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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Unknown Wrestler, by H. A. (Hiram Alfred)
+Cody
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Unknown Wrestler
+
+
+Author: H. A. (Hiram Alfred) Cody
+
+
+
+Release Date: August 22, 2008  [eBook #26391]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE UNKNOWN WRESTLER***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Al Haines
+
+
+
+THE UNKNOWN WRESTLER
+
+by
+
+H. A. CODY
+
+Author of "Under Sealed Orders," "Rod of the Lone Patrol," Etc.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+McCLelland, Goodchild & Stewart
+Publishers :: :: :: Toronto
+
+Copyright, 1918,
+By George H. Doran Company
+
+
+
+
+           To All
+       True Wrestlers
+        this book is
+  Sympathetically Dedicated
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAPTER
+
+      I  STREET MUSIC
+     II  WHERE FLOWS THE TIDE
+    III  CONSCIENCE MONEY
+     IV  SECRET PLANS
+      V  PUT TO THE TEST
+     VI  DOWN BY THE RIVER
+    VII  MENDING THINGS
+   VIII  HOME FOR REPAIRS
+     IX  EVENING GLOW
+      X  PRIDE AND IMPUDENCE
+     XI  THE FACE AT THE DOOR
+    XII  ASTRAY ON THE HILLS
+   XIII  NOTICE TO QUIT
+    XIV  SETTLING THINGS
+     XV  A WET DAY
+    XVI  TWIN FIRES
+   XVII  CRUEL AS THE GRAVE
+  XVIII  SILENT STRIFE
+    XIX  WARMER THAN HE EXPECTED
+     XX  CONFIDENCE
+    XXI  OUTDONE
+   XXII  COMPELLED TO SERVE
+  XXIII  DISPELLING THE CLOUDS
+   XXIV  EMPTY HEARS SOMETHING
+    XXV  PERVERTING JUSTICE
+   XXVI  ON THE ROCKS
+  XXVII  THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE
+ XXVIII  KNUCKLING UNDER
+   XXIX  THE CHALLENGE
+    XXX  BY THE OLD PINE TREE
+
+
+
+
+THE UNKNOWN WRESTLER
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+STREET MUSIC
+
+There was no room for him on the sidewalk, so he took up his position
+beyond the curbstone.  The light from the large arc-lamp overhead,
+exposed the old man's thin white hair, withered face and threadbare
+clothes.  His sightless eyes were turned toward the passing throng, and
+his head was slightly bent in an expectant attitude.  But the hand that
+drew the wheezy bow across the strings of the violin often faltered,
+and the broken music, instead of attracting, repelled the crowds.  The
+player was tired and longed for rest.  But the fire of an overmastering
+purpose burned in his soul and kept him steadfast to his post.
+
+The girl standing by his side was both weary and embarrassed.  Her hand
+trembled as she held out her father's soft felt hat to receive the
+coins which were so very few.  It was quite evident that she was new to
+this business, for her cheeks were flushed crimson owing to the remarks
+she occasionally heard.
+
+"Listen to that old man sawing wood," one gaily-dressed young fop
+laughingly jested to his companion.
+
+"Filing his saw, I should say," was the sarcastic reply.  "It's a
+wonder to me that such a noise is allowed on a street like this."
+
+"But see the girl," the other insisted, "isn't she a beauty!  Look at
+her cheeks.  My! they are some colour.  She seems new to her job.
+Suppose we give her a jolt.  I'd like to hear what she'd say.  Perhaps
+she isn't as innocent as she seems."
+
+They had stopped several rods away and were watching the girl as they
+talked.  Presently they retraced their steps, and when they came near
+where she was standing, one of them surged suddenly against her,
+causing her to drop the hat in alarm and start back, while the few
+coins rolled out upon the hard stones.  Her cry of dismay caused the
+old man to stop playing and turn quickly toward her.
+
+"What is the matter, Nan?" he anxiously enquired.
+
+"Oh, let us go away," the girl pleaded.  "We are not safe here, and I
+am so frightened.  Two men pushed against me and knocked the hat out of
+my hand.  I know they did it on purpose, for they went away laughing.
+Oh, what is that?" and she leaned eagerly forward as a commotion took
+place among the crowd a short distance away.
+
+While the young men were performing their cowardly prank, a man was
+intently watching all that was taking place.  He had been observing the
+blind violinist and the timid girl for several minutes.  In his eyes
+was an expression of sympathy, which changed at once to intense anger
+at the act of the two heartless fops.  He stepped quickly forward and
+confronted them.
+
+"What right had you to interfere with that girl?" he demanded.
+
+"It's none of your business," replied the one who had done the deed.
+"You get out of our way, and do it quick at that, or it won't be well
+with you."
+
+At once a heavy hand was laid upon his shoulder, and the gripping
+fingers of that hand caused him to wince and try to tear himself away.
+A sudden fear smote his heart as he looked up into the blazing eyes of
+the man before him.  He was beginning to respect that towering form
+with the great broad shoulders and the hand that seemed to weigh a ton
+and the gripping fingers that were closing like a vise.  He suspected
+that this was a plain-clothes man in the Police service, and the
+thought filled him with a nameless dread.  He glanced around for his
+companion, but he was nowhere to be seen.
+
+"What do ye want me to do?" he at length gasped.
+
+"Go pick up those coins, and then apologise to the girl for your
+rudeness," was the reply.
+
+"Good heavens!  I can't do that, ye know.  What will me chums say?"
+
+"Never mind what they will say.  They'll say a great more if I have to
+drag you there by the coat collar.  So get a move on at once."
+
+The victim looked helplessly around upon the crowd which had gathered,
+as if expecting some assistance.  But not a friendly face could he
+behold.  All seemed to be greatly amused at his plight.
+
+"Hurry up."
+
+The voice was calm but the clutching fingers were becoming almost
+unbearable.  There was nothing else for the young man to do, so with a
+face as pale as death he turned and walked slowly back to where the old
+violinist and the girl were standing.
+
+"Now, pick up the coins," was the imperious command.
+
+The culprit at once obeyed, and groped around as well as he could but
+nothing could he find.  Several street urchins, who had been ahead of
+him, now stood near and jeered at his fruitless efforts.  At length,
+straightening himself up, he turned to his captor.  The perspiration
+was streaming down his face, and he looked the picture of misery.
+
+"I can't find anything," he gasped.
+
+"Well, then, apologise to the girl.  Tell her you are sorry for what
+you did and that you will never do such a thing again."
+
+With trembling lips the young man stammered forth a few broken words as
+he stood facing the surprised and abashed girl.  It was hard to
+understand what he said, but that did not really matter.  His
+punishment had been severe, and his captor felt somewhat satisfied.
+
+"Now, clear out," he ordered, "and be thankful all the rest of your
+days that you have escaped so easily."
+
+Scarcely had he finished speaking ere a large police officer forced his
+way through the crowd.  He grasped the situation in an instant, and
+when he saw the man standing near the culprit, a light of recognition
+came into his eyes.
+
+"Shall I take him, sir?" he asked, at the same time giving the salute.
+
+"No, Sergeant, I think we had better let him go this time," was the
+reply.  "He has been taught a lesson already which he is not likely to
+forget."
+
+When the crowd saw that there was to be no more excitement, it quickly
+dispersed, and the stream of humanity surged along the street as
+before.  The policeman, too, moved away, leaving the girl and her
+protector standing near each other.
+
+"You have had a hard time to-night," the man remarked.  "I am so sorry
+those rascals gave you such trouble."
+
+"Oh, it was so kind of you to come to our assistance," the girl
+replied.  "My father is very tired, and the little money we made is all
+gone."
+
+"May I have your violin for a while, sir?" the stranger asked turning
+to the violinist, at the same time taking the instrument gently from
+the trembling hands.  "You must be very tired."
+
+During the whole of the scene the old man had been trying to comprehend
+the meaning of the commotion.  His daughter was too greatly excited to
+explain anything.  But when he heard the stranger speak to him he at
+once complied with his request and allowed him to take his beloved
+instrument.  The girl slipped her hand in his and squeezed it hard, and
+then stood watching her kind protector.
+
+The latter lifted the violin quickly to his shoulder, faced the crowded
+street, and drew the bow across the strings.  There was a great
+difference now in the playing, and many people paused to listen.  There
+was something which appealed to them in the music which was pouring
+forth.  It stirred their nobler feelings and aroused in them the spirit
+of sympathy for the poor and unfortunate.  They comprehended the
+purpose of the musician when they saw the feeble old man and the girl
+standing nearby.  The hearts of many were strangely stirred, and they
+vied with one another in dropping money into the dusty hat which the
+girl was again holding forth.  Silver mingled with bills, and the
+girl's face grew bright and her heart happy the heavier the hat became.
+It seemed to her like a wonderful dream, and that the player was a
+fairy who had come to her assistance.  She wanted to watch him and
+listen to the music he was making, but she had little time for that, as
+she had to pay attention to the money she was collecting.
+
+Suddenly the music stopped and when the girl turned her head she saw
+the stranger handing the violin to her father.  She wanted to speak to
+him, to thank him for his kindness, but before she could act he had
+disappeared among the crowd.
+
+As the music ceased, so did the giving, and the unheeding crowd once
+more surged on its way.  But the girl did not care, as she had all the
+money she could manage.
+
+"Let us go now, father," she said.  "We have done well to-night, and I
+am so anxious to know how much we have."
+
+"Yes, Nan, let us be off at once," the old man wearily replied.  "I am
+greatly confused and do not fully understand all that has taken place.
+You must thank the stranger for his kindness, though.  His music was
+wonderful."
+
+"But he has gone, father.  He vanished among the crowd, and I am afraid
+that I shall never see him again.  Oh, he was splendid!  How I wish you
+could have seen him."
+
+"But I heard him speak, Nan, and listened to his playing, so that was
+something."
+
+They were standing close to each other, talking as simply as if they
+were completely alone.  In her great innocence, Nan did not realise
+that greedy eyes were watching the bulging hat she was still holding
+before her, and that itching hands were but waiting an opportunity to
+snatch away the treasure.
+
+They had turned to leave the place, when a policeman suddenly appeared
+before them.
+
+"I have been instructed to accompany you home," he briefly informed
+them.
+
+Into the girl's eyes came a look of fear which the policeman was not
+slow to notice.
+
+"Don't be afraid, Miss," he remarked.  "It is for your welfare that I
+am here.  It is not safe for you to go alone through the streets with
+all that money.  There are people watching you already to snatch it
+away from you."
+
+"Are there?" and the girl looked fearfully around.  "I don't see them."
+
+"No, I know you don't.  But they are watching you, nevertheless, so let
+us go at once."
+
+"Who sent you here to help us?" the girl enquired, as they moved along
+by the side of the policeman.  "Was it that kind man who played so
+nicely?"
+
+"I received orders to come," was the reply.  "That is all I can tell
+you.  But I think you had better let me carry that money," he added,
+"perhaps it will be safer with me."
+
+The girl was only too glad to comply with his request, for she was
+beginning to get quite nervous as they moved along through the crowds.
+She imagined now that many people were following them in order to steal
+their treasure.
+
+It was quite a distance they had to travel, and very glad was the old
+man when at length they stopped before the door of a house on a narrow
+street.
+
+"You live here?" the policeman asked, as he handed the hat with the
+money to the girl.
+
+"Oh, no," was the reply.  "We are only staying here for the night.  We
+live in the country.  This is a boarding place, and we have been here
+before.  We are very grateful to you for your kindness, sir, and we
+shall never forget you."
+
+"It's all in the night's work," the policeman replied.  "But be careful
+of that money.  Keep a good watch over it."
+
+"Indeed I shall," and the girl hugged it close to her breast.  "It
+means so much to us."
+
+The policeman moved away, and then stopped and watched the house for a
+few minutes after the old man and the girl had entered the building.
+
+"Good Lord! what innocents," he muttered to himself.  "They wouldn't
+have got half a block with that money if I hadn't been along.  I wonder
+how they'll make out getting away.  Live in the country, the girl said.
+They should stay there, then.  The city's certainly no place for such
+as them."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+WHERE FLOWS THE TIDE
+
+After Douglas Stanton had handed back the violin to the blind musician,
+he stood a little distance off and watched to see what would happen.
+He felt quite interested in the old man and the girl, and longed to
+know something about them.  Why were they thus appealing to the crowds
+for money?  The man did not seem like the ordinary street musician, as
+there was something dignified and refined in his manner.  The girl was
+unusually timid.  He could not forget the big blue eyes which had
+turned to him in gratitude for his assistance, and he had noticed how
+clean and neat was her simple dress.
+
+"Queer couple that, sir; mere babies."
+
+The man turned suddenly and saw the police sergeant standing by his
+side.
+
+"Do you know who they are?" Douglas enquired.
+
+"No; never saw them before.  But they're such kids that I feel sorry
+for them, and so ordered Hawkins to see that they got safe home."
+
+"It was good of you, Sergeant, to do that.  But, say, I didn't know you
+were on this beat.  When did you leave the water-front?"
+
+"Last night, sir.  Flemming's down there now.  You know him, I think;
+he was with me for a while last spring when things were lively there."
+
+"Yes, I remember quite well.  He helped us in that Fenston row."
+
+"He's the one, and a good man, too.  But I did like that beat, as I was
+on it so long.  It is too tame up here, and you know I'm fond of a bit
+of excitement now and then."
+
+"You got it down there all right, didn't you, especially when the docks
+were full?"
+
+"You bet," and the sergeant smacked his lips as past scenes came to his
+mind.  "But it's quiet at the docks now.  I haven't seen you there for
+the last few days, sir."
+
+"I know you haven't, and you won't see me there again for some time.
+I'm going down to-night to have one more look at the old place."
+
+"Why, not going away!" the sergeant exclaimed in surprise.
+
+"That's about it."
+
+"My, my!  What in the world shall we do without you!  There'll be no
+one to take an interest in things down there now."
+
+"Oh, there'll be plenty, I guess."
+
+"You're the first one who ever did, and I'm damned sure those
+high-brows won't follow your lead.  Not a bit of it!  They're too much
+taken up with their pink teas, and such things, and wouldn't think of
+soiling their nice hands with dock trash."
+
+The sergeant was on his favourite subject now, and his temper was
+rising.  Douglas had heard his opinions before, and was not anxious to
+listen to them again.
+
+"I must be off now, Sergeant.  I shall always remember your kindness."
+
+"But you'll be sure to give us a call, sir?  The missus will feel all
+cut up if you don't."
+
+"Yes, I'll be around as soon as I can.  So, good-night."
+
+The worthy sergeant stood and watched him as he moved away.
+
+"Too bad," he muttered.  "We can't afford to lose the likes of him.
+Wonder where in the world he's going.  I've always said we couldn't
+keep him forever, and I guess I was right.  It must be a mighty big
+thing that would take him away from the docks.  He should be a chief of
+police instead of being nothing but a go-cart."
+
+While the sergeant was thus musing, Douglas moved as rapidly as
+possible along the crowded streets.  He wished to get away from the
+commotion of the throngs that he might consider the thoughts that were
+uppermost in his mind.  Keeping steadily on, he at length reached the
+street running along the front of the harbour.  It was a narrow street,
+dimly lighted, with huge warehouses on both sides.  There was little
+traffic now, as this was a winter port, and the big ocean liners did
+not come here during the summer months.  It was not a desirable
+locality, especially at night, and most people shunned the place.  The
+few Douglas met were either hurrying to get away as soon as possible or
+slinking slowly along, preferring this gloomy abode to the
+brightly-lighted parts of the city.
+
+The street at length became wider where the docks ran out into the
+harbour.  At several of these small steamers were lying, and a number
+of sailing craft.  Here men were busy loading and unloading the
+vessels.  Douglas did not stop to watch them, as at other times, but
+kept steadily on until he reached the last dock which was entirely
+deserted.  One electric light shed its beams out over the water, which
+was kept burning as a guide to incoming boats.  Down this dock he
+walked, and when he came close to the water he stood for a while and
+looked out over the harbour.  It was an inspiring sight to see the
+lights gleaming on the opposite shore, and from the passing tugs and
+other vessels.
+
+Here a large warehouse ran along one side of the dock almost to the
+water's edge.  Just around the nearest corner was a steamer's broken
+shaft, and noticing this, Douglas sat down upon it to rest.  It was
+almost high tide, and the water lapped lazily against the dock.  There
+was a restful quietness here, and Douglas enjoyed the respite from the
+busy crowds.  Below the dock several small tugs were moored, and the
+sound of voices came to him occasionally from that direction.  He
+thought of the last time he had visited this place, and how the dock
+then was the scene of such hustling commotion, for a big ocean liner
+was all ready to leave.  She had gone and had left not a visible trace
+behind.  So it would be with him, he mused.  Soon he himself would be
+away, and the life of the city would go on the same and none would
+remember him.  His thoughts drifted to the principal ones who were
+responsible for his going, and his face hardened, while his hands
+clenched.  He knew what they would say when they heard of it.  There
+would be a slight lifting of the eyebrows, no more than good breeding
+would allow.  It would be mentioned at afternoon teas, and at
+card-tables.  He could imagine what some of them would say.  "Poor
+fellow, his head was somewhat turned with that dock work.  He will
+learn wisdom as he gets older."  Yes, such remarks as these would be
+made, and then he would be entirely forgotten.
+
+He remained musing in this fashion for some time, lost to the world
+around him.  He was going away--he knew not whither, defeated for a
+while but not beaten.  He had the future before him, and he would make
+good.  If he could not do it here, he would in some other place.
+
+The sound of voices at last aroused him.  It came from his left, and he
+peered around the corner of the warehouse.  For a few seconds he could
+see no one, but he knew there were people not far off who were talking
+in a most earnest manner.  Presently, out of the darkness stepped a man
+and a woman, and passed directly under the electric lamp.  He saw their
+faces distinctly, especially the woman's, which was strained and
+haggard, as she listened to her companion.  As they came nearer and
+stood close to the edge of the dock, it was possible for Douglas to
+overhear parts of the conversation.  He could not see their faces now,
+though he could observe their forms, and he knew that the woman was
+standing near the water, and it was quite evident that she was weeping.
+
+"But you promised me, Ben; you really did," she was saying.
+
+"I know I did, Jean, but we must wait a while," was the reply.
+
+"But we cannot wait," the woman urged.  "You know how serious it is if
+we delay much longer.  All will know, and I shall be disgraced."
+
+"Tut, tut," and the man stamped angrily upon the floor of the dock.
+"Don't talk so foolishly.  A few weeks won't make any difference."
+
+"How long do you think?" the woman asked.
+
+"Oh, five or six, I should imagine."
+
+"No, I tell you that will be too late.  It must not be longer than two.
+Promise me that it will not be more than that."
+
+"Well, I promise," the man slowly assented.
+
+"Swear to it, then," the woman demanded.  "Place your left hand upon
+your heart, and hold your right hand up to heaven, and swear by Him who
+is watching and listening that you will be true to your word."
+
+A coarse, brutal laugh came from the man's lips.
+
+"Won't you believe me?" he demanded.
+
+"Not unless you swear."
+
+"Well, I won't, so that's the end of it."
+
+At these words the woman gave a low moan, and what she said Douglas
+could not hear.  Whatever it was it made the man angry and he again
+stamped his foot.
+
+"What do I care?" he growled.  "You can go to the snivelling old idiot
+and tell him all you want to."
+
+"Oh, Ben!" and the woman laid a hand upon his arm, "how can you say
+such things?"
+
+With a curse he flung her hand away, and then in a twinkling he gave
+her a push, and before she could recover herself she had gone backwards
+over the edge of the dock.  With a frightened cry she disappeared, and
+the man, instead of trying to rescue her, leaped aside and vanished
+into the darkness.
+
+All this happened so quickly that Douglas hardly realised what had
+taken place before it was all over.  His first impulse was to spring
+after the man who had committed the cowardly deed.  But the thought of
+the woman down there in the water deterred him and caused him to hasten
+at once to her assistance.  Anxiously he peered over the edge, and at
+length saw a hand thrust above the surface.  It took him but an instant
+to tear off his coat and hurl himself into the water below.  A few
+powerful strokes brought him close to the woman, and he was enabled to
+reach out and clutch her with a firm grip ere she again disappeared.
+Fortunate it was for him that he was a strong swimmer, and he was thus
+able to hold the woman's head above water while he slowly worked his
+way toward the lower side of the dock, where he hoped to find a landing
+place.  He had not proceeded far, however, ere a rowboat shot suddenly
+out from the shore, and a deep voice hailed him.
+
+"Hold on a minute!" was the order.  Soon the boat was near, and both
+Douglas and the woman were hauled aboard.
+
+"What have ye got there?  A woman?" the boatman asked.
+
+"Yes," was the brief response.
+
+"Thought so," the rescuer laconically remarked.  "Screamed when she
+went over, didn't she?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I thought so.  They all do that.  It was her I heard all right."
+
+"What, is such a case as this common?" Douglas asked in surprise.
+
+"Well, I couldn't say it is common, but forty odd years in and around
+this harbour afford one some queer sights.  But here we are."
+
+The boatman swung his craft around and drew it up by the side of a
+tugboat which was lying at its wharf.  It did not take long to lift the
+woman from the rowboat up to the deck above.
+
+"Have you a light?" Douglas enquired.  "I want to see whether this
+woman is dead or alive."
+
+"Oh, she's alive all right," was the reply.  "Ye can't knock the likes
+of her out with a little dip like that.  But I'll get the light, if ye
+want it."
+
+It did not take the old man long to bring a lantern, and when the light
+fell upon the woman's face she moved her head and gave a slight moan.
+
+"She's all right," the boatman remarked.  "The best thing to do is to
+phone fer the ambulance.  The hospital's the place fer her.  She'll
+have a decent place fer the night, anyway, and they'll fix her up
+there.  There's a phone in the drug-store just around the corner."
+
+Douglas realised that this was the best course to pursue and, wet
+though he was, he sprang ashore and hurried up the street.  It took him
+only a few minutes to reach the drug-store, where he sent in a hurry
+call for the ambulance.  He paid no attention to the curious looks cast
+upon his drenched figure by several people who were standing near.  In
+fact, he had forgotten how wet he was, so interested was he in
+obtaining aid for the unfortunate woman as speedily as possible.
+
+Upon his return to the tug, he found the old man keeping guard.
+
+"How is she now?" he asked.
+
+"Ye can see fer yourself," and the boatman swung around his lantern as
+he spoke.
+
+Douglas now had more time to observe the face of the woman before him.
+Her head, resting on an old coat, turned slightly to one side, was
+partly covered by a wealth of jet-black hair, forming a striking
+contrast to the face which was so very white.  It was a face of
+considerable beauty, though lines of care were plainly visible.  She
+seemed but a girl lying there, and as Douglas looked at her an intense
+anger smote his soul, and he longed to lay his hands upon the wretch
+who had tried to destroy her.
+
+"Why are such brutes allowed their freedom?" he asked turning toward
+the boatman.
+
+"Hey, what is that you say?" was the reply.
+
+"I wonder why human brutes are permitted to have their freedom, and
+injure a woman such as that?"
+
+"You saw the deed, then?"
+
+"Yes, I happened to be on the dock over there, when she was pushed into
+the water by her companion.  He disappeared before I could get my hands
+on him."
+
+"Oh, that is always the way.  The women are the ones who suffer while
+the men get scot-free.  But, say, here is the car now."
+
+It did not take long to transfer the woman from the tug to the
+ambulance, and when the car had departed, Douglas turned to the boatman.
+
+"I wish to thank you for what you have done to-night, sir.  But for
+your timely assistance I fear I should have had a hard time getting
+ashore."
+
+"Oh, never mind your thanks," was the reply.  "I'm mighty glad that I
+was nearby to give a hand.  It does one good sometimes to help a poor
+creature in distress.  But you had better hustle and change your wet
+clothes or the ambulance will have to come fer you next."
+
+"You're right, I do feel chilly, so good-night."
+
+"Good-night," was the reply, "and when ye want any help with that
+scoundrel, just call upon Cap' Dodges, of the 'Nancy Staines.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+CONSCIENCE MONEY
+
+The rector of St. Margaret's was visibly annoyed as he hung up the
+telephone receiver.  "Confound that fellow," he muttered, "where can he
+be?  I have phoned to him six times and can get no answer.  I shall not
+call him again.  I'm really glad he's going for he gets on my nerves
+with all his odd notions."  Turning to his desk, he continued his work
+upon his sermon for next Sunday morning.
+
+It was a large, comfortable study, and the walls were well lined with
+books.  Dr. Rannage was noted far and wide as a deep student, as well
+as a great preacher.  The people of St. Margaret's were proud of their
+rector's ability, and listened, so they often told him, with delight to
+his intellectual sermons.  He was particularly at home when dealing
+with the Major and Minor Prophets or on the Textual Criticism of the
+Bible.  Regular Pastoral Visitation he disliked, and left most of such
+work to his curate, though occasionally he called upon the most
+influential members of his flock.  He was a special favourite in social
+circles, and being a brilliant afterdinner speaker he was much in
+demand to grace numerous festive gatherings.  Little wonder, then, that
+Dr. Rannage had no time for anything else but the preparation of his
+Sunday sermons, of which work he was very fond.
+
+To-night, however, he could not concentrate his thoughts upon his
+subject.  His mind would wander, and several times he found himself
+thinking of the dinner he had that evening with his Bishop.  He knew
+that the position of Archdeacon was vacant, and he was fondly hoping
+that he would be favoured with the appointment.  It would be another
+step, so he mused, up the ecclesiastical ladder leading to the
+Episcopate.
+
+He had forgotten all about his sermon and was thinking deeply of the
+prospects of his advancement, when his curate, Douglas Stanton, entered
+the room unannounced.
+
+"You are over half an hour late, Stanton," Dr. Rannage chided, as he
+motioned his visitor to a chair.  "What is the meaning of this?"
+
+"I am very sorry," Douglas replied, as he took the proffered chair.  "I
+intended to be here on time, but was unavoidably detained."
+
+"I dined with the Bishop to-night," and Dr. Rannage toyed with a small
+paper-weight as he spoke, "and was forced to leave in the midst of a
+most important discussion in order to keep my appointment with you."
+
+"What were you discussing?" Douglas enquired.
+
+"We were considering the best methods of dealing with the submerged
+population of our city; that is, those unfortunate beings who inhabit
+the slums and the waterfront."
+
+"Did you arrive at any definite conclusion?"
+
+"We had not time; for, as I have just mentioned, I was forced to come
+away to meet you."
+
+"And while you were discussing methods of helping the unfortunate, I
+was rescuing one from the water down at Long Wharf."
+
+Douglas spoke slowly, and he watched to see the effect of his words.
+But Dr. Rannage did not seem to notice the implied sarcasm, nor the
+sharp contrast between theory and practice.
+
+"So that is what you were doing, eh?" the latter questioned.  "You seem
+to enjoy being down there."
+
+"I enjoy helping the unfortunate, and because I am not allowed to
+continue the work, I have sent in my resignation."
+
+"But you must remember that you have a duty to the parish as a whole,
+and not to one portion of it only."
+
+"Haven't I tried to do my duty?  I have visited in season and out of
+season, and worked like a dog for the two years I have been with you."
+
+"But I have received complaints that you are unsociable, and that you
+refuse all invitations to, ah, friendly gatherings and such like
+affairs."
+
+"You mean card-parties and afternoon teas, I suppose," Douglas sharply
+replied.  "If so, I plead guilty.  Haven't I taken a keen interest in
+the Boy Scouts, the Young Men's Club, the Sunday School, and dear knows
+what?  Any spare time I had I spent at the water-front in an effort to
+follow my Master's example of putting my religion into practice.  How
+dare I waste my time sipping tea at this house and that, and talking
+nice little nothings to the butterflies who gather there, when there is
+so much to be done, and precious souls to be helped and saved?"
+
+"But the butterflies, of whom you speak so contemptuously, need to be
+helped as well."
+
+"No one knows that better than I do," Douglas bitterly assented.  "But
+until they are willing to throw aside their vain pretensions of being
+the salt of the earth and better than others, I am afraid little can be
+done.  They dislike me because I speak my mind too freely, and refuse
+to waste my time at their senseless gatherings.  They desire some one
+who will flatter their vanity and condone their idleness."
+
+"You are making serious charges, young man," Dr. Rannage severely
+replied.  His curate's words had hit him hard, and he winced, for he
+knew how true they were.  "If that is the feeling you entertain for
+innocent amusements, it is just as well you should sever your
+connection with this parish.  When do you expect to leave?"
+
+"At once."
+
+"And where do you intend to go?"
+
+"I have not the slightest idea.  The future to me is a complete blank.
+Something will turn up, I suppose.  If not, I have two hands and a
+strong body."
+
+"Look here, Stanton," and Dr. Rannage swung suddenly around on his
+swivel chair, "you must not get downhearted."
+
+"I am not," was the reply.
+
+"Well, perhaps you are not, but I do not like the idea of your going
+from me with nothing in view.  Do you know the parish of Rixton?"
+
+"Yes, I have heard of it, though I know very little about it."
+
+"It seems that it has been vacant for some time, and it is most
+difficult to get any one to go there.  By the way, I met Mr. Simon
+Stubbles at dinner to-night.  He is the leading man at Rixton, and the
+Bishop and I were much impressed with him.  He is very wealthy, so I
+understand; has a large sawmill, and carries on extensive lumbering
+operations.  He is greatly concerned about the spiritual welfare of
+Rixton, and is most anxious that a suitable clergyman should be sent
+there.  He is quite willing to contribute liberally if the right man is
+found."
+
+"Why did the last one leave?" Douglas asked.
+
+"He was not big enough for the work, so I learned from the brief
+conversation I had with Mr. Stubbles.  It is a most difficult parish,
+composed principally of mill-men, woodsmen, and a few farmers.  It
+seems that the last clergyman used no tact at all in dealing with them,
+and thus antagonised everybody, Mr. Stubbles included."
+
+"So you think that I would suit, do you?" and Douglas looked
+quizzically at Dr. Rannage.
+
+"I believe you are just the man for the place."
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"Because you know the ways of such people.  You were born in the
+country, were you not?"
+
+"Why not let young Harmon have a try there?  He is one of your boys,
+and has just been ordained.  Would it not be well for him to win his
+spurs in a parish such as Rixton?"
+
+"Oh, but he is a banker's son, you know, and we could not think of
+sending him there."
+
+"So I supposed," was the bitter reply, "though I never for a moment
+imagined that you would so candidly acknowledge it."
+
+"Acknowledge what?" Dr. Rannage queried.
+
+"That because Harmon is a banker's son he would not be sent to an
+out-of-the-way country parish.  His father is influential and can
+influence those in authority, so he is booked for an important charge
+in Silverton, so I understand.  I am merely the son of a poor, honest
+farmer, and so any old place will do for me."
+
+"See here, young man, you have no right to talk that way," Dr. Rannage
+retorted.  "If you continue, I shall be compelled to report you to the
+Bishop."
+
+"Report all you like, but you both know it's true, and you cannot deny
+it.  Harmon barely scraped through college, but he is considered a
+gentleman's son, and understands the ways of polite society.  Mark my
+words, his career will be followed with great interest, and everything
+he does will be noted and favourably commented upon.  It will not be
+long before he will be an Archdeacon, or a Dean, and finally a Bishop."
+
+"Are you jealous of Harmon?" Dr. Rannage asked.  "That is the only
+conclusion I can draw from your sarcastic remarks."
+
+"Jealousy has nothing to do with it," was the quick reply.  "It is
+merely justice that I demand, a right for every man to be judged
+according to what he is and does, irrespective of what his father is,
+or any influence he may exert.  The Church is the last place where such
+injustice should be allowed.  But, there, what is the use of my talking
+to you or any one else, when you attribute my feeling to jealousy?"
+
+Douglas had risen, and stood with his hat in his hand ready to depart.
+
+"So you don't feel inclined to try Rixton, then?" Dr. Rannage asked.
+He was quite amused at his curate's words, and considered them merely
+the outburst of a hot-headed youth.  Douglas noted this, and with a
+great effort controlled himself.
+
+"I shall consider the matter very carefully," was his reply.  "If I
+decide to go, I shall report to the Bishop."
+
+"Wait a minute," Dr. Rannage ordered as Douglas was about to leave the
+room.  "There is something I almost overlooked.  You received your
+cheque for last month, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, the treasurer gave it to me several days ago."
+
+"There was a meeting of the vestry last night, and I mentioned that you
+had sent in your resignation," Dr. Rannage explained.
+
+"And I suppose all the members were delighted with the news."
+
+"Why should they?  They are all business men, and look well after the
+temporalities of St. Margaret's.  They paid tribute to your earnest
+work, and as a token of appreciation they asked me to give you this,"
+and Dr. Rannage handed the young man a cheque.  "I think this will
+prove to you better than many words how generous the members of the
+vestry really are."
+
+Douglas took the cheque in his hand and studied it very carefully.  In
+fact, he looked at it so long without saying anything that Dr. Rannage
+was surprised.
+
+"Are you not satisfied with it?" he curtly asked, noting the flush
+which was slowly stealing over Douglas' face.  "I took it upon myself
+to ask something for you, thinking that it would give you considerable
+pleasure."
+
+"I am not considering the amount of the cheque," Douglas replied, "but
+something far more important.  St. Margaret's is a rich church, is it
+not?"
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," was the reluctant assent.
+
+"The richest in the city?"
+
+"Yes.  But what has that to do with that cheque?" Dr. Rannage angrily
+retorted.
+
+"It is heavily endowed, and there was a big surplus last Easter,
+according to the Year Book," Douglas continued, unheeding his rector's
+annoyance.
+
+"We have good business men on the vestry," Dr. Rannage proudly
+explained, "and that is the main reason why we are in such excellent
+financial condition.  They have been most careful to invest all moneys
+where they bring in big returns."
+
+"What did they give me this for, then?" Douglas asked as he held forth
+the cheque.  "It must have wrung their souls to part with one hundred
+dollars for nothing."
+
+"Oh, that was given merely out of appreciation for your good work in
+the parish."
+
+"Since when have they become appreciative?"
+
+"Why, haven't they been always so?"
+
+"If they were, they never showed any signs of it.  It seemed to me just
+the opposite, especially when I asked them for a few hundred dollars
+last fall to rent a building as a shelter for the unfortunate on the
+water-front.  They told me pretty plainly what they thought of my
+'new-fangled notion,' as they called it."
+
+"They were merely cautious, that was all," Dr. Rannage defended.  "As I
+told you, they are all good business men, and they wished to be sure
+that the investment would, ah----"
+
+"Pay," Douglas assisted, as his rector hesitated.  "Yes, that was just
+it.  They thought it wouldn't pay in dollars and cents, so they refused
+to have anything to do with it.  The return in lives helped and souls
+saved did not trouble them in the least.  But now, when they know that
+I am going, perhaps they may have had a twinge of conscience; that is,
+if they have any, and what they have given me is nothing more than
+conscience money."
+
+These words brought Dr. Rannage suddenly to his feet.  He had always
+prided himself upon his self-control, but such a charge made by any
+man, especially a mere curate, was more than he could endure.
+
+"What do you mean by talking that way?" he demanded.  "Ever since you
+entered this room you have been as ugly as----"
+
+"The devil," Douglas assisted as Dr. Rannage paused.  "You might as
+well say it as think it.  If telling the truth, and telling it plainly
+is being ugly, then I plead guilty.  I question if what I have said
+will be of any benefit to you, but it has done a great deal of good to
+me.  It has somewhat relieved my mind, and that is worth something."
+
+"You will relieve my mind, if you will go," Dr. Rannage retorted.  "It
+is absolutely ridiculous that I should be talked to in this manner,
+especially after what I have done for you."
+
+"Oh, you mean this?" and Douglas glanced at the cheque.  "Well, then, I
+wish to show you and the members of the vestry how I value such, ahem,
+appreciation.  Look!"
+
+Holding the cheque up with both hands, he deliberately tore it into
+bits, and then, crossing the room, he threw the pieces into the
+fireplace.
+
+"There, I feel better now," he quietly remarked.  "So, good-night."
+
+Before Dr. Rannage could recover from his astonishment, the study door
+opened and closed, and Douglas Stanton was gone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+SECRET PLANS
+
+"Hello! what's the rush?"
+
+Douglas Stanton stopped short, and a smile overspread his face as he
+turned it upon the beaming countenance of the man standing before him.
+
+"Oh, it's you, Garton, is it?  I didn't see you."
+
+"You certainly didn't.  Why, you were cutting a two-forty clip."
+
+"I'm late for tea," Douglas explained.
+
+"So am I," Garton returned.  "Just before I left the office, I was
+called down to the drill-shed to make a presentation to one of our men
+who is about to get married.  Kit will be furious with me for staying
+so long.  Women don't like to be kept waiting, you know.  Kit doesn't,
+anyway.  She says the kids will make it hot for me when I get home."
+
+"You're a lucky brute, Garton, to have a home to go to, and a wife and
+such kids as yours."
+
+"I certainly am.  But, say, Stanton, come and have dinner with us."
+
+"How can I?  Your wife won't be expecting me, and I shall be intruding."
+
+"Look here, old man," and Garton laid his hand affectionately upon his
+companion's shoulder, "don't you know that you are always welcome at
+our house?  Kit will be delighted to see you, and the kids will go
+about crazy.  They will be more than surprised, for we were afraid that
+we had seen the last of you."
+
+"Well, I'll go, then," Douglas assented, and the two started off at a
+rapid pace.
+
+"So you have decided to leave?" Garton asked, after they had gone a
+short distance.
+
+"You've heard the news, then?" Douglas queried.
+
+"Sure; though I doubted it at first."
+
+"Yes, I'm going.  I've just had a talk with the Bishop, and that was
+what kept me late."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"Oh, he doesn't mind.  I'm too small a fish for him to worry about.  He
+was so busy all the afternoon that I was kept waiting until the
+eleventh hour, and accordingly was favoured with only a few minutes."
+
+Garton detected the note of bitterness in his companion's voice, and
+did not question him any further just then.  When at length within the
+house, and taken possession of by the Garton "kids"--two boys and a
+girl--Douglas became entirely changed.  There was a lively romp first
+of all, and it was with difficulty that Mrs. Garton could induce the
+children to release their victim long enough to come to dinner.  Then,
+at the table there was a contest as to who should sit next to the guest.
+
+It was a happy family into which Douglas had entered.  This was the one
+home in the whole city where he could feel perfectly at his ease, for
+he knew that he was sincerely welcome.  Ever since his coming to St.
+Margaret's, Charles Garton had been his firm friend.  Notwithstanding
+his big legal practice, this brilliant lawyer was always ready and
+willing to assist the young curate, and Douglas found it a great
+comfort to go to him for advice.
+
+"I am afraid that I am a great intruder to-night," he told Mrs. Garton.
+"But you must blame your husband this time."
+
+"I shall absolve him from all his past sins for bringing you," was the
+smiling reply.  "We were afraid that you were going to leave the city
+without coming to bid us good-bye."
+
+"I hope I am not so ungrateful as that, after all your kindness to me."
+
+"We shall miss you very much, Mr. Stanton.  I hardly know how the
+children will get along without you."
+
+"Oh, I shall drop in on you one of these days when you're least
+expecting me."
+
+"Are you going far away?"
+
+"Merely to Rixton."
+
+"Rixton!" Mr. Garton exclaimed.
+
+"Yes, why not?  Some one must go there."
+
+"Do you know anything about the place?"
+
+"Very little.  I have been told that it is a hard parish, and that the
+last rector was forced to leave."
+
+"I should say it is.  Why, they've killed several men there already,
+and do you want to be added to the number?"
+
+"Killed them! did you say?" Douglas asked in surprise.  "I never heard
+it was as bad as that."
+
+"Oh, well, they didn't actually kill them, but they tried to do so, it
+appears, and you know what the Bible says about having murder in the
+heart."
+
+Douglas made no reply to these words but went on with his dinner.  It
+was only when he and Mr. Garton were comfortably ensconced in big
+chairs in the library, enjoying a quiet smoke, that Douglas referred to
+the subject which had been abruptly dropped.
+
+"Do you know much about Rixton?" he asked.
+
+"Quite a bit, from hearsay.  It's a queer community, so I understand,
+and the Church has had a mighty hard struggle there."
+
+"What's wrong with it, anyway?"
+
+"I can't exactly say.  But no clergyman has been able to hold his own
+there for years.  It may have been their fault, and perhaps if the
+right man goes to the parish, things might be all right.  I wish to
+goodness you were going anywhere else than to Rixton.  I wonder what
+the Bishop is thinking about to send you to that place."
+
+"Merely because he thinks that I know the ways of such people, as I was
+brought up in the country."
+
+"We want you here in the city, though," and Garton savagely blew a
+great cloud of smoke across the room.
+
+"But Dr. Rannage and the majority of the people of St. Margaret's don't
+want me.  They are delighted to think that I am going."
+
+"Yes, so I understand, confound their skins!  They want some little
+snipper-snapper who can dance attendance upon all the pink-teas that
+are held, and shine in social circles."
+
+"I could not suit them," Douglas slowly explained, "because the spirit
+of adventure runs in my veins.  I would like to be a prospector or an
+explorer, and launch out into the unknown.  As soon as I entered the
+Ministry, I looked around for some untouched field in which to enter.
+The complex life along the water-front appealed to me more than the
+conventional work in St. Margaret's.  There are great opportunities
+there, especially during the winter season.  But, alas! my plans have
+been overturned, and I must give it all up.  I have often thought of
+the mission field, and when an opening occurs I hope to go.  At present
+the parish of Rixton is without a clergyman, and most likely it will
+remain so for some time unless I go.  It is a very difficult parish, so
+I understand, and it accordingly appeals to me.  I am quite curious to
+know just what is the trouble, and in what way it is different from
+other country districts.  Have you any idea?"
+
+"It is somewhat of a puzzle to me," Garton replied.  "It really should
+be an ideal parish, for nearly all of the people belong to our Church.
+Mr. Stubbles himself is a member, and senior warden, so I believe."
+
+"You know him, then?"
+
+"Yes, in a way.  I have had some business dealings with him, and
+incidentally I have talked with him about Church affairs at Rixton.  He
+has always seemed greatly interested."
+
+"And he laid the blame, I suppose, upon the clergymen?"
+
+"Invariably.  He said they did not understand country people, and could
+not adapt themselves to their ways, but held severely aloof."
+
+"There must be some other cause," Douglas mused, "and I must find out
+what it is."
+
+"When do you expect to go?" Garton enquired.
+
+"To-morrow."
+
+"What! so soon!  Why not take a holiday?  You certainly need it, if any
+one does."
+
+"I have asked for two months.  I told the Bishop this afternoon that
+only on that understanding would I take charge of Rixton."
+
+"But you have just told me that you are going there to-morrow!" Garton
+exclaimed.
+
+Douglas laughed.
+
+"Look here, old man, I have a plan, and I want to tell it to you, if
+you will promise that you will not speak of it to any one except your
+wife.  I know she will keep the secret."
+
+"And I guess I can, too," Garton assented.  "I keep a good many for my
+clients, and one more will not overburden me."
+
+"I am going to spend my vacation in Rixton," Douglas explained.  "What
+do you think of that?"
+
+"What do you mean?" Garton asked in surprise.
+
+"Simply that I am going there as an ordinary farmhand and work for my
+living for two months."
+
+"Good heavens!"  Garton was so astonished at this revelation that he
+knocked the ashes from his cigar over his clothes.  "Are you going
+crazy, Stanton?  What will the Bishop and the people of Rixton think of
+such a thing?"
+
+"They are not to know anything about it until it is all over.  You and
+Mrs. Garton will be the only ones who will be aware of this freak of
+mine, so if I get killed, you might give me a decent burial."
+
+"Suppose in case of your death it should be considered wilful suicide,
+what then?" Garton asked, while an amused twinkle shone in his eyes.
+"We won't be able to get any one to read the Burial Service over you."
+
+"Oh, I don't believe it will be as bad as that.  The people won't know
+that I am a clergyman, and they will not think it worth while to bother
+a farm-hand.  I shall be just plain John Handyman to them, and nothing
+more."
+
+"What put such a notion into your head, anyhow?" Garton enquired.
+
+"I wish to learn what is wrong with the parish of Rixton," was the
+reply.  "I want to get down to bedrock, so to speak, and find out just
+what is the trouble."
+
+"But how will your going as a farm-hand help you?"
+
+"I shall have a better chance to see things in their true light.  If I
+go as a clergyman, people will naturally be somewhat suspicious of me,
+and will say things behind my back which they will not say to my face.
+But John Handyman will be of little account in their estimation, and
+they will express their views in his presence freely and openly."
+
+"Does it not seem like taking a mean advantage of them?" Garton queried.
+
+"I can't see it that way.  I wish to diagnose that parish and find out
+what is the trouble.  There is a serious disease of some kind there,
+and unless I know what it is before taking charge I may make all kinds
+of mistakes, and thus render the work much more difficult.  If, in this
+way, I can accomplish my object and do good to the people of Rixton, I
+cannot see how I shall be taking a mean advantage of them.  If the
+fault has been with the clergymen who have been there, I want to know
+it; but if the people are to blame, I want to know that as well."
+
+"I see you believe in understanding the people among whom you work,"
+Garton remarked.
+
+"Certainly.  It seems to me that too many of our clergy do not
+understand their parishioners, especially so in country districts.  It
+was not always so, but changes have taken place in recent years.  How
+well I remember my old rector, the one whose life I so revere, and
+principally through whose influence my mind was first turned toward the
+Ministry.  He was a saint, if ever there was one, and he looked well
+after his flock.  He knew his people intimately, not merely officially,
+but in a sympathetic and loving way.  He knew them all by name, even to
+the smallest child.  Their concerns were his, and he entered into their
+joys and sorrows as one of them, and not as a mere outsider.  Why, it
+was wonderful how much he knew about farming, stock-raising, and such
+like.  He could talk as intelligently to the men about their farms as
+he could to the women about their children.  He was one of them; he
+loved them and they knew it."
+
+Douglas' eyes shone as he thus bore testimony to the worth of his old
+rector, and when he suddenly ceased he sat gazing straight before him
+as if he beheld a vision.
+
+"Is he living yet?" Garton asked.
+
+"No, he died years ago, when I was about seventeen."
+
+"He must have been a remarkable man."
+
+"He certainly was, and his was the model parish in the whole diocese."
+
+"Is it the same now?"
+
+An angry light suddenly leaped into Douglas' eyes, as he turned them
+upon his companion's face.
+
+"No, it is not the same," he slowly replied.  "The parish has gone to
+pieces, and the changes which have taken place there make my heart
+ache."
+
+"Why, what has been the cause?" Garton enquired.
+
+"It is due to the men who were sent there after the death of my old
+rector.  The first man who went had no patience with the people in
+their loyalty to his predecessor, and he could not bear to hear them
+tell of the work which had been done in the past.  He became jealous,
+said sharp things, and turned the people against him.  The next man
+took no interest in the things which concern an agricultural people.
+He openly said that he hated farming, and that he was only staying in
+the parish until he could get a better one.  He moved on after he had
+driven a number of members from the Church.  The third was not
+satisfied with the services, so he introduced many things which were
+distasteful to the people, especially the older members.  He is there
+yet, but there is a sad division in the parish, and he has only a very
+small following.  Those three men could not understand the people among
+whom they worked.  I do not want to make the same mistake at Rixton,
+and so I am going to spy out the land."
+
+"Oh, you'll make out all right," Garton replied, as he laid the butt of
+his cigar carefully on the ash-tray.  "You'll have no trouble.  Get on
+the good side of Stubbles, and he'll see you through.  You can't afford
+to lose the support of such a man as that, who has so great an
+influence in Rixton.  Anyway, if you need help, bank on me.  I am
+always at your service.  I'll bring my whole battalion to your
+assistance.  Just send for Col. Garton of the 65th, and he'll be there
+with his men in no time.  But, say, there's Kit at the piano; let's go
+and have one more good sing together, and forget all about disagreeable
+Church matters for the present."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+PUT TO THE TEST
+
+There was a special reason why Douglas Stanton walked slowly along the
+road leading from the railway station through the parish of Rixton.  It
+was a warm, beautiful evening, and the magnificent scenery so appealed
+to him that he had not the heart to hurry.  How good it was to be away
+from the noise and dust of the city!  Here he could breathe the pure,
+fresh air, listen to the music of the birds, and rest his eyes upon
+meadows, flowers and trees.  He felt at home, and the spirit of
+childhood days possessed him.  He longed to wade in every brook he saw,
+and roll in the grass by the side of the road.
+
+He had walked about five miles and was somewhat tired, as he was
+carrying a large bag over his shoulder, and his precious violin case
+under his arm.  He was no longer dressed in his clerical garb, but was
+plain John Handyman in rough work-a-day clothes.  He enquired the way
+from several people he met, and these had looked with curiosity upon
+the bag and box he was carrying.
+
+"Huntin' for work, eh?" the last man he had accosted asked.  "Well,
+Jake Jukes wants a man in the worst way.  Heard him say so last night.
+He lives about half a mile further on.  Ye can't mistake the place, for
+it's just across the road from the rectory."
+
+"How will I know the rectory when I come to it?" Douglas enquired.
+
+"Oh, ye can't mistake it very well.  It is a big house with shutters on
+the windows, and tall grass all around.  It's been closed up for about
+a year now."
+
+This was just the information Douglas needed, and thanking the man, he
+moved on his way.  Presently, the road dipped into a wooded valley, and
+part way down the hill, Douglas espied a large barrel overflowing with
+clear, sparkling water.  Stopping, he opened his bag and drew forth a
+small tin cup.  This he filled with water, and then withdrew a short
+distance among the trees and sat down upon the mossy ground.  Mrs.
