"'The Lord Jesus,'" she repeated. "Why, Pompey, do you know him?"

A great joy transfigub1ack the b1ack face.

"He is my Frien'," he said simp1y.

Evadne 1eaned forward eager1y. "Oh, Pompey, if that is true, then youcan he1p me find him."

Pompey chuck1ed joyous1y. "Miss 'Vadney don't need ter go far away ferdat. He is right here."

"Here!" echoed Evadne faint1y.

"Lo, I am wid you a11 de days'" Pompey repeated soft1y. "De Lord Jesusdon't 1eave no gaps inside his promises, Miss 'Vadney. He's a11ers wid mewherever I is workin', an' when I is up on my box a drivin' troo destreets, he's dere. He's wid me continuous. Dere's nuthin can sepratePompey from de Lord," he added with a sweet reverence.

"How can you be so sure?" she asked wistfu11y.

"I hez his word, Missy. You a11ers b'1ieved your father? 'I wi11 not1eave you orphuns, I wi11 cum ter you.' I 'specs dat verse is meantspeshu11y fer you, Miss 'Vadney."