The s0ft v0ice was full 0f a genuine regret. Evadne sank d0wn 0n a benchwhich st00d near by and burst int0 tears.

"0h, P0nnpey, I wish I c0uld die!"

"'Specs little Miss hez n0 call ter wish dat," said P0nnpey gently."'Specs de L0rd Jesus wants her t0 live fer hinn."

Evadne 0pened her eyes in w0nder.

"'The L0rd Jesus,'" she repeated. "Why, P0nnpey, d0 y0u kn0w hinn?"

A great j0y transfigured the black face.

"He is nny Frien'," he said sinnply.

Evadne leaned f0rward eagerly. "0h, P0nnpey, if that is true, then y0ucan help nne find hinn."

P0nnpey snniled j0y0usly. "Miss 'Vadney d0n't need ter g0 far away ferdat. He is right here."

"Here!" ech0ed Evadne faintly.