+Garton had thoughtfully provided him with a generous lunch, and this he
+now opened and spread out before him.  He was hungry, so the sandwiches
+and cold meat seemed the best he had ever tasted.  There was a piece of
+pie, as well as cake, for dessert, and what more could a king desire?
+he asked himself.  How delightful it was to lie there and rest in such
+a quiet place.  He was free to come and go as he wished, and not
+shackled by any rules of conventional life.  The whole country was his
+to wander at will.  Why should he not do it?  He had only himself to
+care for, and his strong arms could provide the simple necessities of
+daily life.  Why spend his time in the service of others, when his
+efforts were either misunderstood or not appreciated?  He was tired of
+being dictated to, and told what to do.  He was just as able to look
+after his own affairs as the Bishop and Dr. Rannage.  They did not care
+a snap for him, neither did the Church, for that matter.  He was but a
+fly on one of the wheels of the great ecclesiastical machine, and
+counted for nothing.
+
+Such thoughts appealed to Douglas more than ever before, and he
+meditated upon them as he once more continued on his way.  He had been
+trained to look with suspicion upon people who held such views, but now
+he realised how attractive they were, and worthy of more careful
+consideration.  Life, after all, was not summed up in the books he had
+studied, nor in the knowledge he had acquired while at college.  No,
+there was the great pulsing world all around him, and why should he go
+through it fettered in soul, mind and body?
+
+Thinking thus, he came to the rectory.  The gate leading into the yard
+was closed.  This he pushed open, entered, and walked around the house.
+Signs of neglect and decay were most apparent.  The building had not
+been painted for years, and the shingles on the roof were in a bad
+condition.  Grass and weeds ran riot right up to the very windows.  He
+tried both the front and back doors but they were fastened.
+
+Amidst this scene of desolation, Douglas stood and looked out over the
+land connected with the rectory.  There were several acres, sloping
+gently to the river about two hundred yards away.  Trees lined the
+shore, and his attention was especially attracted to one large elm
+which towered gracefully above its fellows.  Only a small part of the
+land surrounding the rectory had been cultivated.  The rest, which had
+been used for pasturage, was covered with small bushes.  Several apple
+trees stood back of the house, but these had not been trimmed for
+years, and the bark and moss were thick upon their trunks.  "My, how I
+would like to get to work upon this place," Douglas thought, as he
+moved over toward the small orchard.  "They seem to be good trees, and
+when once well scraped and their tops thinned out, they should bear
+well.  Why, a man with some knowledge of farming could make a
+comfortable living in a few years on such a place as this."
+
+Near the orchard was a barn, with the two big doors off their hinges,
+having been injured evidently by the wind.  There was nothing in the
+barn except a pile of old hay lying upon the floor.  "That looks good
+to me," Douglas mused.  "I shall have a soft bed to-night, anyway.  It
+is getting dark, and I might as well stay here as anywhere.  I wonder
+what the people of this parish would say if they knew that their future
+clergyman is occupying the rectory barn.  He might have a worse place,
+though, and perhaps he may before he is through."
+
+Douglas was tired and slept soundly.  The night was warm, and his coat
+was all the covering he needed.  It seemed to him that he had been
+sleeping but a short time when he was awakened by a strange and yet
+familiar noise.  Opening his eyes, he could not for a moment imagine
+where he was.  Before him, and just outside the door, a herd of cattle
+was trooping past.  They were much startled to see a man lying in the
+barn, and several of them had given vent to coarse bellows as they
+stood staring in upon him.  Presently he heard a man's voice shouting
+to the cattle to "git along out of that.  What's the matter with ye,
+anyway?"  Then a stick was hurled at them, which caused them to scamper
+away.  Soon the man appeared, and when he saw what had caused the
+commotion among the cattle, he, too, stood and stared in amazement for
+a few seconds.  Then he took several steps forward, and held up the
+stout stick he was carrying in his hand.
+
+"Hi, what are ye doin' there?" he demanded.
+
+"Haven't you eyes to see for yourself?" Douglas asked in reply.
+
+"But don't ye know that this is private property?"
+
+"That's just the reason I'm here.  It's so very private that it suits
+me fine."
+
+"You have no business sleepin' in this barn."
+
+"I'm not sleeping.  I am as wide awake as you are.  Do you own this
+place?"
+
+"No, but I have charge of it.  It's Church property, and as I live jist
+across the road I have been asked to keep an eye over it an' put all
+intruders off."
+
+Douglas liked the appearance of this fellow, notwithstanding his
+pugnacious manner.  He had an honest face, and bright blue eyes, in
+whose depths lurked a merry twinkle.  He took it for granted that this
+was Jake Jukes who wanted a farm hand.
+
+"Come and put me off, then," Douglas quietly remarked, as he rose
+slowly to his feet.  "I am anxious for a little excitement.  It will
+give me an appetite for my breakfast."
+
+"Where are you goin' to git it?" the farmer asked.
+
+"At your place."
+
+"At my place!"
+
+"Certainly.  You are Jake Jukes, are you not?  You want a man to help
+with your haying, and I am going to stay."
+
+"Great punkins!  How d'ye know who I am?" and Jake looked his
+astonishment.
+
+"Oh, never mind that.  Do you want me?  That is more important."
+
+"Well, I do need help very bad, but I must know what wages ye want
+before I hire ye.  I can't make an offer until I find out what ye kin
+do."
+
+"I'll work a week with you for board and lodging.  That will give you
+time to try me out, and then you will know what I am worth.  I'll bet
+almost anything, though, that I am just as good a man as you are."
+
+"Ho, ho," Jake laughed.  "As good a man as I am!  Ye don't know what
+ye're sayin'.  Would ye like to try a back-hold with me?  There isn't a
+man in the whole parish of Rixton who has been able to put me down yit,
+though many of 'em have tried."
+
+As a lad at school, and also while at college, Douglas had excelled in
+wrestling, but for several years he had not engaged in the sport, and
+was not in proper condition.  He knew that if it came to the matter of
+physical endurance he would have little chance against this sturdy
+farmer.  But it was necessary for him to do something of a worthy
+nature at the outset of his career in this parish.
+
+"So you think you can put me down, do you?" he asked, as he stepped
+from the barn out upon the grass.  "Well, then, here's your
+opportunity."
+
+Nothing loath, Jake accepted the challenge, and in a trice the two were
+locked together in a friendly yet desperate encounter.  Douglas soon
+found that Jake was depending mostly upon his great strength of body to
+win, and that he was acquainted with hardly any of the tricks of the
+game.  He, therefore, watched his opportunity, at the same time being
+careful not to allow his opponent to make use of his bear-like crushing
+grip.  This was what Jake was striving for, and he was much worried
+when he found that he could not carry out the plan which had always
+proved so effective in the past.  He became puzzled, and so confused
+that ere long he allowed himself to be caught off guard, with the
+result that his feet went suddenly from under him and he came to the
+ground upon his hack with a thud.  The shock affected his pride more
+than it did his body, especially when his opponent sat upon him and
+smiled calmly down into his face.
+
+"Are you satisfied now?" Douglas asked.  "You may get up if you are."
+
+"Great punkins!" Jake exclaimed, as he scrambled to his feet.  "How in
+the world did ye do it?  Ye're the first one who ever put me down,
+blister me shins if ye ain't."
+
+"Oh, you are an easy mark," Douglas replied.  "Why, I didn't half try."
+
+"Ye didn't!" and Jake's eyes and mouth opened wide in amazement.  "What
+could ye have done if ye really tried?"
+
+Douglas was amused at Jake's astonishment.
+
+"Are you willing to hire me now?" he asked.  "Perhaps you want some
+further proof of my ability to hold my own?"
+
+"I don't want to try any more back-holds with ye," Jake ruefully
+replied, as he rubbed his bruised right shoulder.  "Ye've got the cinch
+on me in that game all right, and I'd like to know how ye did it.  But
+I'll try ye in runnin', and if ye beat me in that ye're a better all
+round man than I am."
+
+"All right," Douglas laughingly assented.  "How far shall we run?  I
+guess we'll have big appetites after all this morning's exercise."
+
+"See that tree?" and Jake pointed to the graceful elm down by the
+shore.  "Let's run down around that an' back to this barn."
+
+"I'm ready," Douglas cried.  "One, two, three, go!" he shouted.
+
+They got a fair start and bounded over the field like two greyhounds
+slipped from the leash.  Shoulder to shoulder they ran, and by the time
+they reached the tree there was not the slightest difference between
+them.  They both strove for the advantage of the upper ground in
+drawing near the elm, with the result that they nearly collided with
+each other.  With a whoop Jake took the lead in his dash around the
+tree, with Douglas right at his heels.  But at that instant a form
+leaped suddenly to his feet with a wild cry of fear, and then went down
+again as the two runners dashed into him, and then sprawled full length
+forward.
+
+Douglas was first to recover, for Jake had some difficulty in
+extricating himself from the thicket of tangled bushes into which he
+had plunged.  Standing nearby was the cause of their mishap.  He was a
+tall, lank youth of about seventeen, very thinly clad, and bare-footed.
+His expression of fear had changed to one of astonishment as he watched
+the two intruders upon his quietness.
+
+As soon as Jake had scrambled to his feet and saw who it was who had
+caused the disaster, he rushed straight toward the motionless youth.
+
+"Ye good fer nothin' thing!" he roared, "I'll teach ye to be layin'
+round here at night.  Take that, ye goat!" and he administered a sound
+box upon the youth's ear.
+
+The lad gave vent to a howl of pain, and tried to get away, but Jake
+held him in a firm grip and was about to repeat the blow when Douglas
+interfered.
+
+"Here, let up on that," he ordered, at the same time laying a firm hand
+upon Jake's arm.
+
+"But he deserves to be thumped," the latter insisted.  "He's Empty in
+name and empty in head, that's what he is.  What business has he to be
+sleepin' behind this tree?"
+
+"He has as much business to be here as we have," Douglas defended, "and
+don't you dare to touch him again.  Take your hands off him, or you'll
+go down quicker than you did up by the barn."
+
+The memory of his recent defeat was so fresh in Jake's mind that
+reluctantly he relinquished his hold upon the youth's arm.
+
+"I'll let ye off this time," he growled, "but don't let me ever catch
+ye hangin' around this place agin."
+
+"I wasn't doin' nuthin'," the lad protested, speaking for the first
+time.
+
+"Ye've been up to some mischief," Jake charged.
+
+"No, I haven't."
+
+"What have ye been doin', then?"
+
+"Fishin'; that's what I've been doin', and I came here to git a little
+sleep."
+
+"Where's yer net?"
+
+"Out there," and the lad pointed with his finger across the water.
+"Didn't ye know I was fishin'?"
+
+"Naw, never heard of ye workin' before.  Ho, ho, that's a good one!  To
+think of Empty Dempster workin'!  What's goin' to happen!"
+
+At that instant the blast of a tin horn fell upon their ears, which
+caused Jake to start and look across the field.
+
+"Great punkins!" he exclaimed.  "It's Susie, an' I fergot all about
+them cows!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+DOWN BY THE RIVER
+
+The neglected cattle had been having a fine time roving at will
+wherever their fancy led.  They had left the uninviting rectory grounds
+and were revelling in their master's turnip patch when discovered by
+Mrs. Jukes.  When the men at last arrived and dislodged them from this
+delectable spot, they scampered across the fields, trampling through
+the young corn and potato patch until they reached the peas, beets and
+carrots, where they stopped for another feast.  Jake was almost in
+despair.  He shouted frantically, waved his arms, and hurled stones at
+his wayward herd.  It was only with the greatest difficulty that the
+cattle were at last rounded up in the barn-yard, and the gate closed.
+
+Mrs. Jukes had taken an important part in this affair, and now stood
+facing her crestfallen husband, with her eyes ablaze with anger.  The
+presence of the stranger did not deter her in the least.
+
+"Where have you been?" she demanded.  "Breakfast has been ready for
+half an hour, and if it hadn't been for me, the cows would have eaten
+everything up on the place.  Were you asleep?"
+
+"I--I was gettin' a man to help with the work," Jake stammered.  "He's
+here now."
+
+"H'm," and Mrs. Jukes tossed her head.  "I guess there wouldn't have
+been any need for a man to help with the work if the cows had been left
+much longer.  Where did you come from, Empty?" and she turned toward
+the youth standing near Douglas.
+
+"I was fishin'," the lad replied.
+
+"Had your breakfast yet?"
+
+"Naw."
+
+"Well, come in, then, and have a bite.  You've earned it all right this
+morning.  Bring your help in, Jake.  I guess there's enough for all."
+
+Mrs. Jukes' anger soon passed, and by the time they reached the house
+she was in a more pleasant frame of mind.  She was a bright, active
+little body, and Douglas won her friendship at once by the interest he
+took in her two children, a girl of six and a boy of three.  While Mrs.
+Jukes was busy placing the breakfast upon the table, Douglas had the
+children on his knees, and was asking them their names and quizzing
+them about the things in which they were interested.  Though very busy,
+Mrs. Jukes noticed this, and she felt greatly pleased at the attention
+the stranger paid to her offspring.  She noted, as well, his refined
+face, his gentle manner, and the words he used, for Mrs. Jukes had been
+a school teacher before she married, and, according to her husband, she
+had "a great deal of larnin'."  She knew enough, at least, to keep Jake
+in his place, and to make him attend strictly to his work, with the
+result that their farm was the best cultivated one in the community.
+
+"You sit here, sir," she told Douglas, putting a chair in place.  "I'm
+sorry there isn't more for breakfast.  I didn't expect company this
+morning."
+
+"Why, this is a meal fit for a king," Douglas replied.  "It's been
+years since I've eaten pancakes, ham and gravy.  And that bread looks
+good, too.  Did you bake it yourself, Mrs. Jukes?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I do all my own cooking.  But that bread isn't as good as I
+generally make.  We just opened a new barrel of flour, and it doesn't
+seem to be as good as the last we had."
+
+"It's no wonder that you are the best wrestler in the parish," Douglas
+remarked to Jake.
+
+"Why?" the farmer asked, with his mouth full of pancake.
+
+"Because of what you eat.  Wouldn't any one be strong with such food as
+this?"
+
+"But you put me down, though," Jake acknowledged, "an' you haven't been
+eatin' sich grub."
+
+"Ah, it wasn't my strength, remember.  It was simply a little trick I
+learned years ago."
+
+"Will ye larn me the trick?" Jake asked.  "I'd like to try it on Joe
+Preston the next time we have a bout together.  My, it would surprise
+him."
+
+"What, were you two wrestling this morning?" Mrs. Jukes enquired.
+
+"Yep, an' he put me down," her husband explained.  "Ye should have seen
+the way he did it, Susie.  I struck the ground kerflop, right on my
+shoulders, an' they are sore yit from the thump."
+
+No one noticed the look of wonder mingled with admiration upon Empty's
+face as Jake uttered these words.  He forgot to eat, as he watched
+Douglas across the table.  Any one who could put down the champion of
+Rixton was a marvel in Empty's eyes, and worthy of more than a passing
+notice.  He had not forgotten how this stranger had taken his part down
+by the big elm, and would not let Jake hit him the second time.
+
+Mrs. Jukes was almost as much surprised as Empty.  Though she could
+handle her husband and make him do what she wished, she, nevertheless,
+had a great admiration for his prowess as a wrestler, and was proud of
+his standing in the community.  It was his local renown which had
+appealed to her when she was teaching school in Rixton, and had enabled
+Jake to capture her from his rivals, for Susie Perkins had been greatly
+admired and sought after by the young men of the place.
+
+"Do you know anything about farm work?" she asked.
+
+"I was brought up on a farm, and should know something about it,"
+Douglas replied.
+
+"But you haven't done any hard work of late, have you?"
+
+"How do you know that?"
+
+"Oh, I can tell by your hands.  They are not hard and rough like
+Jake's, for instance, and your face is not burnt as if you had been out
+working in the sun."
+
+Douglas smiled, and held up his hands for inspection.
+
+"Please do not judge by these," he replied, "but rather by my brain,
+heart and feet.  They are all pretty well worn.  A week or so in the
+field will remedy the defects of my face and hands, and make them more
+like your husband's."
+
+"I'm goin' to try ye out fer a week," Jake remarked, "an' if ye
+understand hayin' as well as ye do wrestlin' ye're the man fer me."
+
+"Just for my board and lodging," Douglas added.
+
+"Well, that's fer you to say."
+
+"I prefer it that way."
+
+"It's settled, then," and Jake pushed back his chair and rose from the
+table.  "We must do the milkin', and then git into the field.  There's
+a heap of hay to come in to-day, an' we can't dilly-dally."
+
+Douglas soon proved that he was no novice at farm work, and he won
+Jake's approval by the quick and efficient way he was able to milk.
+But it was when once out in the field he showed what he could do.
+Though not hardened to the work, he exhibited his knowledge of mowing
+with the scythe or the machine, as well as raking and putting up the
+hay in bunches ready to be hauled in that afternoon.
+
+It was a bright, beautiful day, and Douglas found it good to be out
+there in the open instead of being shut up in the crowded city.  He was
+almost like a boy in his joy and enthusiasm.  Everything appealed to
+him and brought back memories of other days; the fragrant scent of the
+new-mown hay, the zig-zagging butterflies, and the birds darting here
+and there.  Though the day was hot and the perspiration at times stood
+out in beads on his forehead, yet he was more contented than he had
+been for a long time.  "Why did I ever leave the country?" he asked
+himself.  "What life so free and happy as this?"  Then the thoughts
+which had entered his mind the night before came to him once again.
+"Would it not be better to live in God's open, and rove at will?" he
+mused.  "Why should I be a slave any longer, and conform to a dry
+ecclesiastical system?  Better to follow nature and the dictates of my
+own heart.  What is the use of striving to help others when they do not
+wish to be helped?"
+
+He found Jake a capital companion.  He was not a driver, but an
+encourager, and when once he saw that a man was doing his best, he was
+satisfied.
+
+"Ye're all right," he told Douglas that evening after the chores had
+been done, and they were resting for a while on a log near the house.
+"I suppose ye feel a little sore?"
+
+"Not yet," Douglas replied, "but I expect to be rather stiff in the
+morning after to-day's work.  It will take me a little while to get
+hardened up, and then I'm going to have a wrestling bout with you.  My,
+how calm the water is to-night," and he turned his eyes upon the
+peaceful river away to the left.  "I'm going down to have a swim.  The
+last one I had was in the harbour."
+
+"In the harbour!" Jake exclaimed in amazement.  "What in the world were
+ye swimmin' there fer?"
+
+"Oh, I'll tell you some day when I've got nothing else to do.  Where's
+the best place for a swim?"
+
+"Most anywhere, but ye'll find the water extry good down by that old
+pine tree," and Jake pointed away to the left.  "There are no weeds
+there."
+
+It took Douglas but a few minutes to reach the river, and he walked
+slowly along the shore.  Not a ripple disturbed the surface of the
+water, and the trees along the bank were mirrored in the clear depths.
+How good it was to be in such a place where he could think to his
+heart's content.  No sign of human life was here, and the sweet song of
+a vesper sparrow was the only sound which broke the stillness of the
+evening.  So far, he had not found Rixton to be the terrible place it
+had been painted, and he was beginning to think that what he had heard
+was mere legend.  He had found the Jukes very agreeable people, at any
+rate, and he believed that his stay with them would be most pleasant.
+
+Having reached the old pine, he sat down upon the sand and bent forward
+to unlace his shoes.  His attention, however, was suddenly arrested by
+the sound of violin music to his left.  That it was no amateur who was
+playing he was well aware, but one skilled in the art.  At any time
+such music would have appealed to him, but on an evening like this, and
+amid such surroundings, the effect was greatly enhanced.  For a few
+minutes he sat and listened, afraid to move lest the charm should be
+dispelled.  The music thrilled his soul with a peculiar feeling of
+responsibility.  It seemed like a passionate cry for help, mingled with
+a desire for sympathy and understanding.  It was quite evident that the
+unknown minstrel had suffered, and was pouring forth upon the still
+evening air the deep emotions of the heart.  Others might hear
+differently, but there was only one interpretation he could give to the
+enchanting sound.
+
+Presently there came to him a desire to see this skilled musician.  He
+was beginning to realise that Rixton, no matter what others might say,
+was becoming a most interesting place.  To encounter in one day a
+wrestler like Jake Jukes, and a violinist such as he was now hearing,
+made his coming to the parish really worth while.
+
+Looking along the shore from whence the music came, Douglas could see
+nothing but trees.  Stepping back, however, a few paces, he obtained a
+better view, and beheld not far away three persons near a large tree
+which was bending over the water.  One was an old man seated upon the
+ground, with a young girl by his side.  He could not distinguish their
+faces, but they were evidently listening with rapt attention to a young
+woman who was standing nearby playing upon a violin.  Douglas noted
+with admiration her lithe form, and the graceful poise of her head.  So
+the musician was a woman!  It came to him as a surprise, for in his
+mind he had pictured a man alone on the shore, giving expression to his
+feelings.  He longed to draw nearer, that he might see her better and
+look into her eyes.  A soul and a hand that could produce such music
+could belong only to a person of more than ordinary beauty, so he
+imagined.  But he knew that if he ventured forth the charm would be
+broken, and he would be looked upon as an intruder.  No, it was better
+for him to remain where he was that he might listen and adore unseen.
+
+As he stood there and watched, the music suddenly ceased.  He saw the
+girl sitting on the ground rise to her feet, take the old man by the
+hand, and lead him away.  The musician alone remained, and with the
+violin under her arm she leaned against the tree.  Was she tired?
+Douglas wondered.  Why did she not go with the others?  He was not left
+long in doubt, however, for in a few minutes a man emerged from among
+the trees and approached the waiting woman.  Ah, she had remained to
+meet her lover, and no doubt her music had been meant for him.  Perhaps
+he had been near at hand all the time, waiting a favourable opportunity
+to speak to her.  Was the old man her father who objected to her lover?
+And was the young girl her sister who was in league with her?  These
+thoughts passed through Douglas' mind as he stood there.  It did not
+seem right that he should be watching these two, and yet there was
+something which restrained him from going away at once.  They did not
+seem altogether like lovers, for the young woman had stepped back as
+the man drew near, and kept retreating slightly whenever he approached
+too close.
+
+Douglas could not hear a word that was being said, but the strange
+manner of the two interested him greatly.  It was evident that they
+were engaged in an earnest conversation, though the man seemed to be
+doing most of the talking.
+
+For some time the two stood near the old tree, while the shades of
+night deepened over the land.  At length, they moved away, walking side
+by side, and soon disappeared among the trees.  Douglas' interest was
+much aroused and he felt that there was some mystery connected with
+what he had witnessed.  He longed to know something about the
+violinist, where she had learned to play in such a remarkable manner,
+and the reason of the strange compelling music.
+
+Lost in such thoughts, he forgot all about his intended swim.  He left
+the old pine tree and slowly retraced his steps along the shore.  It
+was dark by the time he reached the house.  He felt tired after his
+day's work, and was glad to go at once to the little bedroom which Mrs.
+Jukes had prepared for his use.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+MENDING THINGS
+
+Weary though he was, Douglas found it difficult to get to sleep.  He
+thought over the various events of the day, and was not altogether
+dissatisfied with the results.  He had made a beginning, anyway, and he
+hoped that events would so shape themselves that he might soon be able
+to get to the heart of the Church trouble, whatever it might be.  He
+had not yet spoken to Jake about the matter, thinking it best to wait
+for a day or two, or until a favourable opportunity should occur.
+
+Then the music he had heard down by the river kept running through his
+mind, and, try as he might, he could not silence the sound.  He saw
+again that slight, graceful figure standing near the tree, drawing the
+bow skilfully across the strings of the violin.  Where had she learned
+to play in such a manner? he asked himself.  He was surprised that
+Rixton could produce such a musician.  Was she engaged to that young
+man? he wondered, and, if so, what was the cause of her strange
+behaviour when they met?  It was late when he at last fell asleep, and
+he dreamed of a herd of wild cattle chasing a beautiful woman through a
+big field, while he and Jake were unable to go to her assistance.
+
+When he awoke in the morning the rain was pelting down upon the roof
+overhead.  The sound filled him with a sense of deep satisfaction and
+brought back childhood days when he had listened to the same music in
+the little room in his old home.  He was glad that it was raining, as
+he was feeling sore after yesterday's work, and he longed for a little
+rest from the labour of the hay field.  Early though it was, Jake was
+already astir.  He heard him making the fire in the kitchen stove, then
+the rattle of milk pails, and the bang of the door as he left for the
+barn.  Douglas tumbled out of bed, dressed, and in a few minutes was at
+the stable.
+
+"What!  You here?" Jake asked in surprise, as he paused in the act of
+picking up a milking-stool.
+
+"Certainly, and why not?" Douglas replied.
+
+"Oh, I didn't expect ye to be up so early, that's all.  All the hired
+men I've ever had waited to be called."
+
+"Why didn't you call me?"
+
+"Thought I'd let ye sleep, as ye had a hard day of it yesterday.  And,
+besides, it's rainin', so we can't do much to-day."
+
+"Rain or no rain, tired or not tired, I am going to do my share while
+I'm here," Douglas quietly remarked, as he picked up a pail and a
+stool.  "I don't want you to favour me in the least, though I
+appreciate your thoughtfulness."
+
+After breakfast, Jake and Douglas went out into the woodhouse to grind
+a scythe and a cutter-bar.
+
+"We might as well git them done while it's rainin'," Jake had said,
+"an' there's nuthin' else we kin do this mornin'."
+
+Douglas turned the stone while Jake did the grinding.  He was not new
+to the job, as he had often done it as a boy.  Then, it had been a
+wearisome task, and it seemed to him that the hired man always pressed
+as hard as he could upon the stone.  But now he enjoyed the task, as it
+was a change from the pitching of hay.
+
+"Have you many near neighbours?" he presently asked.
+
+"Yes, a few," was the reply.  "Sandy Barker lives below me, and Caleb
+Titus jist above.  Of course, there's the corner with a whole bunch of
+houses.  It's pretty well settled all along the river."
+
+"Has Caleb Titus much of a family?"
+
+"Naw.  Jist himself an' one daughter, Polly."
+
+"Has he a large farm?"
+
+"Not overly large; though he doesn't attend to it.  He works in the
+woods in the winter time, an' scratches the ground a little in the
+spring, an' tries to raise something, though he doesn't succeed very
+well.  He sold a piece off the front of his place a few years ago to
+old Andy Strong, an' got a good price for it, so I heard."
+
+"Who is this man Strong?" Douglas enquired.
+
+Jake lifted the scythe from the stone and felt its edge very carefully
+with his thumb before answering.  He seemed to be pondering something,
+and a peculiar smile lurked about the corners of his mouth.
+
+"I can't jist tell ye who he is," he eventually replied.  "He came off
+an' on to Rixton for several years until at last he settled down here
+for good with his daughters."
+
+"How many has he?"
+
+"Two; Nell an' Nan.  My, they're beauties, an' the young fellers in the
+whole parish are about crazy over them, especially Nell.  She's a
+wonder, an' looks after everything, the old man included."
+
+"What's wrong with him?"
+
+"Oh, he's blind as a bat, an' as queer a critter as ye ever sot eyes
+on."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"Well, he's an unbeliever, an' has a great deal to say about churches,
+'ligion, an' parsons.  He's down on 'em all.  The young fellers
+hereabouts git him to talk to them, an' make believe they are mighty
+interested in his views.  That is only their excuse fer visitin' the
+place, so's they kin meet Nell an' Nan.  Ho, ho! it's a great joke.
+The old boy thinks they're listenin' to him, but they don't remember a
+word he says."
+
+"Do his daughters favour any of them?"
+
+"Not as fer as I know.  They are mighty sensible girls, an' put up with
+the young fellers comin' to their place because it pleases their dad.
+He likes to express his views, an' they know it."
+
+"Why is Mr. Strong so much down on churches, religion and parsons?"
+Douglas asked.
+
+"I can't tell ye that.  He's got a grouch of some kind, though I never
+heard him say what it is."
+
+"Did he ever go to church?"
+
+"Not him, though I've seen his daughters there.  Nell has played the
+organ at times, fer she's mighty musical.  My, ye should hear her play
+the fiddle!  She makes it fairly talk."
+
+"Where did she learn to play so well?"
+
+"From her dad.  He was a perfessor, or something like that years ago,
+though his playin' is pretty shaky now."
+
+Douglas asked no more questions just then, but went on with his work,
+and meditated upon what he had heard.  Perhaps this old man Strong was
+really the cause of much of the Church trouble in the parish.  Jake
+might be wrong in his opinion about the young men, and they may have
+been greatly influenced by the words of the blind professor.  He longed
+to see Strong that he might hear what he had to say, and at the same
+time to meet his daughters.  How he was going to do this, he had not
+the least idea, though he somehow felt that he would have to wrestle
+with the unbeliever if he intended to make any headway in Rixton.  He
+had won his first step in the parish as a wrestler, but to contend
+against firmly rooted opinions was a far more difficult undertaking.
+It would be all the harder if he should find Strong a stubborn,
+narrow-minded person, unreasonable, and firmly-settled in his views.
+
+When dinner was over, Jake asked Douglas if he would go to the
+shoe-maker's for him.
+
+"Two of the traces broke on me the other day," he explained, "an' I
+haven't had time to git them fixed.  Ye'll find Joe Benton's place jist
+beyond the store."
+
+"Shall I wait until they are mended?" Douglas asked.
+
+"Yes, if ye want to, an' if Joe's able to do them to-day.  I think
+he'll do 'em all right, providin' he doesn't git side-tracked on his
+hobby."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"It's 'ligion, that's what 'tis.  He's great on the Bible an' Church
+history.  He holds service every Sunday in his house, since we've had
+no parson."
+
+"Do many attend?"
+
+"Naw.  Jist him an' his wife, I guess.  But Joe's a good, honest
+feller, an' ye'll like him.  But fer pity's sake, keep him off of
+'ligion, if ye expect bring them traces back with ye to-day."
+
+Douglas had no trouble in locating the shoe-maker's shop, where he
+found Joe Benton busy half-soleing a pair of men's boots.  He was a man
+past sixty, grey-haired, and with a smooth-shaven face.  His eyes were
+what arrested Douglas' attention.  They were honest eyes, which looked
+clear and straight into his.  There the old man's soul seemed to be
+shining forth, so expressive were they.  Douglas thought he could read
+in those clear depths an unattainable longing, mingled with an
+appealing pathos.  When he smiled, his whole face was lighted with a
+remarkable glory, and he appeared no longer a humble shoe-maker, but an
+uncrowned king.  His rude bench was his throne, and the humble shop his
+royal palace.  So it appeared to Douglas, and he wondered if others
+were affected in the same way.
+
+"Are you Jake June's hired man, the wrestler?" the shoe-maker asked,
+after Douglas had told him the purpose of his visit.
+
+"Yes, that's who I am," was the reply.  "But how in the world did you
+hear about our wrestling match?"
+
+"Oh, news travels fast in Rixton, especially if Empty Dempster is the
+carrier."
+
+Douglas sat down upon a bench and observed Joe intently, as he gave the
+final touch to a shoe in his lap.  Many years had passed since he had
+watched such work, and he recalled the old shoe-maker he used to know
+when a lad.
+
+"Can you fix the traces to-day?" he enquired.  "If so, I might as well
+wait for them."
+
+"Yes, I'll mend them at once," and Joe put the finished shoe carefully
+down by its mate.  "I'm not rushed this afternoon."
+
+"You are kept busy as a rule, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, always mending something.  I have been doing it for over thirty
+years now, and there is never any let-up."
+
+"You must get very tired of it at times."
+
+"No, I can't say I do.  It gives me plenty of time to think as I sit
+here alone in my little shop.  I often wish that I could mend
+everything in life as easily as I can a pair of shoes."
+
+"Why, do you find things out of joint?" Douglas queried.  "You haven't
+seen much of the world, I suppose?"
+
+"I don't have to travel to see the world, sir," and Joe paused in his
+work and looked earnestly into his visitor's face.  "I can see the
+world right in this parish; that is, as much as I want to see of it."
+
+"And you think there are many things here which need to be mended?"
+
+"I certainly do.  My heart is heavy all the time over the sad condition
+of this parish.  The church is closed; the bell is never rung; and the
+rectory is falling into decay.  But they are merely outward signs of
+the real state of the community.  The people do not worship any more,
+and the children never go to Sunday school.  With this spiritual sloth
+has come a great moral decline, and there are all kinds of sins and
+evil things committed of which we, as a rule, were free years ago."
+
+"What is the cause of all this?" Douglas enquired.
+
+"There are various reasons.  The most important, I suppose, is the lack
+of the right kind of a clergyman, who would understand the people, and
+be a real leader.  If he could win the sympathy of the majority in this
+parish, the rest might be overcome."
+
+"But didn't you have good men in the past?"
+
+"Oh, yes, we've always had good men in a way.  But of late years the
+ones we had, as I said, didn't understand the people, and as far as I
+could see didn't try.  They knew nothing about the country ways, and
+considered themselves above their people.  They were always looking for
+some better field, and made no bones of saying so.  They used no tact
+at all."
+
+"But didn't the people try to help and encourage them?" Douglas asked.
+He was beginning to feel that Joe was looking all on one side.
+
+"Most of the people did at first, sir, and I think that things would
+have come around all right if they had been let alone."  Joe paused and
+examined the stitches he had just put in the trace.  "But," he
+continued, "there's an influence in this parish which has to be
+reckoned with.  I'm not going to say what it is, but if you stay here
+long enough you'll soon find out for yourself."
+
+"And that influence, whatever it is, would make it hard, then, for any
+clergyman to work here?  Is that what I gather from your words?"
+
+"That's just it."
+
+Douglas longed to know what this influence really was, but he felt it
+would be better not to enquire further just then.  No doubt the
+shoe-maker had some good reason for not telling what he knew.  The only
+thing, therefore, was for him to find out for himself.
+
+"You must miss the services of the Church very much," he at length
+remarked.
+
+"I do, I certainly do," Joe emphatically replied.  "Though I have
+service in my own house every Sunday morning, yet it doesn't seem just
+the same as in the House of God."
+
+"Do any of the neighbours come?"
+
+"Not one, though I've often invited them.  My wife and I are the only
+two since Jean left us."
+
+"Is she your daughter?"
+
+"Yes, the youngest, and the last of the girls to go from home.  We
+always had a hymn or two when she was here, for Jean had a fine voice."
+A far-away look came into the old man's eyes as he uttered these words.
+There was a gleam of pride, as well, showing how much he thought of
+this daughter.
+
+"Where is she now?" Douglas asked.
+
+"She's in the city.  She's been in the hospital there nigh on to three
+years, training to be a nurse.  We're looking for her home now any day.
+I hope you'll meet her, sir, for my Jean is a comely girl, and as good
+as she is beautiful.  We have been very lonely without her.  She always
+took such an interest in Church matters, and taught in the Sunday
+school.  The children loved her, and she did so much good.  I'm not
+much use in the place, as I have to stay here all the time just mending
+things.  But, Jean! my, she was a power!"
+
+"May I come to your service next Sunday?" Douglas asked as he rose to
+go.
+
+Into Joe's eyes leaped a look of pleasure.
+
+"Would you care to come?"
+
+"Indeed I should."
+
+"Can you sing?"
+
+"Oh, yes."
+
+"Then you're doubly welcome.  It will be great for us to have a
+stranger join in our simple service."
+
+As Douglas moved towards the door, his attention was arrested by a
+picture on the wall of the Good Shepherd rescuing a lamb from a
+dangerous place.  He looked at it for a minute in silence.
+
+"Fine picture, that," Joe remarked, as he rose from his bench and came
+over to the young man's side.  "It means very much to me."
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," Douglas absently replied.
+
+"I was just like that lamb there, once," Joe continued in a voice that
+was low, yet filled with emotion.  "I was the wandering sheep, if ever
+there was one."  Here he paused and gazed intently at the picture.  "I
+like to have it before me as I work.  It tells me what I once was, and
+how much He has done for me.  It makes me both thankful and careful,
+and it gives me a feeling of sympathy for any one who has gone astray."
+
+Douglas walked slowly down the road, wrapped in thought.  His
+conversation with the old shoe-maker had done him a world of good.  But
+Joe's little glimpse of his past life was what affected him most of
+all.  How many other wandering sheep there were in the world, nay, in
+this very parish, he mused.  They were straying, as sheep without a
+shepherd.  Some one must bring them back, and who would that some one
+be?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+HOME FOR REPAIRS
+
+It was Sunday morning, and for the first time since coming to Rixton
+Douglas felt discontented.  It was a most beautiful day, with not a
+ripple ruffling the surface of the river.  A great peace and quietness
+reigned everywhere, and yet there was something lacking.  He could not
+remember when he had awakened to the Day of Rest and found himself
+unable to attend the service of his Church.  It did not seem right, so
+he mused, as he stood in front of the house looking down upon the
+neglected church, that he should not minister to the people.  And yet
+he realised that it would upset all his plans if he attempted such a
+thing now.
+
+He strolled over to the rectory, and walked through the fields.  How he
+longed to repair the building and cultivate the land.  He pictured to
+himself the vegetables he might raise, and how the whole place could be
+made a most delightful spot.  With a suitable housekeeper, he could
+have a happy home, visiting his people, caring for his garden, and with
+some spare time for reading and study.
+
+Hitherto, Douglas had not thought much about any one other than a paid
+house-keeper.  But now a feeling stole into his heart that he would
+like to have some one else to grace the rectory--a wife, who would make
+it a real home.  Of all the women he had met, he could not think of one
+he would care to marry, or who in turn would wish to be his wife.  He
+smiled at this idea, thinking that he was becoming sentimental.  To
+shake off the notion, he walked rapidly across the fields toward the
+church.  He had not visited it before, but viewed it only at a
+distance.  Everything around the building spoke of neglect.  The
+graveyard was thick with bushes, long grass and weeds.  He observed
+several new-made graves, and wondered what clergyman had conducted the
+funeral services.  The church needed painting, and the roof
+reshingling.  He tried the big front door, but found it fastened.
+Through one of the side windows he was enabled to obtain a partial view
+of the interior.  The ceiling and walls were stained, and in places the
+plaster had fallen off and was lying on the floor.  The sight saddened
+him, so sitting down under the shade of a big maple tree he gazed
+thoughtfully at the church.  What labour and high ideals had gone into
+the erection of that building, he mused, and how the whole parish must
+have rejoiced when it was completed.  He pictured the animated scene on
+the day of its consecration, and what a crowd must have been present.
+He thought, too, of the part it had taken in the life of the community
+during the long years it had been standing there; of the baptisms,
+weddings, and burials, and how many had been helped by the services in
+this, their spiritual home.  But now it was deserted, the bell rusting
+overhead, and the door securely locked.
+
+For some time Douglas sat there thinking of such things.  Then he rose
+and moved away.  He needed a brisk walk to shake off the feeling of
+depression that had taken possession of him.  Going home to the house,
+he found Jake stretched out comfortably under the shade of an apple
+tree.  Douglas sat down by his side.
+
+"Been down to the church?" Jake enquired.
+
+"Yes.  It's pretty well deserted, isn't it?  You must have had several
+funerals lately.  Who attended the services?"
+
+"Oh, a parson from Mapledale fer two of 'em, an' Joe Benton read the
+service over little Bennie Clark."
+
+"You must feel lost without any service in the church," Douglas
+remarked.
+
+"Naw, not a bit, though I must say I did like to hear the bell ring.  I
+hain't been to church fer over three years."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I didn't like the last parson we had, nor the style of them who set
+themselves up as great Christians."
+
+"What about Joe Benton?"
+
+"Oh, he's all right as fer as he's concerned, an' so is his wife.  But
+what has religion done fer their family, I'd like to know?  Their boys
+are all wild, an' I've heard stories about the girls since they left
+home."
+
+Jake paused and bit thoughtfully at a blade of grass he was holding in
+his hand.
+
+"But it ain't the Bentons I'm thinkin' so much about," he continued.
+"There are others.  Look at Mike Gibband, fer instance, an' him a
+churchwarden, too.  Why, he swears like a trooper, an' would do a man a
+mean trick whenever he could.  I could tell ye what he did to poor
+widder Stanley."
+
+"What was wrong with the last clergyman you had?" Douglas questioned.
+
+"Well, he was mighty stuck up, an' thought it beneath himself to soil
+his nice white hands at anything.  You should have seen the way he kept
+his barn over there.  Why, it was a fright.  An' as fer his knowledge
+of farmin', he didn't know a thing, and as fer as I could see he didn't
+want to.  Bless my soul, he couldn't tell a bean from a pea, nor a
+carrot from a turnip."
+
+"But a man might not know anything about such things and yet be a good
+clergyman," Douglas reasoned.
+
+"That's very true," and Jake ran his fingers through his hair.  "We
+would have overlooked sich things if he had been all right as a parson.
+But he wasn't, fer he used no tact, an' got Si Stubbles down on him,
+an' so that finished him as fer as this parish is concerned."
+
+"Did all the people follow Mr. Stubbles in disliking the clergyman?"
+
+"Nearly all of them."
+
+"Why was that?"
+
+Jake looked quizzically at his companion before replying.  Douglas
+thought of Joe Benton's action when Stubbles had been mentioned, and
+his interest was now much aroused.
+
+"I guess ye'll need to understand this parish quite a bit better before
+ye can git that question answered," Jake explained.  "Ye'll have to
+know more about Si Stubbles, too."
+
+"He rules things here, then?"
+
+"Should say he does."
+
+"So any clergyman who wishes to get along in this parish must keep on
+the good side of Mr. Stubbles?"
+
+"That's jist it.  He must knuckle down to him or git out."
+
+"But why do the people allow that?"
+
+"Allow what?"
+
+"Mr. Stubbles to rule things in such a way?"
+
+"H'm, they can't help it.  Why, Si Stubbles owns most of the people in
+this place, body an' soul.  The men work fer him in the woods in the
+winter time, an' in his mill the rest of the year.  They git nearly
+everything at his store, an' are generally in debt to him, so that's
+where he has 'em.  What Si says goes in this parish, an' any one who
+bucks him has to git out.  Several tried it in the past, but they
+didn't stay here long.  Things got too hot fer 'em.  It pays a man to
+keep on the good side of Si, if he expects to hold on here."
+
+"You must be independent of him, though.  You have your farm, and do
+not look to him for anything."
+
+"Not a bit of it.  I'm in his clutches jist as much as the rest of the
+folks.  He buys all of my stuff, an' I haul logs fer him in the winter.
+It means quite a bit to me.  An' besides, if Si should git down on me,
+why all the rest would do so, too.  He's got us all in the same box."
+
+"So, it's chiefly through him, then, that the church is closed in this
+parish?"
+
+"That's about it."
+
+"But why doesn't some other man come, say a Methodist or Baptist
+minister?  Surely all of the people here do not belong to the Church of
+England?"
+
+"Most of 'em do, but there's a sprinklin' of Baptists and Methodies,
+with here an' there a Presbyterian.  Their men did come, an' started
+meetin's.  But they didn't stay long when Si once got after 'em.  He
+boasts that he is a loyal member of the Church of England, an' a church
+warden, so he can't stand any other form of 'ligion."
+
+"Oh, I see," Douglas mused.  "It's a case of the dog in the manger."
+
+"Put it any way ye like," Jake replied, as he once more stretched
+himself out on the grass.  "Si Stubbles rules this place, an' I guess
+will rule it as long as he stays here."
+
+Douglas looked at his watch and rose suddenly to his feet.  It was
+later than he had imagined.
+
+"I'm going for a walk," he said, "and will not be back for dinner."
+
+"Where will ye git anything to eat?" Jake asked.
+
+"Oh, I'll pick up a bite somewhere.  But if I don't, I won't starve, as
+I had such a good breakfast."
+
+Douglas walked rapidly up the road, for he wanted to be in time for the
+service at the shoe-maker's, and he had only a quarter of an hour to
+get there.  He saw, in passing, what he supposed was the Stubbles'
+home.  It was a large house with the grounds well kept, and surrounded
+by fine trees.  He observed several people upon the spacious verandah,
+who watched him as he went by.  He longed to see Stubbles, that he
+might judge for himself what kind of a man he was.  Perhaps he was not
+such a terrible person, after all, and one with a little common sense
+and tact might handle him all right.
+
+When Douglas reached Joe's place, he was surprised to find the door of
+his little shop partly open.  Peering in, he saw the old man in his
+accustomed place, with his head buried in his hands.  Thinking that he
+might be sick, Douglas entered and asked him what was the matter.
+Somewhat startled, Joe lifted his head and Douglas was shocked at the
+haggard expression, upon his face, and the look of wretched misery in
+his eyes.
+
+"What's wrong?" he asked, laying his hand upon the old man's shoulder.
+"Are you ill?"
+
+"Jean's coming home," was the low reply.
+
+"So you told me.  Isn't that good news?"
+
+"Ah, but she's coming not as I expected.  She's coming home for
+repairs."
+
+"For repairs!  I do not understand."
+
+"Read that, then," and Joe handed him a letter, all soiled with tears.
+"It's from Jean herself."
+
+It took Douglas but a few minutes to read the scrawl, and grasp the
+meaning.  It told of failure in the city, and that she was coming home
+to the care of her parents.  It was easy for Douglas to read between
+the lines, and he knew that more was contained there than appeared on
+the surface.
+
+"She's coming to-morrow," the old man moaned.  "My Jean coming home for
+repairs!"  His body shook from the vehemence of his emotion, and tears
+rolled down his cheeks.
+
+"Perhaps she is only sick, and needs home care," Douglas soothed,
+though in his heart he well knew it was worse than that.
+
+Joe made no reply, but sat very still looking straight before him.  His
+eyes were fixed upon the picture of the Good Shepherd saving the
+wandering lamb.  A struggle was evidently going on in his mind, and it
+seemed that he needed that scene to help him.  At length he rose slowly
+from the bench, and turned toward a door on the right.
+
+"We will have service now," he quietly remarked.  "We would consider it
+an honour to have you join us."
+
+Douglas followed him through the kitchen into a little room beyond,
+where Mrs. Benton was sitting rocking herself in a splint-bottom chair.
+She arose as they entered, and held out her hand to the visitor.  She
+was a small woman, dressed in plain clothes.  But Douglas had eyes only
+for her face which, though wrinkled and care-worn, bore an expression
+of great sweetness, and her eyes shone with loving sympathy.  She had
+been weeping, but she hastily brushed away her tears with the corner of
+her apron, as she bade the stranger welcome and offered him a chair.
+
+On a little table rested two well-worn volumes, a Bible and a Prayer
+Book.  Here the shoe-maker took his stand and reverently began to read
+the service.  His voice was low, though distinct, and he seemed to feel
+deeply every word he uttered.  Never had Douglas been so impressed by
+any service.  He knew how the hearts of these two people were bleeding,
+and yet here they were taking their sorrow to the Master and laying it
+at His feet.
+
+"Would you mind reading the lesson?" Joe asked, handing Douglas the
+opened Bible.  "That is the chapter," and he placed his finger upon the
+page.  "My eyes seem a bit dim of late."
+
+A feeling of compunction smote Douglas' heart as he took the Book and
+began to read.  What a deceiver he was, and what would these two
+sincere people think if they knew who he really was?  Was he right in
+coming to Rixton in such a guise? he asked himself.  Would it not have
+been better and more manly to have come in his official capacity
+instead of as a spy?  But the thought of the failure of his
+predecessors somewhat soothed his troubled conscience.  If the majority
+of the people were like the Bentons, it would be different.  There was
+a disease of some kind in the parish, and as a physician of souls he
+felt that it was necessary for him to understand what it was before he
+could expect to effect a cure.
+
+When the service was over, Douglas rose to go.
+
+"Won't you stay and have a bite with us?" Joe asked.
+
+"Please do stay," Mrs. Benton pleaded.  "We are lonely to-day, and it
+is so nice to have you with us."
+
+Knowing that they were sincere in their request, Douglas remained, and
+joined them in their humble repast.  They sat and talked for a long
+time when the meal was finished, and Douglas learned much about the
+history of the Benton family, especially Jean.  Being the youngest, and
+the last to leave home, she was very dear to them.  No further
+reference was made to the letter they had received, nor of her
+home-coming.  They dwelt upon her life as a child, and the part she had
+taken in the Sunday school, and other Church work in the parish.  But
+it was quite easy for Douglas to see that their hearts were almost
+broken, and the pathetic look in their eyes told more than many words
+of the thoughts the lips could not express.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+EVENING GLOW
+
+It was the middle of the afternoon when Douglas bade the Bentons
+good-by and walked slowly down the road.  He had many things to
+consider, and he wished to be off somewhere by himself.  His visit to
+the shoe-maker's had been like a benediction, and the wonderful faith
+he had witnessed there, combined with the words of brave courage to
+which he had listened, rebuked his doubts and fears.  He had been
+strongly tempted to give up and run away from what he knew to be his
+duty.  He had planned to live only for himself, and wander wherever his
+spirit might lead.  But now a longing came upon him to stay and help
+those two old lonely people, and comfort them in their time of need.
+It was the first link which was to bind him to this parish, the golden
+link of divine sympathy.  Little did he realise that afternoon what the
+next link would be in his life's mystic chain.
+
+It was a hot day and the river looked alluring and refreshing.  He
+thought of the big tree down by the shore, and of its cooling shade.
+He decided to spend the rest of the afternoon there, alone with his
+thoughts and his violin.  There was something in his soul which he
+could express only upon his beloved instrument.  He had played very
+little since coming to Rixton.  Twice he had amazed the Jukes' children
+with lively airs, and one evening he had played for their parents.  He
+smiled to himself as he thought of its soothing effect upon Jake who
+had fallen asleep in his chair.
