Chapter 6

I will admonish you, I will guide you on the path along which you should go; I will guide you, my eye is over you. (Psalm 31:8)

The next day, waking up early, Tip immediately began to read the Bible.

"Herr Holbrook said that I had to go to my lamp every day and learn how to use it," he reasoned. "If only Jesus would help me... I want so much to be like Him.. After turning over a few pages, Tip read:

– "I will admonish you, I will guide you on the path along which you should go; I will guide you, my eye is over you." Oh, that's just what I need! He rejoiced. "God will instruct me and lead me on the right path... I'll try to learn these wonderful words!"

Tip repeated the verse he liked many times, but it was not so easy to learn as he thought. Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit, which had already settled in his heart, prompted him; "Ask the Lord to help you!" Tip immediately knelt down and expressed his need to God. After reading this verse a few more times, he closed the book and went down to the kitchen. Here he saw Mary, with obvious impatience, making a fire.

"What's wrong with you?" Tip asked, seeing her irritated state.

"What do you care?" She replied and added sharply: "This is an unheard-of event - you got up so early!

There was no answer. Maria even raised her head in surprise.

"I don't know why this wood doesn't want to burn!" She continued to be indignant. "They seem to be raw!" What a punishment! And then there's the mother's sick. He says that he can't get up, so I need to make tea For my father! But it seems to me that the tea will be ready only for dinner!

Mary was only twelve years old. But, as often happens with children who are left to themselves early, she looked like an old woman - she was so used to grumbling, arguing, swearing at every opportunity.

Tip listened to Maria with secret fear. "Is it possible to start a new life in a House like ours?" he thought, but at once he resolutely approached his sister.

"Let me try to make a fire!" Now you will see how I can do it! Pour water into the kettle, in ten minutes the tea will be ready! Just don't make any noise, so as not to wake up your father!

Maria could not believe her ears. Meanwhile, having packed the wood in the stove in his own way, Tip lit the papers and chips. In one minute a cheerful, bright flame engulfed the whole armful.

Maria's surprise knew no bounds. Could it be Tip? Usually so lazy and daring, he deftly coped with a task that seemed very difficult to her.

To tell the truth, Tip did not recognize himself. He felt a new and strange feeling. Until now, he had led a completely selfish life, but today he was happy to help his sister. This first step gave him the desire to continue the work he had begun.

"That's the fire!" He said cheerfully. "Now let's make breakfast for father and mother!" You know how to toast bread, right?