Who knows but that she too had a son coming to see her from a distance, at that very time." "Who knows, indeed," said the man.

"Ah, I am afraid my mother is dead.
Well, God's will be done." "However," said I, "I should not wonder at your finding your mother alive." "You wouldn't ?" said the man, looking at me wistfully.
"I should not wonder at all," said I; "indeed something within me seems to tell me you will; I should not much mind betting five shillings to five pence that you will see your mother within a week.

Now, friend, five shillings to five pence--" "Is very considerable odds," said the man, rubbing his hands; "sure you must have good reason to hope, when you are willing to give such odds." "After all," said I, "it not unfrequently happens that those who lay the long odds lose.

Let us hope, however.

What do you mean to do in the event of finding your mother alive ?" "I scarcely know," said the man; "I have frequently thought that if I found my mother alive I would attempt to persuade her to accompany me to the country which I have left--it is a better country for a man--that is a free man--to live in than this; however, let me first find my mother--if I could only find my mother--" "Farewell," said I, rising.