Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-07-06
ere. Thou'st read thy book to the

old lass, Miss Kate ?"
"l have read Gods book, Mr. Sykes,
said Kate, "and Sally has listened to
his holy words. Would you like me
to read to you sometimes ?"
She ventured to say it because his
manner was at once respectful and
contiding; because his smile was so
unlike that of their first meeting. He
answered by placing a bible in her
hand. ayes, read that, he exclaimed
with deep emotion -" 1t belonged to
my lad ats gone. Read where he put
marks, wilt thou p"
"Not here" cried Robinson, spring
ing up and snatching the bible from
the white hands of Kate. "I'1l have
no games O. that sort here, I tell
thee"
30, George said his wife, plead
ing, let her go on"
II won't ~ sold Robinson, whose
face was flushed with passion; "you
say another word, and I'll pitch your
old book into the fire."
1t was Bob's. turn to speak now.
"Just let me catch the at it ?" he cried
sternly.
"Give me that book, l tell thee,
Or"
"Or what ?"
Involuntarily Bob Sykes clenched
his first. 1t was enough. Another
moment, and the book was cast into
the flames and another, Kate, at the
price of hand scorched, had rescued
it from destruction; another, Bob
Sykes had flown at Robinson, who, on
his part, desired nothing better than
"a fight; another, and little Kate
rushing between the combatants, was
by George Robinson's unmanly hand
laid senseless on the floor.
Blood, Blood!' cried Sally, as
thrusting aside a mass of curls she
showed a fearful wound. Run
George, if you don't want to be a
murdered-the doctor for your life. u
He did run as for life, with that
word, murderer ringing in his ears =
that senseIess form with the blood
streaming from a CHASTITY wound ever
before his eyes. The doctor came
back with him, and they carried hel
up stairs.
Gods ways are not like our ways
That dreadful night was the begin
ming of better times, not only tt
George Robinson, but to Bob Syke:
and Sally.
AS little Kate recovered very slow
ly, they had to carry her in theil
strong arms, to tempt her appetit
with dainty fare, and to anticipate
her every wish. All this did thos
two rough men accomplish, even NOR
tenderly than the kind hearted Sally
as in a silent rivalry, they strov'
night after night to hasten her re
covery. There was no smoking, n,
noisy talk. Kate laid upon a littl
couch George had carefully arrange'
with chairs and boxes, and listene,
dreamily while Sykes, who knew wei
} how to please her, read in low voic
the chapter his boy had loved; anC
Robinson, no longer opposing thi:
listened, until at last he learned t
: obey the Word.
And thus, although Kate was to i
to talk to them, she knew that tn
= good work was begun in those thre
hearts, when at last, leaning o
) Georges arms, and with Bob Syke
and Mrs. Robinson before her, sh
. walked in gratitude too deep for wore
| to the beloved and longed-for hou'
r of prayer, it was her joy to kno
: that they were all through faith
Christ, at peace with the Most Hig
t Yes, little Kate, thy prayers we
heard and answered; but it was n
e thy might nor by thy power, but
Il the spirit of the living God, that tho
three stubborn hearts were bowe
t before the cross. And yet it sha
It be remembered evermore in Heave
that thou vast chosen as the humG
= instrument in this great work of Go
t. that it was on the teaching of Il
It life. He poured His blessing in tn
d life's sweet spring-that thou mighte
# shine as do the stars in all His glo
r Gus kingdom.
a