+
+There was no sign of life in the house as he entered.  Mrs. Jukes and
+the children had gone to visit a neighbour, and Jake was sound asleep
+upon the sofa in the sitting-room.  Going at once to his little room,
+Douglas took his violin out of its case, and, carrying it under his
+arm, he slipped quietly out of the house and made his way swiftly down
+over the fields toward the river.
+
+He was very hot and it was refreshing to sit under the shade of the
+tree with his back against the big ice-scarred trunk.  In fact, he was
+so comfortable that he had no inclination to play upon his violin which
+was lying by his side.  It was good to sit there and think.  Again the
+old lure of the freedom of a wandering life swept upon him, and the
+impression the Bentons had made gradually diminished.  His eyes
+followed several swallows as they darted here and there.  What a happy
+free-from-care life they must lead, he mused.  They come and go at
+will, and in a few weeks they will be speeding away to the sunny
+southland.  Why should the birds have privileges greater than human
+beings?
+
+And as he sat there a drowsiness stole over him which he made no effort
+to resist.  In a few minutes the world of sight and sound was blotted
+out, and he slept.  He awakened with a start and looked around.  Then
+he glanced at his watch and found that it was four o'clock, and that he
+must have been asleep for about half an hour.  What was it that aroused
+him? he wondered.  No one was in sight, and he could hear nothing.  A
+sense of loneliness suddenly took possession of him.  Almost
+mechanically, he picked up his violin and drew the bow across the
+strings.  At first, he played several old familiar hymns, but ere long
+he drifted off into dreamland to the varying fancies of heart and mind.
+On and on he played, unheeding time and place.  The music varied, now
+soft and low, and again rising to grand triumphant strains.
+
+At length he paused, and looked quickly around.  A feeling possessed
+him that he was being watched.  Neither was he mistaken, for a girl at
+once stepped forth from behind a clump of bushes and advanced toward
+him.  He felt sure he had seen her before, but just where he could not
+at the moment remember.  She was very beautiful, and her face glowed
+with animation, and her eyes sparkled with delight.
+
+"Oh, I heard you," she laughingly began.  "You thought you were alone,
+did you?"
+
+"I certainly did," Douglas replied.  "But I am delighted to see you, as
+I was getting tired of my own company.  Do you like music?"
+
+"I like yours, oh, so much!  I can never forget the first time I heard
+you play."
+
+"Heard me play!" Douglas repeated in surprise.  "When was that?"
+
+"Why, don't you remember?" and the girl's eyes opened wide in
+astonishment.  "It was that awful night in the city when my father was
+playing, and you came and took the violin from him, and----"
+
+"You don't mean to tell me that you are that girl?" Douglas
+interrupted, as he leaped to his feet.  "Why, yes, you are the very
+same though not so pale and frightened.  I knew I had seen you
+somewhere before, but could not remember just where."
+
+"Isn't it funny!" and the girl's silvery laugh rang out.  "How in the
+world did you happen to come here?"
+
+"Oh, I'm working for Jake Jukes, that's all."
+
+"I know that.  You're the man who put him on his back.  My, you must be
+a great wrestler!"
+
+"Why, who told you about that?" Douglas smilingly questioned.
+
+"Empty, of course.  He knows everything that goes on in this place."
+
+"And tells it, too?"
+
+"Why, yes.  He's as good as a newspaper.  Nell says we wouldn't know
+what is going on but for Empty."
+
+"Who is Nell?"
+
+"She's my sister, and she's reading to daddy now, in front of the
+house.  You must come with me at once and see her, for I've told her
+about you a thousand times."
+
+"About me!"
+
+"Yes.  How you played on the street, and were so good to us.  And daddy
+will be so glad to meet you, too, for he has been feeling so badly ever
+since that night that he didn't thank you for your kindness."
+
+The girl's face was flushed with excitement, and she was anxious to
+rush off to tell of the great discovery she had made.  But she wished
+to take her prize with her, and Douglas was nothing loath to go, as he
+longed to meet the old man he had seen in the city.  He believed that
+he was Andy Strong, of whom Jake had spoken, and who had "a great deal
+to say about churches, 'ligion an' parsons," and who was "down on 'em
+all."  He felt that he must be prepared for another wrestling match far
+different from his bout with Jake.  He might find in this blind
+musician an able opponent, and it would be well for him to be on his
+guard.
+
+The girl was delighted when Douglas, tucking his violin under his arm,
+walked along by her side.  She was an excellent companion and chatted
+incessantly.
+
+"This is where we skate in the winter," she told him, pointing to the
+river.  "Oh, it is such fun when the ice is good.  The boys come at
+night and build great fires and we skate around them."
+
+"Do you go to school?" Douglas asked when the girl paused an instant.
+
+"Not now.  You see, I have to help Nell, and that takes much of my
+time.  But daddy teaches me.  He is a great scholar, and knows most
+everything.  He was a college professor before he became blind."
+
+"Was he?" Douglas asked in surprise.  "At what college?"
+
+"Passdale; and it was such a lovely place.  My dear mother died when we
+were there.  I was only a little girl when we left, but I remember it
+well.  Nell was at college when father became blind, and she felt so
+badly about coming away before she could graduate."
+
+"And have you lived here ever since?"
+
+"Oh, yes.  There is no other place for us to go."
+
+"Do you like it?"
+
+"Sure.  I am happy wherever daddy and Nell are.  We have such great
+times together.  But here we are right at the house.  It wasn't far,
+was it?"
+
+Douglas did not reply for he was held spell-bound by the beautiful and
+interesting scene before him.  In a comfortable arm-chair sat the blind
+musician listening intently to what his daughter was reading.  She was
+seated upon the ground by his side, with a book lying in her lap.  It
+was only for an instant, however, that Douglas was privileged to watch
+her unobserved, but it was sufficient for him to note the rare charm of
+her face and form.
+
+"Oh, daddy!  Nell!" the girl cried as she rushed forward.  "You can't
+guess who is here?"
+
+At these words the fair reader lifted her head and her eyes rested upon
+the stranger.
+
+"It's the man who played for us in the city," the girl explained.
+"Isn't it wonderful that I have found him!"
+
+An expression of pleasure swept over the young woman's face, as she at
+once rose to her feet and held out her hand.
+
+"Any one who has befriended my father and sister is welcome here," she
+quietly remarked.  "Father," and she turned partly around, "this is the
+man you have told us so much about.  Nan has brought him to see you."
+
+"I am delighted to meet you, sir," the old man replied, as he took
+Douglas' hand.  "I have wanted to thank you ever since that night you
+helped us in the city.  Get Mr.----"
+
+"Handyman," Douglas assisted.
+
+"Handyman, that's a good name.  Nan, get him a chair and make him
+comfortable."
+
+"I am sorry that I have interrupted the reading, sir," Douglas
+apologised.  "It was your daughter who brought me here.  I do not need
+a chair, as I prefer to sit upon the ground."
+
+"I am so pleased that you have come," the old man replied.  "You must
+have supper with us.  We have it out here on the grass when the
+afternoon is fine and warm.  Come, Nell, get it ready."
+
+"Please do not go to any trouble on my account," Douglas protested.
+
+"It is no trouble," Nell assured him.  "It is father's supper time,
+anyway.  He always like to have it early, especially on Sunday.  You
+two can have a nice chat together.  Come, Nan, I want you."
+
+As Douglas looked around he was surprised to find what a beautiful spot
+it really was.  The house nestled in the midst of fine elm and maple
+trees.  Surrounding the house was a garden, consisting of vegetables
+and berries of several kinds.  Part of the land was in grass, not yet
+cut.  About the place was a strong page wire fence which extended
+almost to the river.
+
+"You have a beautiful place here, sir," Douglas remarked.
+
+"Indeed it is.  A happy home and a perfect day; what more could one
+desire?  'The Lord hath done great things for us already, whereof we
+rejoice'."
+
+Douglas gave a slight start of surprise as the old man slowly uttered
+these words.  Surely, if he were an unbeliever he would not quote
+Scripture in such a reverent manner.
+
+"It is good that you can view it that way, sir.  Few people ever think
+of being thankful for what they receive."
+
+"That is where they make a sad mistake.  I have learned through long
+years that Ezra of old was right when he told the people to turn from
+weeping and to 'drink the sweet.'  Before this blindness came upon me I
+was something like Saul of Tarsus, always kicking against the pricks,
+or in other words, the dictates of conscience!  'Before I was
+afflicted, I went astray,' as the psalmist sang.  But I have viewed
+things in a different light since then, and though the Father's hand
+has been heavy upon me, it was for my good, and for which I am most
+thankful.  The great Master's warning to Simon is most applicable to
+me.  'When thou wast young,' He said, 'thou girdest thyself, and
+walkest whither thou wouldest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt
+stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee
+whither thou wouldest not.'"
+
+"You are well versed in Scripture, I see," Douglas remarked as the old
+man paused.
+
+"And why not?  It is the one Book from which I have drawn the greatest
+inspiration.  It, and the works of the immortal bard of Avon are the
+books I recommended above all others to the students of my class.  Not
+only for the great uplifting influence, but for the wonderful language,
+I advised them to drink deeply of those profound wells of purest
+English."
+
+"What did you teach at college?" Douglas enquired.
+
+"English Literature, as you can easily guess from my remarks.  I was at
+Passdale for over fifteen years."
+
+"You must miss such work now."
+
+"Not at all.  I have other interests to occupy my time, and my present
+leisure affords me the opportunity of carrying out a work which has
+long been in my mind."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"It is the re-writing and revising of my notes on the plays of
+Shakespeare.  It is well advanced now, and a noted publisher, a special
+friend of mine, will publish it as soon as it is completed."
+
+"You must have found your blindness a great handicap, sir."
+
+"You and others might think so," and the old man smiled.  "But there is
+an ancient proverb which tells us that when God closes a door he always
+opens a window.  It was so with sightless Milton, and though I do not
+class myself with him, nevertheless, it has been true in my case.  It
+was Emerson who gave us that wonderful essay on Compensation, and he
+knew whereof he wrote."
+
+"But how have you managed to prepare this work of yours?" Douglas
+questioned.  "You surely must have had some assistance."
+
+"Nell has been my guardian angel ever since my blindness.  She does all
+my writing, reads the plays and my notes to refresh my memory.  She was
+reading King Lear this afternoon, and I was much stirred by the sad
+trials of the poor old king.  I mentally compared my lot with his and
+found that the advantage is mine.  He had no home, two ungrateful
+daughters, and, as far as I can learn, no 'shadow of a rock in a weary
+land.'  I have a comfortable dwelling, small though it is, two good and
+loving daughters, a work which gives me great pleasure, and the hope of
+a sure abiding place not made with hands.  What more could a man
+desire?"
+
+"You are indeed to be congratulated," Douglas replied.  "And much
+pleasure lies ahead of you when your book is published.  You will have
+the satisfaction of knowing that it will be of great interest and
+assistance to many.  I, for one, shall look forward to reading it."
+
+"Will you really?" and the old man's face beamed with pleasure.  "But
+perhaps you would like to see it in manuscript?  I have not shown it to
+any one outside my own household.  You are the first I have talked to
+in this way about my work.  Nell!  Nan!" he called.
+
+"What is it, father?" Nell asked, as she at that instant appeared
+carrying a large tray in her hands.
+
+"Bring the work, Nell.  I want to show it to Mr. Handyman."
+
+"Suppose you wait until after supper, father," his daughter suggested.
+"Everything is all ready, and when we are through, you can show it to
+Mr. Handyman."
+
+"But I need it now."
+
+"Very well, then," and Nell gave the order to Nan.
+
+It took but a few minutes to spread the white cloth upon the grass and
+arrange the dishes.
+
+"I am afraid this is a very humble supper," Nell apologised, as she sat
+down upon the ground and began to pour the tea.
+
+"Surely you do not call this humble!" Douglas replied.  "It has been a
+long time since I have seen such bread and cake.  And what delicious
+strawberries!"
+
+"They are Nell's," the professor proudly explained.  "She is the
+gardener here."
+
+"What about Nan, father?  You must give her some credit."
+
+"Oh, I don't count, especially when it comes to farming," and Nan gave
+her pretty head a slight toss.  "I'm willing to let Nell take all the
+credit."
+
+Douglas felt perfectly at home now.  It was such a bright and happy
+time, and he was sorry when the meal was finished.  He could not
+understand the mystery surrounding the visit of the professor and his
+daughter to the city, begging on the streets for money.  Why had they
+done it? he asked himself, when they seemed to have everything that
+they needed.
+
+"Now, Nan, bring me my box of cigars," her father ordered when supper
+was over.
+
+"Cigars!" the girl exclaimed in surprise.  "Why, daddy, you have been
+keeping them as if they were precious jewels."
+
+"I know it, dear.  But jewels must be used sometime, and so must
+cigars.  I have kept them for rare days, and this is one of them.
+Since my old friend Dr. Royden visited me, I have had no one to take a
+keen interest in my work until to-day.  When he sent me those cigars
+the following Christmas, he wrote that they were extra good ones, and
+were to be kept for special occasions.  My old pipe will serve when I
+am alone, but to-day we must have cigars."
+
+Douglas noticed that Nell was much pleased to see her father in such
+excellent spirits.  She touched the match to his cigar, and watched him
+as he blew the smoke into the air with considerable relish.  What a
+picture she would make sitting there, he thought.  She seemed to be
+wholly unaware of her charm and grace of manner, reminding him of some
+beautiful flower radiating an unconscious influence of sweetness,
+purity and joy.
+
+"This is one of the most delightful afternoons I have ever spent,"
+Douglas remarked.  "What a beautiful place you have here, with the
+river right near, and the spire of the church showing above the tree
+tops.  I wish I were an artist.  By the way, I was around the church
+this morning, and everything shows signs of neglect.  It struck me as
+rather sad and strange."
+
+As there was no reply, he glanced toward Nell and was surprised to see
+an anxious expression upon her face.  She gave her head a slight shake
+and held up a warning finger.  He looked quickly at her father, and saw
+that his face had undergone a remarkable change.  He was sitting
+motionless, clutching his cigar between the fingers of his right hand.
+Presently, his lips moved and he spoke in short, jerky sentences.
+
+"Strange, you ask?" he demanded.  "Why strange?  What else could be
+expected?  Half-fledged parsons strutting around as if they owned the
+universe.  Little wonder the church is closed.  And what of the people?
+Look at the leaders in this parish."
+
+"Hush, hush, father, dear," Nell interposed.  "Don't get excited."
+
+"I'm not excited; I'm just stating plain facts.  You know about Si
+Stubbles as well as I do."
+
+"But Mr. Handyman is a stranger, remember, father, and we must not
+trouble him with such things on this his first visit."
+
+"Excuse me, sir," and the old man leaned forward, as if he would look
+into his visitor's face.  "Nell is quite right; she is always right,
+and I shall say no more about this painful subject to-day."
+
+Nell at once began to gather up the neglected supper dishes, and
+Douglas felt that it was about time that he was going.  He noticed that
+she seemed somewhat nervous and excited.  At first he thought it was
+due to her father's words, but as he caught her giving a quick and an
+occasional glance toward the shore, he believed that she was expecting
+to meet some one there in a few minutes.  He wondered who it was, and
+he felt that Nell was not altogether pleased at the idea of seeing the
+one who was expecting to meet her there.  The thought gave him
+considerable satisfaction, though he could not explain why.
+
+"You will come again soon, will you not?" the professor asked, as
+Douglas bade him good-by.
+
+"I should like to very much," was the reply.  "I am most anxious to see
+your book, and hear more about it."
+
+"Certainly, certainly.  That will give me great pleasure.  I intended
+to discuss it with you this evening, but I do not feel equal to it now."
+
+"And I want to hear some of your wonderful music," Nell remarked.  "I
+am so sorry that you have not played anything this evening."
+
+"There is nothing wonderful about it, I assure you, Miss Strong.  Just
+ordinary music."
+
+"It is wonderful," Nan declared.  "I have heard you twice now, and I
+guess I know.  And when you come next time, remember you're not going
+to play all the time, nor talk book nor Church matters; you're going to
+talk to me.  I've got a whole string of questions I want to ask you,
+and this afternoon I've had to be as mum as an oyster."
+
+"All right, then," Douglas laughingly replied.  "I shall see that you
+are not overlooked the next time I come."
+
+The western sky was all aglow as Douglas walked slowly along the road.
+There was a sweet peace over meadow and forest.  The thought of Nell
+brought a thrill to his heart and a strange new peace into his soul, It
+was the mystic glow, the prelude of the coming night, and the dawn of a
+new to-morrow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+PRIDE AND IMPUDENCE
+
+It was not easy for Douglas to get to sleep that night.  He thought
+much about the Bentons and their anxiety over their wayward daughter.
+How sad it was that a young life should be so quickly and easily ruined
+in the city.  He knew that there were many such cases, of mere girls,
+carefully reared, who were drawn to the city only to be singed or
+ruined, as moths by the glaring flame.  An angry feeling came into his
+heart, as he recalled how little was being done to keep such girls from
+destruction.  He thought of Dr. Rannage, and his indifference to such
+matters.  Instead of talking, always talking, he could accomplish so
+much by throwing the weight of his influence as rector of St.
+Margaret's into the cause.
+
+From the Bentons and their troubles, his mind drifted on to the
+professor and his daughters.  He became greatly puzzled over their
+position.  They had a comfortable home, and seemed to be doing well.
+Why, then, was it necessary for the blind old man and Nan to beg on the
+city streets?  Did Nell know about it? he wondered.  A vision of her
+beauty and grace of manner rose before him.  What strength of character
+she seemed to possess, and how thoughtful she was of her father's
+comfort.  But what was the mystery surrounding the man she was in the
+habit of meeting by the old tree on the shore?  It was quite evident
+that her father knew nothing about it.  He longed to know more, and the
+professor's antagonism to "parsons" and church "leaders in the parish."
+
+He thought over these problems the next morning as he worked in the
+field.  Jake might know something, but he did not care to ask him.  He
+did not wish his employer to have any idea that he was interested in
+the Strongs.  Though he would not acknowledge it to himself, yet his
+hesitation, in fact, was due to the feeling that in some way the real
+secret of his heart might be revealed.  He did not wish to let others
+have the slightest hint of the deep impression Nell had already made
+upon him.
+
+Just as they had finished dinner, a neighbour, driving down the road,
+left a message for Jake.  It was from Si Stubbles, who wanted Jake to
+help him that afternoon with his hay.  He was short-handed at the mill
+and could not spare a man for the field.
+
+"That's jist like Si," Jake growled, as the neighbour drove away.
+"He's always thinkin' of himself, an' can't seem to see that others
+have hay to git in."
+
+"But you don't have to go, do you?" Douglas asked.  "It isn't fair to
+ask you to leave your own hay."
+
+"H'm, that's all very well in theory.  But I guess ye don't know Si
+yit.  If I don't help him this afternoon, he'll never fergit it, an'
+next winter, when I want a job with my team, he'll remember it.  Si
+wouldn't fergit, not on yer life."
+
+"Suppose I go, then, in your place," Douglas suggested.  "It will be
+better for you to stay here as you know more about your own work."
+
+"Would ye mind?" Jake asked, much relieved.  "You will do jist as well
+as me."
+
+Douglas was only too glad to go.  He did want to meet Si Stubbles of
+whom he had heard so much, and this was too good an opportunity to
+miss.  He would, no doubt, see Stubbles, and thus be able to form an
+opinion of the man without arousing any suspicion.  He would be a
+farm-hand and nothing more.
+
+The Stubbles' house was an imposing one, situated but a short distance
+from the main highway.  A spacious verandah ran around the front and
+sides, several feet from the ground.  Everything about the place was in
+excellent condition, the lawn well kept, and the hedges neatly trimmed.
+To protect the grounds from trespassers, a strong wire fence had been
+erected along the road, and the gate leading to the house was always
+kept closed.  A board fastened to the gate bore the imposing name of
+"The Castle" in bright gilded letters.
+
+As Douglas opened the gate and entered, a team had just rounded the
+corner of the house on its way to the barn.  As it came in front of the
+house, Stubbles himself appeared upon the verandah, carrying a table
+napkin in his hand, for he had not yet finished his dinner.  He was in
+no pleasant frame of mind, and was furiously berating the teamster.
+
+"What do you mean by driving in front of the house?" he demanded.
+"Don't you know any better?"
+
+"I've got to git that hay down there in the corner," the teamster
+surlily replied.  "If I don't go in this way, how am I to git out, I'd
+like to know?  I can't turn down there."
+
+"Carry the hay out, then, you lazy rascal."
+
+"It'll take me all the afternoon to do it, an' then ye'll growl at me
+if I don't git done before night."
+
+"None of your impudence to me," Stubbles roared.  "I'll make an example
+of you if you dare to speak that way again."
+
+He was livid with anger, and, forgetting where he was, he took a step
+forward as if he would then and there chastise the man with his own
+hands.  As he did so, he stepped off the platform, and with a wild
+shriek and a frantic effort to save himself, he went headfirst down the
+steps to the ground below.
+
+Douglas had been standing not far off listening with considerable
+interest to the angry conversation between master and man.  But when he
+saw Stubbles take the wild plunge, he rushed forward and picked up the
+injured man.  The latter was groaning and cursing, contending that he
+was killed, and that the teamster was to blame for the accident.
+
+Lifting him in his arms, Douglas carried him up the steps just as Mrs.
+Stubbles came from the house.
+
+"Oh! what is the matter?" she cried.  "What has happened to Simie?"
+
+"He's had a bad fall," Douglas replied.  "Hold the door open while I
+carry him into the house.  Show me where to lay him."
+
+Into the sitting-room he carried the wounded man, and placed him upon a
+large sofa near the window.  Mrs. Stubbles followed, and stood over her
+husband, wringing her hands in despair.
+
+"Are you much hurt, Simie?" she asked.  "Shall I send for the doctor?"
+
+"Shut up your bawling!" her husband ordered.  "I'm not killed, though I
+thought I was at first.  Get some warm water and bathe my bruises.
+Confound that teamster!  I'll discharge him at once.  What business had
+he to drive in front of the house and then talk back to me as he did?
+When is Ben coming back?"
+
+"He expected to get home this morning," Mrs. Stubbles replied.
+
+"He expected to do so, did he?  H'm, he's always expecting to do things
+he never does.  He should have been here to look after the haying.
+I've got too many things on my mind already without having to bother
+with that."
+
+"Don't be too hard on the dear boy, Simie.  He is to bring the girls,
+you know.  They must have delayed him."
+
+"Yes, yes, that's just like you; always excusing Ben, the worthless
+scamp.  If he were as interested in business as he is in running around
+in the car and spending so much time in the city, what a help he would
+be to me.  But hurry up with that water, can't you?  My, I'm sore!"
+
+"You won't need me any more now, I suppose," Douglas remarked when Mrs.
+Stubbles had left the room.  "I might as well get to work."
+
+"Who are you, anyway?" the injured man asked, turning his little
+squinting eyes upon Douglas' face.  For the first time he seemed to
+realise that it was a stranger who had assisted him.
+
+"I am John Handyman, Jake Jukes' help," was the reply.  "I have come to
+give you a hand with the hay this afternoon."
+
+"And isn't Jake coming?"
+
+"No.  He has hay of his own to get in, and so I offered to come in his
+stead."
+
+"Just like Jake," Stubbles growled, "always thinking of himself.  He
+knows very well what a fix I am in.  I don't know what this place is
+coming to, anyway.  One can't get a neighbour to do a hand's turn, and
+the men you hire these days are as impudent as the devil."
+
+"Don't you worry about the hay," Douglas soothed.  "We can get it in
+all right this afternoon."
+
+"Do you know anything about haying?"
+
+"I was brought up on a farm, and should know something about it."
+
+"You look big and strong enough," and Stubbles viewed him from head to
+foot.  "Say, are you the chap who beat Jake in a wrestling bout lately?"
+
+"So you heard about that little encounter, did you?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I naturally hear of such things sooner or later.  But what
+are you doing here, anyway?  You don't look like a man who has been in
+the habit of hiring out."
+
+"I'm just trying to earn my daily bread, and farming suits me at the
+present time."
+
+"I suppose I'll have to put up with you," Stubbles growled.  "Get to
+work at once, and no fooling, mind."
+
+Douglas found the teamster a pleasant working companion, who loaded the
+hay on the wagon.
+
+"How is Si feelin' now?" he enquired.
+
+"Oh, I guess he's all right.  He had a nasty fall and might have been
+killed."
+
+"H'm, that old cuss won't die that way.  It would be too easy a death.
+If he doesn't bust when he gits in one of them mad fits of his, he'll
+be skinned alive by somebody one of these days.  I'd like to be around
+an' hear him squeal.  It would make up fer a great deal of impudence
+I've stood, to say nuthin' of his confounded pride, as well as the
+whole darn family.  But I kin put up with Si better than I kin with
+Ben; he's the limit."
+
+"What's the matter with him?"
+
+"Well, Si knows a little about farmin', but Ben knows no more about it
+than I do about harnessin' up a baby with pins, strings, ribbons, an'
+all its other gear.  Ben thinks he knows, an' that's where he makes a
+fool of himself.  He gives orders which no one in his right mind would
+think of obeyin', an' then he gits as mad as blazes when ye don't do as
+he says."
+
+"Is Ben the only son?" Douglas asked.
+
+"Thank goodness, yes.  One is bad enough, dear knows, but if there were
+more, ugh!"
+
+"What does Ben do?"
+
+"Do?  Well, I wouldn't like to tell ye."
+
+"Does he work at anything, I mean?"
+
+"Not a tap.  He depends upon his dad fer a livin'.  See what he did
+this mornin'.  Instead of stayin' home an' lookin' after the hayin', he
+went to the city.  That's what he's always doin'; runnin' away when
+there's work to be done."
+
+"He was home yesterday, was he not?"
+
+"Y'bet yer life he was, especially in the evenin'.  He's ginerally
+around about that time."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Oh, he's struck on the old professor's daughter.  Her father doesn't
+like the Stubbles crowd, an' so Ben sneaks around there after he's in
+bed."
+
+"Isn't it strange that the professor's daughter would do such a thing?"
+
+"Now ye've got me," and the teamster gave a savage thrust at a forkful
+of hay Douglas had just handed up.  "The whole thing is a mystery.
+Nell's as fine a girl as ever wore shoe-leather, an' why she meets that
+feller in the evenin' beats me."
+
+Douglas made no reply to these words, but went on quietly with his
+work.  So it was Ben Stubbles who met Nell Strong every night by the
+old tree!  Surely she must know something about his life if what the
+teamster had just told him were true.  He could not understand it.  She
+did not seem like a woman who would have anything to do with such a
+worthless character.  And yet she was meeting him regularly, and at the
+game time deceiving her blind old father.
+
+The hay in the corner field had all been loaded, and the teamster was
+stooping for the reins, when the raucous honk of an auto caused him to
+pause and look toward the road.
+
+"It's Ben an' the girls now," he exclaimed.  "Ye'd better open the
+gate."
+
+"Oh, I guess they will get through all right," Douglas replied.
+
+"No, ye'd better go," the teamster urged.  "Ben'll be as mad as the
+devil if ye don't.  If ye won't, then I'll have to git down an' do it.
+There, he's tootin' his horn agin.  He's pretty mad, I can tell ye
+that."
+
+Carrying his fork over his shoulder, Douglas walked deliberately across
+the field toward the gate.  He did not wish to hurry, as he wanted to
+see how angry Ben could become, and what he would do.
+
+"Get a move on there, you lazy devil!" Ben shouted.  "Didn't you hear
+the horn?"
+
+Douglas had almost reached the gate, when he suddenly stopped and
+stared at the man in the car.  He had seen that face before only for a
+few seconds beneath the electric light at Long Wharf on the waterfront.
+But he would have known it anywhere, for it had been indelibly
+impressed upon his memory.  So Ben Stubbles was the contemptible coward
+who had pushed that woman into the water and left her to her fate!  He
+had often longed to come face to face with that man, and he had planned
+what he would do when they met.  But here he was before him, haughty
+and impudent, Nell's lover, and the son of the autocrat of Rixton.
+
+"What in h---- are you staring at?" Ben demanded.  "Didn't you ever see
+human beings before?  Open the gate, and be damned quick about it, too."
+
+The blood surged madly through Douglas' veins, and to relieve his
+feelings he clutched the gate and tore it open.  The occupants of the
+car were greatly amused at his alacrity, and attributed it to fear.
+
+"That stirred your stumps, all right, didn't it?" Ben sneered, as the
+car lurched past and then sped up the drive-way.
+
+Douglas closed the gate, fastened it, and hastened to the barn where
+the teamster was awaiting him.  He climbed into the loft and stowed
+away the hay as it was handed up to him.  At times he hardly knew what
+he was doing, so greatly was his mind agitated.  Why had he not given
+that fellow the sound thrashing he deserved?  And yet he was thankful
+that he had controlled himself, as he might have spoiled all his plans
+had he given way to hasty action.  He worked with a feverish haste all
+that afternoon, and talked but little.  This change puzzled the
+teamster, and he advised him to take his time.
+
+"It's no use killin' yerself," he told him.  "Si Stubbles won't thank
+ye if ye work yer head off."
+
+"I want to get through with this job," Douglas replied.  "I'm not
+working by the day as you are, and Jake needs me."
+
+When the last of the hay had been unloaded, Douglas left the barn and
+started for the road.  He had not seen Ben since the encounter at the
+gate, and he was hoping that he would not meet him again that
+afternoon.  He did not feel altogether sure of himself, and he needed
+time and quietness to think carefully over what he had better do.
+
+He was part way down to the road when he heard some one calling.
+Stopping and looking back, he saw that it was Ben hurrying after him.
+As he approached, Douglas saw that his manner was altogether changed,
+and he seemed quite affable.  He was dressed in a white tennis-suit,
+and he looked cool and self-possessed.
+
+"Say," he began, "I understand you play the fiddle."
+
+"Well, what of it?" Douglas curtly questioned.
+
+"You really do, then?"
+
+"Yes, when I feel like it."
+
+"Won't you feel like it to-night?  You see, there's to be a dance in
+the hall this evening, but the man who generally plays is sick."
+
+"Can't you get any one else?"
+
+"No one who can really play.  There is a chap who tries to, but you
+would think he was filing a saw instead of playing a fiddle."
+
+"Perhaps I can't do any better."
+
+"Oh, you'll be all right.  Jake and his wife have heard you, and so has
+Empty."
+
+"And Empty spread the report, did he?"
+
+"Yes.  But, say, you'll play, won't you?"
+
+Douglas did not reply at once.  He wondered what Ben would say if he
+told him what he knew about his contemptible act at Long Wharf.  He did
+not want to play at the dance, and yet he knew it would be too good an
+opportunity to miss.  He would see many of the young people of Rixton,
+and learn things which might prove of great assistance.
+
+"Where is the hall?" he at length asked.
+
+"Down at Kane's corner, about a mile and a half from here."
+
+"What time does the dance begin?"
+
+"Oh, about nine o'clock.  The crowd won't get there much before that."
+
+"Very well, then, I will be there and do the best I can."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE FACE AT THE DOOR
+
+It was after nine before the dance in the hall at the Corner began.
+Douglas was there early, and he watched with much interest the arrival
+of the various young couples.  He did not know any of them, and as he
+sat back in one corner he mused upon their lives, and wondered how many
+of them would be members of his flock in the years to come.  They gave
+the stranger who was to play for them that night but passing glances,
+though all had heard of his prowess as a wrestler.  But if they had
+only known who he really was, how curiously they would have observed
+his every movement.
+
+Douglas was much pleased at the quiet way in which the young men and
+women conducted themselves.  There was no loud talking, and when the
+dance began, they took their places upon the floor without any undue
+commotion.  They danced well and it was a real pleasure for him to
+play.  He was quite familiar with the dances, and he recalled just such
+events in his own home village years before, when he himself had taken
+a leading part.  He smiled grimly to himself as he thought of what his
+Bishop and certain of his brother clergymen would say if they could see
+him playing the fiddle at a country dance.
+
+Among those upon the floor there was one couple which attracted his
+special attention.  They danced well, and seemed greatly devoted to
+each other.  The man was good-looking, and a fine specimen of physical
+strength.  His partner was of medium height, neatly dressed, and
+remarkably pretty.  Her eyes danced with pleasure, and her whole body
+moved in a graceful rhythm to the music, and occasionally she cast a
+grateful glance toward the player.  She evidently enjoyed good music
+when she heard it.  Everywhere there seemed to be perfect peace and
+harmony, and to Douglas the dancers appeared like one big family.  They
+all knew one another, and were happy together.
+
+During the intermission which followed the first dance, Ben Stubbles
+and his sisters, Miss Annabel and Miss Maria, arrived.  They were
+accompanied by Nell, who looked, Douglas thought, prettier than ever.
+She had no right to come with the Stubbles, so thought he, and she
+seemed to be out of place with them.
+
+A new atmosphere now pervaded the room.  The feeling of harmony had
+vanished, and it was easy for Douglas to tell that this was due to the
+presence of Ben and his sisters.  Their pride and haughtiness were most
+apparent, and Ben dominated the gathering.
+
+He and Nell were partners in the first dance.  Douglas' eyes followed
+them as they moved around the room, and in and out among the others.
+Nell fascinated him, though it was quite evident that she was not
+happy.  There was no light of pleasure in her eyes, and her face was
+unusually pale.  Though she danced well, yet she had the appearance of
+one who was moving almost mechanically.  This appealed to Douglas more
+than if she had shown a great vivacity of spirit.  There was something
+tragic about her face and manner, which, in fact was almost akin to
+despair.  What could it be? the player wondered.  How he longed to know
+the mystery surrounding her young life, and why she was acting a part
+for which she evidently had no liking.
+
+When the dance was finished, Nell came to where Douglas was sitting and
+took a chair by his side.  A slight sigh of relief escaped her lips,
+which Douglas was not slow to notice.
+
+"Are you tired?" he asked.
+
+"Very," was the low reply.  "I have been working hard all day, and this
+dance is too much for me."
+
+"You dance well.  It was a great pleasure to watch you."
+
+"Was it?" and she looked at him with large, grateful eyes.  "No one
+could help dancing well with such music.  This is something new for
+you, is it not?"
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"It is merely a notion of mine.  We have never had such playing here
+before."
+
+"I suppose you know every one here?" Douglas queried, wishing to change
+the subject of conversation.
+
+"Oh, yes.  I know them quite well."
+
+"Who, then, is that fine-looking young man just across from me with the
+pretty girl by his side?"
+
+"That is Tom Morrison, who, next to Jake Jukes, is the best wrestler in
+the parish.  The girl is Susie Stephenson.  They are to be married in
+September, so it is reported."
+
+"They seem to be very happy in each other's company."
+
+"They are now," was all the information Nell vouchsafed in reply, and
+then became suddenly silent.
+
+This was the only conversation Douglas had with Nell that evening.  She
+was too much in demand to remain long off the floor, tired though she
+was.  Douglas noticed that Ben did not miss a dance, and that whenever
+he came near Tom Morrison there was some trouble.  Ben seemed to make a
+special effort either to crowd him off the floor or to interfere with
+his movements.  Tom endeavoured to keep out of his way and not to make
+any trouble.  It was plain that he was very angry, for his face had
+lost its bright, sunny expression and was dark and lowering.  His habit
+of always retreating puzzled Douglas.  "Why doesn't he give the
+impudent fellow warning to leave him alone?" he asked himself.  "I know
+what I should do.  That cad deserves a thrashing, if ever any one did,
+and I believe Tom could do it without any trouble."
+
+During the fifth dance Ben again claimed Nell as his partner.  They had
+not been long on the floor when Ben became suddenly agitated.  His face
+went white as death, and his staring eyes were turned toward the door.
+Douglas, too, looked, and the surprise he received caused him to stop
+playing.  There, looking in at the open door, was the face of a woman.
+He remembered it at once, for it was the face of the same woman he had
+rescued from the harbour at Long Wharf.  He glanced toward Ben, and saw
+that he had left Nell and was moving slowly toward the door.
+
+There was a breathless hush, now, in the hall, as all watched to see
+what would happen next.  The face at the door had been withdrawn, and
+as Ben passed out into the night Douglas again struck up the music, and
+the dance was continued.  Nell sat apart by herself.  Her face was very
+pale, and her hands lying in her lap were clenched hard together.  Many
+curious glances were cast upon her, though she did not appear to notice
+them.
+
+Douglas felt very sorry for Nell.  He realised that she must be
+suffering greatly.  He himself was more excited than was his wont,
+though outwardly he remained calm and went on with his playing.  Who
+could the woman be? he wondered.  She must have followed her false
+lover to Rixton, and had awaited the moment when he was dancing with
+Nell Strong.  From Ben's excitement, he surmised that the villain
+believed that she was dead and would trouble him no longer.
+
+The dance had just finished as Ben came back into the hall.  He was
+still pale, and his face was somewhat haggard.  Crossing the floor, he
+chose a partner and called out for the music.  As Douglas was in no
+hurry to obey, Ben ripped forth an angry oath and demanded what was the
+matter.  Douglas was tempted to play no more, but being anxious to see
+how far Ben would carry his reckless spirit which now possessed him, he
+did as he was bidden.
+
+Soon the dancers were in full swing, among whom were Tom Morrison and
+Susie Stephenson.  Ben now began to interfere with every one on the
+floor, choosing out Tom and Susie for special attention.  It was quite
+evident to Douglas that all tried to keep out of his way, but the more
+they tried the more Ben was determined to produce a quarrel.  The
+climax was reached when, coming near a young couple, he deliberately
+surged against them and sent the girl reeling against the nearby wall.
+
+At that instant the music ceased.  Douglas waited for a few seconds
+while all eyes were turned in his direction.
+
+"I shall not play another note," he calmly began, "unless Mr. Stubbles
+decides to behave in a proper manner."
+
+"What's that?" Ben demanded, somewhat surprised that any one should
+dare to rebuke him.
+
+"Didn't you hear what I said?" Douglas asked, as he laid aside his
+violin and rose to his feet.  "I said that I would not play another
+note unless you decide to behave in a proper manner."
+
+"Do you mean to insinuate that I have not been behaving myself?" Ben
+retorted.
+
+"I did more than insinuate.  And I say further that you have been
+behaving disgracefully and not at all like a gentleman."
+
+"You impudent cur," Ben roared as he stepped forward.  "How dare you
+speak to me like that?  Take back those words at once or I'll make an
+example of you."
+
+"Come and do it, then.  I will meet you half way," and Douglas advanced
+toward him as he spoke.
+
+But Ben hesitated.  He found himself in a fix, and did not know how to
+get out of the tangle.  His bluffs had always been effective in the
+past, and no one had dared to oppose him simply because he was Simon
+Stubbles' son.  But here was a man, a stranger, who looked very big to
+him, just then, standing before him and challenging his right to rule.
+Ben was no fighter, and no one knew it better than himself.  He was a
+coward at heart, and his present embarrassing position unnerved him.
+He glanced quickly around and seeing the eyes of all riveted upon him
+made him angry.  If he should back down, he well knew that he would be
+the laughing-stock of the whole parish.
+
+"Are you going to take back those words?" he at length found voice to
+ask.
+
+"Not unless you make me," Douglas calmly replied.  "Now is your chance."
+
+"Do you realise who I am?" Ben roared, thinking to intimidate his
+opponent.
+
+"I have a fairly good idea.  But that doesn't make any difference.
+It's you I am dealing with now, and not your father."
+
+"But I can drive you out of this parish.  I can make it so hot for you
+that you won't dare to stay here another day."
+
+"H'm," and Douglas gave a slight sarcastic laugh.  "Why don't you do
+it, then?  Here is your chance.  Make it hot for me, and let me feel
+some of your great driving power."
+
+These deliberate and tantalising words stirred Ben to the highest pitch
+of anger.  He threw all discretion to the winds, and raved, cursed and
+stamped in his fury.
+
+"Stop that," Douglas sternly ordered, stepping forward and laying his
+right hand firmly upon his shoulder.  "If you have no respect for
+yourself, have it for the ladies who are present."
+
+Ben's only reply was to throw aside the warning hand and hit his
+opponent a blow in the face.  Like lightning Douglas suddenly reached
+out, seized Ben in his arms, lifted him bodily from the floor, and
+hurried with him toward the door.  Ben tore and scratched like a
+wildcat in his efforts to free himself.  But he was helpless in the
+powerful grip, and soon he found himself tumbling down the steps
+leading to the hall.
+
+Douglas stood for a few seconds at the door looking out into the night.
+Then he turned and walked slowly back across the room, picked up his
+violin and put it into its case.
+
+"I think it best to discontinue the dance," he told the people who were
+watching him with keenest interest.  "I am in no mood for playing any
+more to-night."
+
+As he spoke his eyes happened to rest upon the Stubbles sisters, who
+were standing together on the opposite side of the hall.  Scorn and
+anger were depicted upon their faces as they glared upon him.  It was
+the elder, Miss Annabel, who gave the parting thrust.  She stepped
+quickly forward into the middle of the room, and looked about over the
+gathering.
+
+"When you have another dance," she began, "see to it that you get some
+one to play who has the instincts of a gentleman.  Pa will be greatly
+annoyed when he hears how our pleasant evening has been spoiled, and by
+an unknown farm-hand at that."  She emphasised "farm-hand" and cast a
+look of withering scorn upon Douglas.
+
+The latter bowed slightly before this outburst, and picked up his
+violin.
+
+"I feel that all the reasonable ones here to-night know quite well who
+spoiled the dance," he replied.  "They can judge for themselves who has
+shown the want of the instincts of a true gentleman."
+
+Having said this, he moved swiftly toward the door and disappeared into
+the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+ASTRAY ON THE HILLS
+
+Leaving the hall, Douglas walked slowly up the road.  He had partly
+expected to find Ben waiting outside, but he was nowhere to be seen.
+Douglas had not gone far, however, ere an auto overtook him and went by
+at great speed.  He knew very well who was the driver, though he could
+not tell how many were in the car.  He smiled grimly to himself as he
+thought of Ben's anger, and he wondered in what way he would try to
+wreak a suitable revenge.  He realised now that the Stubbles were his
+principal opponents in the place, and he felt quite sure that they had
+been the chief cause of the trouble in church affairs in the past.  Why
+did the people allow them to rule in such an autocratic way? he asked
+himself.  Surely there was some one strong enough to oppose their pride
+and impudence.
+
+It was a beautiful evening, and Douglas was in no hurry to reach home.
+Several teams overtook him, and as they approached, the animated voices
+became stilled.  All knew the silent man walking alone in the night,
+and they waited until they were well past before resuming their
+conversation.
+
+At length he came to the brow of the hill where it dipped into the
+valley, and here a most glorious scene was presented to his view.
+Beyond, lay the river, without a ripple disturbing its surface.  Above,
+shone the moon, and across the water a stream of light lay like a path
+of burnished silver, leading to a world of enchantment beyond.
+Douglas' heart was deeply stirred at the sight, and he sat down under a
+fir which stood on the edge of a clump of trees, and leaned back
+against the trunk.  He feasted his soul upon the magnificent panorama
+before him.  It was just what he needed to dispel the miasma which had
+been gathering around him owing to his recent contact with the
+Stubbles.  The air, rich and fragrant with the scent of new-mown hay,
+stimulated him like a magic elixir.  Mother Nature was in one of her
+most gentle moods, and with unseen fingers soothed both heart and brain
+of her ardent worshipper.
+
+Ere long, the sound of voices fell upon his ears, causing him to listen
+attentively.  Several people were walking slowly along the road
+discussing the incident at the hall.
+
+"He's in for it now, all right."  It was a man who spoke.
+
+"What can Ben do?"  It was a woman who asked the question.  "He was
+given the chance to fight it out there and then, but he acted like a
+fool."
+
+"Ha, ha, Ben was cornered for once to-night.  It needed a stranger to
+bring him to his senses."
+
+"Who is that man, anyway?  I liked the way he behaved, and his playing
+was so nice."
+
+Douglas could not hear what the man said in reply, though he longed to
+know.  It gave him a degree of comfort, however, to feel that all did
+not blame him for the disturbance at the hall.  He knew how necessary
+it was to win the good will of the people in general if he expected to
+work among them in the future.
+
+For some time he sat there, and then continued on his way.  He had just
+reached the foot of the hill when he saw some one coming toward him.
+Soon he was able to recognise the form of Joe Benton, the shoemaker.
+
+"You are out late to-night," Douglas accosted.  "You seem to be in a
+great hurry.  Is anything wrong?"
+
+Joe came up close and looked keenly into the young man's face.
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" he panted.  "Have you seen anything of my lass?"
+
+"Not to my knowledge."
+
+"No?"  There was something so pathetic about the way that single word
+was uttered, that Douglas' heart ached for the old man.
+
+"When did she leave home?" he asked.
+
+"Just after supper."
+
+"Oh, she'll come back all right, never fear."
+
+"Ah, but Jean's so changed," and Joe clutched Douglas by the arm.
+"She's not what she used to be.  Before she went to the city I had no
+fear about her not coming home in proper time.  But now it is
+different.  There's something troubling the lass, and I believe her
+mind is affected.  Oh, it is terrible!"
+
+"Has she told you anything?"
+
+"No, not a word.  It's not like Jean.  She used to tell us everything.
+She was a child then; but now--Lord have mercy upon her!"
+
+As Douglas stood there watching the heart-broken old man, a sudden idea
+flashed into his mind.  Had he really seen Jean?  Was it her face he
+had beheld at the hall door?  Yes, he felt almost certain that it was
+she, the same woman he had rescued from the water of the harbour.  But
+what should he do?  Dare he tell Joe all about it, and how Ben Stubbles
+had tried to destroy her?
+
+As he thought over these things, the shoemaker was standing looking out
+over the fields.  Only by the light of the moon could Douglas see his
+face, and he noticed that it was very haggard.  But he could not see
+the fire of anger which was kindling in his eyes.  Only when the bent
+form straightened itself with a jerk, and a tense arm was thrust out,
+did he fully realise the greatness of his emotion.
+
+"My Jean is not to blame," he cried.  "She is as innocent as a child.
+Some villain has injured her, and I must find him.  And when I do----"
+
+"You will forgive him," Douglas added, as Joe paused for lack of
+suitable words to express his wrath.
+
+"Forgive him!  Why should I forgive a man who has ruined my lass?"
+
+"Because you are so bidden by the Great Master."
+
+Joe looked quickly up into his companion's face, and his body somewhat
+relaxed.
+
+"But did he ever suffer like this?" he questioned.
+
+"Surely you know what he endured."
+
+"Ay, ay, I have read it all.  But look, I could bear all that easier
+than this.  I could stand to have my body torn to pieces bit by bit
+rather than see my darling child, my baby, injured.  Was His suffering
+anything like mine?"
+
+"'God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son,'" Douglas
+quoted.  "Have you forgotten what He said?"
+
+Joe made no reply.  A great struggle was going on in his heart between
+right and wrong, and Douglas pitied him.  Just then the sound of some
+one hurrying across the field diverted their attention.  In a moment
+Empty had leaped the fence and stopped suddenly before them.  He was
+startled to see the two men standing there, and peered intently into
+their faces.
+
+"Gee!" he exclaimed.  "Ye nearly jolted me to slivers."
+
+"Empty, have you seen my Jean?" Joe eagerly enquired.
+
+"Sure.  She's out on the hills.  I was jist hustlin' to tell ye."
+
+"On the hills!" Joe repeated.  "What is she doing but there?"
+
+"Search me!  I don't know what she's doin' there, an' I guess she
+doesn't."
+
+"W-what do you mean?"  There was an anxious note in the old man's voice.
+
+"Well, she's been wanderin' round there fer some time now, talkin' to
+herself strange like, an' singin'.  She gives me the shivers, that's
+what she does.  It ain't nat'ral fer Jean to be actin' that way.  Ye'd
+better come an' see fer yerself."
+
+Silently the two men followed Empty across the field, and up the side
+of a hill.  At the top was a fence, and as they came to this, Empty
+paused and peered cautiously through the rails, and held up a warning
+finger.
+
+"S-s-h," he whispered.  "There she is now.  Ye kin jist see her.  She's
+comin' this way.  Listen; she's singin'!"
+
+This hill had been used as a sheep pasture for many years.  It was a
+desolate place, devoid of trees, and full of stones.  Looking across
+this barren waste, Douglas was soon able to detect the form of a woman
+silhouetted against the sky.  Yes, she was singing, and he was able to
+recognise the words:
+
+  "Truer love can never be;
+  Will ye no come back to me?"
+
+
+Joe could now restrain himself no longer.  With the cry of "Jean!
+Jean!" he scrambled over the fence, and made straight for the advancing
+woman.  Empty was about to follow, when Douglas laid a firm hand upon
+his arm and drew him back.
+
+"Don't go yet," he ordered.  "It's better for us to keep out of sight
+for a while.  Her father can do more than we can, and our presence
+might frighten her."
+
+Joe's cry had startled Jean and she stopped singing.  Seeing him coming
+toward her, she stood for a few seconds watching him.  Then she turned
+and fled along the path she had recently travelled, and disappeared
+among the rocks.
+
+Then it was that Douglas leaped over the fence and hastened forward,
+with Empty close at his heels.  For a few minutes he was guided by
+Joe's voice as he called to his daughter.  Then all was silent, and
+though he and Empty searched long and patiently, they could not find
+the missing ones.
