The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-06-22
CHAPTER VII.


L1KE FLASH OF LIGHTNING FROM CLEAR
Silence reigned in and about John
Lees house; the restful calm Of quiet,
well-ordered, happy home prevailed. The
BY John Lee, licked loudly, measuring
the hours with precision that seemed e
characteristic Of John Lees movements,
public or private. Whether at home or
abroad, in all his dealings with the world,
everything was done precisely, promptly,
quietly.
A man Of few words, save when speech
was q virtue, no man in Salem had proved
in time of need man Of action as plain
ly as John Lee.
Dorothea Lee and her daughter Janet
met each other in the narrow passage to
their sleeping apartment. The mother
was on the point Of speaking. Janet also
seemed to be framing speech, but be-
fore either found suitable words, John
Lees voice was heard, saying,
"Dorothea, it is time for worship.
Dorothea turned and entered the room
where John Lee sat, saying to Janet:
Speak to Ann"
Presently Ann and Ezra Easily fol-
lowed Janet into the room, where John
Lee sat, with preoccupied air, while
his wife handed him the Bible from a
shelf, and seated herself near her hus-
band. John Lee took his spectacles from
their case carefully, rubbed them slowly
with his handkerchief, like one in deep
thought, placed the Bible on his knee,
glanced at the light, and spoke in grave
tones:
These are troublesome times. We are
surrounded with perils. There are things
said and done such as only the evil one
can instigate. I have lived in dangerous
times. I have seen enough to convince me
that providence overrules the wisest Of
mankind. But have never known, nor
do believe there ever was time when
men stood more in need of the counsel
and comfort given in this book"-John
Lees fingers seemed to caress the cover
of the well-worn Bible on his knee
than at the present time. Every home is
threatened. No man CT woman knows
the moment they may be called upon to
answer charges that the vilest would
blush to meet. No house is secure. NO
man or woman's life SO free from re-
proach-"
A loud knock on the door caused Ezra
Easily to bounce on his seat. He cast q
terrified look at Ann BIGGER she TIM
Was IN tremor. janet Lee rose quietly
and opened the doof Samnel Hobbs,
the Marshal of Salem. entered. John Lee
placed the Bible on the table at his elbow,
and rose.
"Yoa are somewhat late, if you are
come on business-hut you are always
welcome, as you we'll know" said John
Lee.
The Marshal did not take the seat prof.
fered him. On the contrary, he looked
like a man ii: at ease. He moved his
hands upeasily, and stammered when be
spoke.
The business is none of nv choosing.
never did more unwilling xofk-rever
made more unwilling erraGd."
Since that is the case, the sooner the
business is dispatched the better.
Speak out freely. The way ls open to
you"
INV business concerns you nearly.
-Sav you so, Samuel" John Lee
looked down and reflected. Does ]: con.
Germ any one beyond those You see here:
No"
A silence fell upon the little circle sc
oppressive that Ezra Easty was sure the
Mars hal could hear his heart tbrohblng
AT last John Lee, still standing with h1s
face to the Marshal of Salem, broke the
silence.
Since it concerns all here, what maj
your errand be?"
The Marshal strove to clear his throat,
but could no: OIL the Instant. He Iooke