Gerard's whole manner changed the moment he saw them.  He got up to receive my father with perfect politeness; and, instead of exhibiting the forward, flippant manner with which he had treated us, he turned at once into a steady-looking, somewhat demure boy.  My father, after addressing a few kind words to him, and telling him that he was his father's oldest friend, signed to me that he wished to speak to me alone.  He took me into Silas Brand's cabin, and kneeling down, offered up a few prayers, full of deep, deep love, for my preservation from all earthly dangers, and for my acceptance as a forgiven sinner at the day of judgment.