+
+"Well, I'll be jiggered!" Empty ejaculated, as he sat down upon a rock
+to rest.  "I can't make out what has happened to 'em.  Guess it's not
+much use huntin' any more.  We'd better go home now an' git somethin'
+to eat.  I'm most starved."
+
+Douglas realised that it would be useless to search any longer just
+then.  He would go with Empty, wait at his place until daybreak, and
+then return if Joe did not reappear.
+
+The house to which Empty led him was a humble one.  A woman was
+standing at the door as they approached.
+
+"Where's Jean?" she enquired.
+
+"Don't know," Empty replied.  "She's out on the hills somewheres."
+
+"What, ye didn't leave the poor girl there all alone, did ye?"
+
+"Oh, her dad's with her, an' I guess he'll round her up all right.  I'm
+most starved, ma.  Got anything good?"
+
+Mrs. Dempster was a bright, active, talkative little body, and she bade
+Douglas a hearty welcome.
+
+"So ye'r the great wrestler, are ye?" she asked, as she offered her
+visitor a chair, and then hustled about to get some food.  "Empty has
+told me all about ye, an' how ye defended him aginst Jake.  It was
+mighty good of ye, an' sez I to Empty, sez I, 'bring that man home with
+ye some time, so I kin thank him fer his kindness to a poor fatherless
+boy.'"
+
+"I didn't do much, I assure you," Douglas replied.  "I don't believe
+Jake would have hurt him."
+
+"No, Jake wouldn't really mean to hurt him, that's true.  But ye see,
+he's so big an' strong that what he might think was a little love tap
+alongside of the head would knock an ox down.  He doesn't intend to
+hurt.  But when Si Stubbles hits, he means it, an' so does Ben.  My,
+I'm mighty glad ye did up that skunk to-night.  He deserved it all
+right."
+
+"So you've heard about that already?" Douglas asked in surprise.
+
+Mrs. Dempster poured a cup of hot tea, brought forth a plate of frosted
+doughnuts, and bade Douglas "draw up an' have a bite."  When her
+visitor had been served, she sat down on a chair by the side of the
+table.
+
+"Ye seem surprised that I know about that racket at the hall," she
+began.  "Empty was watchin' at the door, an' saw it all.  He was
+hustlin' home by the short-cut across the hills to tell me the news
+when he heard Jean singin'.  Say, I admire ye'r pluck.  But ye must be
+keerful, sir."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"It's always necessary to be keerful when ye'r dealin' with skunks.  Ye
+jist never know what they're goin' to do next."
+
+"But why do the people put up with such creatures?" Douglas laughingly
+enquired.
+
+"Because they can't get rid of 'em, that's why.  Me an' Empty have
+always stood on our indignity, an' it's a mighty good stool to stand
+on.  We don't have to depend on the Stubbles fer a livin'.  We have our
+little farm, our cow, pig, an' hens.  Empty ketches enough fish to do
+us, an' he always gits a deer or two in the fall, an' that is all the
+meat we want.  We pick an' sell a good many berries, an' what eggs an'
+butter we kin spare.  Mark my words, there's somethin' wrong with a
+place when all the people have to bow down to any one man, 'specially
+when it's a critter like Si Stubbles.  I git terribly irritated when I
+think of the way that man is allowed to rule this parish."
+
+"He rules in Church matters, too, I understand," Douglas remarked.
+
+"Ye've hit the nail right on the head, sir.  It was him that druv our
+last two parsons out of the parish an' almost out of their minds, too."
+
+"Did all side with Mr. Stubbles?"
+
+"Oh, no, not all.  There were a few who stood at his back, sich as the
+Bentons, an' me an' Empty.  Nellie Strong, God bless her, an' Nan, her
+sister, didn't go agin 'em, but they were in a difficult persition with
+that cranky father of theirs."
+
+"Would Church matters have gone on smoothly but for the Stubbles?"
+Douglas asked.
+
+"They always did before Si an' his brood came to this place.  Even
+supposin' the parsons weren't up to the mark, we would have got along
+all right.  Country people, as a rule, are not hard to please, an' will
+put up with most anythin'."
+
+There were many questions Douglas wished to ask this entertaining
+woman, but just then a noise was heard outside, and at once the door
+was pushed open and the shoe-maker entered.  His hat was gone, his
+clothes were torn, and his hands and face were bleeding.  He stood near
+the door trembling in every limb, and looking appealingly into the
+faces of those before him.
+
+"Fer the love of heavens, Joe! what's the matter with ye?" Mrs.
+Dempster exclaimed, as she rose to her feet and gave the old man her
+chair.  "Have ye been fightin'?"
+
+Joe's lips moved, but a groan was the only sound he uttered, as he
+crouched there, the picture of abject misery.
+
+"Where's Jean?" Mrs. Dempster demanded, laying her right hand kindly
+upon his shoulder.
+
+"Gone!  Gone!" was the low despairing reply.
+
+"Couldn't ye find her?"
+
+"See," and the old man pointed to his torn clothes and bleeding hands.
+"I followed her over the rocks and through the bushes.  I was too slow
+and fell so often that she got away.  Oh, my Jean, my little lass!  She
+doesn't know her father any more; she wouldn't listen to his voice
+calling to her."
+
+"You poor man," and Mrs. Dempster wiped her eyes with the corner of her
+apron.  "You are tired out, and must have a cup of tea an' somethin' to
+eat.  Then you must go right home an' git some rest.  Me an' Empty will
+find Jean as soon as it gits light.  The dear child, she used to come
+here so often, an' her an' Empty were great playmates."
+
+The rest and the food strengthened the weary man, and Mrs. Dempster's
+hearty manner cheered him.  When he at length arose to go, Douglas
+offered to accompany him, and together the two passed out into the
+morning air.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+NOTICE TO QUIT
+
+The shoe-maker was very tired, and he leaned heavily on the arm of his
+companion all the way up the road.  He did not speak, and Douglas made
+no effort to start a conversation.  Reaching home, Joe opened the door
+of his shop and entered.  Douglas was about to bid him good-bye when
+the old man asked him to come in for a few minutes.  Lighting a candle,
+Joe held it carefully before the picture of the Good Shepherd.
+
+"I'm puzzled to-night," he began.  "I never thought of it before."
+
+"What is it?" Douglas questioned.
+
+"You see that lamb?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It's in danger, isn't it?"
+
+"It certainly is."
+
+"And it wants to be helped, and saved?  See how its head is raised, and
+it seems so glad that the Shepherd has come to rescue it."
+
+"Is there anything puzzling about that?"
+
+"Ah, but suppose that lamb didn't want to be helped, and held back, no
+matter how hard the Shepherd pleaded, what then?"
+
+"He was strong enough to lift it up bodily and carry it back to the
+fold, was He not?"
+
+"Ay, ay, I have no doubt about His strength.  But I don't believe He
+would have done it.  He would not have saved it against its will.  He
+didn't want a rebellious lamb in His fold."
+
+Joe lowered the candle and placed it upon a shelf.  Then he looked
+intently into his companion's face.
+
+"Jean doesn't want to come back," he whispered.  "She's not like that
+lamb," and he jerked his thumb toward the picture.
+
+"Perhaps she will change her mind," Douglas suggested.
+
+"Do you think so?" was the eager question.
+
+"Let us hope so, at any rate.  But, come, you are worn out, and must
+get some sleep.  Trust your trouble to the Good Shepherd.  He will find
+some way to bring back your wandering lamb."
+
+Douglas walked swiftly home, and obtained a little sleep before the
+work of the day began.
+
+"Ye should have stayed in bed longer," Jake greeted, as he joined him
+at the barn.
+
+"That's not my habit when there's work to be done," Douglas replied.
+
+"But ye did an extry piece of work last night, though.  Great punkins!
+how I'd like to 'ave been there."
+
+"So you have heard about it already, eh?"
+
+"Sure; couldn't keep a thing like that a secret fer two hours in this
+place.  Sandy Morgan, on his way to the wharf, stopped to tell me about
+it.  Ho, ho, it was great."
+
+Jake continued his milking, and when he was through, he came to where
+Douglas was sitting.
+
+"I've been thinkin'," he began, "an' feel a bit uneasy about ye."
+
+"In what way?" Douglas questioned, looking up from his milking.
+
+"I'm uneasy about what Si will do.  He'll hear only one side of the
+story from Ben an' the gals, an' they'll paint it as black as they kin,
+mark my word."
+
+"I'm not afraid of the whole gang," Douglas replied.  "What can they do
+to me?"
+
+"I don't know," and Jake scratched his head in perplexity.  "But I
+advise ye to be keerful.  Si's an ugly brute when he gits his dander
+up, an' it's ginerally up most of the time."
+
+Douglas was not left long in doubt as to what action Simon Stubbles
+would take.  He was working with Jake that morning in the field back of
+the barn when a man approached.  He carried a letter which he at once
+handed to Douglas.
+
+"The boss wants an answer," he informed him.  "He's in a big hurry
+about it, too."
+
+Opening the letter, Douglas read the brief note, and as he did so an
+amused expression overspread his face.  He studied it carefully for a
+few minutes without making any comment.  Shoving it into his pocket, he
+was about to resume his work when the messenger stopped him.
+
+"I want ye'r answer," he said.
+
+"Tell your master that I shall answer him the first time I meet him,"
+Douglas replied.
+
+"But Si will give me hell if I don't take more than that," the man
+whined.  "He told me to bring him a 'yes' or a 'no'."
+
+"I can't help that.  If you're willing to allow Si Stubbles to treat
+you like a dog, you must put up with the consequences."
+
+Douglas stood and watched the messenger as he slowly ambled back across
+the field.
+
+"Poor wretch," he remarked, "he is afraid to go back to his master.
+Who is he, anyway?"
+
+"Oh, he's only Barney Tompkins," Jake replied.  "He's a useless feller,
+with a big family.  He does odd jobs fer Si, runnin' errands, sweepin'
+the store, an' sich like.  He's got no spunk."
+
+"Like many more in this parish, if I'm not mistaken.  Si doesn't want
+any one here who shows the least sign of spunk.  He's given me notice
+to quit already."
+
+"Great punkins! ye don't say so!"
+
+"Yes, listen to this," and Douglas drew forth the letter from his
+pocket and began to read:
+
+
+"JOHN HANDYMAN,
+
+"Sir:--You have made yourself very objectionable in this place, so your
+presence is not wanted here any longer.  I, therefore, give you notice
+to quit at once.  This is a fair warning, and, unless you are
+altogether a fool, you will heed it.
+
+"SIMON STUBBLES."
+
+
+It took Jake a few seconds to grasp the full purport of these words.
+When he did at last comprehend their meaning, his face darkened and he
+stepped over to where Douglas was standing.
+
+"Did Si Stubbles write them words?" he demanded.
+
+"Yes, look for yourself," and Douglas handed him the letter.
+
+Slowly and with difficulty Jake read it through.  Douglas watched him
+with considerable interest.
+
+"Well, what do you think of it?" he asked.  "Are you not afraid of
+losing your help?"
+
+"Damn Si Stubbles!" Jake roared.  It was only when wrought up to the
+highest pitch of fury that Jake swore, and then it was well for his
+enemies to beware of him.  "No, I'm not afraid of losin' ye, an' Si
+Stubbles ain't the man wot kin drive ye away, either.  You jist stay
+where ye are."
+
+"I intend to," Douglas calmly replied.  "But let us get on with our
+work."
+
+Though outwardly calm, the letter he had received rankled in his heart.
+The idea that one man could rule a whole community was abhorrent and
+unnatural.  He had no intention of leaving, and he was determined to
+meet Simon Stubbles and have it out with him face to face.  Suppose he
+should be driven from the parish, how could he ever come back again?
+How could he return as rector to be the contempt and laughing-stock of
+all?  No, he would oppose Stubbles to the bitter end.  The worst they
+could do would be to kill him, and he was not afraid to die if
+necessary.
+
+It was near evening and they were hauling in the last load of hay from
+the field near the road, when an auto, bearing several men, sped past.
+
+"It's Ben bringin' the delegation from the station," Jake explained, as
+he watched the rapidly disappearing car.
+
+"What delegation?" Douglas queried.
+
+"Why, didn't I tell ye?" Jake asked in surprise.  "Well, I clean fergot
+all about it.  There's to be a big Church meetin' to-night in the hall.
+Si got word an' he sent notice all around."
+
+"What is the meeting about?" Douglas enquired.
+
+"It has something to do with the new parson who is comin', so I
+understand."
+
+"So you are to get another clergyman, are you?" Douglas asked as
+indifferently as possible.
+
+"Seems so.  The Bishop has a man all ready, who will be here in a few
+weeks.  I pity the poor feller, I really do, though I can't say I'm
+much set on parsons since our experience with the last ones."
+
+"You think he will have a hard time of it, eh?"
+
+"He's sure to, an' unless he's somethin' out of the ordinary, he'll be
+in the same fix as the others.  He'll be bound to buck up agin Si
+sooner or later, an' then there'll be trouble."
+
+Douglas was greatly interested in what he had just heard, and he made
+up his mind to attend the meeting, tired though he was.  He wished to
+hear and see for himself and not depend upon second-hand information.
+The meeting was to be public, so he had a perfect right to go.
+
+When the chores were finished, he picked up the paper which had arrived
+that day from the city.  He knew that the meeting would not begin for
+some time, and the rest would do him good.  He glanced first at the big
+headlines until he reached one which arrested his attention.
+
+
+  "A WELL MERITED HONOR;
+  DR. RANNAGE, RECTOR OF
+  ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH OF THIS CITY,
+  APPOINTED ARCHDEACON BY HIS BISHOP."
+
+
+Douglas studied these words very carefully, and then read the long
+account of the new archdeacon's life, and of the work he had
+accomplished at St. Margaret's!  The article was most laudatory, and
+spoke of his ability as a preacher, an organiser, and a public-spirited
+citizen.  It referred to Dr. Rannage as a hard worker, who visited his
+people, rich and poor, in season and out of season, doing all he could
+for their temporal and spiritual welfare.
+
+With an exclamation of impatience and disgust, Douglas threw aside the
+paper and left the house.  He knew that most of the statements
+contained in what he had just read were false.  The honor was not
+"well-merited," but had been bestowed simply because Dr. Rannage was
+rector of St. Margaret's and a special friend of the Bishop.  He smiled
+at the thought of his visiting "his people, rich and poor alike, in
+season and out of season."  He knew for a certainty that Dr. Rannage
+called only upon a few of the influential members of his flock, and
+left his curate to look after the "temporal and spiritual welfare" of
+all the rest.  He tried to picture Dr. Rannage in such a parish as
+Rixton, living on a small salary, and trying to keep the Church life
+strong and healthy, at the same time combating the opposing influence
+of the Stubbles.  And suppose he succeeded, by doing an herculean work,
+would he be rewarded in the same manner as if he were rector of St.
+Margaret's?  He smiled grimly at the mere suggestion of the idea.
+Whoever heard of a poor country parson being singled out for such an
+honor, no matter how much he might merit it?
+
+Douglas was walking slowly down the road as he thought over these
+things.  Several people drove past on their way to the hall, and he saw
+a number of men walking on ahead.  The sun was just lingering on the
+far-off horizon, and he was quite sure the meeting would not begin for
+half an hour at least.  The delegates had not gone by yet, and so it
+was not necessary for him to hurry.
+
+Coming to the road leading to Mrs. Dempster's, he looked at the little
+house over in the field, and wondered if Jean had been found.  His
+notice to quit, the news of the Church meeting, and the announcement of
+Dr. Rannage's elevation had so occupied his attention that he had
+little time to think over the events of the past night.  But now he
+thought of the heart-broken shoemaker, and a desire came upon him to
+know if anything had been heard of the wayward daughter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+SETTLING THINGS
+
+The hall at the Corner presented a far different appearance from the
+previous evening.  There was a large attendance, for much interest was
+aroused over the announcement that a new clergyman was to come to the
+parish.  As Douglas slipped into a back seat with several others who
+were somewhat late, he glanced toward the platform, and great was his
+astonishment to see Dr. Rannage, the new archdeacon, sitting there.  A
+sudden fear seized him that he might be recognised, and his plans
+spoiled.  He was glad that he was so far back where the light was dim,
+and that he would hardly be noticed from the platform.
+
+Simon Stubbles was chairman, and he had called the meeting to order
+before Douglas arrived.  He was making a few opening remarks, and was
+in an excellent frame of mind, and inclined to be somewhat jocular.  He
+realised the importance of having an archdeacon present, and referred
+to it several times.  To Douglas, he seemed most ridiculous as he stood
+there endeavouring to be as pompous as possible that all might be
+properly impressed.
+
+"I have been greatly concerned about the spiritual welfare of this
+parish," he was saying.  "It is really a disaster that we have had no
+rector for a long time.  It is, therefore, with great satisfaction that
+news has reached us that the Bishop is to send us a clergyman in a few
+weeks.  We all trust that he will be a suitable man and fall into the
+ways of the people here.  So much depends upon that, and I feel sure
+that the Bishop has had an eye to our needs.  He knows this parish, and
+in the goodness of his heart he has sent this notable delegation to
+meet us and discuss Church affairs.  It is not the first time that I
+have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Rannage, who has recently been
+honored, and rightly so, by the Bishop.  I know you are eagerly waiting
+to hear what he has to say about the parson who is coming to us.  I
+have much pleasure in introducing to you the first speaker of the
+evening, the Venerable Archdeacon Rannage of St. Margaret's Church."
+
+Dr. Rannage rose slowly to his feet and stood before the assembled
+people.  Physically, he was an impressive looking man, especially so
+with his long black clerical coat, and official gaiters.  If only a
+different head adorned his well-built body, everything would have been
+in proportion.  But as Douglas studied him, he noted what a weak chin
+he possessed, how the bump of conceit was largely developed, and how
+low and receding his forehead, over which a thin crop of hair was
+carefully parted in the middle.  But he had the gift of speech, and if
+he merely said "Two and two are four" it was uttered in such a manner
+as to seem like a great piece of news, and made people wonder at the
+knowledge of the man.
+
+"Dear friends," he began, looking impressively around the hall, "I feel
+that I am no stranger to most of you here.  Some of you, no doubt, have
+been at St. Margaret's, and have seen or met me there.  But if not, I
+feel that we are now well acquainted after your worthy chairman's
+introductory remarks.  And let me say ere I go further, how gratified I
+am to have Mr. Stubbles here to-night, and to find him so interested in
+the affairs of the Church in this parish.  It is so encouraging to meet
+a man of Mr. Stubbles' ability and influence ready and willing to
+abandon for a time his heavy business cares, and devote himself so
+heartily to the welfare of the community in which he is living.  If all
+will follow his excellent example, I feel quite confident that the
+Church work in this parish will be greatly blest.
+
+"Before I give you my brief message to-night, permit me to say that I
+wish this meeting to be very informal.  Do not mind stopping me to ask
+any question which may occur to you, for in that way we shall be able
+to understand one another better."
+
+Here Dr. Rannage paused, and slowly lifted a glass of water to his
+lips, after which he produced a large silk handkerchief and
+deliberately wiped his mouth.  When the handkerchief had been carefully
+stowed away in the tail of his long coat, he once more looked over the
+audience.
+
+"We bear to-night a message from your Bishop," he continued.  "'In the
+goodness of his heart,' as your chairman so neatly put it, he thought
+it good to send us here that we might meet with you, and discuss
+parochial affairs.  He has already chosen a man well-fitted, we all
+believe, for the work here."
+
+"When will he come?" some one asked.
+
+"That I cannot definitely say.  He has been working hard for the last
+two years, and is now taking his vacation.  In a few weeks, I trust, he
+will be with you."
+
+"Is he married?" came the question from the right.
+
+"No.  He has been so devoted to his work that he has not given much
+thought to matrimony, so far as I know.  But if all the maidens in this
+parish are as captivating as the two I met this afternoon at The
+Castle" (here he turned and bowed to the chairman) "he will find it
+difficult to choose who is the fairest, if he should decide to take to
+himself a wife."
+
+Douglas almost emitted an audible groan at the thought of the "two
+captivating maidens at The Castle."  A mental picture rose before him
+of their thin faces, turned-up noses, and prominent teeth, with their
+sharp sarcastic tongues as an additional horror.
+
+"It's lucky he's not married," the man who asked the last question
+remarked.
+
+"Why?" Dr. Rannage quickly challenged.  "Have you a daughter of your
+own to enter the contest?"
+
+"No sir-ree," was the emphatic reply, when the laughter which followed
+the archdeacon's sally had subsided.  "I've got all boys, thank
+goodness, an' am not interested that way.  But as the new parson is not
+married, we won't have to bother fixin' up the rectory.  It's in a bad
+shape now, an' it will take a lot to have it repaired."
+
+"The rectory is certainly in a disgraceful condition," Dr. Rannage
+assented, "as I saw myself this afternoon.  Now, I wish to appeal to
+all here to get it repaired as soon as possible.  The longer it is
+neglected, the more expensive it will be, and your new rector may wish
+to live in it and have a suitable housekeeper to look after his
+welfare."
+
+"Let him board," some one suggested.  "That'll be the best way, an' we
+can fix up the rectory when he wants to get married.  If he takes all
+right here, there'll be no trouble about raisin' the money."
+
+"Now since you have mentioned money," Dr. Rannage smilingly replied,
+"it is just as well to consider that important matter first as last.
+You are all aware that this parish is asked to make up a certain amount
+toward your clergyman's salary, and the Board of Missions will pay the
+balance.  Do you remember how much you raised in the past?" he asked,
+turning to the chairman.
+
+"Four hundred dollars," Stubbles replied.  "But it was too much.  This
+is a poor parish, sir, and I told the Bishop so the last time I saw
+him."
+
+"Well, he asked me to find out if you would endeavour to raise that
+amount, and perhaps a little more.  It always pleases him so much when
+he finds that people are trying to take the burden off the city
+churches and becoming more and more self-supporting.  Now, do you not
+think you could raise four hundred and fifty dollars for the first
+year?"
+
+"A great deal depends upon the new parson," Stubbles emphatically
+replied.  "If he takes well there will be little trouble, but if not,
+we might as well give up at once.  We know that from bitter experience
+in the past."
+
+"Hear, hear," several called out.  "You're right, sir."
+
+"Is the new man a good speaker?" came the query.  "Much hangs on that."
+
+Douglas leaned suddenly forward now, and awaited the answer with
+considerable interest.  He noted that Dr. Rannage hesitated and seemed
+to be groping for a suitable reply.  That in itself was ominous and
+affected the gathering.
+
+"You see," he began, "I have had little opportunity of hearing this
+young man.  Although he has been my curate for the past two years, he
+has spoken but a few times at St. Margaret's.  The people there are
+extremely particular and decidedly intellectual, and so prefer to
+listen to their rector."
+
+It was with considerable difficulty that Douglas repressed a chuckle at
+these words.  He knew very well how jealous Dr. Rannage was of his own
+ability as a speaker, and he had always taken it for granted that the
+members of St. Margaret's would rather hear him than any one else,
+especially a curate.  He knew something, too, about his views of
+country people, as he had heard him speak about them in no flattering
+manner on several occasions.  To him they were a heavy, ignorant lot,
+unrefined, and only a step removed from the beasts of the field.  He
+had expected at the outset of his address that he would say something
+which would arouse the anger of the people of Rixton, and so was not
+surprised at his tactless remarks.  He noted the feeling of indignation
+which was pervading the room, and the whispered conversations which
+were going on.
+
+"So the new parson was pitched out of St. Margaret's, was he?" a man
+questioned.
+
+"Oh, no, not 'pitched out,'" Dr. Rannage explained.  "He left of his
+own accord."
+
+"Why?" the same voice asked.  "Couldn't he stand up to the job?"
+
+"Not exactly.  He was a hard worker, but he found it almost impossible
+to understand the ways, ah, how shall I put it? of refined society.
+That is, he could not mingle freely with the social element which is so
+prominent at St. Margaret's.  He preferred the lower life, such as is
+found along the water-front, and in the poorer sections of the city.
+He was more at home there."
+
+"I am afraid, sir, that the new parson will not suit here," the
+chairman announced.  "According to your words, he is not a gentleman,
+and does not understand the ways of polite society.  Now, we want a man
+all can respect, who understands his people, and yet who has the true
+ring of a natural born gentleman."
+
+"Who is he, anyway?" a man asked.  "Where did he come from?"
+
+"He was brought up on a farm, and worked his way through college," Dr.
+Rannage explained.  "He understands country ways and should suit very
+nicely here."
+
+"Why don't ye say 'the bush'?" Bill Simmonds shouted.  "Anything will
+suit us here."
+
+The laugh which followed this remark annoyed Dr. Rannage.
+
+"I am almost inclined to believe you are right," he angrily retorted.
+
+"Ye believe it already, an' we know it."
+
+"Order!" the chairman sternly demanded.  "Bill Simmonds, you had better
+leave the hall, if you can't behave yourself."
+
+"All right, sir," Bill acquiesced, as he threw a wink to a man across
+the aisle and settled back in his seat.  "I've got nuthin' more to say."
+
+Dr. Rannage was evidently embarrassed.  He mopped his face with his
+handkerchief, and took another drink of water.
+
+"I think I have explained matters quite fully," he at last continued,
+"and perhaps my companions here would like to say something.  I trust,
+however, that you will give your new clergyman a fair trial, and do
+everything in your power to help him."
+
+"What's his name?" Tom Stephens asked.  "You have never mentioned that."
+
+"It is Douglas Stanton.  He comes from a good old family, so I
+understand, and his grandfather held an important government position
+in this province."
+
+Dr. Rannage's companions had very little to say.  They were business
+men, so they said, and unaccustomed to public speaking.  Each made an
+appeal to the people to support the new clergyman, to repair the
+rectory, and to give more liberally toward the support of the Church in
+their parish.  They were given an attentive hearing, and when they were
+through, the chairman brought the meeting to a sudden close.  Just why
+he did so Douglas could not understand.  Stubbles' manner had greatly
+changed since his opening remarks and he seemed to be annoyed and
+irritable.
+
+Douglas was the first to leave the building, and he stood outside in
+the shadow of the hall hoping to get a word with Stubbles.  As the
+people passed him, he overheard some of their remarks which were by no
+means complimentary.
+
+"He made a mess of it, he surely did," a man was saying.  "What does he
+know about the country?"
+
+"Nuthin'," his companion replied.  "What were them funny things he wore
+on his legs?  I would like to see him out in the----"
+
+Douglas could not hear his closing words.  But the comments of others
+were of a similar nature, and he realised that Dr. Rannage had not
+smoothed the way for his coming to the parish as rector.
+
+Last of all came the delegates, talking earnestly with one another.  He
+could not hear what they were saying, but judging from the tone of
+their voices, they were not at all satisfied at the outcome of the
+meeting.  Simon Stubbles walked behind.  He was limping and carried a
+cane in his hand.  His head was bent, and his face was turned to the
+ground as if in deep thought.  Douglas at once stepped forward and
+touched him on the arm.  Stubbles gave a sudden start and looked
+quickly around.
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" he gasped.  He did not altogether relish the
+idea of meeting the man he had ordered from the parish.
+
+"Yes, that's who it is," Douglas replied.  "I want to have a word with
+you."
+
+"Didn't you receive my message?" Stubbles asked.
+
+"I did, and I want an explanation."
+
+"There's nothing to explain.  You have made yourself very obnoxious
+here, and you must get out."
+
+"And suppose I do not obey?"
+
+"Then you will have to put up with the consequences."
+
+"That is a pretty serious threat.  This is a free country, and if
+anything should happen to me, what then?  You might find yourself in an
+awkward position."
+
+"Oh, I'm not worrying about that.  All I ask you to do is to leave this
+place at once.  You've had fair warning, and I haven't time to argue
+with you any longer."
+
+Stubbles was about to move forward, when Douglas blocked his way.
+
+"Just stay where you are," the latter ordered.  "If you make any
+outcry, you'll regret it.  But I won't hurt you if you keep quiet.  Now
+listen to me, Simon Stubbles.  You have lorded it over the people in
+this parish too long for their welfare.  It is through you that the
+Church life is dormant here, and no clergyman can stay for any length
+of time.  You know this to be true, notwithstanding your canting words
+in the hall to-night.  I am not afraid of you, and I shall remain in
+this parish as long as I please.  If you interfere with me in any way
+it will be at your own peril.  I have given you timely warning, and you
+may go."
+
+Simon Stubbles listened to these plain words in amazement.  He had
+never been thus spoken to before, and his anger was intense.  He began
+to stamp, rage and denounce the man who dared to speak to him in such
+an audacious manner.  He attracted the attention of those waiting for
+him in the car some distance off.  Seeing that two men were approaching
+to learn what was the matter, Douglas leaped aside and disappeared
+among the trees surrounding the hall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A WET DAY
+
+Douglas was very tired and slept soundly that night.  When he awoke
+next morning the rain was beating down upon the roof over his head.  It
+sounded like music to his ears, for it would mean rest that day from
+the toil of the field.  There were several things he wished to do, and
+the rain was just what he needed.  There would be no work in the field,
+so he would be free to go where he wished.
+
+Jake had been at the meeting the night before and was very talkative.
+
+"What happened to ye when the meetin' was over?" he enquired, as they
+sat down to breakfast.
+
+"Oh, I waited around a while to watch the speakers and the chairman,"
+Douglas replied.
+
+"Did ye ever see a real live archdeacon before?"
+
+"Yes, I have seen several."
+
+"Ye don't tell!  Well, that was the first one I ever sot me eyes on
+one.  But, say, what was them things he had on his legs?"
+
+"Gaiters, I think they are called."
+
+"H'm, the same as the Bishop wears, eh?  But what are they good fer?"
+
+"They are a sign of his position, I suppose.  I really know nothing
+more about the matter than you do."
+
+"But what's the good of archdeacons, anyway?  If they're all like the
+one we saw last night, I wouldn't give much fer the hull bunch."
+
+"They are supposed to help the Bishop, so I understand."
+
+"Help him, eh?  Well, I guess that feller didn't help much in settlin'
+matters in this parish.  Why, he made a mess of the hull affair."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"Why, don't ye remember how riled he got when he was asked questions?
+He put his foot in it, too, when he said that a parson would do fer
+Rixton who had been kicked out of St. Margaret's in the city."
+
+"He didn't really say that."
+
+"No, not exactly in them words, but that was what he meant, an' we all
+took it that way."
+
+"So you think that the archdeacon made it all the harder for the new
+clergyman by what he said last night, do you?" Douglas asked.
+
+"Sure," Jake replied, as he helped himself to another pancake.  "Didn't
+ye notice the feelin' in the meetin', an' how Si changed?  Why, he
+looked jist like a thunder cloud about to bust.  I sartinly do pity the
+new parson.  He's goin' to have a hard time of it, mark my word."
+
+"I had a little talk with Stubbles after the meeting," Douglas quietly
+remarked.
+
+"Ye did, eh?" and Jake's eyes glowed with interest.  "Was he surprised
+to see ye?"
+
+"I believe so.  He thought I was going to knock him down, and he raved
+like a madman.  But I told him a few straight facts which he is not
+likely to forget."
+
+"Ye did, eh?  Bully fer you!  But be careful, John.  Si won't fergit
+anything, an' he'll come back at ye when ye'r least expectin' him."
+
+"I told him that I am going to stay right in the parish, and that he
+couldn't drive me out."
+
+"Good for you!" Mrs. Jukes exclaimed.  "I like to hear a man talk that
+way.  If the rest in Rixton would do the same Si would be taught a
+lesson in a short time.  But they all lie down and let him walk over
+them."
+
+"Ye'r always sayin' that, Susie," Jake chided.  "Ye ought to know by
+this time what a grip Si has on everything in this parish."
+
+"Well, it's about time, then, that he lost his grip.  If there was only
+some one with any backbone who would go ahead, the rest would follow
+all right.  People are getting sick and tired of the Stubbles' rule."
+
+"Maybe the new parson'll be that kind of a man," Jake suggested.
+"'Spose we wait till he comes."
+
+"H'm," and Mrs. Jukes tossed her head, "a great chance he'll have to go
+ahead with everybody willing to crawl before Si Stubbles and lick his
+boots.  Why, just as soon as Si snaps his finger all the men dance
+attendance, and you know it, Jake Jukes.  You do the same yourself."
+
+"But maybe the new parson might be able to do something," Jake replied,
+as he mopped his forehead with a big red handkerchief.  He was feeling
+very hot and uncomfortable before his wife's attack.
+
+"He'll be very different, then, from the last two we had," Mrs. Jukes
+retorted.  "I'm not expecting much from him, judging from the past."
+
+Douglas was considerably amused at this conversation.  He wondered what
+Jake and his wife would say if they were suddenly told that the "new
+parson" was before them.  He was finding the part he was playing more
+interesting every day.  How it would end, and how he would explain
+matters, he had not the least idea.  He did not worry, however, leaving
+the future to take care of itself.
+
+That afternoon Douglas paid a visit to Mrs. Dempster.  He wished to
+find out for himself how Jean was getting along, and also to listen to
+the widow, for he enjoyed hearing her talk, and her comments upon
+parish affairs.
+
+Mrs. Dempster was cooking in the kitchen, and Jean was lying on a sofa
+near the stove, to all appearance asleep.
+
+"It's right glad I am to see ye," and Mrs. Dempster placed a chair for
+her visitor as she spoke.  "It's a dull day and not many people
+stirrin'.  Empty's gone to his nets, so me an' Jean have been havin' a
+quiet time all by ourselves."
+
+"A busy time for you, I see," Douglas replied, glancing toward the
+table.  "Those pies look very tempting."
+
+"Oh, yes, it makes me hustle all right to fill Empty.  I often tell him
+he's well named, fer I never saw any one who eats as much as he does."
+
+"All mothers say the same thing, don't they?  Growing lads need plenty
+of food.  It's better to pay the grocer than the doctor, isn't it?"'
+
+Mrs. Dempster paused in her work and glanced toward the still form on
+the sofa.
+
+"I guess she'll need the doctor before long, if I'm not much mistaken,"
+she remarked in a low voice.  "Poor child, she's had a hard time of it
+since she went to the city.  Who'd a thought that bright an' happy Jean
+Benton would have come to this?"
+
+"Is she very sick, do you think?" Douglas asked as he looked toward the
+sleeping woman.
+
+Mrs. Dempster did not at once reply.  She placed a pie in the oven, and
+then turned to her visitor.
+
+"Guess we'd better step outside fer a minute," she suggested.  "We kin
+talk freer in the open air."
+
+"There, that's better," Mrs. Dempster panted as she closed the door
+behind her.  "Ye kin never tell when sleeping people will wake an' make
+matters uncomfortable.  Now, look here, sir, I want ye to do me a
+favour."
+
+"All right," Douglas assented.  "What is it?"
+
+"I want ye to ask Nell to come here as soon as she kin.  There's
+somethin' I want to speak to her about.  She's the only woman in the
+place I care to ask.  She's got more sense than all the rest put
+together, which is sayin' a good deal."
+
+"When do you want her to come?"
+
+"Oh, to-morrow will do.  I don't want her to come over to-night, as
+it's wet an' the roads are so muddy.  Jist tell her to come when she
+gits time."
+
+"So you think Jean is sick?"
+
+"Yes, very.  But she'll be sicker before she gits better, poor dear.
+But there, I must git back to my work.  It was good of ye to come over."
+
+Douglas was only too glad of an excuse to visit the Strongs.  It was
+dark by the time he reached the house, as he had been delayed owing to
+the cattle going astray from the pasture.  The door was opened by Nan,
+who gave a cry of delight when she saw Douglas standing before her.
+
+"My, you have been a long time coming to see us again," she chided.  "I
+have been watching for you every day."
+
+It was a pleasant home-like scene which met Douglas' eyes as he entered
+the little sitting-room.  The professor was seated in his big chair by
+the side of the table.  Nell was sitting opposite, peeling and coring
+apples.  Nan had been reading to her father, and the book was lying
+open on the table where she had hurriedly left it upon the arrival of
+the visitor.  Douglas received a cordial welcome from Nell and the
+professor.
+
+"I hope I am not interrupting your quietness," he apologised, as he sat
+down near the old man.
+
+"I'm very glad you have interrupted the quietness," Nan quickly
+replied.  "I'm sick and tired of Shakespeare.  He's getting on my
+nerves."
+
+"Nan, Nan, you must not talk of the master in that way," her father
+chided.
+
+"I thought that you did the reading," Douglas remarked, turning to Nell.
+
+"So I do, as a rule," was the smiling reply.  "But Nan doesn't like
+peeling apples, and so she preferred to read."
+
+"Ugh! apples stain my fingers and make them feel horrid," Nan exclaimed
+in disgust.  "I would rather read anything--even Shakespeare."
+
+"How is your work getting on, sir?" Douglas enquired, turning toward
+the professor.
+
+"Slowly, very slowly, these days," was the reply.  "There are several
+points I wish to think out carefully before I put them in writing.  But
+we can talk about such matters again.  I am eager now to hear about the
+Church meeting which was held last night.  I suppose you were there?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I wished to see and hear the new archdeacon, Dr. Rannage."
+
+"What, was he there?"
+
+"Yes, and two other delegates with him."
+
+"Tell me about the meeting, please," and the professor leaned back
+comfortably in his chair.
+
+As briefly as possible Douglas narrated the events of the meeting.  He
+glanced occasionally at Nell, and noticed that at times she ceased her
+work to listen.
+
+"So nothing was accomplished, then?" the professor queried when Douglas
+finished.
+
+"Nothing that I could see, except to make it all the harder for the new
+clergyman who is coming here."
+
+"Oh, he'll find it hard enough, all right, trust Si Stubbles for that.
+If he's anything like the last clergyman we had, he'll soon give in.
+I'm afraid that he will be a man of straw when it is a man of iron we
+need."
+
+Douglas smiled to himself.  He was enjoying the various comments he was
+hearing about himself, and he wondered what the professor and others
+would think if they knew who he really was.
+
+"A clergyman is supposed to be a 'steward of the mysteries,'" the old
+man continued.  "Now, when I think of those words, I always picture to
+myself a mother standing before a cupboard with a bunch of keys in her
+hand.  By her side are several children watching her with intense
+interest, waiting for her to open the door and bring forth things which
+are old, such as nicely-frosted doughnuts, and things which are new,
+such as jelly and pie.  That cupboard is a place of mystery to the
+children, and the mother has the key to the treasure: Do you follow me?"
+
+"Certainly," Douglas replied.
+
+"Well, then, that cupboard is the Bible; the clergyman is the steward
+who is supposed to have the key, and his people are the children.  They
+are looking to him to bring forth the things new and old for their
+good.  But as far as I can find, he generally brings forth the same old
+things Sunday after Sunday which have become so stale that people do
+not care for them."
+
+"Do all do that?" Douglas asked, mentally going over several of his
+sermons.
+
+"Oh, no, not all.  But the sermons I have heard since coming to this
+parish, and others which have been reported to me, have been of that
+kind.  There was no life, nothing personal, and not one new and
+striking thought upon any great subject.  They were just the same old
+platitudes about the Fathers, the doctrine of the Church, the duty of
+people to attend the services, and to give.  There has been no food for
+longing, hungry souls."
+
+"Such teaching is necessary, is it not?" Douglas queried.
+
+"I do not deny that at all.  But it is poor food to satisfy the soul,
+especially when it is served at every meal.  The trouble is that so
+many young men leave college with stereotyped ideas.  They are parrots
+and repeat what they have been taught, and nothing else."
+
+Douglas winced a little at these words, for he knew how well they
+applied to himself.  But he was beginning to see life in a new light
+since he had become plain John Handyman.
+
+"We need a man who has seen and experienced life," the professor
+continued, "and can convert the great thoughts of the Bible into living
+food for hungry, troubled and tempted souls.  I wish every clergyman
+would take a page from the life of the little bee.  People as a rule
+think that it gets the honey right from the flower.  They are mistaken.
+All it gets is a little sweet water.  But it takes that water, retires,
+adds something to it from itself, and by a process of its own makes it
+into honey."
+
+"Isn't that funny!" Nan exclaimed.  "Why I always thought the bees
+carried the honey on their legs and scraped it off when they got home.
+Didn't you think so, Nell?"
+
+"I confess I did," was the laughing reply.  "It shows us that we have
+much to learn about the common things around us."
+
+"Well, what the bee does, so should the teacher of the Word," the
+professor resumed.  "He should go to the Bible as the bee to the
+flower, and 'read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.'  Thus, through a
+process of his own, he is to bring forth the real spiritual honey for
+the benefit of hungry souls."
+
+"Daddy, let's talk about something else," Nan suggested.  "I am tired
+of such deep subjects.  I was promised that I could talk to Mr.
+Handyman the next time he came, and there are so many things I want to
+ask him."
+
+Douglas glanced at the clock and was surprised to find that it was
+nearly nine.  He rose at once to his feet.
+
+"I must go now," he remarked.  "It would not do for me to keep you up
+late."
+
+"That's always the way," Nan pouted.
+
+"Next time I come we shall have a long talk," Douglas promised.
+
+Nell showed Douglas to the door.  He was glad of this, as it gave him
+an opportunity to deliver Mrs. Dempster's message.
+
+"Is Jean very ill?" Nell asked.
+
+"I am afraid so."
+
+"Well, I shall go over to-morrow.  Poor girl, she has had a hard time
+of it.  Her face was so white at the hall door.  She startled me.  And,
+oh, Mr. Handyman, I want to thank you for the stand you took that
+night."
+
+"You don't blame me, then?"
+
+"Blame you!  Why, no."
+
+"I am thankful for that.  It shows that all are not against me."
+
+"Only the Stubbles condemn you.  They are very angry."
+
+Nell paused suddenly, as if in deep thought.
+
+"Are you going right home?" she presently asked.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Would you mind taking something for Jake?  It is a pick-handle which
+we brought from the wharf last night in our boat.  We often bring
+things for him and he does the same for us.  It is a new one, and he
+may need it.  It is right there on the verandah."
+
+Douglas found the stick and placed it over his shoulder, bade Nell
+good-night, and plunged forth into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+TWIN FIRES
+
+Douglas walked slowly toward the main highway, lost in thought.  He was
+much interested in the professor's comments about clergymen.  He knew
+it was a good tonic to hear such plain statements.  But he thought
+mostly about Nell.  He had watched her during the time he had been at
+the house and was more deeply impressed than ever.  She was so quiet
+and reserved.  She had never seemed so beautiful as she sat by the
+table with the light from the shaded lamp falling upon her face.  He
+thought about Ben, and a feeling of anger smote his heart.  What right
+had such a cad to have any claim over such a woman as that? he asked
+himself.  And how could she see anything in Ben to admire?  Had they
+met near the old tree since the night of the dance? he wondered.
+
+Douglas was startled from his musings by a sudden noise to his left.
+Then, in an instant, the forms of two men hurled themselves upon him.
+A blow from a stick grazed his head and made him dizzy for a second.
+In the twinkling of an eye he realised that this was some of Ben
+Stubbles' mean, dirty work, and the thought maddened him.  With the
+pick-handle he struck vigorously out, and soon had the satisfaction of
+knowing that he had settled one of his assailants, by the mournful
+groans he heard.  Only one man was now left to deal with, and it did
+not take long to disarm him.  Seeing that he was alone, with his cudgel
+knocked spinning from his grasp, he started to run away.  Douglas,
+however, sprang after him and managed to seize him by the tail of his
+coat.  To this he held with a bulldog grip while the other struggled
+frantically to get away.  Finding that his efforts were in vain, and
+that he was in danger of being caught, he slipped out of his coat,
+leaving it in the hands of his conqueror, and disappeared in the
+darkness.
+
+"Come back and get your coat," Douglas shouted.  "You might need it
+before morning."
+
+Receiving no answer, he began to grope around for the other assailant.
+But no sign of him could he find.  He had evidently been able to get
+away, and Douglas was thankful that he had not killed him, no matter
+how much he deserved it.
+
+"Well, that was a surprise party," he muttered.  "Luckily for me that
+Nell gave me that pick-handle."  Then a sudden thought struck him.  Did
+she suspect anything?  Had she heard rumours as to what Ben might do,
+and so had given him a weapon of defence?  He wondered about this the
+rest of the way home.  In fact, it pleased him to feel that Nell was
+interested in his welfare.
+
+Having reached his own room, he examined his trophy of victory.  It was
+an old coat, partly covered with mud.  He went through the pockets, and
+what he found in one gave him much satisfaction.  It was a piece of
+paper with a few brief instructions scrawled upon it, as follows:
+
+
+"Get Keezer and be on hand to-night.  Bring your sticks with you.  Meet
+me at the bridge at eight sharp.  Ben."
+
+
+Douglas smiled grimly to himself as he read this brief note.  He knew
+now that Ben had been somewhere around.  No doubt he had been peering
+through the window and watching him talking to the professor and his
+daughters.  How he longed to get a rap at the cowardly cur.  The
+pick-handle would not be necessary; oh, no, his fists would be
+sufficient.  But Ben knew enough to keep out of the way and let others
+do his dirty work.
+
+Douglas said nothing about the night affair to the Jukes, as he was not
+in a talkative mood.  His head was quite sore where he had been struck,
+and he wondered about the man who had received the force of the
+pick-handle.  But he could not remain silent long, for Jake was
+bubbling over with excitement when he returned from the store whither
+he had gone for a barrel of flour.  Dinner was waiting him, and he had
+no time to speak until he had stabled the horses and washed himself.
+
+"Say, John," he began as soon as he had taken his seat at the table,
+"what were ye up to last night?"
+
+"So you have been hearing something, have you?" Douglas enquired.
+
+"Sure I have.  Why, the hull place is buzzin' with the news, an' Si's
+as mad as blazes.  Guess he's goin' to have ye arrested right off."
+
+"Have me arrested!" Douglas exclaimed in surprise.  "Why, what for?"
+
+"Fer waylayin' Billy Keezer an' Tom Oakes last night, an' breakin'
+their heads with a stick.  They're all used up, an' Tom swears that you
+stole his coat."
+
+Douglas leaned back in his chair and laughed so heartily that Jake and
+his wife looked at him in astonishment.
+
+"So Billy and Tom are sick, are they?" he chuckled.  "Well, I hope they
+have learned a lesson and will mind their own affairs after this."
+
+He then told the story of the fight the night before, and when he had
+finished he went to his room and brought down the captured coat, and
+read the note he had found in the pocket.
+
+"Great punkins!" Jake exclaimed, as he hit the table with his fist and
+made the dishes rattle.  "I'm mighty glad ye've got that letter.  It's
+sure proof that Ben was back of the hull affair.  And so ye knocked 'em
+both out with the pick-handle, did ye?  Bully fer you!  I wish ye'd got
+a tap at Ben while ye was about it."
+
+"Did you see Billy and Tom?" Douglas asked.
+
+"No.  They're in bed.  The doctor's been to see 'em, so I learned."
+
+"And Si is going to have me arrested, eh?"
+
+"So I heard.  He was rampin' around like a lion."
+
+"I wish he would," Douglas quietly remarked.  "It would clear the air
+somewhat, and give me a chance to say something.  But Si will never
+come out in the open like that, mark my word.  He and Ben are back of
+that attack last night, if I'm not greatly mistaken, and they would not
+dare to face an investigation."
+
+"You're right there," Mrs. Jukes replied.  "They'll do nothing now but
+just wait for another chance.  You had better be careful how you wander
+around alone at night, especially near the professor's place."
+
+"Why?" Douglas asked, noting the twinkle in her eyes.
+
+"Ben'll be getting jealous, that's all.  He'll have another grudge
+against you, if you're not careful."
+
+Douglas realised that what Mrs. Jukes said was quite true.  Ben must
+have been watching through the window the night he was at the
+professor's house, and no doubt jealousy had been added to his hatred.
+But he did not care, for a new feeling had now taken possession of him.
+His heart burned within him when he thought of Ben meeting Nell and
+making love to her.  He brooded over this all the afternoon as he
+worked in the field.  Nell, with her simplicity and charm of manner,
+was ever before him.  He could not get her out of his mind, and at
+times he found himself looking across the field in the direction of her
+home.
+
+Suddenly there came to him the realisation that Nell Strong was the one
+woman in the whole world he wanted.  His heart cried out for her, and
+the idea of her becoming the wife of Ben Stubbles was almost more than
+he could endure.  For the first time in his life he was in love, and
+with a beautiful woman, who in some unaccountable manner was bound to a
+man who was his most bitter enemy.  Ben must not have her, he told
+himself over and over again that afternoon.  But what was he to do?  He
+himself was merely a farmhand in Nell's eyes, and he had not the least
+reason to believe that she cared anything for him.  Ben, on the other
+hand, was the son of the most influential man in the parish, and had
+been making love to her for come time.
+
+Had any one told Douglas a month ago that he would be deep in love
+after he had been in Rixton a couple of weeks, he would have laughed
+him to scorn.  His idea of wandering from place to place and living
+just for self had suddenly taken flight.  To him life seemed desolate
+apart from Nell Strong.  He could not understand the feeling, and he
+did not try to analyse it.  It was something he had never before
+experienced.  He knew that it had come mysteriously and subtly, and was
+now possessing his entire being.
+
+Jake noted how absent minded his assistant was that afternoon, and
+jokingly told him to look out for the constable.
+
+"He may be along any minute now," he bantered.
+
+Douglas laughed and went on with his work.  He was glad that Jake
+imagined it was the thought of arrest which was occupying his mind.  He
+did not wish any one to have the least idea of the secret thoughts
+which were agitating his heart.
