge well in hand. The stranger called often and Nell was wont to meet him clandestinely and sit long in the moonlight. When invited to desert her home of cheerfulness, Nell rebelled; she would have her lover see Abner and ask his consent to their marriage. She was sincere and the stranger complied, but met with refusal. Then he succeeded in persuading Nell to go against her protector's wishes. One night the stranger called and Nell silently stole from the fireside that meant so much to her and met her lover and together they drove away to the city in a big auto. Old Abner waited for word, but none came. Wearied of waiting, Ned was sent to the city that he might find Nell. He met the stranger, wanted to fight, but was quieted into the belief that he would find Nell happy and delighted in her new home. They would first have a little refreshment and he could then go with him to Nell. Instead Ned was induced to have a social drink; one followed another, and the stranger left him at the fashionable restaurant in an inebriated condition. Poor Ned had never tasted liquor and did not know its effect. Through the kind intercession of another patron he was spared the humiliation of being ejected. In the meantime the stranger had returned to his home and already tired of his fancy he concluded to desert Nell. Heartbroken, she pleaded, begged and cried, but all for naught. She would follow him - she did, only to be openly rebuked and repulsed. Slowly her steps led her to the water's edge. The thought chilled her. No, not that. She turned back to the cold, gray lights of the city. Whether she went she knew not, but God would lead her. And he did, right back to Ned, whom she found still seeking the man who had taken his Nell from him. Ned pictured to her the bright firelight, the cheerful guardian and only father they knew, and he won her back. Old Abner sat up late and watched and waited and prayed that the light of the fireside would bring back to him the boy and girl he had reared, and whom he had learned to love as his own. Each night he had left a big lamp in the window, that its rays might lead back to him his children. He went to sleep in the chair so that he might be there to greet them. They came, silently they entered. Ned touched him gently. "My boy, thank God, and did you find Nell?" For answer he looked toward the door. Yes, there she stood, sad and dejected. Slowly he raised his arms. Nell saw, and with one deep sigh of relief she nestled into the old man's bosom. God had answered his prayer. - Moving Picture World, January 1914