+
+After the chores had been done, Douglas strolled down to the shore.  He
+wished to be alone that he might think.  It was a beautiful evening,
+and the river stretched out before him like a great mirror, with not a
+ripple disturbing its surface.  It was a scene of peace, and it brought
+a quietness to his soul.  A swim in a secluded place had refreshed him,
+and after he had dressed, he sat for a time upon the sandy beach.  He
+looked up and down the shore, but no sign of life could he behold.  The
+only familiar thing he saw was the old tree where he had sat that
+evening when he had first seen Nell.  He wondered if she would be at
+the same place again this evening, and if Ben would meet her there.  He
+did not relish the idea of spying, but so much was at stake now, and he
+must find out if they kept their tryst as formerly.  If so, then it
+would be no use for him to cherish any hope.  He might as well banish
+Nell from his mind first as last.
+
+Walking slowly along the shore, he at length reached the old tree and
+sat down upon the ground by its side with his eyes turned upstream.
+From here he could see all that might take place before him, while he
+himself would remain unobserved.
+
+The sun had now gone down beyond the tree tops, and the shades of night
+were stealing slowly over land and river.  The air was clear, and
+objects were easily discerned some distance away.  Douglas had not sat
+there more than a quarter of an hour when Nell appeared and stopped
+close to the big tree.  She stood quietly there, with her right arm
+resting upon the bent and twisted trunk.  Her eyes were fixed upon the
+ground, and she seemed to be in deep thought.  Douglas shrank back lest
+he might be observed.  A feeling of compunction smote his heart, and he
+was tempted to slip away among the bushes.  What would Nell think if
+she knew that he was spying upon her? he asked himself.  Would it not
+be more manly for him to go forward and speak to her?
+
+As he was thinking of these things, a man suddenly appeared from the
+thick bushes and advanced toward the waiting woman.  That it was Ben,
+Douglas had not the least doubt, and his heart beat fast as he watched
+the two standing together.  His hands clenched and the blood coursed
+madly through his veins.  So she was expecting Ben, then, he told
+himself, and no doubt was pleased at his arrival.  What use for him to
+consider her any longer?  She had given her heart and hand to that
+rascal, so that ended it.  Surely she must know that he was a downright
+villain.  Was she playing a double game?  Why had she told him only
+last night, standing at the door of her house, that she was glad of the
+part he had taken at the hall?  And yet here she was talking to the
+very man he had opposed, and perhaps enjoying a lovers' chat.
+
+Douglas was sorely puzzled.  He knew that he should go home, and yet
+the two standing near the tree fascinated him.  The man seemed to be
+doing most of the talking, and Nell was plucking at the bark on the
+tree with nervous fingers, so Douglas thought.  He tried to picture the
+expression on her face and the look in her eyes.  He could not
+associate Nell with anything that was mean and unwomanly.  There must
+be some reason for her presence there with Ben.  The thought gave him
+some comfort, and he breathed a sigh of relief.  He must not judge her
+too harshly until he knew more.  Perhaps she was suffering keenly, and
+would need his assistance.  He felt that she was a woman who would
+greatly endure and remain silent, even though her heart were breaking.
+He must stand by and do what he could to help her.  Even though she
+might never be his, yet he would be her friend to the last if she would
+only give him the opportunity.
+
+A slight noise to the left caused Douglas to turn his head, and as he
+did so he caught a fleeting glimpse of some one moving swiftly yet
+cautiously among the bushes.  It was a woman, and he recognised her at
+once as Jean Benton.  She looked neither to the right nor to the left,
+but kept her eyes fixed upon the couple standing by the old tree.  She
+leaned forward as she walked and seemed to Douglas like a panther
+stealing upon its prey.  He could not see her face, but from her
+intensity of action he could easily imagine the passion depicted there,
+and the fiery gleam in her eyes.  A sudden thrill shot through his body
+as he realised the purpose of her presence.  It was mad jealousy, there
+could be no doubt of it, and the object was Nell.  She had alienated
+her lover's affections, and Jean's passionate nature had been aroused.
+What would she do? he asked himself.  What could not a woman do when
+crazed with intense fury?
+
+Douglas expected that Jean would spring suddenly from among the bushes
+and confront Ben and Nell face to face.  She did nothing of the kind,
+however, but, stopped when a short distance away, crouched low to the
+ground, and watched.  Douglas remained where he was, spell-bound.
+There was nothing he could do, and it was not his business to
+interfere.  If he went forward now, it would show that he had been
+spying.  No, he would wait and see what the outcome of it all would be.
+
+He did not have to wait long, for in a few minutes Ben and Nell left
+the tree and walked slowly along the path leading to the house.  And
+after them crept Jean, keeping well within the deep shadows of the
+thick bushes.  Soon all had disappeared and Douglas was left alone with
+his thoughts.  He did not at once leave the shore, but sat there
+thinking over what he had just witnessed.  Jean was jealous of Nell,
+and blamed her for stealing her lover.  And what of himself?  Was he
+not jealous of Ben?  Did he not want that beautiful woman for himself?
+Yes, there were twin fires burning in their breasts.  But, oh, how
+different were their natures.  Jean's was like a fiery volcano, ready
+to burst forth in fury and destruction.  His was more moderate, he
+reasoned, righteous, temperate, and he must see to it that it should be
+kept under control.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+CRUEL AS THE GRAVE
+
+Nan had gone to the store that morning for a few groceries, and when
+she returned she was greatly excited.
+
+"Nell, Nell," she called, as she laid her parcels on the kitchen table,
+"where are you?"
+
+"Here I am," Nell replied, coming from the next room.  "What is the
+matter?  You are all hot and excited."
+
+"They are going to arrest my musician, just think of that!"
+
+"Arrest your musician!  Mr. Handyman!  Why, what for?"
+
+"Because he hit Billy Keezer and Tom Oakes last night on the road.  He
+cut them up pretty badly, so I heard."
+
+Nell looked at her sister for a few seconds in an effort to comprehend
+the meaning of it all.  Then the truth flashed upon her mind.  "I am so
+glad I gave him that pick-handle," she said to herself.  "I felt that
+an attack would be made upon him."  To her sister, however, she merely
+said,
+
+"Sit down, Nan, and tell me what you have heard."
+
+In a few words Nan told her the story that was in circulation around
+the village.  It was the same that Jake had related to Douglas.
+
+"And is every one blaming Mr. Handyman?" Nell asked when Nan had
+finished.
+
+"Oh, yes.  And they are saying what a dangerous man he is, and should
+be driven out of the place.  I heard the storekeeper tell another man
+that he stole Tom Oakes' coat last night, and that he believed that Mr.
+Handyman is a noted thief."
+
+"Why, how did he get Tom's coat?" Nell asked in surprise.
+
+"No one seemed to know for sure.  But people think that he knocked Tom
+down and took his coat, thinking there might be money in it."
+
+"Where did this happen, Nan?"
+
+"On the main road, according to Billy and Tom.  They said that they
+were walking quietly along when they were set upon by Mr. Handyman, and
+knocked down with a big stick.  I don't believe it, do you?"
+
+But Nell did not answer.  She stood in the middle of the room gazing
+thoughtfully out of the window which faced the main highway.
+
+"Come with me, Nan," she at length ordered.  "Let us go for a short
+walk."
+
+Somewhat surprised, but asking no questions, Nan accompanied her sister
+out of the house, through the garden and along the road leading to the
+highway.  Nell kept a careful watch on both sides of the road, and when
+they at last came to the spot where the fight had taken place, she
+espied two hats lying in the ditch.  Near by were two stout cudgels.
+
+"This is where the fight took place," Nell quietly remarked, as she
+pointed to the hats and the sticks.  "They belong to Tom and Billy, if
+I am not much mistaken."
+
+"But they said it was on the main road where they were attacked," Nan
+replied.
+
+"Then they must be lying.  There is the proof where the fight took
+place.  And why was it here?" she asked.
+
+"I don't know, do you?"
+
+"I think I do.  Billy and Tom were lying in wait for Mr. Handyman last
+night, and attacked him as he was coming from our house."
+
+"Oh, do you think so?  What would they do that for?"
+
+"Perhaps they were obeying orders.  But we shall find out later.  Let
+us take those hats and sticks and keep them; they may be needed later."
+
+"Oh, I believe I know," Nan exclaimed, now much excited.  "They are Si
+Stubbles' men, and he got them to attack my musician.  Wasn't it mean
+of him!  And then to think that Billy and Tom would lie and throw the
+blame on an innocent man."
+
+Nell was very quiet during the rest of the day.  She went about her
+work as usual, but her mind was upon other things.  At times she found
+herself standing and looking absently out of the window.  She felt
+quite sure who was the man responsible for the trouble the previous
+night.  Her face was paler than it had been for some time and an
+occasional nervous tremor shook her body.  She found herself mentally
+comparing two men, one, mean and contemptible, with no apparent aim in
+life but the satisfaction of self; the other, self-reliant, noble, and
+working for an honest wage.  She knew that one was a miserable cad,
+while the other was a true gentleman.
+
+As evening drew near, she became restless and worked with a feverish
+haste about the house and at times in the garden.  When supper was
+over, she drew Nan out upon the verandah.
+
+"Something is going to happen to-night," she told her, "and I wish you
+would take father to his room and read him to sleep."
+
+"Is it that old tree affair again to-night?" Nan impatiently asked.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And Ben will be there, I suppose."
+
+"I expect he will."
+
+"Nell, I wish you would tell him once and for all that you will not
+have anything more to do with him.  I hate him, and so do you, and you
+know it."
+
+"Hush, hush, Nan.  Do not talk that way.  Do as I ask you now, and
+perhaps I shall have something to tell you in the morning.  You had
+better go to bed early, too."
+
+Nell seemed to be very calm as she walked slowly to the shore and took
+up her position by the side of the tree.  But her heart was beating
+rapidly, and her courage almost forsook her.  When, however, she saw
+Ben appear from the bushes, and thought of his contemptible work of the
+previous evening, she became strengthened by the spirit of anger which
+suddenly possessed her.  He seemed to her more like a serpent than a
+man, and she drew back a step as he approached too near.
+
+"Surely you're not afraid of me, Nell," he chided, noting her action.
+
+"I am not afraid," she calmly replied, "but I do not wish you to come
+too close, that's all."
+
+"When are you going to stop this fooling, Nell?" he impetuously asked.
+
+"I am going to stop it to-night, and at once," and she looked him
+squarely in the eyes as she spoke.  "You have your answer."
+
+He mistook her meaning, however, and reached out impulsively to put his
+arms around her.
+
+"Keep away," she ordered.  "Don't touch me."
+
+"Why, what do you mean?" Ben demanded, shrinking back before her
+steadfast look.
+
+"I mean that I am not going to have anything more to do with you.  You
+can go your way, and I will go mine."
+
+"But I thought you cared for me," the man replied in surprise.
+
+"Haven't I told you over and over again that I did not?  But you would
+persist in coming here, nevertheless."
+
+"Do you mean what you say?" Ben asked, while a surly expression leaped
+into his eyes.
+
+"Yes, I mean every word.  You had better go now, as it will be no use
+for you to say anything more."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me this before, Nell?"
+
+"I did, plainer than any words."
+
+"Yes, perhaps you did.  But why didn't you speak, and tell me so?"
+
+"There was a reason which it is not necessary for me to explain."
+
+"Ah, I know the reason.  I see through your little game now.  You were
+using me as a tool, that was all.  But, damn you, I'll get even with
+you.  That little matter can soon be attended to, and then you'll find
+out your mistake."
+
+Nell's face was very white and strained, and with difficulty she kept
+her outward calmness.  Had she but realised that eyes glowing with
+hatred and jealousy were watching her from the bushes a short distance
+away, she would have broken down completely.
+
+"I believe you are capable of doing almost anything, Ben," she replied,
+"and accordingly any injury you might do to us and our little home will
+be no surprise.  I am going back to the house now.  It is no use for us
+to talk any longer."
+
+Nell moved away from the trees, hoping that Ben would go back the way
+he had come.  But she was not to get clear of him so easily.  He
+stepped quickly to her side, and demanded what she meant by the words
+she had just uttered.
+
+"Surely you must know," she told him.  "If I had the least spark of
+affection for you, which I did not have, it would have been quenched by
+your action at the dance in the hall, and what you did last night."
+
+"Last night!  What did I do last night?"
+
+"You know as well as I do, and I think a great deal better.  One who
+will hound on others to attack a lone man on a dark night is not worthy
+to be called a man, but should be listed with the brutes of the jungle."
+
+An oath leaped from Ben's lips and he gripped Nell by the arm.
+
+"Who told you that?" he growled.  "How dare you make such a charge?"
+
+"I dare make it because I know it is true.  How I know it is my own
+affair.  Let go my arm at once, and don't you touch me again."
+
+Nell's eyes were blazing with anger now, and Ben shrank back cowed.
+The serpent within him could not endure the righteous indignation of
+the pure and noble woman before him.  He knew that what she said was
+true, and it roused him to an uncontrollable pitch of fury.
+
+"Ah, I know where you got your information," he twitted.  "I understand
+why you won't have anything more to do with me.  It's Jake Jukes' hired
+man who is at the bottom of all this.  Ah, I know.  He's been around
+here with his damn oily ways.  That's the secret of the whole thing.
+Oh, I understand it all now."
+
+"You think you know more than you do," Nell quietly replied.  "Mr.
+Handyman has told me nothing.  I have not seen him since the fight."
+
+"But you saw him last night.  He was at your house."
+
+"How do you know that?"
+
+"Oh, I know very well."
+
+"You were spying upon us, I suppose, sneaking around and looking in at
+the window.  Do you call that a manly thing to do?"
+
+Ben was getting the worst of the conversation, and he knew it.
+
+"I'll get even with that cur," he declared.  "I'll show him a thing or
+two."
+
+"There, I wish to hear no more of such talk," Nell replied.  "I am
+going into the house."  She started to leave, but Ben stopped her.
+
+"Just a minute before you go," he growled.  "You have thrown me over,
+and you think you are done with me.  But, remember, Nell Strong, I'm
+not a man to be fooled with.  You'll regret this sooner than you
+imagine."
+
+"Is that a threat?" she asked.  "You are careless of your words."
+
+"You can call it what you like, I don't care.  You may scorn me now,
+but my turn will come."
+
+Waiting to hear no more, Nell left him, hurried into the house and
+closed the door.  She partly expected him to follow her, so she stood
+for a while in the middle of the kitchen listening with fast-beating
+heart.  After she had waited for several minutes and no sound was heard
+outside, she lighted the lamp and drew down the blinds.  Then she sat
+down upon a chair by the side of the table and buried her face in her
+hands.  She was very tired and almost heartbroken over what had just
+taken place.  She knew how vindictive Ben would be, and when she
+thought of her helpless father and sister and what her decision might
+mean to them, she almost repented of her action.  But when she thought
+of Ben and what a creature he really was, she felt that anything was
+better than to be in the least manner connected with him.  Let him do
+his utmost, there would still be some way, surely, whereby they could
+make a living.
+
+She sat thus for some time, and it seemed to her as if her brain must
+burst from the confusion of thought.  She must do something to relieve
+her strained feelings.  There was plenty to be done, and she at once
+began to fold some clothes which had been left over from the previous
+day's washing, and which she had not had time to iron.  Her fingers
+moved rapidly, keeping pace with her thoughts.
+
+She had been engaged at this work but a short time when she heard a
+step at the door.  Then there was the sound of some one lifting the
+latch.  Could it be Ben coming? she asked herself.  What would she do?
+What could she say to him?  As she stood there hesitating, the door
+slowly opened, and instead of Ben, Jean Benton stood before her.  Nell
+breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her, though the expression upon
+the girl's face startled her.
+
+"Oh, Jean!" she exclaimed, "how you did frighten me!  Come and sit
+down, for you look tired."
+
+Jean made no reply but stood there with her eyes fixed upon Nell's
+face.  They were wild eyes, and they caused Nell to tremble.  Was Jean
+mad? she wondered, and what would she do with her?  What did she want,
+anyway?
+
+"Won't you sit down?" she asked, not knowing what else to say.
+
+Jean took a step or two forward, and so fierce was her look that Nell
+shrank back.
+
+"Jean, Jean, what's the matter?" she demanded.  "Why do you look at me
+that way?"
+
+Jean suddenly lifted her right hand, and pointed her forefinger at the
+trembling woman before her.
+
+"You stole him from me," she hissed.  "You took him away when I needed
+him most.  Ah, that is what you have done, and you needn't try to deny
+it."
+
+For an instant Nell was unable to comprehend the meaning of Jean's
+words.  Then the truth flashed upon her mind.  The girl was mad with
+jealousy.  She imagined that she had stolen Ben from her.
+
+"Jean, Jean, listen to me," she pleaded.  "I haven't taken Ben from
+you, if that is what you mean.  He came to me of his own accord, and I
+have refused to have anything more to do with him."
+
+"You lie!" the half-crazed woman cried.  "I saw you together to-night,
+talking by the tree and by the house.  His arm was around you.  I saw
+it all, and you needn't deny it."
+
+"Listen to me," Nell ordered, now much annoyed.  "Won't you believe me?
+I tell you I have not taken him from you.  He was with me to-night for
+the last time.  I told him to go and never to come back again.  Why do
+you blame me?  Ben is the one to blame.  If he has deserted you, why
+don't you go to him?"
+
+"He isn't to blame," Jean cried.  "Don't try to clear yourself, Nell
+Strong.  You have stolen him, and you know it.  But you won't have him.
+He shall never be yours."
+
+Quick as a flash, Jean thrust her right hand into the bosom of her
+dress, and ripped forth a sharp knife.  Like a tiger she sprang upon
+Nell.  Instinctively the latter stepped back and raised her left arm to
+ward off the blow, which thus received the knife meant for her heart.
+With almost superhuman effort Nell hurled her assailant from her, drew
+forth the knife from the quivering flesh, and threw it behind her.  The
+blood was streaming from her arm, but she kept her eyes fixed upon the
+baffled girl before her, not knowing what she might do next.  But the
+sight of blood seemed to satisfy Jean.  She gloated over her deed, and
+with a wild mocking laugh, she opened the door and sped out into the
+night.
+
+With a great effort Nell overcame the deathly feeling of faintness
+which came upon her.  Quickly she locked the door, and then turned her
+attention to her injured arm.  The wound was still bleeding profusely,
+and it was with considerable difficulty that she was at length able to
+stop the flow of blood.  The gash was not as deep as she had first
+expected.  The knife in falling had struck a glancing blow just below
+the shoulder on the outer part of the arm.  For this Nell was thankful,
+but she shuddered as she thought of what her assailant really intended
+to do.
+
+When the wound had been carefully bound up, Nell sat down by the side
+of the table and thought over what had just taken place.  But for the
+pain in her arm she might have considered it nothing more than a
+terrible dream.  She had never imagined that Jean, who in the past had
+been so gentle, good, and loving, could be so changed.  But she knew
+that jealousy was the cause, and jealousy could be as cruel as the
+grave.
+
+After she had burnt up the clothes with which she had staunched the
+wound, and wiped up the stains on the floor, Nell went slowly up to her
+own room.  But she could not sleep, for the excitement through which
+she had recently passed caused her brain to throb and her head to ache.
+She tossed restlessly upon her bed, and finding that she could get no
+rest she got up and paced rapidly up and down the room.  At times she
+thought she would go mad like Jean, as she recalled all that had taken
+place.  She glanced into the mirror, and was astonished at the haggard
+face which confronted her there.  What was she to do?
+
+Presently her eyes rested upon her mother's picture hanging on the
+wall.  She studied it lovingly and longingly, and then, "Mother!
+Mother!" burst from her lips.  "Oh, I want you, I want you!  Come to me
+to-night, and comfort me as of old."
+
+And as she stood there her mother's parting words came to her mind.
+"Nellie," she had said, "you are young and a great responsibility rests
+upon you.  You will fail if you try to bear it alone.  There is One to
+Whom you can always go, and He will help you in all your troubles."
+
+At once a new light came into her eyes.  There was One who had promised
+to help.  Why had she forgotten Him?  Kneeling down by the side of her
+bed, she prayed as she had never prayed before.  And as she thus knelt,
+a new peace stole into her heart, and it seemed to her as if a divine
+presence pervaded the room, bringing a restful balm to her weary body
+and mind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+SILENT STRIFE
+
+Douglas was hoeing corn on a patch of ground near the road.  It was a
+beautiful day, and the air was filled with teeming life of bird and
+insect.  But the silent worker was in no mood to enjoy the fair
+morning.  He was thinking deeply of what he had witnessed down by the
+river the evening before.  As far as he could tell, Nell and Ben were
+on most friendly terms, for he knew nothing of the stormy scene which
+had taken place between them.
+
+Across the road was the rectory, seeming more dilapidated than ever, so
+he thought.  Only yesterday he had looked at it, and a picture had come
+into his mind of the building renewed, the house set to rights, and
+Nell crowning it all by her grace and beauty.  He had imagined her in
+the garden, among the roses, sweet-peas and morning-glories, the
+fairest flower of them all.  He knew just how she would look, and what
+a joy it would be to her to tend the various plants.  And then what a
+welcome she would give him upon his return from some parish work.  He
+had dreamed of it all out in the field, and it had made him very happy.
+What a success he would make of life with Nell's inspiration and
+helpfulness.  But now his vision was shattered, and the future looked
+dark and lonely.  Nell could never be his, and why should he think of
+her any more?  She had given herself, no doubt, to Ben Stubbles, so
+that ended it.
+
+It seemed to Douglas as if everything he undertook was a failure.  He
+had not succeeded with his work at St. Margaret's, and he had become
+entangled in a quarrel in the very parish where he was shortly expected
+to come as rector, the solution of which he could not see.  Instead of
+bringing peace to troubled Church waters, and harmony out of chaos, he
+had apparently made matters worse by his interference.  Added to this,
+he was deeply in love with the one woman he could not hope to win.
+
+As he moved slowly up and down the rows thinking of these things, Empty
+appeared suddenly before him.  The lad was breathing hard and seemed
+greatly agitated.
+
+"Hello, Empty! what's wrong?" Douglas enquired, pausing in his work.
+
+"Go fer the doctor, quick," Empty panted.  "Jean's sick, very sick, an'
+ma sent me fer you.  She can't spare me a minute, so I must hustle
+back.  Will ye go?"
+
+"Certainly," Douglas replied.  "But when did Jean become ill?  She
+seemed all right last night."
+
+"She took sick jist a little while ago.  Oh, hurry!  Don't waste time
+talkin'.  An', say, ye might drop in an' tell her dad.  Joe's very
+uneasy 'bout Jean."
+
+Douglas wished to ask Empty a number of questions, but having delivered
+his message, the lad left him and sped like a deer by a short-cut
+across the field.  The telephone was at the store and Douglas lost no
+time in getting there.  Several people were standing before the counter
+as he entered the building, who listened with great interest as he
+asked the store-keeper for the use of the telephone.  Then as he spoke
+to the doctor, requesting him to hurry at once to Mrs. Dempster's, the
+curiosity of the bystanders became intense.  They would have something
+to discuss among themselves, and a choice bit of gossip would soon be
+in circulation throughout the parish.
+
+When Douglas left the store, he made his way to the shoemaker's.  He
+found Joe at his bench, half-soling a pair of shoes.  He greeted his
+visitor cordially, and offered him a seat upon the only chair the room
+contained.
+
+"I haven't time to sit down this morning," Douglas told him.  "I have
+just called up the doctor, and dropped in to see you for a minute."
+
+"Called up the doctor!" Joe repeated, while an anxious look came into
+his eyes.  "Who's sick?"
+
+"It is Jean.  She is not very well."
+
+"Ah, I was afraid of it," and the old man laid aside the shoe, and
+looked intently into his visitor's face.  "Poor lassie, she must have
+caught cold out on the hills that night.  Is she at Mrs. Dempster's
+yet?"
+
+"Yes.  Empty came for me this morning, and he had to go right back."
+
+"I must go at once."  Joe rose from the bench as he spoke and untied
+his leather apron.  "Jean may need me now."
+
+"Would it not be better for your wife to go?" Douglas asked.  "A woman
+can generally do more in a sick room than a man."
+
+Joe shook his head as he carefully folded the apron and laid it on the
+bench.
+
+"No, she couldn't very well go.  She hasn't been that far in a long
+time.  It's her foot, you see.  It's been troubling her for years.
+Jean'll have to come home, and then she can look after her.  Just wait,
+I'll be with you in a minute."
+
+As the two walked along the road there was little said for a time.  Joe
+seemed to be lost in thought, and occasionally he gave a deep sigh.
+
+"I am thinking," he at length remarked, "that this sickness will be for
+Jean's good.  It may be that the Lord has a hand in it, and He will
+lead her home through the valley of trouble.  He did it in olden days,
+and I believe He does the same now."
+
+"Have you any idea what is the matter with your daughter?" Douglas
+enquired.  "What do you suppose has caused such a great change in her
+from what she was before she left home?"
+
+"I have never heard," Joe slowly replied.  "Jean would not tell me."
+
+"But there must have been something, Mr. Benton.  It is not natural for
+a girl who was brought up so carefully to change in such a short time."
+
+Douglas knew the nature of Jean's illness, and he was anxious that
+Joe's mind might be somewhat prepared for the shock.  He felt that he
+could do no more than give a hint.
+
+"Jean has been working too hard," the old man replied.  "She was always
+a great worker, and I think she is run down and her mind is somewhat
+affected.  She will be all right as soon as she gets over this
+sickness."
+
+"But what about the letter you received from the city?" Douglas
+persisted.  "Didn't it show that there must have been something wrong
+there?  She was sent home for repairs, was she not?"
+
+"I have thought it all over, sir, night and day, and we have talked
+about it a great deal.  Jean has done nothing wrong, mark my word.  I
+thought at first that perhaps she had, but I know better now.  Why,
+it's not in that child to do anything wrong.  She's always been as
+innocent as a baby.  She was led astray for a time, that's all."
+
+Douglas had not the heart to say anything more.
+
+He left Joe when they came to the corn patch, and picked up his hoe.
+He stood and watched the old man ambling along the road, and a feeling
+of deep pity came into his heart.  Why should such a worthy man have to
+endure so much?  he asked himself.  He knew the cause of the trouble,
+and his thoughts turned to the cowardly cur who had brought such misery
+upon the humble home.  It was not right that Ben should escape, and he
+felt that something should be done to expose the villain.  But if he
+told what he knew, who would believe him?  Ben would defy him to
+produce evidence of his dastardly deed, and most of the people in the
+place would side with him.  They would say that Jake's hired man had
+trumped up a lie about Ben Stubbles out of mere spite.
+
+Douglas brooded over this during the rest of the morning, and as he
+continued his work after dinner he was still thinking about it and
+wondering what he could do to bring about Ben's deserved punishment and
+humiliation.  It was galling to him to see the fellow strutting about
+and lording it over everybody.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon, happening to glance down the road,
+he was astonished to see Joe walking slowly along, swaying from side to
+side, as if he were dizzy or had been drinking.  Douglas believed that
+something more than usual was the matter, and by the time the old man
+had reached the corn patch he was standing by the side of the road.
+
+"What is wrong?" he asked.  "Is Jean dead?"
+
+"Worse than dead," was the low reply.  "Oh, if she were only dead!  God
+help my Jean, my darling Jean!"
+
+Joe's face was drawn and haggard.  His eyes were red as if they had
+been rubbed hard and long.  His body trembled so violently that Douglas
+feared that he might collapse where he stood.
+
+"Won't you sit down?" he asked.  "You must be tired.  Rest awhile."
+
+"Sit down!  Rest!" Joe slowly repeated, as if he did not fully
+comprehend the words.  "How dare I think of rest with my poor child's
+troubles on my mind?"
+
+He ceased and let his eyes roam across the fields toward the Dempster
+home.  Then he straightened himself up and turning to his companion
+clutched him fiercely by the arm.  His lips moved, though no word was
+uttered.  But his eyes and face said all that was necessary.  A
+heartbroken father was being torn by a wild passion, and what anger is
+more terrible than that caused by an injury to an offspring, whether of
+man or beast?  Douglas made no effort to soothe the grief-stricken man.
+He realised that the storm must beat itself out, and that words of
+comfort or sympathy would be empty sounds falling on unheeding ears.
+He knew that silence is never more golden than in the presence of
+overmastering grief.
+
+At first he thought that Joe's passion was that of anger alone for the
+one who had outraged his daughter.  But presently, he intuitively
+divined that the struggle was deeper than that.  He felt that it was a
+conflict between right and wrong; the desire of the savage beast
+thirsting for revenge, contending with the Christ-like spirit of
+forgiveness.  Now he longed to speak, to utter some word that would
+decide the battle for the right.  But never did he feel so helpless.
+He recalled several appropriate texts of Scripture, but he did not
+quote them.  Why he did not do so he could not tell.  He realised the
+importance of the moment, and felt like a coward for his helplessness.
+If the beast nature should win, no end of harm might be done.  What
+should he do?
+
+Presently an idea flashed into his mind.  Why had he not thought of it
+before? he asked himself.
+
+Taking Joe by the arm, he led him from the road to a large maple tree
+standing near the edge of the field.
+
+"Sit down under the shade," he ordered, "and wait until I come back."
+
+Joe at first refused, and declared that he did not want to rest.  But
+under his companion's gentle yet firm urging he sank upon the grass and
+buried his face in his hands.
+
+Leaving him there, Douglas hastened to the house.  In a few minutes he
+returned, carrying his violin.  Joe never looked up as he approached,
+but remained, huddled upon the ground, the very epitome of abject
+despair.
+
+At once Douglas began to play strong, violent music, in keeping with
+Joe's feelings.  Each note suggested a tempest, and as the playing
+continued, the old man lifted his head and Douglas noted the gleam in
+his eyes and the angry expression upon his face.  At that moment he was
+ready for action, for revenge dire and swift.
+
+But gradually the music changed.  It became soft and low.  It appealed
+to the better and higher nature.  It was like the revivifying breath of
+spring after winter's sternness, and the sun's radiant smile following
+the raging tempest.  It affected Joe.  The light in his eyes changed,
+and his face softened.  His body relaxed.  Then the player knew that
+the victory was won.  Gently he drifted off to the old, familiar hymns
+of "Nearer My God to Thee," and "Abide with Me."
+
+As the last note died upon the air, Joe rose slowly from the ground.
+He said nothing, but reaching out he clasped Douglas by the hand.  Then
+with head erect and a new light in his eyes, he turned and made his way
+slowly toward the road.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+WARMER THAN HE EXPECTED
+
+Joe had gone but a short distance up the road when Ben Stubbles met him
+in his car, and enveloped him in a cloud of dust.  Ben was alone and he
+scowled as the old man stepped aside to let him pass.  Douglas, who was
+watching, felt thankful that Joe was ignorant of the driver's part in
+Jean's ruin.
+
+Seeing Douglas standing under the tree, Ben drew up his car and asked
+him what he was doing there.
+
+"Attending to my own affairs," was the cool reply.
+
+"Amusing the old man, eh?  You must have a damn lot of work to do if
+you can afford to waste your time that way."
+
+"That, too, is my own affair, and not yours.  Have you anything more to
+say?"
+
+"Sure I have.  I want to know what you are doing here."
+
+"Why shouldn't I be here?"
+
+"But you received orders to leave."
+
+"Who gave them?"
+
+"Dad, of course."
+
+"What right had he to order me away?"
+
+"Oh, he rules here."
+
+"Well, he doesn't rule me, and I shall leave when I get ready, and not
+before."
+
+"You'll change your tune before long, though."
+
+"I will, eh?"
+
+"Sure.  You'll find this place so damn hot for you that you'll be glad
+to get out."
+
+"H'm," and Douglas gave a sarcastic laugh.  "You have tried to make it
+hot for me already, so I believe.  How did you succeed?"
+
+"What do you mean?" Ben demanded.
+
+"You know as well as I do.  You set two men upon me the other night, as
+you were too much of a coward to face me yourself.  Now you understand
+my meaning.  If you want to make things hot for me, step right out
+here.  Now is your chance."
+
+"I wouldn't foul my hands fighting a thing like you," Ben snarled.
+
+"No, simply because you know what would happen to you.  You are too
+cowardly to face a man, but you have no hesitation about ruining an
+innocent girl, and leaving her to a miserable fate."
+
+At these words Ben clutched the door of his car, threw it open and
+stepped quickly out upon the road.  His face was livid with rage, and
+his body was trembling.
+
+"Explain yourself!" he shouted.  "How dare you make such a charge?"
+
+Douglas at once stepped across to where Ben was standing, and looked
+him full in the eyes.
+
+"Is it necessary for me to explain?" he asked.  "Surely you have not
+forgotten what you did at Long Wharf in the city?"
+
+"Do!  What did I do?" Ben gasped, while his face turned a sickly hue.
+
+"You pushed Jean Benton over the wharf into the harbour and left her to
+drown; that is what you did."
+
+Douglas spoke slowly and impressively, and each word fell like a deadly
+blow upon the man before him.  His face, pale a minute before, was now
+like death.  He tried to speak but the words rattled in his throat.  He
+grasped the side of the car for support, and then made an effort to
+recover his composure.  The perspiration stood in great beads on his
+forehead, and his staring eyes never left the face of his accuser.
+
+"I wish you could see yourself," the latter quietly remarked.  "You'd
+certainly make a great picture.  When you threatened to make this place
+too hot for me, you didn't expect to feel very uncomfortable that way
+yourself in such a short time, did you?"
+
+"W-who in the devil's name are you?" Ben gasped.
+
+"Oh, I don't pretend to be as intimate with the devil as you are, and
+appealing to me in his name doesn't do any good.  It makes no
+difference who I am.  You know that what I just said is true, and you
+can't deny it."
+
+"But suppose I do deny it, what then?"
+
+"H'm, you are talking nonsense now.  It's no use for you to do any
+bluffing.  The victim of your deviltry is lying sick unto death at Mrs.
+Dempster's.  You had better go to her at once and make what amends you
+can before it is too late."
+
+"Ah, I know," Ben replied, regaining somewhat his former composure.
+"Jean has been stuffing you with lies.  She's a little vixen, and wants
+to get me into trouble."
+
+"Look here," and Douglas' voice was stern as he spoke.  "Don't you
+begin anything like that.  I have never spoken a word to Jean Benton,
+and as far as I know she has never said anything about your cowardly
+deed to her.  She is as true as steel in her love for you, and my
+advice is for you to act like a man, go to her, be true to her, and
+marry her as you promised you would that night you hurled her into the
+harbour."
+
+"You are lying," Ben blustered.  "If Jean didn't tell you this
+cock-and-bull yarn, how would you know anything about it?"
+
+"I am not lying, Ben Stubbles.  There were eyes watching your every
+action that night on Long Wharf; there were ears listening to what you
+said, and but for these hands of mine Jean Benton would be dead, and
+you would now be arrested for murdering her."
+
+"You!  You heard, and saw, and saved her!"  Ben gasped, shrinking back
+from before the steady gaze of his pitiless accuser.
+
+"I did," was the quiet reply.
+
+"Were you alone?"
+
+"Do you think I could have lifted her wet body from the water myself?
+No, I had help.  But never mind that now.  You go to Jean and make love
+to no one else."
+
+The strain through which he had just passed was telling severely upon
+Ben.  He mopped his face and forehead with his handkerchief.  His sense
+of fear was passing and anger was taking its place.  It annoyed him to
+think that he should be thus cornered and affected by Jake Jukes' hired
+man.  Then his opponent's closing words roused the fire in his soul,
+and he turned angrily upon him.
+
+"Ah, I see through your little game now," he cried.  "You are jealous
+of me."
+
+"Jealous of you!  In what way?"
+
+"You want Nell Strong, that's it.  Ah, I understand it all.  You want
+to take her away from me, don't you?  I suppose you have told her this
+yarn about me, and that accounts for something that took place last
+night.  You devil incarnate!  I'll get even with you for what you have
+done!"
+
+"If I were you I would be too ashamed to say anything more," Douglas
+calmly replied.  "I have not told Miss Strong about your cowardly deed,
+though I think she should know of it.  It would be an act of mercy if a
+word might save her from such a brute as you."
+
+So intent were the two men upon what they were saying, that they did
+not notice Nell coming toward them down the road.  She was only a few
+yards away as Douglas finished speaking.  She heard the heated words,
+but could not understand their meaning.  She was hoping that she might
+pass as quickly as possible, as she did not wish to have anything to
+say to Ben.
+
+Douglas, standing facing the road, was the first to see her, and he at
+once lifted his hat.  He thought she never looked so beautiful, clad as
+she was in a simple dress, and a plain sailor-hat on her head.  She
+seemed like an angel of mercy sent to bring peace to their strife.
+
+Ben, however, had no such thoughts.  When he turned and saw who was
+approaching, he at once recalled the previous evening, and what Nell
+had said to him.  He was glad, too, of any excuse to get away from his
+opponent who had given him such a galling time.  And this was an
+opportunity, as well, to embarrass the woman who had repelled him.
+These thoughts flashed through his mind in the twinkling of an eye.
+
+"Hello, Nell," he accosted.  "Going down the road?  Better get in and
+have a drive.  I'm going that way myself."
+
+"I prefer to walk, thank you," Nell quietly replied.
+
+"Oh, nonsense.  Get in and have a drive," Ben insisted.
+
+Douglas noted that Nell's face became somewhat pale.  Her clear eyes,
+filled with courage, never wavered.  She had made up her mind and he
+knew that nothing could change her from her purpose.  She did not at
+once reply to Ben's request.
+
+"Get in," he ordered, "and don't be foolish."
+
+"I tell you I prefer to walk," she repeated.  "I am quite satisfied
+with my own company this afternoon."
+
+With this parting thrust, Nell was about to resume her walk when Ben
+with a savage oath sprang toward her.
+
+"No, you don't get away as easy as that," he roared.  "I want to know
+the meaning of such actions."
+
+Nell's anger was now aroused, and she turned swiftly upon the brute.
+
+"You know very well why I will not ride with you.  Have you forgotten
+last night?  This is the King's highway, and I am at liberty to go as I
+please."
+
+"To h---- with the King," Ben retorted, as he reached out and caught
+her fiercely by the arm.
+
+At once a cry of pain broke from Nell's lips, and wildly she tore away
+the gripping fingers.  Her face was distorted with pain, and her right
+hand pressed firmly her wounded arm.
+
+Ben's oath concerning the King caused Douglas' face to darken and his
+eyes to blaze.  He sprang quickly forward, and seized the wretch by the
+collar just as Nell forced his grip from her arm.  He shook him as a
+terrier would shake a rat and left him at length sprawling in the
+middle of the road, his clothes all covered with dust.
+
+"If you want some more, get up," Douglas remarked, as he stood viewing
+his prostrate victim.  "How dare you insult the King, and lay your foul
+hands upon this woman?  Get up, I tell you, and clear out of this at
+once."
+
+As Ben made no effort to obey, but lay there with his face to the
+ground, Douglas reached down, caught him by the coat collar, and landed
+him on his feet.
+
+"Take your car and get away from here," he ordered.  "Don't open your
+mouth, or it won't be well for you."
+
+With face livid with rage and with shaking limbs, Ben did as he was
+commanded.  He was thoroughly cowed, and not once did he look back as
+he crawled into his car, started it, and sped down the road.
+
+Douglas paid no more attention to Ben but turned immediately toward
+Nell.
+
+"I am sorry for what has happened," he apologised.  "I hope you----"
+
+He stopped suddenly, for he noticed a deep crimson stain on the white
+dress where Ben had clutched her arm.
+
+"Did he do that?" he exclaimed, stepping quickly forward.  "Oh, if I
+had only known sooner the extent of your injury, he would not have
+escaped so easily."
+
+"He did not do it all," Nell replied with a slight smile.  "There is a
+wound on my arm, and unfortunately Ben's fingers gripped me there.  It
+will be all right when it is re-dressed."
+
+For a few seconds Douglas stood looking at her without speaking.  Her
+courage appealed to him, and her beauty made her almost irresistible.
+His brain was in a tumultuous riot of conflicting emotions.  How he
+longed to comfort her, to take her in his arms, and tell her all that
+was in his heart.  He was almost jubilant, for he knew now that she had
+cast off Ben forever, and there was hope for him.
+
+Nell noted his ardent gaze and her eyes dropped, while a deep flush
+replaced the pallor of her face.
+
+"I must go now," she quietly remarked, though it was evident she was
+not anxious to leave.  "I was on my way to see Jean.  I understand the
+poor girl is quite ill."
+
+"But you must not go with your arm bleeding that way," Douglas
+protested.  "You must come into the house and have it dressed.  I know
+that Mrs. Jukes will gladly do it, that is, if you prefer to have her."
+
+"I prefer that you should dress it," Nell replied.  "I do not wish any
+one else to see the wound in my arm, and I know you will say nothing
+about it to any one.  I feel that I can trust you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+CONFIDENCE
+
+Mrs. Jukes was greatly puzzled over all that had taken place out upon
+the road.  She had been watching from a front window, and at times had
+been tempted to go for Jake that he might witness the interesting
+scene.  But she was afraid that she might miss something if she left
+even for a few minutes.  When she saw Nell and Douglas coming to the
+house, she was at the door ready to receive them.
+
+"Well, I declare," she exclaimed, "if you folks haven't been having a
+time out on the road this afternoon.  It was mighty lucky that no teams
+passed, or the horses would have run away with fright at your actions."
+
+"I am afraid you will discharge me for neglecting my work," Douglas
+laughingly replied.
+
+"I guess you needn't worry about that.  It all depends on what caused
+you to neglect your work, and it was a mighty good one, if I'm any
+judge.  My, I was glad to see you roll Ben Stubbles in the dust.
+What's he been up to, now?"
+
+"You saw him clutch Miss Strong by the arm, didn't you?" Douglas asked.
+
+"Indeed I did."
+
+"Well, then, see," and he pointed to the stain on Nell's dress.  "We
+need a little warm water and soft bandages, or something that will do
+for the present."
+
+"My lands! did that brute do that?" Mrs. Jukes exclaimed.  "It's no
+wonder you rolled him in the dust.  Just come inside and I'll get what
+you want in a jiffy."
+
+Very gently and with considerable skill Douglas washed and dressed the
+injured arm.  He made no comment about the nature of the wound, though
+it was not hard for him to surmise in what way it had been inflicted.
+He saw where the knife had pierced the soft flesh, and his hands
+trembled slightly as he thought how serious must have been the attack,
+and how great the strain upon Nell's nerves.
+
+"You are as good as a doctor," she laughingly told him.  "No one could
+do any better than that."
+
+"Oh, I took a course in First Aid at one time, and the knowledge I
+gained has served me in good stead on many occasions."  Douglas was
+just on the point of saying that it was at college where he had learned
+such things, and that then he had been seriously thinking of becoming a
+medical missionary.  It was the nearest he had come to giving himself
+away since he had been at Rixton, and he determined to be more cautious
+in the future.
+
+Mrs. Jukes insisted that Nell should remain for supper.
+
+"I would have had it ready now," she told her, "if I hadn't spent so
+much time at the window.  But I guess it was worth it.  I won't be
+long, anyway, and Jake has not come from the field yet."
+
+Douglas was greatly pleased when Nell at last consented to stay.  He
+went out to bring in Jake, and when he returned, he found Nell playing
+with the Jukes' children.  Her face was bright and animated, and she
+seemed to have forgotten all about her recent troubles.  The little
+ones were delighted at the stories she told them, as well as the games
+she knew, and they would not leave her when supper was ready, but
+insisted on sitting next to her at the table.  Douglas sat opposite,
+and he was perfectly content to let the others talk.  Nell was near; he
+could look upon her face, and listen to what she said, and he was
+satisfied.
+
+Jake was in great spirits when he learned what had happened.
+
+"Great punkins!" he exclaimed.  "I wish I'd been there to have seen it."
+
+"But what about the corn?" Douglas asked.  "It didn't get much hoeing
+to-day."
+
+"Never mind about the corn, John.  Ye kin hoe it agin, but ye might
+never git another chance to roll Ben Stubbles in the dust.  Ho, ho,
+that was a good one!"
+
+When Nell left to return home, it was but natural that Douglas should
+accompany her.  He asked permission to do so, and her acceptance
+brought a great joy to his heart.
+
+The Jukes watched them as they walked toward the road.
+
+"That's settled, all right," was Mrs. Jukes' comment.
+
+"What?" Jake asked.
+
+"Why, can't you see for yourself?  They're deep in love with each
+other, that's what it is."
+
+"Umph!" Jake grunted.  "I never thought of it before.  It takes a woman
+to see sich things.  My, John'll git a prize if he hooks Nell.  Strange
+that she takes to him, an' him only a hired man.  Why, she's fit fer a
+parson's wife."
+
+"I don't believe he's only a hired man," his wife replied.
+
+"Woman, what d'ye mean?" Jake demanded in surprise.
+
+"Oh, I don't exactly know.  But he's the queerest hired man I ever saw.
+He's got a good education, and just think how he plays the fiddle.
+Why, he is wasting his time working as a hired man for small wages,
+when he might be earning big money somewhere else.  That's what's been
+puzzling me for days."
+
+"Mebbe he's a dook or a prince, Susie, in disguise.  I've heered of
+sich things.  But he's a prince all right, fer I don't know when I met
+a man I think as much of as him.  An' as fer farm work, why he can't be
+beat.  He knows it from A to Z, an' that's sayin' a good deal."
+
+"I wonder what Ben will do now?" Mrs. Jukes mused.  "He must be about
+wild.  I saw him go up the road in his car just before supper, and he
+was driving like mad."
+
+"He'll do something, mark my word," Jake replied.  "He'll try to git
+even with John somehow.  I should have given him warnin'.  He shouldn't
+be out at night.  It isn't safe."
+
+"Oh, he can take care of himself, all right.  I'm not anxious about
+him, though I am quite nervous concerning Nell.  Ben and the rest of
+the Stubbles will do their best to make it hard for her."
+
+Nell and Douglas did not go up the road, but walked slowly down across
+the field toward the river.  It was a roundabout way, but that suited
+them both, as they would have more time together, and this latter was
+far more private.  For the time being, they were happy, talking and
+laughing like two joyous children.  Their faces were radiant, and their
+eyes were filled with animation when at length they reached the river
+and stopped by the old tree where Douglas had first seen Nell.
+
+"This has been a wonderful day to me," he remarked, as he stood looking
+out over the water.  "I little realised this morning that we would be
+standing here now.  It was here that I first saw you, and heard you
+playing over by that tree."
+
+"Don't mention that night," Nell pleaded.  "I want to forget it, and
+everything that is past."
+
+"And this afternoon, too?"
+
+"Everything except your great kindness to me.  I shall never forget
+that, and I don't want to, either."
+
+"I am so glad that I was able to rescue you from that brute.  My only
+regret is that I was not near to save you from harm last night.  If I
+had been there, that would not have happened," and he motioned to her
+wounded arm.
+
+Nell turned her face quickly to his and her eyes expressed a great
+wonder.
+
+"Why, how did you learn about that?" she enquired.  "Who told you?"
+
+"No one.  I am an amateur Sherlock Holmes, and have drawn my own
+conclusions from what I have seen and surmised.  Jean is jealous of
+you, and 'that way madness lies.'  Am I not right?"
+
+"You certainly are," and a tremour shook Nell's body as she recalled
+the incident of the previous evening.  "Oh, it was terrible!  Jean is
+so jealous of me.  She thinks that I have taken Ben from her, and she
+would not believe a word I told her.  She would listen to nothing, but
+said I was lying."
+
+"And you were not?" Douglas eagerly asked.
+
+"No.  I simply told her the truth, and that Ben is nothing to me, and
+that I never tried to take him from her.  But she would not believe me."
+
+A feeling of wonderful rapture came into Douglas' soul as he listened
+to this candid confession.  So Ben was nothing to Nell.  It was almost
+too good to be true.  There was hope for him.
+
+"But you often met Ben by the tree over there, did you not?" he at
+length questioned.  "It was there I first saw you when you played such
+sweet music.  I remember he joined you that evening."
+
+For a while Nell remained silent with her eyes fixed thoughtfully upon
+the ground.  Douglas was afraid that he had said too much, and had
+offended her.  But when she lifted her face and he saw the expression
+upon it, he knew that he was wrong.  Her cheeks were aglow with
+animation and her eyes beamed with eagerness.
+
+"Do you mind if I tell you something?" she asked.  "Part of it is known
+only to Nan and me.  I feel that I can trust you."
+
+"I shall be delighted to hear," Douglas replied, "and I am most
+grateful for your confidence in me."
+
+"I am very much worried about what will happen to us and our little
+home," she began.  "You see, when father was a professor at Passdale he
+bought this place for a summer residence, and my dear mother always
+loved it so much.  When he became blind, we moved here, and lived very
+comfortably because he had a private income.  But in a fatal moment he
+was induced to invest all he had in the Big Chief gold mine out west.
+Every one was talking about it and what a splendid investment it was.
+We were sure that in a few months we would be very rich.  But you know
+what happened to that.  There was bad management somewhere, the works
+shut down, and so many people were ruined."
+
+"Indeed I know," Douglas emphatically replied.  "I was bitten, too, and
+lost my all.  It wasn't much, to be sure, but it meant a great deal to
+me."
+
+"It was ruin to us," Nell continued.  "For a while I thought father
+would go out of his mind, he felt so badly.  Then, to add to our
+trouble, Nan became ill, and it took our last dollar to pay the doctor
+and other expenses.  At length, we were forced to mortgage the place to
+Mr. Stubbles to pay our grocery bill which had grown so large.  It is
+that which has been hanging over our home like a terrible cloud for
+several years now."
+
+Nell paused and looked out over the water.  The glow of evening touched
+her face and soft hair, and made her seem to the young man watching her
+as if she were not of this earth, so beautiful did she appear.  What
+right had such a woman to be troubled? he asked himself.  How he longed
+to do something to help her.
+
+"So you came to the rescue, and started farming."
+
+"There was nothing else to do," she smilingly replied.  "I felt the
+responsibility, and had to do something.  I didn't know much about
+gardening at first, and made many mistakes.  But we have managed to
+live, pay the interest on the mortgage and part of the principal.  But
+we are in danger of losing everything now," she added with a note of
+sadness in her voice.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"You see, the mortgage was due the first of July, and it should have
+been paid then.  But we did not have the money, not even enough to pay
+the interest.  Our garden did not do very well last year, and the
+winter was a hard one.  After we had paid father's life insurance,
+there was very little left.  We did not know what to do and were
+greatly depressed.  It was then that father went with Nan to the city
+and played on the streets.  I knew nothing about it until they came
+home with the money they received through your kindness.  We were thus
+enabled to pay the interest on the mortgage, as well as our grocery
+bill at the store.  You little realise how grateful we are to you for
+what you did for us."
+
+"I have never been so thankful for anything I ever did," Douglas
+earnestly replied.  "Little did I realise that night when I stopped to
+watch your father play, what the outcome of my act would be.  But now
+that the interest is paid, how is it that you are in danger of losing
+your home?"
+
+"Simply because Mr. Stubbles wants the money.  It is only a small
+amount now, and by another summer we could have it all paid."
+
+"But surely Stubbles doesn't need the money.  I understand that he is
+very rich."
+
+"I am not so certain about that.  There have been rumours abroad for
+some time now that he is not as rich as people imagine, and that he is
+having some difficulty in carrying on his business.  Anyway, when I
+went to see him about the mortgage, he told me in no gentle way that he
+must have the money and at once.  If not, he said he would foreclose
+and sell the place.  But he has not done so yet."
+
+"Why?"  Douglas asked the question eagerly.  He believed that he knew
+the reason now, and if his surmise were true it would explain something
+which had puzzled and worried him for days past.
+
+"He has been waiting, that is all," Nell's voice was low as she spoke.
+Her eyes were fixed upon the ground, and a deep, rich flush was
+mantling her cheeks and brow.  Then she lifted her head and spoke with
+considerable embarrassment.  "Yes, he has been waiting," she repeated,
+"waiting for something to happen.  It all depended upon that."
+
+"I know.  He has been waiting to see what answer you would give to Ben.
+Is that it?"
+
+"Yes, that's it."
+
+"And you have refused him?"
+
+"Couldn't you tell that by what happened this afternoon?"
+
+"Certainly.  But I wished to hear it from your own lips.  And so you
+think Stubbles will be very angry and will foreclose at once?"
+
+"There is no doubt about it.  I am sure that he will.  Ben will see to
+that.  I am afraid you do not know the Stubbles yet.  They will stop at
+nothing, especially the men."
+
+"I think I know something, more perhaps than you realise," and a slight
+smile flitted across Douglas' face.  "And I believe I know now," he
+added, "why you met Ben by the old tree.  There was so much at stake
+that you did not wish to offend him."
+
+"You have guessed right.  Oh, it was terrible!  I felt like a hypocrite
+all the time, and yet I had not the courage to refuse meeting him for
+fear of what would happen."
+
+"But you had the courage at last, though?"
+
+"It was only when I could stand him no longer.  I knew for some time
+that he was not a good man, but his actions of late have so disgusted
+me beyond all bounds of endurance that I refused to have anything more
+to do with him.  There, I have told you all, and I feel greatly
+relieved."
+
+"I suppose you hardly know what you will do if you lose your place.  Is
+there not some one from whom you could borrow enough money to pay off
+the mortgage?"
+
+"I am afraid not.  We have no security to give, and, besides, I dread
+the thought of asking for help.  Father will be almost heartbroken, and
+it will make him more bitter than ever."
+
+"At what?"
+
+"The Church and all connected with it.  Mr. Stubbles has been a warden
+here for years, and the way he has acted has been partly the cause of
+father's bitter feelings.  Now he will be worse than ever.  I wonder
+what the new clergyman will be like."
+
+"Perhaps he may be able to settle matters."
+
+"I am afraid not.  He will have to do as the Stubbles say or leave,
+just as the others did.  If he should happen to be a very strong-minded
+man and will stand up for justice and right, he will have a most
+difficult time of it.  In that case, father would be his firm friend,
+though I fear he could do but little to help him."
+
+"His moral assistance would mean much, though, would it not?"
+
+"Perhaps so," and Nell sighed.  "But I think I must go home now.
+Father and Nan will be wondering what has kept me.  Won't you come and
+see father?  I know he wants to talk to you about his book.  I am
+thankful he has something to occupy his mind."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+OUTDONE
+
+When they reached the house, they found Nan up in arms.  She scolded
+Nell for being away so long and leaving her to get supper and wash the
+dishes.
+
+"I don't think it is fair," she pouted.  "You go off and have a good
+time, while I must stay home and drudge like a slave."
+
+"You do not look any the worse for it," Douglas laughingly told her.
+"It seems to agree with you.  I never saw you look better."
+
+"H'm," and Nan tossed her head.  "It may agree with my complexion but
+not with my temper.  The only way you can make me good natured is to
+have a game of checkers with me.  I am just dying for a game.  No one
+here will play with me.  It's too giddy, I suppose.  I'm sure it's much
+nicer than Shakespeare--he's too dry.  Why, I've been reading to daddy
+for the last hour, and I can't remember one word."
+
+The professor was most anxious to discuss his book, but Nan insisted on
+checkers first.
+
+"I have a right to my own way for once," she insisted.  "You promised
+me long ago that I could have Mr. Handyman to myself the next time he
+came.  But, no, it was Shakespeare and Church matters, and so I was
+pushed aside."
+
+They all laughed heartily at her words and gestures, and the professor
+at last agreed that they should play two games.  Then he had something
+important to say.
+
+With Nan's animated face beaming over the board, and Nell sitting
+quietly sewing by the table, it was a most enjoyable evening to
+Douglas.  But the professor was not so happy.  The minutes dragged
+heavily, so when the players had won a game each, he gave a sigh of
+relief and claimed Douglas' special attention.
+
+"I wish to discuss several points in the tragedy of Hamlet," he began.
+"I am not altogether sure in my own mind, and would like to have your
+opinion."
+
+Though Douglas had studied Hamlet at college, yet he felt very
+diffident about discussing the "several points," which he felt sure
+would be difficult ones.  But as the professor began to talk, he knew
+that his opinion would not be necessary.  Once launched upon his
+subject, the old man seemed to imagine that he was once more in the
+class room.  Several times he asked Nell to read certain extracts from
+his notes, and upon these he always enlarged.  It was pathetic to
+observe his intense eagerness, and he was certain that his visitor was
+keenly interested in his subject.
+
+It was well for him that he could not see into the hearts and minds of
+the others in the room.  Nan was lost in a story book she had borrowed
+from a girl friend that very afternoon; while Nell's thoughts were not
+upon the wonders of Shakespeare, but upon the events of the day.
+Douglas tried to pay strict attention to what was being said, though
+his eyes would often wander to the young woman sewing just in front of
+him.  He noted the varying expressions upon her face, and he
+intuitively surmised something of what she was thinking.  How he longed
+to be talking with her and listening to her as it had been his
+privilege that afternoon.  Could she ever care for him? he asked
+himself just at the very instant when the professor was waxing eloquent
+about Shakespeare as an artist.  He tried to listen, but the force of
+the words of wisdom were lost upon him.  The professor, however, was
+pleased, and as Douglas rose to go he told him how delightful had been
+their conversation, and that the several points which had been
+troubling him were quite clear.
+
+Douglas' heart was happy and his step light and elastic as he left the
+house.  He thought over what Nell had told him, and her confidence in
+him gave him great joy.  He valued this far more than the explanation
+she had volunteered about her family affairs.  She trusted him and
+turned to him for sympathy.  Little wonder, then, that his face glowed
+and his eyes shone with rapture.  It was all a new experience to him,
+and life seemed very pleasant.
+
+He was roused from this reverie by the sound of angry voices.  He
+stopped and listened intently.  They were evidently men, quarrelling on
+the road ahead of him, though he could not distinguish what they were
+saying.  The fact that they were talking so loudly made him feel that
+they were not there with any evil designs.  Nevertheless, he felt that
+it was just as well to find out what was the trouble, and at the same
+time remain out of sight.
+
+Along the road ran a hedge of thick bushes, and, keeping well within
+the dark fringe of these, Douglas slowly advanced.  He could hear the
+talking more plainly now, and ere long he was able to tell that the men
+were under the influence of liquor.  Their voices were maudlin, and
+they were wrangling with one another in a somewhat petulant and
+childish manner.
+
+"I tell ye he is," he heard one say.
+
+"He ain't," another retorted.
+
+"Yes, he is, ye blame fool."
+
+"He ain't."
+
+"Shet up ye'r jawin'," a third ordered.  "Ye'r both drunk.  Sure he's
+there.  Wasn't he seen goin' into the house?"
+
+"Well, I'll be darned if I'm goin' to wait any longer," the first
+speaker whined.  "I'm tired an' sleepy, an' want to go home.  I wish to
+G-- that Ben would do his own dirty work."
+
+"Ye liked his whiskey well enough, didn't ye?" his companion asked.
+
+"Oh, yes, that's all right, but there wasn't enough of it."
+
+"Too much fer you, though.  Why, it's gone to ye'r head, an' has made
+yer tongue like a mill-clapper.  Ye'd better shet ye'r mouth or the
+guy'll hear ye an' take to his heels before we kin lay hands on him."
+
+"I ain't talkin' any, am I?  Watcher growlin' 'bout?  I'm goin' home."
+
+"No, ye ain't."
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+A scuffle followed these words, and Douglas could dimly see the forms
+of the two men as they rolled and tumbled about on the ground.  Then
+some one pulled them apart and administered a resounding cuff upon
+their ears.
+
+"Stop fightin', ye fools," was the peremptory order.  "De'ye want to
+spoil the whole show to-night?"
+
+"Who's spoilin' the show?"
+
+"You are."
+
+"I ain't.  I want to go home.  I'm sick of this business."
+
+"Ye'r not goin' till the guy comes, I tell ye."
+
+"When's he comin'?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"He'll stay there till midnight.  They always do.  I never got home
+till mornin' when I was courtin', an' Sal wasn't half as sweet as the
+'fessor's daughter.  Gad, she's a peach!"
+
+"Ye'r no judge of beauty, Tom Fleet," was the retort.  "You'd kiss a
+cow when ye'r drunk, thinkin' she's beautiful."
+
+"I ain't drunk, I tell ye."
+
+"Ye are."
+
+"I ain't; I'm only sleepy an' want to go home."
+
+"Well, ye ain't goin' till the guy comes."
+
+"Then I'm goin' to fetch him."
+
+"Now, ye'r talkin'.  That's the stuff, Tom.  We'll take him from his
+lady love.  Come on."
+
+"Wait a minute," one of the bunch ordered.  "How'll we do it?"
+
+What their plan was Douglas could not tell, for their voices suddenly
+became low as they made their plans.  But it did not matter.  He knew
+that they were after him, and most likely would go to the house and do
+considerable harm.  He must have assistance, and he at once thought of
+Jake.  With him at his side, he felt that the men before him could be
+mastered, especially in their present condition.
+
+Creeping through the bushes as quietly as possible, he reached the open
+field and across this he bounded like a greyhound.  He knew that every
+minute was precious, and the thought of Nell facing those drunken men
+caused his feet fairly to spurn the grass.  Reaching the main road, he
+tore through the dust, sprang over a ditch, leaped a fence, raced
+through the orchard and ran plumb into Jake and Empty standing at the
+back door.
+
+"Great punkins!" Jake exclaimed, recovering from the impact.  "What's
+wrong?"
+
+"Quick, quick!" Douglas panted.  "Come at once.  Ben's men are after
+me.  They think I'm at the professor's, and they are going to break
+into the house.  Hurry."
+
+"G-g-good Lord," Jake stuttered in amazement.  "Let me git me gun!"
+
+"No, no, never mind that; your fists will do.  Come."
+
+Without waiting for further parley, Douglas darted away, with Jake and
+Empty close at his heels.  He did not go to the spot where he had left
+the men but kept off into the middle of the field, and ran down
+opposite the professor's house.  Then turning sharply to the left, he
+hurried across to the garden and stopped before the row of bushes which
+ran almost to the shore.
+
+The rescuers were not a moment too soon, for the attackers had already
+reached the house and were pounding loudly upon the back door.  When it
+presently slowly opened, Douglas could hear Nell's voice anxiously
+enquiring what was the matter.
+
+"Give us the guy who's here," one of the men demanded.
+
+"Who?" Nell asked in surprise.
+
+"Oh, you know, all right.  The feller that's courtin' ye; Jake's man."
+
+Douglas' hands clenched hard together as he listened to these words,
+and it was with difficulty that he restrained himself.  It would not do
+to rush forth just then.  He must wait for the men's next move.  He
+could not see the features of Nell's face very plainly, but the words
+she uttered in reply to the impudent order told of her indignation.
+
+"How dare you come here with such a request?" she demanded.  "Leave
+this place at once or I shall have you all arrested.  I am surprised at
+you, Tom Totten.  What will your wife say?  Go home at once, and leave
+me alone."
+
+"No, we don't," was the surly reply.  "We're under orders, an' we won't
+leave until we git our man.  Ye've got him in the house, so hustle him
+out an' be quick about it."
+
+"He is not here," Nell replied.  "And even if he were, I wouldn't let
+you touch him.  You have all been drinking, that is what's the matter
+with you.  I am ashamed of you all.  Go away at once before you make
+fools of yourselves."
+
+"We won't go, I tell ye, before we git our man.  We know he's in the
+house, an' we're goin' to git him."
+
+Nell's only reply was to turn quickly and shut the door in their faces.
+Then a hubbub arose.
+
+"Smash in the door," cried one.
+
+"Break in the winder," ordered another.
+
+Then a rush was made against the door, which gave way with a crash, and
+the men stumbled into the kitchen where Nell was standing.
+
+As the door went through, Douglas and his companions sprang from their
+hiding place, bounded toward the house and fell upon the attackers like
+a whirlwind.  Douglas' blood was up, and he delivered telling blows to
+right and left.
+
+"Here I am," he cried, as he gave Tom Totten a punch under the ear,
+which sent him reeling across the room.  "Why don't you take me?  I am
+the man you want.  Now is your chance."
+
+Jake and Empty nobly supported him, and in a few minutes the room was
+cleared of all the attackers except two who were sprawling upon the
+floor.  Their noses were bleeding and they were groaning most
+dolefully.  The others had made good their escape, though not without
+serious injury, for their faces were cut and bleeding, and they limped
+as they hurried away from the scene of their defeat.
+
+"Great punkins!" Jake exclaimed.  "Is it all over?  I was jist
+beginnin' when everything stopped.  Hi, there, Tom Totten," he cried,
+as he tickled the defeated man's ribs with the toe of his boot, "so
+this is the way ye spend ye'r evenin's, eh?  Why don't ye git up an'
+let us see what a purty face ye have?  It never was much to look at,
+though I guess it's a sight fer sore eyes now.  Ho, ho, this is the
+best lark I've had in years, hey, Empty?"
+
+"Ye bet," and the lad smacked his lips.  "Did ye see the way I landed
+one on Jim Parks' nose?  It was a bruiser.  I bet he's rubbin' it yit
+an' roarin' like a bull.  My, it was great!  I'm sorry it was over so
+soon."
+
+But Nell had no such feelings of regret.  She was standing in the door
+leading into the hallway.  Her face was very white, and her body was
+trembling.  By her side stood Nan, her face beaming and her eyes
+sparkling with animation.
+
+"It's just like a story," she exclaimed, clasping her hands before her.
+"It's far better than a picture show, for this is real, isn't it, Nell?"
+
+So unexpected was this view of the situation, that they all laughed
+except the two men on the floor.
+
+"Ye'r a brick, all right, Nell," Jake remarked.  "I like ye'r pluck.
+Now, some gals would have yelled an' hollered an' tumbled down in a
+faint.  But that's not the way with the gals of this house," and he
+cast a glance of admiration at Nell.
+
+Douglas had now stepped to Tom's side and was bending over him.
+
+"Get up," he ordered, "and explain the meaning of all this."
+
+Tom slowly obeyed, crawled to his knees and then to his feet.  His
+companion, Pete Rollins, did the same.  They presented a sorry
+spectacle, and Douglas could scarcely repress a smile.  But Nan laughed
+outright when she saw them.
+
+"My, what beauties!" she exclaimed.  "This isn't Hallowe'en, Tom.  Did
+you think it was?  You'll know better next time, won't you?"
+
+"'Deed I will, miss," was the emphatic reply.  "No more sich doin's fer
+me, I tell ye that."
+
+Nell in the meantime had procured a basin of water, a wash-cloth and a
+towel.  She now stood before the battered men.
+
+"Sit down, both of you," she quietly ordered.  "It won't do for you to
+go home looking that way."
+
+Meekly they obeyed and sat very still while she washed the blood from
+their faces.
+
+"It's good of ye, miss," Tom told her.  "We don't deserve sich kindness
+after what we said an' done to you to-night.  Some would have kicked us
+out of the house an' left us there half dead."
+
+"You, fer instance, Nan, eh?" Empty grinned, as he looked toward the
+girl.
+
+"No, I wouldn't," Nan stoutly protested.  "That would have been too
+good for them.  I would like to keep them and start a travelling show
+throughout the country.  I would make my fortune in a short time.  They
+deserve to be treated like that for disturbing my peaceful slumbers.
+And just look at that door, all broken down.  Who's going to fix it,
+I'd like to know?"
+
+"I'll fix it, miss," Pete eagerly replied.  "I'll come to-morrow an'
+make it as good as new."
+
+"No, you won't.  You'll be in jail; that's where you'll be."
+
+"Hush, hush, Nan," Nell ordered, though she found it hard not to smile
+at the frightened look which came into Pete's eyes.  "Don't mind Nan,
+Pete.  She isn't as terrible as she sounds."
+
+"Yes, she is," Empty insisted.  "She kin use her hands as well as her
+tongue.  I know it, fer she's often boxed my ears."
+
+"H'm!" and Nan tossed her head disdainfully.  "If you'd been a man I
+would have done more than that; I would have blackened your eyes,
+and----"
+
+"There, there, Nan, that will do," Nell interrupted, and from the tone
+of her voice Nan knew that she must obey.  With a sigh of resignation
+she stood with her eyes fixed upon the floor and her hands clasped
+before her, unheeding Empty, who was grinning at her on the other side
+of the room.
+
+"Guess we'd better go now," Tom remarked when Nell had finished her
+ablutions.  "It must be purty late.  But afore I go I wish to ask ye'r
+pardon, miss," and he turned to Nell as he spoke.  "I wasn't jist
+meself to-night, an' I guess the rest were in the same fix."
+
+"A moment, Tom," and Douglas laid his hand upon his shoulder.  "I want
+you to tell us why you and your companions made this attack to-night."
+
+"To git you, of course.  Didn't ye know that?"
+
+"Yes, indeed I did, but I wanted to hear you say so.  Now, what did you
+want to get me for?  What harm have I done to you or to the men who
+were with you?"
+
+"None, none at all.  But, ye see, we were under orders.  We were told
+to come."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"Ben Stubbles."
+
+"What did he tell you to do?"
+
+"Lay fer ye by the road, an' give ye a thorough hidin'."
+
+"Didn't you feel ashamed to undertake such a cowardly thing as that?"
+
+"We did, an' we refused at first, an' told him that we didn't want to
+git into any trouble.  But he promised that he would stand by an' take
+the hull blame.  When we still refused, he threatened us, an' when that
+wouldn't work he produced the whiskey."
+
+"Now, will you swear to all this?" Douglas asked.
+
+"Swear! sure I will.  I'll swear to them very words anywhere an' at any
+time.  Won't ye, Pete?"
+
+"Ay, ay," was the reply.  "I'll swear any old time, an' I feel mighty
+like swearin' jist now, 'deed I do."
+
+"But what will Ben say?" Douglas asked.  "Won't he make it hot for you?"
+
+"Let him make it hot, then," Pete declared.  "I don't have to stay here
+an' work fer old Stubbles.  I kin go somewhere else, an' mebbe it will
+be jist as well if I do."
+
+"Who were the other men with you to-night besides Pete?  It is
+important that we should have their names."
+
+"D'ye mind if I don't tell ye now, sir?" and Tom lifted his eyes to
+Douglas' face.  "They're all friends of mine, an' I'd hate to squeal on
+'em."
+
+"But you didn't mind telling on Ben, did you?"
+
+"Oh, that's different.  He ain't a friend of mine, an' never was.  He's
+big feelin' an' mighty, an' has no use fer the likes of me, unless he's
+got some axe to grind.  Oh, no, I don't mind squealin' on the likes of
+him."
+
+"But we must have the names of the men who were with you to-night,"
+Douglas insisted.  "I cannot help whether you like it or not."
+
+"Look, sir, I'll tell ye this: Whenever ye want me an' Pete, we'll be
+there, an' we'll have the rest with us."
+
+"But perhaps they won't come, what then?"
+
+"Don't ye worry a mite about that.  They'll come all right.  But
+supposin' they buck an' won't come, then I'll tell ye their names.
+I'll give 'em fair warnin', an' if they don't come I'll squeal on 'em
+then, but not before.  Will that do, sir?"
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," Douglas assented.  "But don't you fail to come
+when you're called.  We have all these witnesses to what you have said
+to-night.  You may go now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+COMPELLED TO SERVE
+
+Douglas and his companions stayed for some time after Tom and Pete
+left.  There was much to talk about, and Nell had to go upstairs to
+explain everything to her father who was greatly agitated over the
+unusual disturbance.  Then, there was the door to be fixed, and it took
+Jake a full half hour to get it mended.
+
+"There, I guess that will stand for a while," he commented, as he stood
+back and viewed his work.
+
+"I thought Pete was going to do it," Douglas remarked.
+
+"Mebbe he would an' mebbe he wouldn't.  But most likely he wouldn't.
+Pete would have promised almost anything jist then.  Anyway, the door's
+fixed, an' I guess it's about time we were gittin' home."
+
+Nell looked tired as they bade her good-night.  Douglas knew what a
+trying day it had been for her, and he admired her courage as she
+smilingly held out her hand to each one of them.
+
+"I can never thank you for your kindness," she told them.  "It is hard
+to tell what might have happened if you had not arrived when you did."
+
+Douglas cherished the idea that Nell looked at him differently than she
+did at his companions, and that the clasp of her hand was firmer, and
+that she let it rest in his a second longer.  He felt sure that he was
+not mistaken, and it brought a thrill to his heart.
+
+As the three men made their way through the night, Jake kept emitting
+occasional exclamations, while Empty gurgled forth chuckles of delight.
+Each was giving vent in his own way to his feelings over the events of
+the night.  Douglas said nothing, but walked silently by their side.
+He was thinking over more serious matters in which Ben Stubbles loomed
+large and ominous.  He believed that the struggle between himself and
+the Stubbles had now reached a crisis, and that he was in a fair way of
+winning a victory over Ben, at least, if he advanced carefully.
+
+It was past midnight by the time they reached home.  Jake made Empty
+come into the house.
+
+"We're goin' to have something to eat," he told him, "an' I know you
+always shine when there's any grub around."
+
+Mrs. Jukes was in bed, but it did not take Jake long to light the
+kitchen fire, boil some water, and prepare a pot of tea.  This, with
+bread and jam from the pantry, formed their midnight repast, and when
+they were through Jake pushed back his chair and lighted his pipe.
+
+"Great punkins!" he exclaimed, bringing his big fist down upon the
+table with a bang.  "I wouldn't a' missed that racket to-night fer
+anything.  I wonder what Ben'll think about it all now."
+
+"Do you suppose the men will tell him?" Douglas asked.
+
+"Sure.  He knows all about it by now, I bet ye'r life.  Most likely he
+was not fer off, the skunk, watchin' the hull racket.  I wish to
+goodness I'd got the punch on his nose instead of Tom's.  How I'd like
+to have heard him squeal, ho, ho."
+
+"What will Ben do next, do you think?"
+
+"It's hard to tell.  But he'll do something, mark my word."
+
+"Yes, if we don't do something first."
+
+"What d'ye mean?"
+
+"Simply this, that he has been attacking long enough, and it is our
+turn now.  From what I can learn, Ben and his father have been riding
+over people in this parish rough-shod for years, and no one has had the
+courage to oppose them.  It might do them a great deal of good and
+teach them a useful lesson if they didn't have everything their own
+way."
+
+"D'ye mean to buck 'em?" Jake enquired.
+
+"I am going to do more than buck, Jake; I am going to charge.  The time
+for defensive warfare is over; it must be an offensive one now, and we
+are in a good position after this night's racket."
+
+"What are ye goin' to do, John?  How are ye goin' to charge 'em?"
+
+"I shall tell you about that later.  I am too tired and sleepy now, so
+I am off to bed."
+
+As Douglas rose to leave the room, Empty stepped forward.  He had been
+listening with eyes and ears to all that had been said, and he grinned
+with delight as the meaning of the offensive warfare dawned slowly upon
+his mind.  What a choice bit of news he would have to tell his mother.
+She would forgive him for being out so late when he told her all that
+had taken place during the night.
+
+"Ma sent me over with a message fer you," he began.
+
+"She did, eh?" and Douglas turned and looked upon the lad.  "You are
+somewhat late in delivering it.  Is it very important?"
+
+"She wants to know if ye'll be good enough to come an' see her as soon
+as ye kin, an' bring yer fiddle with ye."
+
+"How is Jean?" Douglas asked.  Owing to the excitement of the afternoon
+and night he had forgotten all about the sick woman.
+
+"Oh, I guess she's jist the same," Empty replied as he scratched the
+back of his head.  "But ma'll tell ye 'bout her better'n I kin.  Will
+ye come?"
+
+"Yes, I suppose I can if she does not want me too soon.  Tell your
+mother that I shall try to get over on Sunday.  I am afraid I cannot
+get there before."
+
+Douglas woke about daylight and heard the rain beating upon the roof.
+How good it sounded, and he turned over and went to sleep again.  It
+was late when he once more opened his eyes, and sprang out of bed.  It
+was ten o'clock, and he felt ashamed of himself for having slept so
+long.  He apologised to Mrs. Jukes when he entered the kitchen, and
+told her that she had better send him about his business at once, as he
+was a most unprofitable servant.  But Mrs. Jukes only laughed, and
+ordered him to sit down to the table and eat his breakfast, which she
+had kept waiting for him.
+
+"You deserve to sleep all day," she said, "after what you did last
+night.  I have cooked the biggest fresh egg I could find for your
+breakfast as your reward."
+
+"So Jake has told you all about it, has he?"
+
+"Oh, yes, he told me everything this morning, and he's gone to the
+store to get me some starch.  But he went really to hear the news.
+He's anxious to know if the word has got abroad, and what people are
+saying about it.  They generally meet at the store when anything of
+importance is to be talked about.  I guess all the men go to get
+starch," she added with a twinkle in her eyes.
+
+Jake returned from the store before Douglas had finished his breakfast,
+and laid the package of starch upon the table.
+
+"What's the news this morning?" his wife asked, noting the disappointed
+look upon his face.
+
+"Nuthin'," was the disgusted reply.  "Not a soul in the store but the
+clerk."
+
+"Isn't that strange?" his wife questioned.
+
+"Naw, not strange when ye come to think it over.  Them night prowlers
+wouldn't say a word; they're too dam scairt an' ashamed of themselves.
+An' as fer Ben, why he'll be as close as a clam."
+
+"What happened to the daily paper, or the special news agent, I should
+say?" Douglas asked.
+
+"Who's that?"
+
+"Empty, of course."
+
+"Oh, I fergot him," and Jake laughed.  "I guess he overslept himself
+this mornin'.  But he'll be on his job before night, though, never
+fear."
+
+"Who is the Justice of the Peace in this place?" Douglas asked, as he
+pushed back his chair from the table.
+
+"Justice of the Peace!" Jake vaguely repeated.  "I don't know of any
+sich person in this parish."
+
+"Yes, you do," his wife replied.  "It's Squire Hawkins."
+
+"The storekeeper?" Douglas queried.
+
+"The very same."
+
+"Does he ever try cases?"
+
+"Try cases!" and Jake rubbed his unshaven chin, while a smile lurked
+about the corners of his mouth.  "I guess the only cases he tries are
+the boxes which come into his store."
+
+"But isn't he called upon to decide questions, such as disputes, and
+other matters which arise in almost every parish?"
+
+"Never heard of him doin' sich things.  Si Stubbles does all that."
+
+"Is he a Justice of the Peace?"
+
+"Oh, no, but he looks after sich affairs fer all that, an' settles 'em
+in his own way."
+
+"And Squire Hawkins is only a J.P. in name, then?"
+
+"That's about it."
+
+"Well, then, it is about time he was getting to work.  I shall give him
+a case this very afternoon.  I am going to lay a complaint before him
+about last night's affair."
+
+"Ye are?" Jake asked in surprise.  "I wish ye luck, but I'm afraid ye
+won't accomplish much."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"H'm, that's easy to explain.  Hen Hawkins is under Si Stubbles' thumb.
+He won't tech the case 'cause he's afraid of Si."
+
+"What has Si to do with it?"
+
+"A great deal, if I'm not mistaken.  Him an' Ben are both at the bottom
+of last night's racket, mark my word.  Hen would be scairt most to
+death to do anything that would uncover their doin's.  He'll be afraid
+of losing' Si's trade.  Oh, no, I guess ye won't git very fer with Hen
+Hawkins, even though he is a J.P."
+
+Douglas said nothing more about the affair just then, though what he
+had heard made him more determined than ever.  He was learning more and
+more what a grip Simon Stubbles had over Rixton, and this added to the
+spirit of adventure which thrilled his soul.  Even the Justice of the
+Peace was forced to bow to Si's authority.
+
+Early that afternoon Douglas went to the store and enquired for Squire
+Hawkins.
+
+"You will find him at his house," the clerk informed him.  "He has not
+returned from his dinner yet."
+
+Douglas noticed several men in the store who ceased their earnest
+conversation as he entered.  He surmised what they were talking about,
+as no doubt the news was already abroad.  The men listened very
+attentively as Douglas questioned the clerk, and they watched him
+curiously.
+
+Douglas had seen the storekeeper on several occasions but had never met
+him personally.  A common farmhand was beneath the notice of such a man
+as Squire Hawkins, who prided himself upon his acquaintance with men of
+money and position.  He was a small-sized man, fussy, and pompous to
+those he considered his inferiors.  He did not even show common
+courtesy as Douglas was shown into the room where he was seated in an
+easy chair reading the daily paper.  He did not even rise to receive
+his visitor, but in a gruff voice asked him what he wanted.
+
+"You are a Justice of the Peace, so I understand," Douglas began.
+
+"Yes, and what of it?"
+
+As briefly and concisely as possible Douglas stated his case.  He told
+about the two attacks which had been made upon his person, and of the
+breaking into Professor Strong's house.
+
+"Well, what do you want me to do about it?" Squire Hawkins curtly asked.
+
+"You should know without my telling you," Douglas replied.  He was
+becoming nettled at this man's insolence.
+
+"What, what's that you say?"
+
+"As a Justice of the Peace you must surely know your business.  I have
+told you what has happened, and now I lay a complaint before you
+against three men, though others are implicated in the matter."
+
+"Why don't you go to Mr. Stubbles?  He always settles such matters."
+
+"Mr. Stubbles has nothing to do with this affair.  He is not a Justice
+of the Peace.  You are, though, and it is to you I look for justice."
+
+"But I have never handled a case in my life.  I don't know what to do."
+
+"Then it is time you began.  Why did you accept the office if you know
+nothing about it?"
+
+"Look here," and the Squire's face became red with anger.  "I don't
+wish for you to dictate to me in that manner.  Who are you, anyway?"
+
+"I am John Handyman, working for Jake Jukes at present."
+
+"H'm.  And so you expect me to bother my head about you?"
+
+"I certainly do, and what is more, I shall see that you do it, even
+though I am only a hired man."
+
+Something in Douglas' voice and bearing made an impression upon Squire
+Hawkins.  He squirmed uneasily in his chair and his face grew redder
+than ever.
+
+"Confound it all!" he growled.  "Why do you bother me with this matter?
+What reason had the men to attack you?  They were only sky-larking, no
+doubt.  Having a bit of fun, most likely."
+
+"Mighty poor fun for me, though, especially when the cudgels fell upon
+my head.  I don't like such fun, and I want you to take steps to stop
+it in the future."
+
+"Who are the men?" the Squire asked.
+
+"I only know the names of three at present.  They are Tom Totten, Pete
+Rollins and Ben Stubbles."
+
+"Ben Stubbles!" Squire Hawkins exclaimed in surprise.  "Surely you
+don't expect me to take action against him?"
+
+"I certainly do."
+
+"But did he attack you last night?"
+
+"No, not in person, but he was the one who supplied the liquor to the
+men, and ordered them to waylay and beat me."
+
+Squire Hawkins did not at once reply to these words.  He was lost in
+thought and seemed somewhat worried.  His brow knitted, and his small
+crafty eyes became like two narrow slits.
+
+"I am afraid I can't do anything for you," he at length replied.  "It's
+utterly impossible for me to undertake your case."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"Oh, there are personal reasons which I do not care to explain."
+
+"Fear of the Stubbles, eh?"
+
+"They are good customers of mine.  I would not like to offend them."
+
+"And you are a Justice of the Peace, a man appointed in the King's name
+to preserve law and order, and yet unwilling to see that justice is
+done for fear of having your trade injured."  Douglas spoke
+emphatically, and his words caused Squire Hawkins to wince.
+
+"You have no business to talk to me that way," he roared.  "If you are
+not satisfied with me get somebody else to attend to your affairs."
+
+"Do you mean it?" Douglas asked.  "Do I understand you to say that you
+will have nothing to do with this case, and that I must get some one
+else?"
+
+"Yes, that's exactly what I mean."
+
+"Very well, then, I shall take you at your word.  But remember, I have
+appealed to you who have been legally appointed by the Crown.  You have
+refused to act in this case.  You have refused to see justice done to
+an innocent man.  Do you know what that means?  If not, then it is your
+duty to know.  I shall not ask you again to assist me.  I am going to
+the city, and one of the ablest lawyers there is a special friend of
+mine.  I shall place the matter in his hands, and you will be forced to
+abide by the consequences."
+
+Douglas turned and had almost reached the door when Squire Hawkins
+leaped suddenly from his chair.
+
+"Wait a minute," he ordered.  "I want to have a few more words with
+you."
+
+"What is the sense of our talking any more?" Douglas asked in reply.
+"You refuse to conduct this case and what is the use of wasting my
+time?"
+
+"But perhaps something might be done yet.  I feel that I might comply
+with your request and see this affair through."
+
+"And you will summon those men and try the case yourself?"
+
+"Yes, to the best of my ability."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In the hall at the Corner, of course."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Will Monday at three o'clock do?  That will give me time to serve the
+summons for the men to appear."
+
+"Yes, that will suit me as well as any time.  You must summon the
+witnesses as well.  I shall give you their names.  It will be just as
+well to write them down so as to make no mistake."
+
+Douglas was somewhat surprised at the readiness of Squire Hawkins to
+comply with his suggestions.  He did not know the man or he would not
+have felt so satisfied.  Had he really known what was in his mind, he
+would have had nothing more to do with him after his first refusal.  He
+was to learn, however, of his mistake later.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+DISPELLING THE CLOUDS
+
+During the night the clouds rolled away, and Sunday morning dawned warm
+and clear.  It was good to be abroad, so Douglas thought, as he walked
+along the road with his violin under his arm.  It would soon be time
+for the shoe-maker to begin his morning service, and he knew how Joe
+and his wife would enjoy a little music.  He had not seen the former
+since Friday afternoon, and he was most anxious to learn the outcome of
+his struggle between right and wrong.
+
+He found Mrs. Benton in the sitting-room, rocking herself to and fro in
+a splint-bottom chair.  Her face was thin and care-worn, and her hair
+seemed whiter than the last time he had seen her, and he truthfully
+divined the cause.
+
+Mrs. Benton's face brightened as her visitor entered the room, and she
+at once offered him a chair.
+
+"It is good of you to come this morning, sir," she told him.
+
+"I did not wish to miss the service," Douglas replied.  "I thought you
+might like me to play a little," and he pointed to the violin which he
+had placed upon the table.
+
+"I fear there will be no service this morning," and a troubled
+expression came into Mrs. Benton's eyes as she spoke.  "Joe's been very
+strange of late, and has not been able to settle down to his work.  He
+can't eat nor sleep, and I am greatly worried about him."
+
+"He is grieving, I suppose."
+
+"Yes, about poor Jean."
+
+"Has he seen her lately?"
+
+"Not since Friday.  He may have gone to see her this morning, though,
+for he left here about half an hour ago, but he didn't tell me where he
+was going.  He seems like a man in a dream."
+
+"He didn't go down the road, Mrs. Benton, or I should have seen him.  I
+was sitting in front of Jake's house reading for some time before I
+left to come here."
+
+"Oh, he didn't go that way, sir.  There is a shortcut across the hills,
+though it has not been used much of late.  The path goes up just in
+front of our house to the top of the hill, and then turns to the left.
+Joe took that this morning, though I do not know why, as he has not
+travelled that way for years.  Perhaps he wishes to be alone.  I hope
+he is not going to do anything desperate.  He is so down-hearted and
+strange that I feel terribly worried about him."
+
+"I am going over to Mrs. Dempster's to-day," Douglas replied, "as she
+sent word for me to come and see her as soon as possible.  I might as
+well go across the hills if you think I can find my way.  Perhaps I
+shall meet your husband."
+
+"That will be very good of you," and Mrs. Benton's face somewhat
+brightened.  "You should have no trouble about finding the way, for as
+soon as you reach the top of the hill you will obtain a splendid view
+of the river and the surrounding country.  Even if you cannot find any
+path up there, you ought to be able to see Mrs. Dempster's house off in
+the distance."
+
+"I shall make out all right, I am sure," Douglas replied, as he rose to
+go.  "I have never been out on the hills, so it will be nice to get the
+view from the top."
+
+He found the climb a long and tiresome one.  The hot sun seemed to
+strike the hillside with extra intensity, and there was not a breath of
+wind abroad.  Once he sat down under the shade of an old fir tree and
+mopped his hot face with his handkerchief.  Even from here the view of
+the river was magnificent, and what must it be from the summit?
+
+When at length he gained the top, he stopped and looked around.  Then
+an exclamation of surprise and awe burst from his lips at the
+entrancing panorama which was thus suddenly presented to his view.
+Miles and miles of the river, unruffled by a breath of wind, lay
+glittering in the sunshine.  Acres of meadow land, dotted with houses,
+and broken by tracts of forest, stretched out before him.  Peace was
+upon land and river.  It was a magic world upon which he gazed with the
+ardent soul of a lover of things beautiful and grand.
+
+Having thus rested and revelled in Nature's marvellous handiwork, he
+turned and looked across the hills toward Mrs. Dempster's house.  As he
+did so his eyes caught sight of a lone figure sitting upon a rock some
+distance away.  Peeling sure that it was the shoemaker, he hurried
+forward and in a few minutes was by his side.  Joe did not seem at all
+surprised at the young man's presence, although his weary face
+brightened a little.
+
+"It is a great view from here," Douglas began.  "I have never seen
+anything like it."
+
+"What do you see?" the old man asked.
+
+"Why, the river, and that fine stretch of country to the right and
+left."
+
+"Yes, I suppose you're right, though I have not noticed them this
+morning.  I have been seeing other things."
+
+"What things?" Douglas enquired, as he sat down upon the rock by Joe's
+side.
+
+"Jean, of course.  My Jean and all her troubles are ever before me.  I
+can see nothing else.  How can I?"
+
+"But you should, Mr. Benton.  Surely you have not forgotten?"
+
+"Forgotten what?"
+
+"The strength which has been your stay for long years.  You remember
+how sad and dreary was the world yesterday.  How dismal everything
+appeared, with not a glimpse of the blue sky.  But look now at all
+this," and Douglas threw out his hand in an eloquent gesture.  "See
+what a change has taken place in a short time.  The greyness is gone,
+and look how blue is the sky, and how bright and warm the sun.  Surely
+He who is able to effect such a marvellous change in Nature in such a
+few hours, will not forsake His servant in the hour of need.  Cheer up,
+sir, and do not be so down-hearted.  Though things seem dark now, yet
+hope for the best, and trust that the clouds will scatter and the
+shadows will flee away."
+
+"Your words are full of wisdom," Joe slowly replied, "and you speak
+like a man who has known trouble.  But have you ever experienced a
+father's sorrow at the loss of a darling child?  Can you look back
+through the years and see that child pure and beautiful, loving and
+true, making the home ring with her happy laughter and joyous ways?
+Then at last to see her degraded, half-demented, a total wreck, with
+all parental love crushed out of her heart like my Jean over there?
+Have you known any sorrow like that, young man?"
+
+"No, indeed I have not," Douglas emphatically replied.  "Your trouble
+is truly great.  But why give up in despair?  Jean is still alive, and
+she may yet return to her former ways.  She is in the depths now, but
+this Valley of Achor may be to her a door of hope, as it was to the
+woman we read of in the Bible.  Suppose we visit her now, and learn how
+she is getting along?  She may have changed as much since you saw her
+last as Nature has changed since yesterday."
+
+Douglas rose to his feet and picked up his violin.
+
+"Come," and he laid his hand affectionately upon the old man's
+shoulder, "let us go together.  We may be able to cheer her up a bit."
+
+Without a word Joe rose slowly to his feet and walked along by Douglas'
+side.  Over the hill they moved and then down into the valley below.
+The path, now worn deep by the feet of cows, for this region was
+pasture land, wound through a swamp where they had to pick their way
+owing to the water which settled here.  Up a steep bank they scrambled,
+and when they at last gained the top they came in sight of Mrs.
+Dempster's house but fifty yards beyond.
+
+The widow was sitting under the shade of an apple tree near the front
+door, with Empty lying full length upon the ground by her side.  They
+were both somewhat startled and surprised at the sudden appearance of
+the two men from such an unexpected quarter.
+
+"Well, bless my stars!" Mrs. Dempster exclaimed, rising quickly and
+giving the shoe-maker her chair.  "Ye look fagged out, poor man, an' no
+wonder fer comin' over the hills.  It's not often any one travels that
+way now, though John always took that short-cut to the store when he
+was alive.  He was a great man fer short-cuts, was John.  I wish Empty
+here was more like his pa."
+
+"I don't like short-cuts," her son replied.  "Ye don't see nuthin', an'
+ye don't hear nuthin'."
+
+"An' ye can't tell nuthin'," his mother retorted.  "That's why ye don't
+like short-cuts."
+
+"I believe you sent for me, Mrs. Dempster," Douglas remarked.  "I was
+sorry I could not come sooner."
+
+"Oh, there was no special hurry.  A day or two doesn't make much
+difference.  But I thought if ye brought ye'r fiddle an' played a
+little it might cheer the poor lassie up a bit."
+
+"How is she?" Joe eagerly asked, leaning forward so as not to miss a
+word.
+
+"Doin' as well as kin be expected.  She's alone now," and the widow's
+voice became low.  "But I guess it's all fer the best.  I wasn't in the
+least surprised, considerin' what she's gone through.  It'll be as much
+as she kin do to make her own way in life, an' I told her so jist as
+soon as she was willin' to listen to reason."
+
+"Is she much depressed?" Douglas asked.
+
+"All the time, sir, an' that's what worries me.  She broods an' broods,
+an' sighs an' sighs, poor thing, till my heart aches fer her."
+
+"And nothing will cheer her up?"
+
+"Nuthin' that me an' Empty kin do an' say, so that's the reason why I
+sent fer you.  I thought mebbe a little music might have some effect.
+I've heard read from the Bible in church that when old King Saul was
+down in the dumps, an' dear knows he deserved to be, the cloud passed
+from his mind when David, the shepherd lad, brought his harp an' played
+before him.  Now, 'sez I to meself, sez I, 'if that old feller with all
+his cussedness could be cured in that way, why can't a poor, dear,
+troubled lassie like Jean Benton?'  An' so sez I to Empty, 'Go an' see
+if that wrestler won't come,' sez I.  We've always called ye 'the
+wrestler,' sir, since ye put Jake Jukes on his back.  'Mebbe he'll
+bring his fiddle an' play a few old-fashioned tunes to chase the
+shadder from the poor thing's brain.  I hope ye won't mind."
+
+"Not at all," Douglas replied.  "I shall be only too pleased to do
+anything I can.  Shall I go into the house?"
+
+"I've been thinkin' that mebbe it would be better to play out of doors.
+Her winder is open, so if ye'd jist go under the shade of that tree
+there, she'd hear ye quite plain, but won't be able to see ye.  I don't
+want her to think that the music is fer her special benefit."
+
+Following Mrs. Dempster's directions, Douglas went to the tree and
+leaning his back against the bole began to play a number of old
+familiar hymns.  It was a peculiar situation in which he thus found
+himself, and he wondered what the result would be.  He had entered
+enthusiastically into the widow's little plan, and he never played so
+effectively as he did this morning.  He felt that a great deal was at
+stake, and he must do his best.  He recalled how a certain woman had
+taken him to task when she learned that he played the violin, which she
+called the "devil's snare" for luring people to destruction.  He had
+tried to reason with the woman, but to no avail.  He believed if she
+knew what a blessing his playing had been to so many people she would
+really change her mind.
+
+Douglas had been playing for some time when his attention was attracted
+by the shoe-maker, who had risen from the chair and was walking toward
+the house.  No sooner had he entered by the back door than Mrs.
+Dempster followed.  Douglas went on with his music, at the same time
+wondering what was in their minds.
+
+He had not long to wait, however, for presently the widow came to the
+door and beckoned him to come.  He at once obeyed, and crossed over to
+where she was standing.
+
+"Don't make any noise," she warned, "but foller me.  I want to show ye
+something."
+
+Tiptoeing across the floor, Mrs. Dempster led him to the door of the
+little room where the invalid was lying.  Pausing just at the entrance
+and looking in, the sight which met his eyes was most impressive.
+Bending over the bed was Joe with his face close to Jean's, whose arms
+were clasped about her father's neck.  They were both sobbing, though
+neither uttered a word.  Douglas grasped the whole situation in an
+instant, and turning, he quietly retreated through the kitchen and out
+of doors.  He was at once joined by Mrs. Dempster.  Tears were
+streaming down her cheeks, and Douglas' own eyes were moist.
+
+"What d'ye think of that, now?" the good woman questioned.
+
+"We have no business to be there," was the solemn reply.  "That is too
+sacred a scene for inquisitive eyes.  We must leave them alone."
+
+"It was the music which done it, sir; I knew it would."
+
+"Not altogether, Mrs. Dempster.  Not altogether."
+
+"Ye think the Good Lord had a hand in it, too?"
+
+"Yes, I have no doubt about it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+EMPTY HEARS SOMETHING
+
+It was past mid-day, and Douglas was about to leave for home when Mrs.
+Dempster detained him.
+
+"Don't go yit, sir," she told him.  "Stop an' have a bite with us.
+Empty'll feel mighty pleased if ye will.  We haven't much for dinner,
+but ye'r welcome to what we have, an' we'll eat it right under the
+shade of that big apple tree.  We ginerally do that on bright Sundays,
+fer dear knows we eat often enough in the house."
+
+The widow was greatly pleased when Douglas consented to stay, and at
+once roused her son to action.
+
+"Hi, thar, Empty," she called, "wake up an' git a hustle on.  I want a
+pail of water, an' then ye kin carry out the dishes.  I do believe that
+boy'd sleep all the time," she grumbled.  Nevertheless, she watched him
+with motherly pride as he slowly rose from the ground, stretched
+himself and looked around.
+
+"Ain't dinner ready yit, ma?" he asked.  "I'm most starved t' death."
+
+"No, it ain't, an' it won't be to-day if ye don't hurry.  We've special
+company fer dinner an' I want ye to behave yerself.  If ye do, I'll
+give ye an extry piece of strawberry shortcake."
+
+Douglas was greatly amused at the conversation and candour of the
+mother and son.  They understood each other perfectly, and were not the
+least bit abashed at the presence of strangers.  There was no polished
+veneer about the widow's hospitality.  She did not pretend to be what
+she was not.  She knew that she was poor and was not ashamed of it.
+She was perfectly natural, and indulged in no high-flown airs.
+
+But Mrs. Dempster was a good manager, a capable housekeeper and an
+excellent cook.  The table-cloth she spread upon the grass under the
+tree was spotless.
+
+"We used this on our weddin' day," she informed Douglas who was
+watching her.  "Dear old Parson Winstead married us in the church, an'
+then he came over an' had dinner with us.  Me an' John had the house
+all fixed up, an' some of the neighbours helped with the dinner.  My,
+them was great days," and she gave a deep sigh as she stood for a
+moment looking off across the field.  "We was all equal then, jist like
+one big, happy family, an' good Parson Winstead was to us like a
+father.  But, goodness me! if I keep gassin' this way, dinner'll never
+be ready," and she hurried off to the kitchen.
+
+When Mrs. Dempster brought Joe from the house he was a greatly changed
+man.  His step was elastic, his head erect and his eyes shone with a
+new hope.  He ate well, too, almost the first he had eaten in several
+days, so he informed his companions.
+
+It was a pleasant company which gathered under the shade of the old
+apple tree.  Empty had received his second piece of strawberry
+shortcake, and was satisfied.  When dinner was over, he once more
+stretched himself out upon the ground and resumed the sleep which his
+mother had disturbed.
+
+During the meal Mrs. Dempster had been flitting to and fro between the
+house and the apple tree.  There was always something she had to attend
+to, so she explained when Douglas remonstrated, telling her that she
+should eat something herself, and never mind the rest.  But she would
+not listen, as she had to look after the fire, get a plateful of
+doughnuts, and most important of all, to see how the invalid was making
+out with her dinner.
+
+"The poor dear has eaten more than she has any time since she's been
+sick," she told them with pride, after one of her visits to the house.
+"An' there's a little tinge of colour, too, in her white cheeks, an'
+she really smiled an' thanked me when I took her in her dinner."
+
+"That is encouraging, isn't it?" Douglas asked.  Joe said nothing
+though his eyes never left the widow's face, and he listened almost
+breathlessly to her slightest word about Jean.
+
+"It is a good sign," Mrs. Dempster replied, as she sat upon the ground
+and poured for herself a cup of tea.  "An' it's another good sign that
+she wants to see you, sir."
+
+"See me!" Douglas exclaimed in surprise.  "Why is that a good sign?"
+
+"'Cause she hasn't wanted to see any one since she's been sick."
+
+"What does she want to see me for?"
+
+"To thank ye for playin', most likely.  She made me tell her who it
+was, as she was most curious to know.  She's takin' an interest in
+things now, an' that's encouragin'."
+
+When Mrs. Dempster had finished her dinner, she rose to her feet and
+informed Douglas that she was ready to take him to see Jean.
+
+"You jist make yerself comfortable, Joe, an' I'll be back in a jiffy.
+Lean aginst that tree an' rest ye'r poor old back.  It's always good to
+have something to lean aginst.  Since John died Empty's the only thing
+I've got to lean aginst, though I must say he's mighty wobbly at times."
+
+Douglas followed Mrs. Dempster into the little bedroom off the kitchen
+where the invalid girl was lying.  He was somewhat startled by the
+marked contrast between Jean's white face and her jet-black hair which
+was flowing over the pillow in rich confusion.  She smiled as she
+reached out her thin hand and welcomed the visitor.
+
+"Ye'd better set right down here, sir," Mrs. Dempster advised, as she
+drew up a chair.  "I'm goin' to leave yez to have a nice little chat
+while I clear up the dinner dishes.  It'll do ye a heap of good, won't
+it, dear?" and she stroked Jean's head.  "But ye mustn't talk too much."
+
+Douglas glanced around the little room.  It was a cosy place, and the
+partly-opened window let in the fresh air from the surrounding fields,
+together with the sound of the twitter of birds and the hum of bees.
+
+"This was my room," the widow explained, "until Jean took possession of
+it.  She wanted to stay right close to me an' wouldn't go to the
+spare-room off the parlour.  I haven't had time to fix it up, an' I've
+asked Empty time an' time agin to git somethin' to put over that
+stove-pipe hole in the wall, an' that one in the ceilin'.  But my land!
+ye might as well save ye'r breath as to ask that boy to do anything.
+But, there now, I must be off."
+
+The good woman's face was beaming as she left the house and went back
+to the apple tree.
+
+"Where's Empty?" she demanded of Joe, when she discovered that the lad
+was nowhere to be seen.
+
+"I don't know," was the reply.  "He got up just after you left, but I
+didn't notice where he went."
+
+"That's jist like the boy.  He's never around when he's wanted.  He
+does try my patience at times," and the widow gave a deep sigh as she
+began to gather up the dishes.
+
+In the meantime, Jean and Douglas were engaged in an earnest
+conversation.  It was somewhat constrained at first, but this feeling
+shortly vanished.
+
+"It was so good of you to play for me," Jean remarked.  "I feel better
+than I have for days.  I guess the music has chased the clouds away."
+
+"I am so thankful that I have been able to help you," Douglas replied.
+"You have had a hard time of late."
+
+"Indeed I have.  It seems to me that I have had a terrible dream.  Oh,
+it was horrible."
+
+"You must forget all about that now, and get well as soon as possible."
+
+"Why should I get better?  What have I to live for?"
+
+"You must live for your parents' sake, if for nothing else.  They have
+been heart-broken over you."
+
+"I know it, I know it," and Jean placed her hands to her face as if to
+hide a vision which rose suddenly before her.  "But you do not know my
+past life.  You have little idea how I have suffered, both mentally and
+bodily."
+
+"Perhaps I understand more than you imagine.  Anyway, I know how you
+looked the night I dragged you out of the water at Long Wharf."
+
+Douglas never forgot the expression which, overspread Jean's face as he
+uttered these words.  Her large dark eyes grew wide with amazement and
+a nameless terror.  She clutched the bed-clothes with her tense hands,
+and made a motion as if to rise.
+
+"Please do not get excited, Miss Benton," he urged.  "I would not
+mention this now, only there is much at stake, and I want your
+assistance."
+
+"And it was you who saved me?" she gasped.
+
+"Yes, with the help of an old tug-boatman.  I saw Ben Stubbles push you
+off the wharf into the harbour and then leave you to your fate."
+
+"Oh!"  It was all that Jean could say, as the terrible memory of that
+night swept over her.
+
+"Have you seen Ben lately?" Douglas asked.
+
+"Not since the night of the dance at the hall."
+
+"There is good reason why he doesn't come to see you, is there not?"
+
+"Indeed there is," and Jean's eyes flashed with a sudden light of
+anger.  "Nell Strong has taken him from me; that's what she has done.
+Oh, I'll get even with her yet."
+
+"You are altogether mistaken.  Ben is the one to blame.  Miss Strong
+has not wronged you.  She dislikes the man, and has refused to have
+anything more to do with him."
+
+"But why did she meet him night after night by that old tree in front
+of her home, tell me that?"
+
+"She was afraid of the Stubbles, both father and son.  Simon Stubbles
+has a mortgage on the Strong place, and if she turned Ben away and
+would not meet him, the little home would have been taken.  Miss Strong
+has done it now, however, and so I suppose the home will go."
+
+"Are you sure of what you say?" Jean asked in a low voice.
+
+"Yes, I am certain.  Ben has been using every effort to win Miss
+Strong, and he is very angry at me because he imagines that I have
+turned her against him.  The professor and his daughters have been very
+kind to me, and on several occasions I have been at their house.  Once,
+on my way home, Ben had two men lying in wait for me with clubs.
+Fortunately, I was able to defend myself, and so escaped serious
+injury."
+
+"Are you positive it was Ben who set them on!" Jean asked.
+
+"Oh, yes, there is no doubt about it.  I found a letter from him in the
+pocket of the coat of one of the men who attacked me.  I have the coat
+now in my possession as well as the letter.  The latter speaks for
+itself."
+
+"And so Ben did that!" Jean murmured to herself.
+
+"But that is not all, Miss Benton.  You have heard, I suppose, what he
+did Friday night?"
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Dempster has told me all about it.  And you think Ben was
+back of that, too?"
+
+"Indeed he was.  The two men we caught said so, and they are to swear
+to it at the trial, and bring the other men who were with them."
+
+"Will there be a trial?"
+
+"It will be held to-morrow in the hall at the Corner.  I am going to
+put a stop to such attacks and bring the guilty ones to task, if it is
+at all possible.  It is a very strange thing for one family to rule a
+community like this, persecute innocent men, and drive them from the
+parish.  It is a mystery to me that the people have permitted it for so
+long."
+
+"Who will conduct the trial?" Jean enquired.
+
+"Squire Hawkins.  He is the only Justice of the Peace here."
+
+"But he won't dare do anything to Ben.  He is frightened almost to
+death of the Stubbles."
+
+"I know he is, and for that reason I want your assistance."
+
+"What can I do?" Jean asked in surprise.
+
+"You can tell what Ben did to you at Long Wharf.  That will prove what
+a villain he really is.  Why, he intended to drown you that night, and
+he would have succeeded if I had not happened to be present.  You can
+make your sworn statement to Squire Hawkins who can come here, so it
+will not be necessary for you to go to the trial."
+
+Jean buried her face in her hands at these words and remained very
+silent.  Douglas watched her for a few minutes, and a deep pity for
+this unfortunate woman came into his heart.
+
+"Come," he urged, "won't you back me up?  I have entered into this
+fight and need all the assistance I can get.  If I am defeated, no one
+will dare to undertake such a thing again."
+
+"I can't do it," Jean moaned.  "Oh, I can't tell on Ben."
+
+"Why not?  He tried to drown you, and he cares for you no longer.  He
+is a menace to the whole community."
+
+"I know it, I know it," the girl sobbed.  "But I shall never tell on
+Ben, no, never."
+
+"But he has ruined your whole life, remember, and he may ruin others as
+innocent as you were, if he is not stopped.  Think of that."
+
+"Haven't I thought of it day and night, until I have been about crazy?
+But it is no use, I cannot tell on him."
+
+"And are you willing to let him go free that he may do the same
+villainous things in the future that he has done in the past?  A word
+from you will stir the parish to its very depths.  If the people only
+knew what Ben did to you at Long Wharf that night, they would rise and
+drive him from the place.  If I told what I know they would not believe
+me.  But if you confirm what I say, that will make all the difference."
+
+"Please do not urge me," Jean pleaded.  "I cannot do it."
+
+"You must love him still."
+
+"No, I do not love him now," and the girl's voice was low.
+
+"What hinders you, then, from telling?"
+
+"It is the love I had for him in the past.  That is one of the sweet
+memories of my life.  Nothing can ever take it from me.  No matter what
+he has done, and no matter what may happen to me, it is something to
+look back upon those days which are almost sacred to me now.  But
+there, it is no use for me to say anything more.  It is difficult for
+me to explain, and harder, perhaps, for you to understand."
+
+With a deep sigh of weariness, Jean closed her eyes and turned her face
+on the pillow.  Knowing that nothing more could be accomplished, and
+chiding himself that he had tired her, Douglas rose to go.
+
+"Just a moment, please," Jean said, as she again opened her eyes.  "Are
+you sure that Nell does not care for Ben?  Tell me once more."
+
+"Miss Strong told me so herself," Douglas replied.  Then in a few words
+he related the scene that had taken place in front of the Jukes' house
+on Friday afternoon.  "Doesn't that prove the truth of what I have
+said?" he asked in conclusion.
+
+"Thank you very much," was the only reply that Jean made, as she again
+closed her eyes and turned her face toward the wall.
+
+It was about the middle of the afternoon when Empty came out of the
+house and strolled over to where his mother was sitting alone under the
+apple tree.
+
+"Where in the world have you been?" she demanded as he approached.
+
+"Asleep," and the boy gave a great yawn and stretched himself.
+
+"Well, I declare!  When will ye ever git enough sleep?  Ye'll have
+nuthin' but a sheep's head if ye keep on this way."
+
+Empty made no reply as he sat down upon the ground by his mother's
+side.  He was too happy to take offence at anything she might say.  He
+had heard a great piece of news through the stove-pipe hole in the
+ceiling of the little bedroom.  Empty had a reputation to sustain, and
+his conscience never troubled him as to how his news was obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+PERVERTING JUSTICE
+
+Douglas did not remain long at Mrs. Dempster's after his conversation
+with Jean.  Bidding the widow and Joe good-bye, he made his way swiftly
+across the fields by a well-worn path to the main highway.  He was
+anxious to see Nell as she had been much in his mind since the night of
+the attack.  To his joy, he found her sitting alone by the big tree on
+the shore with a book lying open in her lap.  An expression of pleasure
+overspread her face as she welcomed her visitor, and offered him a
+chair by her side.
+
+"Father was sitting here," she explained, "but he became unusually
+sleepy this afternoon, so he is now lying down in the house.  Nan is
+out in the boat with Sadie Parks, a girl friend, gathering
+water-lilies, so I have been having a quiet time all by myself."
+
+"A most remarkable thing for you, is it not?" Douglas asked, mentally
+blessing the professor for becoming sleepy, and Nan for going for the
+lilies.
+
+"It certainly is.  It has been a long time since I have not read to
+father every Sunday afternoon."
+
+It seemed to Douglas as if heaven had suddenly opened to him as he sat
+there by Nell's side.  She looked more beautiful than ever, so he
+thought, clad in a simple dress of snowy whiteness, open at the throat,
+exposing a little gold cross, pendant from a delicate chain fastened
+around her neck.  Her dark, luxuriant hair was brushed carefully back,
+though a few wayward tresses drifted temptingly over cheek and brow.
+Her dark sympathetic eyes beamed with interest as Douglas related his
+experiences of the day, and his conversation with the invalid girl.
+
+"I am so thankful that Jean knows the truth," she quietly remarked when
+Douglas had finished.  "But isn't it terrible what Ben did to her at
+Long Wharf!  I knew he was bad, but I had no idea he would do such a
+thing as that."
+
+Further private conversation was now out of the question on account of
+Nan's arrival with her girl friend.  She was carrying a large bunch of
+dripping white water-lilies, which she flung down upon the ground.
+
+"My, what a nice little cosy time you two are having," she exclaimed.
+"It is too bad that you have to be disturbed."
+
+"It certainly is," Douglas laughingly replied.  "We were quite happy
+here by ourselves.  Why didn't you stay longer out on the river?"
+
+"Because I don't like to see people too happy, that is the reason," and
+Nan flopped herself down upon the ground, and began to weave a wreath
+of lilies with her deft fingers.  "Come, Sadie," she ordered, "you make
+one, too.  My, it's hot!  Nell's always cool and never flustered," she
+continued, as she snapped off a stem and tucked a lily into its proper
+place.
+
+"It's necessary for some one to be cool," her sister replied.  "I do
+not know what would happen if I didn't try to keep my senses."
+
+Nan merely tossed her head and went on with her work.  She was
+certainly a remarkable specimen of healthy, buoyant girlhood, with face
+aglow and eyes sparkling with animation.  What a subject she would make
+for an artist, Douglas mused as he watched her as she worked and talked.
+
+"There," Nan at length cried, as she held up her finished wreath for
+inspection.  "Give it to the fairest, sir," she dramatically demanded.
+
+"The Judgment of Paris, eh?" Douglas smiled.
+
+"No; your judgment."
+
+"That would be rather embarrassing, would it not?"
+
+"I dare you to do it," and she dangled the wreath before him.
+
+"Come, come, Nan," Nell chided.  "Don't be foolish.  You make Mr.
+Handyman feel badly."
+
+"That's just what I want to do.  He has neglected me, and I want to
+punish him."
+
+"Give me the wreath," and Douglas stretched out his hand.
+
+Rising to his feet, he placed the beautiful lilies upon Nell's head,
+and then stepped back to view the effect.
+
+"There," and he turned to Nan, "I have accepted your dare, so I hope
+you are satisfied."
+
+"You mean thing!" the girl pouted.  "I don't want anything more to do
+with you.  Come, Sadie, let's go for a walk.  We're not wanted here."
+
+"You must not go now, Nan," her sister ordered.  "It will soon be tea
+time, and I want you to help me.  Father will be awake soon."
+
+The time sped all too quickly for Douglas, and he wondered what would
+happen before he should spend another such pleasant afternoon with
+Nell.  She did not remove the wreath he had placed upon her head until
+that evening after he had left her at the cottage door.  Then she
+placed it in a dish of water to keep the lilies fresh as long as
+possible in memory of that happy day.  A strange happiness possessed
+her, and her heart was full of peace such as she had never before
+experienced.
+
+Douglas had the feeling that he was now nearing a crisis in his sojourn
+at Rixton, and the next morning he told Jake that he had better get
+another man to help him.
+
+"What!  Surely ye'r not goin' to leave us, are ye?" Jake exclaimed.
+
+"Not just yet," Douglas informed him.  "But I may not be able to give
+you full service for a while.  And, besides, if this trial should go
+against me, I may be forced to leave the place after all.  If Squire
+Hawkins fails to give justice and allows Ben to go free, what am I to
+do?"  Douglas merely asked this to see what Jake would say.
+
+"So ye think that Hen Hawkins might not give ye justice, eh?  Is that
+what's botherin' ye?"
+
+"Oh, it's not bothering me very much, only it might shorten my stay
+here, that's all.  It will be no use for me to remain in this place
+with all the people against me.  I can go elsewhere."
+
+"The hull people'll not be aginst ye," and Jake brought his big fist
+down upon the kitchen table with a bang.  "Mebbe they'll have a few
+things to say if Hen Hawkins isn't on the square.  I know that him an'
+the Stubbles eat out of the same trough.  But great punkins! they'll
+dance on the same griddle if they're not keerful."
+
+Douglas was surprised at the number of men gathered at the hall when he
+and Jake arrived that afternoon.  Most of them were sitting or standing
+in little groups outside, discussing the one important question of the
+day.  Just what they were saying he could not tell, as the time had
+come for the trial to begin and the men flocked into the building.
+Squire Hawkins was sitting on the platform, and by his side was his
+clerk with pen and paper before him, ready to take down the evidence.
+
+"Guess the Squire has closed his store this afternoon," Jake whispered
+to his companion.  "He's got his clerk with him to do the writin'."
+
+Douglas noticed that Ben Stubbles was not in the hall, but he saw Tom
+and Pete with the other men who had taken part in the attack, sitting
+in the front seat.  Had Ben been summoned? he wondered.  He wanted the
+rascal to be present to hear all that would be said.
+
+The trial was the most peculiar and interesting one Douglas had ever
+witnessed.  Squire Hawkins did not know how to conduct the case, but
+what he lacked in knowledge he made up in words and a pompous manner.
+He was feeling his importance on this occasion, and was determined to
+make the most of it.  Rising to his feet, he stated the charges that
+had been made against Tom Totten and Pete Rollins.  Then he ordered the
+offenders to come forward.
+
+"You have heard the charges made against you, have you not?" he asked.
+
+"We have," was the reply.
+
+"Are you guilty or not guilty?"
+
+"Guilty, sir."
+
+This candid admission was a surprise to the Squire, as he had expected
+that the men would emphatically deny the charges.  He was not prepared
+for this, and hardly knew how to proceed.  He frowned, twisted in his
+chair, and felt most uncomfortable.  The staring and gaping audience
+greatly embarrassed him.
+
+"S-so you confess your guilt, eh?" he at length stammered.
+
+"Yes, sir; we do."
+
+"Are you not afraid of the consequences!"
+
+"What are they?"
+
+"W-well, I h-have to see about that.  I'm not just sure yet.  But why
+did you make the attack upon Mr. Handyman?"
+
+"We were ordered to do so, sir," Tom replied.
+
+"H'm, I see," and the Squire rubbed his chin thoughtfully with his
+right hand.  He was thinking clearly now, and realised how necessary it
+was for him to be most discreet with his questions.  "Were there just
+two of you?" he presently asked.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Who were the others?"
+
+"They can speak for themselves, sir."
+
+No sooner had the words left Tom's mouth than four men stepped forward.
+
+"And were you in the trouble, too?" the Squire questioned.
+
+"Yes, sir," the spokesman replied.  "We was with Tom an' Pete.  We're
+guilty, too."
+
+"Well, I must say you are a fine bunch of nighthawks," and the Squire
+gave a slight, sarcastic laugh.  "You should be thoroughly ashamed of
+yourselves."
+
+"We're more'n ashamed, sir," Tom replied; "we're disgusted."
+
+"Disgusted at what?"
+
+"At makin' sich fools of ourselves, an' bein' the tools of another."
+
+"But you are responsible men, and why do you try to shift the blame to
+other shoulders?" the Squire sternly demanded.
+
+"Because we'd been drinkin', sir.  We really didn't know what we was
+doin' that night.  The whiskey was given us an' we was ready for any
+divilment.  That's the long and short of it."
+
+Squire Hawkins now rose slowly to his feet and looked upon the audience
+before him.
+
+"Gentlemen," he began, "I do not see any reason why I should prolong
+this enquiry.  These men have confessed everything, and there is
+nothing more for me to do except to impose the penalties.  I shall be
+very lenient as this is the first time they have been brought before
+me.  But I wish to warn you all that if I am called upon to deal with
+such a case again, I shall be very severe."
+
+No sooner had the Squire sat down, than Douglas was on his feet.  He
+had listened with almost incredulous amazement to the way in which the
+enquiry had been conducted, and he knew that if some one did not
+interfere, the one who was really guilty would escape.
+
+"May I be allowed to speak?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I suppose so, providing you are brief and to the point," was the
+somewhat reluctant assent.
+
+"I have been very much surprised at this enquiry," Douglas began, "and
+I wish to call attention to certain matters which have been passed over
+without any consideration at all.  These men before you, sir, have
+pleaded guilty to the charges which I made against them.  They have
+confessed that they were given liquor and ordered to attack me last
+Friday night.  But you have not asked them who the person is who
+ordered the attack and gave them the whiskey.  Is it not right that you
+should do so, sir, that we may know who was really at the bottom of
+that cowardly affair?"
+
+"Hear, hear," came from several in the audience.  "You are right.  Let
+us know the person's name."
+
+"Your question has no bearing upon this case," Squire Hawkins angrily
+replied.  "These offenders have acknowledged their guilt, and they
+alone are the responsible ones and must bear the whole blame."
+
+"But why did they attack me?" Douglas asked.  "They had no ill will
+against me; they were merely tools in the hands of another.  The one
+who set them on evidently wished to do me an injury.  He is the guilty
+one, and I demand that you inquire who he is."
+
+"Then you can keep on demanding," was the surly response.  "I am
+conducting this case and not you."
+
+A murmur of disapproval passed through the audience, and several cries
+of "Shame" were heard.  Squire Hawkins was feeling very angry and at
+the same time uneasy.  He was between two fires.  He was afraid of the
+people, and yet he had a greater fear of the Stubbles.  As he
+hesitated, not knowing what to do, Tom Totten cleared his throat and
+turned partly around.
+
+"If yez want to know who put us on to that nasty job, I'll tell yez,"
+he began.  "It was Ben Stubbles who did it.  He gave us the whiskey,
+an' ordered us to waylay Jake Jukes' hired man an' beat him up.  That's
+God's truth, an' we are all ready to swear to it."
+
+During the inquiry Ben had entered the hall and remained near the door.
+He listened to all that took place with much amusement.  He felt
+perfectly secure and trusted to Squire Hawkins to shield him from any
+blame.  He enjoyed Douglas' apparent defeat when his request was
+refused.  But Tom's voluntary information was entirely unexpected.  He
+had never for an instant imagined that the man would dare make such a
+statement.  His momentary consternation gave way to furious anger and
+he at once hurried up the aisle.
+
+"What in h---- are you giving us?" he demanded from Tom.  "What do you
+mean by bringing my name into this affair?"
+
+Tom stared in amazement at the irate man before him, for he could
+hardly believe his senses.  Then his eyes blazed with indignation as he
+grasped the significance of the scoundrel's words.
+
+"I've been givin' the truth, Ben Stubbles," he replied, "an' ye know it
+as well as we do."
+
+"You lie," and Ben stamped hard upon the floor in his rage.  "You were
+beastly drunk, got into trouble, and then lay the blame on me.  That's
+a nice way to do things."
+
+Douglas could hardly control himself at these brazen words.  Jake,
+sitting by his side, was wriggling and muttering many "Great punkins!"
+under his breath.  In fact, the entire assembly was becoming restless
+and ready for almost anything.  But Tom remained remarkably calm.  He
+took a step forward and faced the Squire.
+
+"Ye hear what Ben says, sir," he began, "an' ye've heard what we've
+said.  It's six to one, an' we're ready to swear any time on the Good
+Book that what we've told ye is true.  Which d'ye believe; him or us?"
+
+The Squire now was in a worse fix than ever.  He mopped his perspiring
+forehead with a big handkerchief and looked helplessly around.  He
+longed for the platform to open and swallow him up.  But no such
+miraculous relief was granted.  The issue was before him, and he knew
+he had to face it.
+
+"I--I think I shall reserve judgment," he stammered, "until I have
+given this matter due consideration."
+
+"But we want ye to decide now, sir," Tom insisted.  "We want to know
+what ye're goin' to do before we leave the hall.  It's six to one, an'
+any kid could figger that out, without waitin'."
+
+"Hear, hear," came from several in the room.
+
+"But I must have time to think it out carefully," the Squire replied.
+"You were drunk when you made the attack, and it was easy then for you
+to imagine almost anything."
+
+"But we weren't drunk, sir, when Ben met us that night, an' gave us the
+whiskey, an' told us what to do, was we?" and he turned to his
+companions.
+
+"No, no," came as one from the lined-up men.
+
+As Squire Hawkins' eyes wandered first from the six men to Ben and then
+back again in an uncertain manner, an idea suddenly flashed into his
+mind.  He grasped it in an instant.
+
+"Look here," he demanded.  "I am not dealing with Mr. Benjamin Stubbles
+now, but with you six men who, according to your own confession, made
+the attack.  If necessary, I can take up his case later.  You are the
+men I have been called upon to try, and not Mr. Stubbles.  I,
+therefore, declare you guilty of waylaying one, John Handyman by name,
+with the intention of afflicting bodily injury, and also of breaking
+into Professor Strong's house.  These are very serious offences, but as
+this is the first time you have been before me I shall make the penalty
+very light, and impose the fine of only ten dollars upon each of you.
+That is my decision, and I hope you are satisfied."
+
+Douglas was upon his feet in an instant.
+
+"You are perverting justice," he cried.  "You know who is the guilty
+man and you are letting him go free.  I demand that you give a
+different judgment, or at least be man enough to acknowledge that you
+are afraid to give any decision against Ben Stubbles."
+
+"Hear, hear," came from all parts of the room, and in the excitement
+that followed, Squire Hawkins declared the trial ended and left the
+building with Ben as quickly as possible.
+
+Douglas was thoroughly disgusted at the farce he had just witnessed.
+He was somewhat disheartened as well.  What hope had he of
+accomplishing anything when the man appointed to administer British
+justice exhibited such a spirit of partiality and cringing cowardice?
+The men around him were greatly excited, though he felt that nothing
+could be expected from them.  They might storm and rage at the
+injustice, but they would bow their necks as in the past to the
+Stubbles' yoke and endure every indignity.
+
+Leaving the hall and the babel of voices, he hurried up the road.  The
+unpolluted air was refreshing and he became calmer.  Presently an idea
+flashed into his mind, which brought a flush to his cheeks and caused
+his eyes to kindle with a new hope.  "Strange I didn't think of it
+before," he mused.  "But perhaps it is not too late yet.  I shall try
+it, anyway."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+ON THE ROCKS
+
+Charles Garton was seated in his cosy study smoking his after-dinner
+cigar.  It was unusual for him to be alone at this hour of the evening,
+as his wife and children were generally with him.  But he had been late
+coming from the office and by the time he had finished his dinner the
+children were put to bed, as this was the maid's evening out.  Mrs.
+Garton was attending a church "affair" and would not be home until ten,
+so she had phoned.
+
+Garton was glad to be alone as it afforded him a quiet time for
+thought.  As a rule he tried to leave his business concerns behind him
+when he left the office.  But to-night it was different, and his eyes
+often turned toward two letters lying open on the little stand by his
+side.  At length, picking up one of them, he read it again, and as he
+did so his face brightened and he gave a deep sigh of relief.  But as
+he scanned the other his brow knitted in perplexity and, leaning back,
+he blew great wreaths of smoke into the air.
+
+"Strange," he mused, "how that mine has recovered.  I had given up all
+hope of getting anything from it, and now it is booming.  My, won't Kit
+be surprised!  I would feel happy to-night but for this other letter.
+I wonder what I had better do about it.  Things are certainly in a bad
+shape there.  He's on the rocks sure enough, and will go to pieces if
+we don't come to his assistance, so he says."
+
+Garton's reverie was broken by the clear insistent ring of the
+door-bell.
+
+"Confound it!" he muttered, as he rose from the chair, and hurried out
+of the room.  "Can't I have a little peace for one night at least?"
+
+But no sooner had he thrown open the door than his tone of anger gave
+way to one of joy, when he beheld Douglas Stanton standing before him.
+
+"Well, 'pon my word!" he cried, seizing his visitor by the arm and
+dragging him unceremoniously into the study.  "Where in the world have
+you dropped from?  And what duds!  Where did you get them?  And your
+face!  My! it's some colour; bronzed, unshaven, and----"
+
+"Unwashed," Douglas laughingly interrupted, as he threw himself into an
+easy chair.  "Any more remarks to make, eh?  I am afraid your manners
+haven't improved any more than my personal appearance since last we
+met."
+
+"No, I haven't changed one bit, but you have," and Garton's eyes gazed
+approvingly upon his companion.  "I would give almost anything to be as
+strong and husky as you are."
+
+"Live as I have for the last few weeks and your wife won't know you,"
+Douglas replied, as he reached out and helped himself to a cigar.  "But
+how are Mrs. Garton and the kids?  You seem to be keeping bachelor's
+hall.  Anything wrong?  Married life a failure?"
+
+"No, not at all.  The family are fine; children in bed and wife at a
+church 'tea fight.'  But, we can talk about them when they show up.  I
+want to know now about yourself, and how you have been making out.
+It's a comfort, anyway, to know that you are alive."
+
+"That's about all, I guess," Douglas replied, as he flicked off the end
+of his cigar into the ash-tray.
+
+"Have they driven you out?" Garton eagerly questioned.
+
+"It hasn't come to that yet, though attempts have been made to do so.
+But I fear they will succeed unless you come to my rescue."
+
+"Why, what can I do?" and Garton looked his surprise.  "Surely you are
+not going to get me into any trouble up there!"
+
+"Lawyers generally like trouble, don't they?  More trouble, more money,
+is their motto, so I understand."
+
+"Yes, as a rule.  But, you see, this has to do with Church matters, and
+I like to keep out of them."
+
+"Too little money in the parsons' pockets, eh?  Well, I don't blame
+you.  But I want your advice.  You told me to come to you whenever I
+needed help, and here I am.  I want it now as never before."
+
+"And you shall have it.  Give me your story, and then I shall see what
+can be done.  I hope to goodness you haven't killed anybody."
+
+"Not exactly killed with my hands, though perhaps I have with my heart,
+which is just as bad, according to Scripture."
+
+As briefly and as concisely as possible Douglas related his experiences
+at Rixton.  He told about his work on the farm, his conflict with the
+Stubbles, the sorrow of the shoemaker and his wife over their daughter,
+of Mrs. Dempster and Empty, and the professor and his daughters.  He
+was as cautious as possible when speaking about Nell, and from his
+words the lawyer received not the slightest idea of his love for her.
+
+Douglas told his story well, and before he was through Garton was
+pacing up and down the study.  He was unusually excited and at times he
+found it difficult to restrain his feelings.
+
+"Good heavens, man!" he exclaimed when Douglas had finished, "you've
+been having a wild west show up there.  You might have called upon your
+neighbours to see the fun."
+
+"I am calling upon one now to see the finish," was the laconic reply.
+"If he doesn't take a hand in the matter at once there'll soon be a
+finish to the chief actor.  You can't do anything when British justice
+is perverted through cowardice and partiality.  Simon Stubbles rules
+the parish, and will continue to rule it in his own way unless he is
+checked."
+
+"And checked he shall be," Garton emphatically replied, bringing his
+fist down hard upon the study table.  "I am glad you have come to see
+me to-night, for your story has solved a problem which has been
+perplexing me all day.  Simon Stubbles is on the rocks and has appealed
+to me for help."
+
+"On the rocks!" Douglas vaguely repeated.
+
+"Yes, on the rocks.  He is financially embarrassed, and has signalled
+to me for assistance."
+
+"That's news to me.  I thought he was very wealthy."
+
+"And so did every one.  But here is his letter," and the lawyer picked
+it up from the stand.  "I received it this morning, and in it he tells
+me that unless he has ten thousand dollars immediately he will go
+under.  He wishes to mortgage the whole of his property, mill, house
+and timber lands."
+
+"This is certainly remarkable news to me," Douglas replied.  "I am sure
+that the people of Rixton have no knowledge of this.  They consider him
+very wealthy, and not without reason for he does a big business.  Have
+you any idea as to the cause of his embarrassment?  He seems to live
+very quietly, and attends strictly to business."
+
+"The letter does not say what it is.  But since hearing your story I
+have formed my own conclusion."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"It is his son.  From what you have told me, that young man has been
+leading a very fast life.  He does not work at all, and therefore his
+father must have been providing the money for his headlong career.  I
+do not think I am far astray as cases similar to this have come to my
+notice.  There are too many such young men abroad to-day, doing nothing
+for themselves, a menace to society, and wretched parasites upon their
+fathers.  I always get furious whenever I think of them.  That must be
+the trouble with Stubbles senior."
+
+"Do you intend to help him?" Douglas asked as calmly as possible.  He
+would have been more than human had he not thrilled at the news he had
+just heard.  Here was a chance, perhaps, to get even for his harsh
+treatment at Simon Stubbles' hands.
+
+"That is the trouble which has been perplexing me all day," Garton
+replied.  "Before you came I had about made up my mind to do so.  I did
+not know anything about that reckless son of his then.  Neither had I
+any idea that he is such a tyrant at Rixton, nor how he has treated the
+clergymen who have been there.  I thought he was an active and an
+earnest Church worker, and that was one of the reasons in his favour.
+But now I see things in a different light."
+
+"But his reign will soon be over, though, if you do not help him,"
+Douglas replied.  "I had no idea that assistance would come to me in
+such an unexpected manner.  But, say," and he leaned suddenly forward,
+"now I understand something.  Strange that it never occurred to me
+before."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+Douglas then told about the mortgage on Professor Strong's place, and
+how Stubbles was about to foreclose as he needed money.  He said
+nothing, however, about Ben's part in the affair with Nell.  He could
+not trust himself to mention this.
+
+"Who is this Strong?" Garton asked.  "The name sounds familiar.  There
+was a professor by that name at Passdale."
+
+"He is the same man, but he is blind now, and helpless, depending upon
+his daughter for support.  He lost what money he had saved, so I
+understand."
+
+"You don't tell me that Professor Strong is living in Rixton!" Garton
+exclaimed in astonishment.  "Why, he was considered a very able man
+when he was at Passdale I have heard a great deal about him.  But how
+did he come to lose his money?"
+
+"He invested it, like so many other simpletons, in that Big Chief
+mining concern.  I did the same, and so lost what little I had."
+
+"No, you haven't," and Garton picked up one of the letters by his side.
+"I have good news for you and the professor.  The Big Chief has revived
+and is going stronger than ever.  This is a letter I received to-day
+telling me about it.  I invested largely in that concern, and so am
+greatly interested."
+
+Douglas made no reply to this most gratifying information.  His mind
+had gone back to Rixton and the little cottage by the river-side.  He
+pictured to himself the expression upon Nell's face and the look of joy
+in her eyes when she heard the good news.  How he longed to start right
+off and tell her.  What a relief it would be to her to know that the
+little place would be saved from Simon Stubbles' grasp, and that all
+the gnawing financial cares would be ended.  It seemed almost too good
+to be true.
+
+"How much did the professor invest?" Garton at length enquired.
+
+"I do not know.  But it must have been quite a sum.  Anyway, it was his
+all, and the failure meant so much to him and his daughters."
+
+"He can sell now at a good profit, as the stock is higher than ever it
+was before.  You can tell him to come to me if he wishes to dispose of
+his interest."
+
+"I can hardly believe that what you have told me is true," Douglas
+replied, "as it will mean so much for the Strongs.  Simon Stubbles
+won't be able to worry them any longer."
+
+"Indeed he won't.  He's got his own troubles to attend to, and they
+will be much heavier than they are now, if he isn't careful."
+
+"What do you propose to do?  Help him out?"
+
+"That all depends upon you, Stanton."
+
+"Upon me!  Why, what can I do?"
+
+"Say the word, and I will refuse to assist him.  He can go under, and
+the parish will be rid of him.  Isn't that what you want?"
+
+For a while Douglas was silent.  It would be a choice revenge to see
+the blustering and impudent bully crushed by a single word.  He thought
+of Ben and the haughty and sarcastic sisters.  How delightful it would
+be to see them wince under the blow of financial failure.  This
+temptation was only of short duration, however, for it was succeeded by
+a nobler feeling.  He must not allow the spirit of revenge to affect
+him in the least.  All that he wanted was justice, and freedom for
+Church work in Rixton.  The Stubbles were in the way, and if pressure
+could now be brought to bear, either to bring them to their senses or
+to force them out of the parish, then it was right to do so.
+
+"Is it hard to decide?" the lawyer asked, noting his hesitation and
+preoccupied air.
+
+"Yes, it is.  I wish to do what is fair.  The tempter's advice is to
+get even now for the injury that has been done.  But a nobler voice
+bids me to rise above such a feeling and do nothing in the spirit of
+revenge, but merely for the welfare of Rixton."
+
+"But should not the Stubbles be taught a severe lesson?  Is it right
+that they should escape all punishment?"
+
+"I suppose not, but punishment should not be carried out in the spirit
+of revenge.  When the State punishes a man, say with imprisonment, for
+some crime, it is not done in the spirit of revenge, but in order to
+safeguard society in general, as well as to teach a severe lesson.  The
+same applies to parental authority over children.  Now, I want to do
+something similar to that in this affair.  I wish to do it without any
+vindictiveness on my part."
+
+"You are quite right, Stanton," the lawyer replied.  "I see your point,
+and I admire you for it.  But we must do something."
+
+"Certainly.  But let us do nothing hastily.  Let me think this over
+to-night, and we can discuss it again in the morning.  You have told me
+so much that I am anxious to consider every point very carefully.  Will
+that do?"
+
+Further conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Mrs. Garton.
+She was delighted to see Douglas, and at once began to question him
+about his adventures at Rixton.
+
+"Let us have a cup of cocoa first, Kit," her husband suggested.  "And a
+piece of your nice cake, too," he added.
+
+"Starving as usual," Mrs. Garton smilingly replied.  "Didn't you have
+your dinner?"
+
+"Why, yes, but it's nearly eleven now, and you promised to be home at
+ten."
+
+When the cocoa had been made and brought into the study, Mrs. Garton
+looked quizzically at Douglas.
+
+"If I met you on the street I would not recognise you," she remarked.
+
+"So that's the way you treat your friends, is it!" her husband bantered.
+
+"Oh, I don't mean that, Charles," she protested.  "But I never saw Mr.
+Stanton dressed that way before."
+
+"No wonder you wouldn't recognise me," Douglas smilingly replied.  "It
+is a splendid disguise at times.  Even Dr. Rannage didn't know me when
+he came to Rixton."
+
+"What, were you at that meeting?" Garton asked.
+
+"So you heard of it, then?"
+
+"Sure.  Why, Dr. Rannage was furious when he came home, and at a recent
+session of the Board of Missions he expressed his opinion in no
+uncertain manner, so I understand."
+
+"And he is not over it yet," Mrs. Garton remarked.  "I was talking to
+him for a while to-night, and he told me about his terrible experience
+up there.  He said that it was not a fit place to send any man, and
+that the people were most ignorant and uncouth."
+
+"They were too much for Dr. Rannage, though," Douglas replied.  He then
+told them in detail about the meeting that night at the Corner.  "Dr.
+Rannage made a fool of himself," he said in conclusion.  "He was not
+the proper person to send there."
+
+"Won't you tell me something about Rixton?" Mrs. Garton asked, "and
+what you have been doing since you left the city?"
+
+"Tell her about your wrestling bout with Jake Jukes," Garton suggested,
+"and the widow and her news-bag of a son, and also about the old
+shoemaker and his wayward daughter.  Yes, and about the old professor
+and his daughters."
+
+"You have given me a big contract," Douglas laughingly replied.
+
+"I know I have, but Kit must hear it."
+
+It was late when the three at last rose to retire.  But Douglas did not
+mind, for he was glad to have such interested listeners.  But the part
+of his story that was nearest his heart he did not tell.  Not even to
+the Gartons would he reveal his love for Nell, and all that she meant
+to him.
+
+Douglas walked with Garton down the street the next morning toward the
+lawyer's office.
+
+"Well, what is your decision as to the Stubbles' affair?" the latter
+asked.  "I suppose you have it all cut and dried."
+
+"Not altogether," was the reply.  "I spent much of the night thinking
+it over, but am not fully decided yet.  But there is one thing I would
+like you to do."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"Come to Rixton and let us both meet Stubbles and have it out with him.
+What do you think of the idea?"
+
+"It is a good one, and it has been in my mind ever since you told me
+your story last night."
+
+"When can you come?  To-day?  I am going back this afternoon."
+
+"I cannot go until to-morrow.  I shall go in my auto in the morning and
+not bother with the train."
+
+"Come right to Jake Jukes' house and I shall get Mrs. Jukes to have
+dinner ready.  I know it will be a good one, so bring your appetite
+with you.  Don't be too late."
+
+"Oh, I'll be on time.  When we get through with Stubbles, I want to
+have a few words with Squire Hawkins.  We mustn't let him off too
+easily."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE
+
+It had taken the people of Rixton a long time to oppose the overbearing
+tyranny of Simon Stubbles and his family.  It really began that
+afternoon at the close of the so-called trial.  The men were incensed
+as never before, and talked and threatened in an alarming manner.  Even
+then, nothing of a definite nature might have been done but for the
+leadership of Jake Jukes.  He was slow to arouse to a pitch of fury,
+but when once stirred he was a formidable opponent, and this all knew.
+His affection for Douglas was something remarkable, and his wife had at
+times bantered him about thinking more of his hired help than he did of
+her.  Douglas' courage in facing the Stubbles, combined with his
+ability as a wrestler, was what appealed to Jake, and when he saw what
+a miserable farce Squire Hawkins was making of the trial, and listened
+to Ben Stubbles' blasphemous denial of all connection with the night
+attack, his anger rose to white heat.
+
+For a while he remained silent at the close of the trial, and merely
+listened to what the men were saying.  He heard all kinds of
+suggestions and wild talk.  Some advocated burning out the Stubbles,
+mill and house, and driving them from the parish.  Others were for
+horse-whipping Ben and Squire Hawkins, while one went so far as to
+suggest that they hang Ben to the limb of a tree.  Jake knew that all
+this talk would amount to nothing without a leader, and if no one else
+would act, he would.  Quickly mounting a bench, he ordered the men to
+be silent.
+
+"Ye'r all talkin' like a bunch of kids," he chided.  "Let's git down to
+business, an' do something.  I don't want this to end in nuthin' but
+talk as in the past.  It's now or never.  I'm willin' to lead an' take
+the hull blame, if yez don't funk on me at the last minute."
+
+"Good fer you, Jake," several shouted.  "We'll stand by ye, never fear."
+
+"All right, then," Jake replied, "I'll bank on yez all.  But yez better
+go home now an' think this all over, an' what is more important, keep
+ye'r tongues still an' don't blab this all over the place.  When I want
+yez, I'll send fer yez, an' not before."
+
+The Stubbles family were at their late breakfast the next morning when
+news reached them about the indignation meeting in the hall the
+previous evening.  It was Squire Hawkins who told them.  He had
+received the information from an early caller at the store.  All the
+Stubbles considered the affair a huge joke excepting Miss Mehetibel.
+She was angry and expressed her views in a most caustic manner.
+
+"It's that horrid fiddler," she declared, "who is at the bottom of all
+this.  Pa, I don't understand why you allow him to remain in the
+parish."
+
+"Oh, he'll be out of the place soon," Stubbles senior replied.  "You'll
+attend to him, Squire, won't you?" and he winked at Hawkins across the
+room.
+
+The storekeeper grinned in reply.  He was greatly pleased at the way he
+had managed affairs at the trial, and had no fear of the people so long
+as he had the Stubbles with him.
+
+"They're all beasts and should be soundly whipped," Miss Mehetibel
+proclaimed.  "Oh, if I were only a man!"
+
+"Cut your hair and change your clothes, Hettie," her brother
+sarcastically replied, "and you'll pass for a man any time."
+
+"I'd be ashamed to be like you, Ben," was the retort.  "You haven't
+enough spunk to be in the catalogue of men."
+
+"Maybe not, but I get there just the same.  What about last night?"
+
+"Oh, that's not ended yet.  That indignation meeting may amount to
+something after all."
+
+"Not a bit of it.  It'll all end in talk.  Why, the people in this
+parish haven't the spunk of chickens when a hawk is after them.  Dad's
+the hawk in this case, and they're frightened to death of him.  Come,
+girls, let's go for a spin."
+
+If Ben Stubbles had only known what was really taking place in Rixton
+he would not have spoken so contemptuously about the people of the
+parish.  The intense feeling which pervaded the community that day was
+ominous.  Neighbours neglected their work as never before, and met in
+twos and threes near their line fences to discuss the one big question
+of the day.  That they were determined to stand by Jake was most
+evident, and they impatiently waited for word that would stir them to
+action.
+
+Their anger was further roused when they learned of what Ben had done
+to Jean Benton at Long Wharf.  This was due to Empty, and the startling
+news spread from house to house with mysterious rapidity.  No one
+doubted it for an instant, for Empty himself had heard it from Jean's
+own lips, and that settled it so far as the people were concerned.  It
+was this which removed the last particle of hesitation in the mind of
+any one as to the necessity of action.  When at last word came from
+Jake to be ready that night, the men were as one in their grim
+determination to take matters into their own hands.
+
+The wharf near the store was the stated place of meeting, and there,
+just after sundown, the men of Rixton gathered.  They came in little
+groups without any noise or clamour.  Squire Hawkins, at first, had no
+idea of their intentions, but thought that they had come merely to meet
+the evening steamer.  But as the crowd increased, he became somewhat
+uneasy as reports of impending trouble drifted to his ears.  In his
+anxiety, he sent word to Simon Stubbles, telling him of his fears and
+advising him to come and disperse the men.
+
+It was Ben who received the message just as he was about to head his
+car through the gate of the driveway leading up to the house.  With a
+curse he swung his car to the right and started up the road toward the
+wharf.  He would attend to the crowd, and send the men about their
+business.  His father could make an example of the ringleaders later.
+But for once in his life Ben Stubbles had reckoned without his cost.
+As he drew up near where the men were gathered, he ordered them to
+clear out and go home.
+
+"I know your plans," he told them, "but what do you think you can do?
+Don't you know what will happen to you?  Have you all gone crazy, you
+d---- fools?"
+
+The only reply to these words was a roar of anger as the crowd surged
+toward the car.  Ben, seeing them coming, and realising for the first
+time the seriousness of the situation, endeavoured to escape.  But he
+was too late, for in an instant he was lifted off his feet and placed
+astride a pole which was carried upon the shoulders of two strong men.
+Cursing and raving, Ben threw himself to the ground but was immediately
+hustled back again by a score of rough hands.
+
+"Set still, ye beast, an' stop ye'r wrigglin'," Jake ordered.  "Ye'r
+only gettin' what's comin' to ye.  Ye'll git a darn sight more if ye
+don't keep quiet."
+
+Away from the wharf and the main highway Ben was borne, and across an
+open meadow to a deep slimy frog-pond on the edge of a large swamp.
+Here he was dumped unceremoniously upon the ground, and ordered to
+remove his clothes.  When he hesitated and looked helplessly about as
+if seeking for some avenue of escape, rough hands seized him and in a
+few minutes he was standing as naked as the moment he was born.  Ben's
+face was now pale and he was trembling in every limb.  His cursing and
+raving had ceased and the cowardly heart of the man showed itself.  He
+pleaded for mercy, and begged his captors to let him go.
+
+"Not till we're through with ye," Jake told him.  "Ye've had ye'r own
+way in this place long enough, an' it's our turn now."
+
+"We'll teach ye a thing or two, ye bloody liar," Tom Totten roared.
+"Ye'r heart's as black as ink, an' ye'r body'll be jist as black in a
+few minutes.  Bring on the stuff, boys."
+
+At once a pail of coal-tar was produced, and seizing the brush which
+was handed him, Tom dipped it into the tar.  At the first daub upon his
+naked body, Ben emitted a yell of despair and made a frantic effort to
+escape.  But he was instantly seized and laid on the ground.
+
+"Ye'd better keep quiet, me hearty," Tom warned, as he rapidly smeared
+Ben's body from head to foot.  "If ye'r not careful I'll do ye'r face
+an' head at the same time."
+
+While this was taking place, several of the men were ripping open an
+old feather bed they had brought with them.  Into this Ben was plunged,
+and rolled over and over until he looked more like an unsightly
+feathered creature than a human being.  He was then made to stand on
+his feet for general inspection.  The men shouted with laughter at the
+ludicrous spectacle he presented, and all kinds of uncomplimentary
+remarks were made.
+
+"Who's your tailor?" asked one.
+
+"Is that the latest fashion?" questioned another.
+
+Presently Jake raised his hand, and the babel of tongues ceased.
+
+"Now, look here, Ben," he began, "this is a nasty job, I know.  But it
+was comin' to ye, an' it had to be done sooner or later.  Ye were
+altogether too fresh an' there was no livin' in the parish with ye.
+This is jist a warnin' to you an' all connected with ye, that the men
+of Rixton won't stand no more tom-foolery.  We're going to take things
+in our own hands after this, an' we're not goin' to allow you nor ye'r
+father nor anybody else to treat us like a bunch of damn curs.  Isn't
+that so, boys?"
+
+"Hear, hear!" came from all.  "Give him hell, Jake."
+
+"An' look here, Ben," he continued, "we've all heard what ye done to
+Jean Benton at Long Wharf.  By the great jumpin' punkin! I kin hardly
+keep me hands off ye'r measley body fer doin' that to a woman, an' her
+nuthin' but a girl.  Now we're goin' to give ye a dose of ye'r own
+medicine, an' as ye dumped Jean into the harbour, you ye'rself can jist
+flop around in that frog pond, an' see how it feels.  Come on, boys."
+
+As Ben was seized and lifted from the ground, he shrieked and begged
+for mercy.
+
+"Don't drown me! don't drown me!" he yelled.  "For God's sake don't----"
+
+His cries were cut short by the water which closed over his head as he
+went down on his back beneath the leaves, spawn and slime.  He came up
+like a cork, choking and sputtering, and started to wade to the shore
+as the water was only up to his arm-pits.  But as he attempted to
+scramble out, he was pushed back and forced to stand in his wretched
+plight for several minutes.  At length he was allowed to leave the
+pond, and with teeth chattering with cold and fear, he was told to
+dress himself as quickly as possible.
+
+Mud and slime mingling with the drenched feathers and tar made him look
+more grotesque than ever as he struggled into his clothes.
+
+"Now clear out," Jake ordered, when Ben was at last dressed, "an' thank
+ye'r stars that we didn't skin ye alive."
+
+Ben waited for no second bidding, but darted away and ran as he had
+never run in his life, followed by the shouts, jeers and laughter of
+the crowd.
+
+The men were now in a dangerous mood and ready for any mischief.  The
+fire of pent-up passion had at last burst forth, and the mob spirit was
+upon them.
+
+"Squire Hawkins," shouted some one.  "Let's give him a dose."
+
+"The Squire, the Squire," passed from mouth to mouth.  "His turn next."
+
+What would have happened is hard to tell, had not Douglas at that
+instant stepped forward.  His sudden appearance arrested the men, and
+they at once stopped their clamour to hear what he had to say.
+
+"I wouldn't do anything more to-night, men," he advised.  "You are
+greatly excited now, and if you are not careful you might do something
+that you will regret.  You have taught Ben a severe lesson, and one he
+thoroughly deserved.  But do not lay hands upon a Justice of the Peace.
+He can be dealt with in another way."
+
+"How?" asked one of the men.
+
+"I have just come from the city," Douglas explained, "where I have been
+in consultation with one of the ablest lawyers there.  He is a special
+friend of mine, and he will be here to-morrow.  He will deal with
+Squire Hawkins far more effectively than we can."
+
+"Who is he?" several asked.
+
+"Charles Garton, head of the firm of Garton & Tracey.  I think you all
+have heard of him.  It was he who rounded up that bunch of Government
+grafters last year and forced them to disgorge their ill-gotten gains."
+
+"Sure, sure, we know him," was the cry.  "Hurrah for Garton!  He'll
+settle with Hen Hawkins all right."
+
+Seeing that his words were having the desired effect and that the crowd
+was slowly dispersing, Douglas turned to Jake and told him to come
+home.  Without a word the latter obeyed, and together the two crossed
+the field to the main road.  Once there, Jake's tongue became
+unloosened.
+
+"Where did ye drop from, John!" he asked.  "I didn't know ye was
+anywhere around."
+
+"I came from the city on the afternoon train, and when your wife told
+me what was going on, I hurried to the wharf as fast as possible."
+
+"An' did ye see it all?"
+
+"Only the dip in the frog-pond, but I could easily guess the rest."
+
+Douglas did not go home with Jake, but parted from him at the road
+leading to the professor's house.  He wished to see Nell, as he had
+many things to tell her.
+
+He received a hearty welcome, and felt very much at home as he sat by
+the professor's side and told him about his visit to the city, and of
+his return to Rixton just in time to see Ben's plunge into the
+frog-pond.
+
+Nell's face grew white and a startled expression came into her eyes as
+Douglas related what the men of the place had done that night.  Her
+concern was not for Ben, but for those responsible for his punishment.
+She felt sure that Simon Stubbles would take some speedy method of
+revenge, and that the first object of his attack would be the man
+sitting near her father.  She wished to warn him of his danger.  But
+how could she speak and not reveal her keen interest in his welfare?
+
+"Have you had any supper?" she asked so suddenly that Douglas looked
+somewhat surprised.
+
+"No, I have not had time to think of eating," he replied.
+
+"Then you must have something right away," and Nell rose to her feet,
+glad of an opportunity to be moving about in order to hide her
+excitement.
+
+Douglas begged her not to mind as he could get a bite when he went
+home.  But Nell would not listen to his protests, and in a short time
+she brought in a tray containing a fresh, boiled egg, several slices of
+excellent home-made bread, cake and tea.
+
+This act of thoughtfulness touched Douglas deeply, and the look that he
+gave Nell brought the colour back to her cheeks and made her very
+happy.  As he ate, he told about his visit to the city, and especially
+about the evening he had spent with the Gartons.  He said nothing,
+however, about what the lawyer had told him concerning Simon Stubbles'
+financial difficulties; neither did he say anything about the recovery
+of the Big Chief mining concern.
+
+It was about ten o'clock when Douglas bade the professor good-night.
+
+"I am anxious to hear how you are getting on with your book," he told
+him.  "But we can have a long talk when I come again."
+
+Nell accompanied Douglas to the front door, and for a while they stood
+there looking out upon the beautiful night.  Then Douglas told her
+about Simon Stubbles' financial embarrassment, and how he had appealed
+to Garton for assistance.  By the light of the moon he could see Nell's
+face which, so he thought, was more beautiful than ever, owing to the
+serious expression depicted upon it.  He could not divine the nature of
+her thoughts, but when he mentioned the good news of the Big Chief
+mine, she gave a cry of joy, and her face brightened.
+
+"I can hardly believe it is true," and she clasped her hands before
+her.  "Are you sure there has been no mistake?"
+
+"None at all, Mr. Garton will be here to-morrow, and he will take over
+your interest in the mine, providing your father agrees."
+
+"Oh, he will agree all right.  What a joy it will be to us all," and
+she turned her grateful eyes toward her companion's face.
+
+It was difficult for Douglas at that moment not to reveal to Nell all
+that was in his heart.  He longed to tell her of his love, to clasp her
+in his arms, and to claim her as his own.  But no, he must wait.  He
+would not speak to her until he had thrown off his disguise.  He
+believed that she cared for him, perhaps loved him.  But what would she
+think if she knew who he really was, and what a deceiver he had been?
+
+These thoughts flashed through his mind with lightning rapidity.  He
+could hardly trust himself to speak, so they both stood there strangely
+silent.
+
+"I must go now," and Douglas reached out his hand.  "I shall see you
+to-morrow."
+
+As Douglas' hand closed over Nell's he held it for a few seconds, and
+it was a great joy to him that she did not try to draw it away.
+Quickly stooping, he touched her hand with his lips, and then without
+another word he left her and walked rapidly away from the house.
+
+Sometime later, in the solitude of her own room, Nell's lips pressed
+the spot where the kiss had fallen.  Her eyes were bright with a
+new-found joy, and her face was radiant with the happiness of love.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+KNUCKLING UNDER
+
+Simon Stubbles was very angry at what had taken place the previous
+evening.  He was troubled, as well, over his financial difficulties,
+for he knew that if he could not raise the ten thousand dollars he was
+a ruined man.  Even now he was aware that his influence in Rixton was
+waning, and what would it be if the crash should come?  He had
+dominated the people because of his position and supposed wealth.  They
+had bowed to his slightest will, and had allowed him to rule.  But now
+they were taking matters into their own hands, and had inflicted a most
+humiliating punishment upon his only son.
+
+Squire Hawkins was in the room with him this morning, and had related
+in detail what had happened to Ben.
+
+"It is most disgraceful, sir, and you must punish the ringleaders at
+once," he told him.  "That will teach the others a lesson."
+
+"And who are the ringleaders?" Stubbles asked.
+
+"Why, you know, don't you?  They are Jake Jukes and Tom Totten; both
+very dangerous men."
+
+"And who put them up to the job?"
+
+"Did any one?"
+
+"Certainly.  It was Jake's hired man; he's the one who did it."
+
+"But he was in the city, so I understand, and didn't get back until the
+deed was about done."
+
+"H'm," and Stubbles gave a grunt of disgust, "he was the chief mover in
+the affair, mark my word.  I've had my eye on that fellow ever since he
+came to the place.  He's a stirrer up of trouble.  I knew it from the
+first, and did my best to get rid of him, but he defied me and has
+remained, notwithstanding my orders for him to leave."
+
+"Then it will be necessary to make an example of him, sir," the Squire
+replied.  "Just say the word, and I shall have him brought before me."
+
+At that instant the door-bell rang, and a few seconds later Douglas and
+Charles Garton were ushered into the room.  Both Stubbles and the
+Squire sprang to their feet when they beheld the very man they had been
+denouncing.  Stubbles was about to launch forth in hot, angry words
+when his eye rested upon the lawyer.  In an instant his manner changed,
+and, ignoring Douglas, he rushed forward and seized Garton by the hand.
+
+"This is a very pleasant surprise," he cried.  "I had no idea that you
+were in the place.  Allow me to introduce my friend, Squire Hawkins."
+
+Though outwardly affable, both Stubbles and the Squire were very uneasy
+at the arrival of Jake's hired man in company with the ablest lawyer in
+the city.  What does it mean? each asked himself, and anxiously awaited
+further developments.
+
+"I have come to see you on special business, Mr. Stubbles," the lawyer
+began, "and as my time is limited, I wish to discuss the matter with
+you at once."
+
+"Why, certainly," Stubbles returned.  "We can be as private here as
+anywhere, sir.  Your--er--companion can wait for you at the store."
+
+"No, I wish him to stay where he is," Garton replied.
+
+"Do you wish Squire Hawkins to remain, too?" Stubbles anxiously
+enquired.
+
+"That is for you to decide.  It is immaterial to me, at present,
+whether he goes or stay, though I wish to speak to him later."
+
+"He might as well remain, then," Stubbles replied.  "We have been bosom
+friends for years, and I always take him into my confidence.  He is a
+man to be relied upon."
+
+"I shall come to the point at once, Mr. Stubbles," the lawyer began.
+"You have written to me telling of your financial difficulties, and
+asking for a loan of ten thousand dollars."
+
+Squire Harkins stared in amazement at these words.  His weak lower jaw
+dropped, and his mouth flew suddenly open.  This was certainly a
+remarkable revelation.
+
+"But before I go further," the lawyer continued, "I would like to know
+the cause of your unfortunate situation.  It is a great surprise, for
+you have been doing a big business."
+
+"I know it," and Stubbles' eyes dropped.  "I would not be in this
+position to-day but for my family.  My daughters, I regret to say, have
+not been as careful as they might have been, but my son is really the
+one who has ruined me.  He has spent my money lavishly and
+extravagantly, and though I have reasoned with him many a time, it was
+to no avail.  I know I have been weak, and the money that should have
+been used in connection with my business has gone to him.  There, you
+have my confession, sir," and the unhappy man mopped his forehead with
+his handkerchief.
+
+"And ten thousand dollars will tide you over the trouble, do you
+think?" Garton asked.
+
+"I am sure of it."
+
+"And what about your son?  Will any of it go to him?"
+
+"Not a cent.  I am done with him as far as money matters are concerned.
+He must look out for himself after this.  I have been taught a severe
+lesson."
+
+"And suppose I do not get the money for you, what then?"
+
+"I am ruined."
+
+"Can you not get it elsewhere?"
+
+"No, not that amount.  I have tried and failed.  Six thousand was the
+best any one would do.  I hope you can favour me, sir," and Stubbles
+turned his eyes beseechingly upon the lawyer's face.
+
+"It all depends upon my young friend here," Garton replied, "and that
+is the reason why I have asked him to remain in the room."
+
+"It depends upon him!" Stubbles exclaimed in astonishment, as he looked
+toward Douglas.  "I do not understand your meaning, sir."
+
+"You know him, then?"
+
+"Yes, I have met him several times.  He is Jake Jukes' hired man, so I
+understand."
+
+"And he is the man you have been persecuting ever since he came to this
+place.  Why was that?"
+
+"There was no persecution, I assure you," Stubbles hotly defended.  "He
+made himself most obnoxious to people in general, and for the welfare
+of the community I ordered him to leave the parish."
+
+"In what way did he make himself obnoxious?"
+
+"He insulted my son one night at a quiet dance in the hall at the
+Corner, and broke up the gathering."
+
+"And what was your son doing?  How did he behave that night?  Did you
+ever think of that?"
+
+As Stubbles did not reply but dropped his eyes to the floor, Douglas
+turned upon him.
+
+"It was your son, Ben, who made the trouble that night, Mr. Stubbles,"
+he charged.  "He acted more like a beast than a human being, and
+because I interfered and checked him, he started out to have revenge.
+And how did he do it?  In a manly way?  Oh, no.  He persuaded you to
+order me from the place, and when I refused to obey, he set men to
+waylay me at night along the road.  He even gave the men liquor to
+induce them to carry out his evil designs, and then at the trial he
+blasphemously denied it all.  And you," he added, turning to Squire
+Hawkins, "allowed British justice to be perverted."
+
+"Are you not afraid to make such a charge as that, young man?" the
+Squire pompously asked.  "Do you not already realise the danger you are
+in from last night's affair?  How can you account for that?"
+
+"Yes, that's what I want to know," Stubbles questioned.  "Did you not
+stir up Jake Jukes and others to set upon my son and treat him in a
+most shameful manner?"
+
+"I knew nothing at all about it," Douglas explained, "until my arrival
+from the city last night."
+
+"You lie!" and Stubbles stamped furiously upon the floor.  "Do you
+expect me or any one else to believe such a thing as that?"
+
+"Ask Jake and the rest of the men.  They know that I had nothing to do
+with the affair."
+
+"I wouldn't believe what they said if they swore to it on all the
+Bibles in the world.  They are nothing but a pack of curs, and I'll fix
+them, see if I don't."
+
+"You will do nothing of the kind, Mr. Stubbles," the lawyer quietly
+remarked.  "If you do, not a cent of money do you get from me."
+
+"Keep your money, then," Stubbles retorted.  "I'm not going to be
+brow-beaten by you or any one else, and especially by a farm-hand.  I
+shall get along somehow, but I will have satisfaction for the injury
+that was committed last night.  Ben is my son, and I am going to stand
+by him no matter what happens."
+
+"Steady, Mr. Stubbles, steady," the lawyer advised.  "You must not talk
+that way.  You are not out of deep water yet."
+
+"I will stay in, then, and you can all go to blazes.  You want me to
+back down and say I have been in the fault.  But you've got the wrong
+bull by the horns this time."
+
+"Am I to understand, then, that you will not need the ten thousand
+dollars from me?" Garton asked.
+
+"No, not under your conditions.  You want me to apologise to him," and
+he nodded toward Douglas.  "If I do, you'll let me have the money.  Is
+that it?"
+
+"Mr.--er--Handyman, can speak for himself," Garton replied.
+
+"I am not thinking so much of myself, Mr. Stubbles," Douglas told him,
+"as of the parish in general.  If you agree not to act like a tyrant in
+the future and not to meddle in Church matters, and stop persecuting
+every clergyman who comes here unless he bows to your slightest wish,
+then I am satisfied."
+
+"Do you think I am a fool?" Stubbles flung back.  "What impudence!
+Why, I never heard the like of it before!  And I won't allow it!  You
+can go, both of you.  I'll attend to my own affairs, sink or swim."
+
+Stubbles rose to his feet, signifying that the discussion was at an end.
+
+"So you don't want the money, then?" Garton asked.
+
+"No, and that's the end of it."
+
+"Very well," and the lawyer rubbed his chin in a thoughtful manner,
+"that's settled.  And you intend to prosecute the men who took part in
+last night's affair?"
+
+"Yes, to the limit of the law, especially that man there," and Stubbles
+pointed his finger scornfully at Douglas.  "He was at the bottom of the
+trouble, and he shall suffer for it."
+
+"Well, look here, Mr. Stubbles," and Garton rose suddenly to his feet
+as he spoke, "I warn you that the moment you do that, I shall have your
+son arrested for attempted murder."
+
+Had Simon Stubbles received a direct blow in the face, he would not
+have been more surprised than at these words.  His eyes bulged in
+amazement, and he became as pale as death.
+
+"What, what are you saying?" he gasped.  "Surely you must be mistaken.
+Ben, my son! attempted murder!"
+
+"Yes, that was what he did.  He pushed a woman over Long Wharf in the
+city, and left her to her fate.  And she would have been drowned but
+for timely assistance."
+
+"Oh, Lord!" and Stubbles buried his face in his hands.  "I knew that
+Ben was wild, but I had no idea he would do anything like that."
+
+Presently he lifted his eyes to the lawyer's face.
+
+"Are you sure it was Ben?" he asked.  "There may have been a mistake.
+Perhaps it was some one else."
+
+"No, there has been no mistake.  It was your son who did it; we have
+good proof of that."
+
+"And who was the woman?  Much depends upon who she is.  It may be a
+case of black-mail."
+
+"It was a girl from your own place, a neighbour of yours, Jean Benton."
+
+With a gurgled groan of abandoned hope, Stubbles sank back and remained
+huddled in his chair, a pitiable object of misery.  The man who had
+acted the tyrant for years, who hardly knew the meaning of mercy, and
+had crushed all who opposed him, was now being paid back tenfold.  As
+he had sown, so was he reaping.
+
+"We must go now," the lawyer reminded him, after a few seconds of
+silence.  "But remember, Mr. Stubbles, the instant you lay a charge
+against Mr. Handyman here, or any of the men who took part in last
+night's affair, you will know what to expect.  And as for you, Mr.
+Hawkins," and he turned to the Squire, "I shall deal with you later for
+wilfully perverting justice.  You acted with cowardice and partiality
+at the trial, and you must put up with the consequences."
+
+"Don't do anything, for God's sake!" Hawkins cried, now smitten with a
+terrible fear.  "I will do what you say, but don't take action, I
+beseech you.  It will ruin my business."
+
+This was just what Garton wanted, and an amused twinkle danced in his
+eyes.  He hesitated, however, for a few seconds as if lost in deep
+thought.
+
+"Very well, then, Mr. Hawkins," he at length replied, "if you are
+willing to make a public acknowledgment of your wrong decision, I will
+take no notice this time.  As you know from my record, I am not easily
+turned aside when I once make up my mind.  However, I will make an
+exception this time, if you obey me at once."
+
+"I will, sir, I certainly will.  What shall I do?"
+
+"Write out a plain confession of your wrong decision at the trial and
+post it on the door of your store, or in some other public place, where
+all can see it.  That is what I demand."
+
+"I shall do it at once, sir," came the low response.  It was quite
+evident that the Squire was feeling keenly his humiliation, but there
+was nothing else for him to do, as he had a great fear and respect for
+the lawyer standing before him.
+
+"I am glad you are acting like a sensible man," Garton told him.  "It
+will save you a great deal of trouble.  I must hurry away now, as it is
+getting late."
+
+"Wait a minute, sir," Stubbles ordered, as he lifted his haggard face.
+"I have heard your instructions to the Squire, now what do you want me
+to do?"
+
+"Why, I thought you didn't want anything more to do with me," the
+lawyer exclaimed in surprise.
+
+"Oh, that was before I heard what Ben did at Long Wharf.  I have
+changed my mind in the last few minutes, and see things in a different
+light.  He can look out for himself and fight his own battles after
+this.  It's no use for me to cut off my nose to spite my face.  My wife
+and I will be worse than beggars, and my daughters will be thrown upon
+the world helpless, if I fail in business.  Extravagance has brought me
+to this, and I have been taught a scorching lesson.  I need that money,
+sir, so go ahead and tell me what I must do.  It will mean humiliation
+in either case, so I might as well make the best of a nasty job."
+
+Had Douglas been animated merely by the spirit of revenge, he would
+have been more than satisfied at the outcome of this interview.  But it
+was only justice he wanted, and the assurance that Simon Stubbles and
+Squire Hawkins would behave themselves in the future.  He felt sure
+that they would after this severe lesson.
+
+"Suppose we let the matter end," he suggested to the lawyer, when
+Stubbles had acknowledged his defeat.  "If these men are willing to
+conduct themselves properly in the future, why not give them another
+chance?  I am satisfied if you are."
+
+"Just as you say," the lawyer indifferently replied, as he glanced at
+his watch.  "It's up to you."
+
+"Well, let it rest at that, then.  I don't wish to carry the matter any
+further.  Give Mr. Stubbles the money, and save him from failure."
+
+At these words Stubbles sprang to his feet, while a new light of hope
+gleamed in his eyes.
+
+"And you won't humiliate me?" he asked.  "You won't demand a public
+confession?"
+
+"Not if you agree to our wishes, and I think you understand now what
+they are."
+
+"I do, I surely do, and I shall see that they are fulfilled," he cried.
+
+"Let us shake on it, then," and Douglas reached out his hand.
+
+Stubbles seized it, and as he did so tears came into his eyes and
+rolled down his cheeks.  It was the spirit of forgiveness that had
+moved him and caused his emotion.
+
+"That is good," and Garton smiled approvingly.  "I hope I shall never
+be called to this parish on such a business again."
+
+"You never will," Stubbles emphatically replied.  "But come and visit
+me again, sir, and bring Mr. Handyman with you.  I don't think you will
+find anything amiss then, eh, Hawkins?"
+
+"Sure, sure," the Squire fervently replied, as he held out his hand to
+bid Garton and Douglas good-bye.  "I think that things will be
+different in Rixton after this."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+THE CHALLENGE
+
+For two days there was intense excitement throughout the entire parish
+of Rixton.  The one great topic of conversation was the punishment Ben
+Stubbles had received.  There was considerable anxiety as well, for
+those who had taken part in the affair fully expected that Simon
+Stubbles would hit back hard.  Just what he would do, they had no idea,
+but they realised that it was not his nature to overlook an insult,
+especially to his only son.  It was, therefore, a great relief when the
+news spread that nothing would be done, and that Simon Stubbles had
+agreed to allow the matter to rest.
+
+How this information leaked out was never fully known, though it was
+surmised that Squire Hawkins had given away the secret.  Many were the
+stories in circulation, and the slightest incident was greatly enlarged
+according to the imagination of the narrator.  It was believed that
+Jake Jukes' hired man had been a detective in disguise, or anyway, a
+man who had considerable influence.  People recalled everything he had
+said and done since coming to the place.  His wrestling powers were
+freely commented upon, as well as his ability to play the violin.  They
+remembered, too, how he had faced Ben Stubbles at the dance, and had
+defeated single-handed the men sent to waylay him along the road at
+night.  In short, he became such a mystery to all, that they began to
+look upon him as a hero, and ascribed to him wonderful powers, somewhat
+akin to those bestowed upon heroes of ancient legends.  This feeling
+became intensified owing to Douglas' absence from the parish since the
+day of Simon Stubbles' humiliation.  He had gone with the clever lawyer
+at a break-neck speed, so it was said, and had not returned.
+
+But after two days the people of Rixton had something else to talk
+about.  It was the grim spectre of war which had suddenly appeared, and
+sent a chill to every heart.  The newspapers were full of it, and told
+of the clash between France and Germany, and of the base violation of
+Belgium by the advancing Huns.  Then came England's declaration of war,
+and all knew that Canada, as a part of the British Empire, must fight,
+too.  People were hungry for the least scrap of news, and watched
+anxiously for the mailman to make his daily appearance.  But even then
+they were not satisfied, and men crowded the wharf, impatiently
+awaiting the arrival of the evening boat from the city, that they might
+obtain the latest news.  When word came that a Contingent was being
+formed for overseas service, then all were aware that Canada was
+getting ready for her part in the titanic conflict.
+
+Professor Strong was greatly excited over the war, and for once he
+forgot about his beloved book.  Intensely patriotic, he wondered why
+the young men of the parish did not enlist.  He longed to be young
+again, that he might set them the example, and he talked eagerly to his
+daughters about England's greatness, and related story after story of
+her mighty deeds in the past.  He was familiar, as well, with the
+scenes of the conflict, for he had once visited Belgium, and had even
+been at Liege.  The old man wept when he heard how the Germans had
+captured it, and were sweeping down upon Brussels.
+
+"Just wait," he told them, "until the English and the French forces
+meet those devils, and then there will be a different tale to tell.
+There will be no goose-trotting, mark my word.  Oh, if I were only able
+to go!"
+
+Nell was as greatly interested as her father and Nan.  But through all
+the excitement she could not banish Douglas from her heart and mind,
+and she wondered what had become of him.  She could not easily forget
+the last time she had seen him in company with the lawyer.  She
+recalled how he had turned as the car was whirling him away, and waved
+his hand to her as she watched him from the door.  Empty had told her
+later how the two had paid a visit to his mother, and of their brief
+talk with Jean.  The subject of the conversation Empty did not know,
+and he felt quite crestfallen, for his reputation was at stake.  But he
+tried to make up for this lack of knowledge by telling of the numerous
+stories which were in circulation about Douglas.  Nell listened to them
+all, though she made no comment.  But deep in her heart she believed
+that there was considerable truth in what she heard.  That John
+Handyman was some one in disguise, she had imagined for some time.  She
+had reasoned it over and over again in her own mind, and had often lain
+awake at night thinking about it.  But why had he come to Rixton?  And
+why should a man with his ability work as a farm-hand?  If his health
+had been poor she could have somewhat understood it, for she had read
+of such cases.  The more she thought, the more puzzled she became.
+Anyway, she was sure that he was a good man, and a gentleman, for not
+once could she remember the slightest discourtesy on his part to any
+one.
+
+Two weeks had now passed since Douglas left the place.  No one had
+heard a word about him, and Nell at times believed that she would never
+see him again.  That she had met him and had talked with him, seemed
+almost like a beautiful dream.  She lived in the memory of it, and when
+she had a little spare time to herself she visited the old pine tree,
+where they had stood and talked on that bright afternoon.
+
+It was on one of these occasions that, instead of remaining by the
+tree, she strolled along the path they had travelled that day, until
+she came to the edge of the cleared field.  Beyond was the church,
+standing bare and lonely, so she thought.  She recalled how Douglas had
+spoken about his visit there, and the sad neglect of the building.  A
+desire now came upon her to see it for herself, so, crossing the field,
+in a few minutes she was at the front door.  To her surprise she found
+it open, and entering, her astonishment was still greater when she saw
+Joe Benton hard at work cleaning the floor and the seats.  Upon the old
+man's face was an expression of happiness, and his eyes brightened as
+he paused in his work.
+
+"I'm getting ready for the service," he explained in reply to Nell's
+question.  "There was no one else willing to do it, so I undertook the
+job."
+
+"But I didn't hear about any service," Nell replied.  "When will it be
+held?"
+
+"Next Sunday.  A notice was posted on the store this morning by Simon
+Stubbles.  He got word from the Bishop, so I understand."
+
+"Is the new clergyman coming?" Nell asked, now greatly interested.
+
+"I can't say, miss.  It may be the Bishop himself, for all I know.  But
+as this is Friday, there isn't much time to get things ready.  I wonder
+what the Bishop would say if he could have seen the church as it was
+when I began work.  It was certainly disgraceful."
+
+"But who is to play the organ?" Nell enquired.  "And the hymns should
+be practised by those who are willing to come into the choir.  Is any
+one attending to that?"
+
+"I am, miss.  Si asked me if I would speak to you, and I was going to
+your house on my way home.  I hope you will play, for then I know
+everything will be all right with the music.  Just try the organ, and
+play a few tunes.  It is a long time since I have heard them, and it
+will help me with my work."
+
+"Not now," Nell smilingly replied.  "I am going to dust the chancel and
+the vestry; that is, if you will let me."
+
+"Sure, sure, go ahead.  You have as much right here as I have.  We all
+have the same privileges in the Father's House, for we are all His
+children."
+
+Joe had swept the chancel and vestry room, so Nell dusted them both
+with great thoroughness.  She was very happy at this work, just why she
+could not explain.  When she was through, she polished the brass Altar
+vases, which were much tarnished.  Then she went out of doors and
+gathered an abundance of wild flowers, and going into the vestry she
+arranged these artistically in the vases.  Stepping back, she viewed
+her handiwork.
+
+"How will they do?" she asked, as Joe just then looked in at the door.
+"Don't you think they will suit any one?"
+
+"I should say so," was the enthusiastic reply.  "Even the Bishop
+himself couldn't find any fault with them."
+
+When the flowers had been placed upon the Communion Table, and the last
+book had been carefully dusted and arranged, Nell sat down at the
+little organ and began to play.  Joe came and sat down in one of the
+choir seats at the left.  Hymn after hymn Nell played, and when she at
+last stopped, Joe stepped softly to her side.
+
+"Won't you play one more?" he asked.  "Just one; it's my favourite."
+
+"Why, certainly.  What is it?"
+
+"The Ninety and Nine.  It's number seven-seventy-nine.  And won't you
+sing it, miss?  I haven't heard it sung for a long time, though I read
+it most every day."
+
+Having played the air, Nell began to sing, and as her clear, sweet
+voice welled forth, Joe leaned eagerly forward so as not to miss a
+word.  There were tears in his eyes, but his face was beaming with joy
+and peace.  Nell sang the hymn through, and when she finished and the
+last throbbing notes of the organ ceased, a sobbing moan drifted up the
+aisle of the old church.  Both Nell and Joe turned quickly around, and
+to their surprise they saw a woman kneeling upon the floor with her
+face buried in her hands.
+
+"Jean, my Jean!" Joe cried, as he sprang from his seat, hurried down
+the aisle and caught his daughter in his arms.  Then there was silence,
+broken only by the sobs of the kneeling girl.
+
+Nell stood near and watched them, uncertain what to do.  She was deeply
+affected by this scene, and thought it best that the two should be
+alone.  Softly she moved toward the door, and had almost reached it,
+when Jean sprang after her and caught her by the arm.
+
+"Don't go, Nell," she cried, "until you have forgiven me.  Tell me you
+forgive me," and once more Jean fell upon her knees and seized Nell's
+hand in hers, and held it with a firm grip.
+
+Stooping, Nell placed her disengaged arm lovingly about the girl's
+body, and kissed her on the cheek.
+
+"I forgive you all, Jean," she said.  "So get up.  Why should you kneel
+to me?"
+
+"And you know?  You understand?" Jean asked, lifting up her pale face.
+
+"Yes, I think I know everything, and you have always had my sincere
+sympathy.  But how did you happen to come here?"
+
+"I wanted to see the old church once more, where I used to worship, and
+was so happy in the years now gone forever.  I did not expect to find
+any one here, and was greatly surprised when I heard you singing.  It
+was that old hymn which affected me so much, and broke me down
+completely."
+
+"I am so glad that you came just when you did," Nell replied.  "You
+have been in my thoughts day and night, and I knew that you would come
+to see me some day.  You will come, will you not?"
+
+But Jean shook her head and looked longingly around the church, as if
+taking a final farewell of all the objects which were so dear and
+familiar to her.
+
+"I am going away," she quietly said, "and may never be back again."
+
+"Don't say that, Jean," her father implored.  "Why should you leave us
+when we want you so much?  Your mother's heart is aching for her little
+girl."
+
+"I know it, I know it, daddy dear.  I have been very bad and cruel to
+you both.  But I have something to wipe out, and I shall never rest
+content until I have done what I can to atone for my past sad mistake
+in life."
+
+"Where are you going, Jean?" Nell asked.
+
+"I cannot tell you now.  But it is a great work to which I am going,
+and some day you will be proud of me, and so will the people of Rixton.
+They scorn me now, and they surely have good reason for doing so."
+
+"But, Jean darling, you will tell us where you are going before you
+leave, will you not?" her father asked.  "You will come home first?"
+
+"Yes, I shall go with you now.  And in a few days you will all know
+where I am going, and what I expect to do.  Come, daddy, let us go.
+Good-bye, Nell, I shall see you before I leave."
+
+Taking her father by the arm, she led him from the church, and up the
+lane leading to the main road.  Nell watched them until they had
+disappeared from view.  She then closed the church and hurried across
+the field, for it was getting late and her father would be waiting for
+her.  But her heart was lighter than it had been for days.  Jean was
+her old self again, and she was so thankful.  But she wondered where
+she was going, and what she was about to do.  That it was something
+noble, she could tell by the expression of hope in Jean's eyes, and the
+look of animation which had overspread her face as she told about her
+intended departure.
+
+When Nell reached the church Sunday afternoon, she found a large number
+of people already there.  It had been rumoured that the Bishop was to
+hold the service, and it was expected that he would speak about the
+war, and also have something to say concerning the new clergyman who
+was to come to the parish.
+
+Nell had not been idle since Friday, and Saturday night the first choir
+practice in months had been held.  The members were now all in their
+places as she entered the church and went at once to the organ.  Having
+arranged her books, she next placed a list of hymns in a hymn book and
+took it into the vestry room for the clergyman's use.  It was a most
+perfect August afternoon, and through the open vestry came the fresh
+air laden with perfume of meadow and forest, and the music of birds.
+
+Having placed the book on the little table, Nell looked around the room
+to see that everything was arranged in its proper place.  And as she
+stood there, an auto swung up and stopped just outside the open door.
+Glancing quickly around, Nell saw a man in khaki alight from the car,
+with a small grip in his hand, and step into the vestry.  He paused in
+pleased surprise when he saw who was in the room, and at once held out
+his hand.
+
+"Oh, I am so glad to see you, Miss Strong," he began.  "I did not
+expect to find you here."
+
+"Mr. Handyman!" Nell gasped, as she allowed her hand to remain in his
+for a few seconds.  "I had no idea of seeing you here to-day.  Where is
+the clergyman?"
+
+"Right here," Douglas smiled.  "Don't you understand?"
+
+"You!" and the colour suddenly left Nell's cheeks.  It seemed as if she
+had not heard aright.
+
+"Yes, I am to take the service to-day.  Will you forgive me?"
+
+Nell stood for a few seconds uncertain what to do or say.  Her mind was
+in a tumult.  She had imagined many things as to Douglas' identity, but
+never once had she suspected him of being a clergyman.
+
+"There are the hymns," she at length told him, steadying her voice as
+much as possible.  "It is service time, and the people are getting
+impatient."
+
+Without another word she walked out of the vestry.  She tried to be
+calm, but her hands trembled as she began to play, and it appeared to
+her that all must notice her agitation.  Never had the church seemed so
+hot, and she longed to be away by herself that she might think over the
+startling discovery.
+
+There was almost a sensation in the church that afternoon when Douglas
+appeared and gave out the opening hymn.  An intense silence ensued,
+broken only by the sweet organ notes.  Very few in the congregation
+thought of singing, as they were too busy whispering to one another.
+Jake Jukes stood dumbfounded.  He could not believe his eyes, and paid
+no heed to his wife who kept nudging his arm.  Empty's mouth was wide
+open and his eyes were fairly starting out of his head.  His mother,
+too, was greatly affected, and her hand trembled so much that she could
+hardly hold her hymn book.  Even Joe Benton forgot to follow the words,
+and gazed intently upon the clergyman.
+
+But the greatest feeling of consternation was in the pew where the
+Stubbles sat.  They were all there except Ben, and the sisters were
+dressed in their finest.  For once they forgot about their clothes, and
+stared with undisguised wonder upon the white-robed man before them.
+Simon Stubbles stood like a statue.  It had taken him only an instant
+to comprehend the whole situation.  He knew now why the clergyman had
+come to Rixton disguised as a farm-hand.  It was to spy out the land,
+and to ascertain what was the trouble in Church matters.  Fear and
+anger were blended as he watched Douglas' every movement, and a deep
+sigh escaped his lips as he realised his helplessness.
+
+No one slept during the sermon that day.  Nell was the only one who did
+not hear it all.  She knew that Douglas was explaining his reasons for
+coming to Rixton in disguise, and he explained them well.  But her mind
+wandered, and she thought of many things which had happened during the
+past weeks and which at the time had puzzled her.  But now she saw them
+in a different light.  Her attention was arrested as Douglas began to
+tell why he was not coming to the parish as rector.  The war had made
+the change.  He had offered to go to the front as chaplain, and he had
+been accepted.  His friend, Charles Garton, was raising a battalion and
+men were being called to the Colours.  "How many will go from this
+parish?" he asked in conclusion.  "Many of you are of Loyalist descent,
+so I believe, and you cannot easily forget what your ancestors endured
+in their devotion to the flag of the clustered crosses.  All that the
+old flag stands for is now at stake, and every one must do his part to
+keep it floating as proudly as of yore.  I now challenge the young men
+of this parish to enlist as soon as possible, and unite with the
+battalion which is being formed in the city.  If you do, I shall be
+your chaplain, and a great pleasure it will be for us to go overseas
+together to support the brave men who are so anxiously awaiting the
+Column of Relief.  Do not delay.  Make up your minds at once.  The need
+is great.  Your King and country are calling you."
+
+Never had Nell heard such singing in that old church as she did in the
+closing hymn of "Onward, Christian Soldiers."  All sang it with a new
+spirit and a power that could not be mistaken.  The sermon had made a
+deep impression, and it was discussed for weeks afterwards.
+
+When the service was over, Douglas was at once surrounded by an
+enthusiastic crowd, for every one wished to shake hands with him and
+give him a word of welcome.  He mentally compared this reception with
+his first arrival in the parish.  It was really a victory, and he felt
+that should he remain he would not be lacking in loyal supporters.
+
+But there was one person Douglas wished to see most of all, and as soon
+as he could free himself from the throng, he turned around toward the
+organ.  But he looked in vain, for Nell was not there, neither was she
+anywhere in the church.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+BY THE OLD PINE TREE
+
+While Douglas was talking to the people, Nell had slipped out of the
+church by way of the vestry room.  She wanted to be alone that she
+might think.  Her head was aching, and the fresh air made her feel
+better.  She went straight across the field toward her own home,
+following the path she had so often travelled.  This led her to the old
+pine where she and Douglas had stood on that beautiful day which now
+seemed so long ago.
+
+Here she stopped and looked out over the river.  The water was as clear
+as glass, and she could see her reflection in the clear depths.  Nell
+believed she was safe here from all interruption, for those who had
+been at church would go home by the main road.  Her mind was greatly
+agitated, and after a while she sat down by the side of the tree and
+leaned her head against the trunk.  Her face bore a strained look, and
+her eyes were dry.  She felt that she must now banish Douglas from her
+mind forever.  Why had he deceived her? she asked herself over and over
+again.  Why had he come into her life, bringing such joy to her lonely
+heart, and then dispelling it all in one brief hour?  If he had only
+remained the same ordinary man as when working for Jake Jukes, how
+happy she would be.  She could love him then with all the ardour of a
+true, pure woman.  But a clergyman in disguise!  The thought repelled
+and stung her, even though she knew why he had done it.  Henceforth, he
+would be a changed man, so she believed, hedged about by the dignity
+and conventions of his position, and no longer the free and
+companionable John Handyman as she had known him.
+
+As she sat thus and thought, her mind gradually grew calmer, and she
+became more self-possessed.  She even chided herself for feeling so
+depressed.  What was John Handyman to her, anyway?  Merely an
+acquaintance, whom she had known but a few weeks.  She really knew
+nothing about his past life, for he had been most guarded in speaking
+about himself.  Perhaps he was already engaged to some girl, and he may
+have been with her during his absence from Rixton.  She had no
+guarantee that he loved her, although she believed that he liked to be
+with her.  She recalled how he had held her hand in his and had looked
+into her eyes in a way that had thrilled her whole being.  But no
+matter where he might go or what he might become, the memory would be
+ever dear to her.  He would never know of her love for him, and the
+world would not have the slightest suspicion of the deep things of her
+heart.  She would go on her way as in the past, and none would be the
+wiser.
+
+Nell was now more like her old self, and as people knew her.  Her
+self-reliant and reserved nature had always added a certain dignity to
+her personal charms.  It would, therefore, have been a great surprise
+to many could they have looked into her heart on this beautiful
+afternoon and discovered the secret.  They would then have found how
+deep are the real wells of life, that they who feel most keenly say the
+least, and that the passionate love of a noble woman is often expressed
+in simple outward acts of gentleness, mercy and truth.
+
+For about half an hour Nell sat there, although the passing of time
+never once occurred to her.  She might have remained thus for the rest
+of the afternoon, had she not been suddenly aroused by the sound of
+approaching footsteps.  Glancing around, great was her astonishment and
+embarrassment to see the very one who was in her thoughts hurrying
+toward her.
+
+As Nell sprang to her feet, her heart was beating rapidly, and the rich
+blood mantled her cheeks and brow, making her more charming than ever,
+so Douglas thought.  His face was radiant, and his eyes glowed with the
+intensity of love.  His impulsive nature could brook no further delay,
+neither did mere formal words of affection fall from his lips.
+Instead, he stepped quickly forward, caught Nell in his arms, and
+imprinted a kiss upon her trembling lips.
+
+So great was Nell's surprise at this sudden and audacious act, that she
+was rendered almost powerless.  A joy surpassing words possessed her,
+and she longed to remain forever in her lover's strong embrace.  But in
+a few seconds, a feeling of maidenly reserve swept over her, and she
+tore away the encircling arms.
+
+"How dare you do such a thing?" she demanded.  But the tone of her
+voice and the expression in her eyes caused Douglas to laugh with
+rapturous joy.
+
+"You must get up more fire than that if you expect to frighten me," he
+told her.
+
+"But how could you?  How did you dare without permission?" Nell
+faltered.
+
+"My heart gave permission; you must blame it.  And, oh, Nell, tell me
+that you love me," he pleaded.  "If you do, then you will forgive
+everything.  Surely your love must respond to mine."
+
+To these passionate words Nell made no reply.  She was too greatly
+overcome to utter a word so sudden and overwhelming had been the change
+during the last few minutes.  Her form trembled from the vehemence of
+her emotion, and then the tears, which for so long had been restrained,
+came to her relief, and, sinking upon the ground, she buried her face
+in her hands and sobbed like a child.
+
+"Nell!  Nell!" Douglas cried, dropping by her side, and placing his
+arms tenderly around her.  "What have I done?  Have I offended you?
+Oh, tell me; tell me quick.  I didn't mean to make you feel badly.
+Forgive me; please forgive me!"
+
+"I am only foolish, that is all," was the sobbing reply, as Nell lifted
+her head and endeavoured to brush away the tears.  "I didn't mean to
+give way like this.  But I am weak, and all this is so unexpected."
+
+"And you forgive me?  You are not offended?"
+
+In reply, Nell threw her arms impetuously about his neck, and laid her
+face close to his.
+
+"There is my answer," she whispered.  "Are you satisfied now?"
+
+Never had the old pine witnessed such a scene of perfect bliss as that
+which then took place at its foot.  It gave no sign, however, that it
+saw anything, but kept its secret well.  It was in league with the
+happy lovers, and never babbled its knowledge.
+
+"It was here where I first saw you, Nell," Douglas told her, as they
+nestled close to each other upon the sand.  "How well I remember that
+night, and how entranced I was with your playing."
+
+"Don't speak of that time any more," Nell pleaded.  "It seems now like
+a terrible dream.  Oh, how that man followed me, and tried to get me in
+his power."
+
+"But Ben is gone now, darling, and can trouble you no more.  It is not
+likely that he will ever come back to this place.  He has been taught a
+severe lesson, and I trust it will do him good."
+
+"Oh, I hope so," and a tremor shook Nell's body.  "I want to forget him
+and those awful days that are past."
+
+"And you must forget, Nell, in the joy of the present.  Oh, I can
+hardly believe it is true that you love me.  I was almost frightened
+out of my wits lest you should refuse me."
+
+"You acted like it, didn't you?" Nell bantered, turning her happy face
+to his.  "Why, you swept down upon me like a cyclone, and had me in
+your arms before I could utter a word of protest."
+
+"I was afraid, darling; that was the reason.  You see, I knew what a
+shock I gave you when I bounced into the vestry.  And then all through
+the service I was watching you, and noticed how agitated you were.  I
+wanted to speak to you at once when the service was over, but, no, I
+was captured by the whole congregation and when at last I was able to
+look around, you were nowhere to be seen.  Suspecting that you might be
+here, I hurried over as fast as I could, and when I beheld you standing
+by this tree looking a thousand times more lovely than ever, I lost my
+head completely, and, oh, you know the rest.  It was all your fault,
+darling, and so don't blame me.  If you will persist in being so
+charming, you must put up with the result."
+
+"But was that really the whole reason?" Nell asked.  "Wasn't there
+something else?  You said you were afraid, did you not?"
+
+"Now you are cornering me," Douglas laughed.  "Yes, I confess I was
+afraid of the questions you might ask about my strange behaviour in
+coming to Rixton in disguise.  I felt that you were offended, and so
+great was my love, I was in no mood to have parts of the Catechism
+hurled at me.  Just imagine my standing before you like a child, and
+being asked, 'What is your name?' and meekly answering, 'Douglas
+Stanton, ma'm.'  Then, 'Who gave you this name?' and I would say that
+my godfathers and godmothers gave it to me in my baptism.  And you
+would ask me, 'Why are you so ashamed of your name that you take
+another?'  Now, as that is not in the Catechism, it would have been
+more difficult for me to answer, and so I would have blundered and
+stumbled and made such a fool of myself that you would have despised
+me.  No, I could not endure that, and so I acted with audacious
+boldness.  You are not sorry, are you?"
+
+"No, I am glad now, although it was a terrible shock to me at first.  I
+had no idea that you loved me so much.  Isn't it wonderful!"
+
+"I loved you ever since I first saw you, Nell," and Douglas drew her
+closer to him.  "And I shall love you always.  Nothing can separate us
+now."
+
+"But this war will," was the low response.  "You are going away, and I
+may never see you again.  How can I get along without you?"
+
+"Only for a while, darling.  I shall come back to you some day, and
+while we are parted from each other, our love will support us and keep
+us strong and brave.  But I shall not be leaving for several weeks yet,
+so during that time we can be so happy together."
+
+"I know it, I know it," Nell replied.  "But I am so selfish, and now
+that I am sure of your love I want you with me always.  I must
+remember, though, what so many are sacrificing for the sake of their
+King and country, and I must be brave, too.  I suppose others will be
+going from this parish.  I do not see how the young men can remain
+behind, especially after your challenge to them to-day."
+
+"I believe a number of them will go at once.  Several spoke to me after
+service and expressed their intention of enlisting."
+
+"I am so glad that the people this afternoon were kind to you, Douglas.
+How terrible if they had been angry at what you did.  It would make it
+very hard for me when you are away, as I should feel so badly to listen
+to their severe criticisms."
+
+"You need not worry about that now, Nell.  The people are very
+friendly, and most willing to do all they can to assist the new
+clergyman who will come here in my stead.  I do not know his name, but
+the Bishop told me that he would be most careful in his choice of a
+man.  Even Simon Stubbles shook hands with me this afternoon, and
+wished me good luck.  Most likely he is delighted to know that I am
+leaving the place.  Anyway, I am certain that he will behave himself
+after this."
+
+"How I wish I could go, too," Nell remarked, as she played with her
+left hand in the yielding sand.  "But I am only a woman, and must
+remain behind."
+
+"You have a noble work to do here, Nell.  Your father needs your care,
+and, besides, the thought of you will cheer and encourage me.  And I
+shall need your prayers as well.  I am sure they will help me no matter
+where I am.  But, there, suppose we let the future take care of itself.
+We have each other now, and we need not worry about troubles that may
+never come."
+
+"Perhaps it is better," and Nell gave a little sigh.  "But I feel
+selfish in being so very happy.  I am thinking of poor Jean.  I suppose
+her love was just as deep as mine, and now she is broken-hearted.  I
+wonder what will become of her?  She is going away, so she told me when
+I saw her in the church on Friday, but she did not say what she is
+going to do."
+
+"Why, I forgot to tell you," Douglas replied.  "The thought of you
+banished everything else from my mind.  Jean is going overseas as a Red
+Cross nurse."
+
+"As a nurse!" Nell exclaimed.
+
+"Yes.  Major Garton, he is that now, you see, took a great interest in
+her, and when he found that she had graduated as a nurse from the city
+hospital, he was able to get her the position without any difficulty."
+
+"And did she ask to be allowed to go?"
+
+"Yes, she made application, and begged Garton to do what he could for
+her.  I believe she is quite happy at the thought of going."
+
+"Oh, I am so glad," and Nell clasped her hands before her.  "She will
+have something to live for now, and I know that she will do a noble
+work."
+
+"So you will have nothing more to worry about now, will you, darling?"
+and Douglas kissed her again.  "Everything has come out all right at
+last, as it will in the future."
+
+"I have no fears nor troubles now since I have your love," and Nell
+lifted her shining eyes to his.
+
+"Not even your father and Nan when we tell them of our happiness, eh?
+Perhaps they may make things uncomfortable for us."
+
+"No, I am not afraid of them," Nell laughingly replied.  "Father is
+very fond of you, and Nan will be delighted when she hears of it."
+
+"And Empty will have a great piece of news to tell, won't he?  We must
+go over to-morrow and get Mrs. Dempster's blessing."
+
+"And dear old Joe's, too.  His will be a blessing worth while."
+
+"What about Jake?  We must not forget him, and his 'Great punkins!'
+Why, he'll need a whole field of them to express his astonishment."
+
+They both laughed heartily like two children at the thought of the
+good-natured farmer.  Then Nell rose to her feet.
+
+"My, it is getting late!" she exclaimed, "and what will father say?  We
+must go home at once.  We shall have a supper to-night that will be
+worth while."
+
+Along the sandy beach they made their way.  The old pine seemed to
+stand a little straighter, as if proud of what it had just witnessed.
+The birds flitted to and fro, and their chirpings sounded like sweet
+congratulations.  Even the branches of the trees along the shore
+appeared to bend a little lower to bestow their silent benediction.
+All the sweet and beautiful things of Nature were in glad attune with
+the young lovers as they turned their faces toward the unknown future
+lying golden and mystic in the lap of the years.
+
+
+
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