The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-11-12
The Globes Daily Short Story

across the open space between the forest
and orchard, but walking erect, and the
uncertainty that had been mingled with
the anxiety in his face was now replaced
by grim satisfaction, as though the OBJ
ject of his quest had been successful
Deacon White was ready for him, as
he had said he would be, and hardly
had Enos stepped through the doorway
when the strong, uncompromising hand
| fell heavily upon his shoulder
Now we will try, the effect of an oak
stick upon wicked tendencies said the
deacon, grimly, as he raised the goad
and brought it down vigorously across
the boys shoulders. '.You needn't make
any excuses or explana tons; it is too
late for that; when words fail, the evil
one must be circumvented by more dras-
tic methods. This shall be lesson YOU
will never forget
Enos made no answer, and though the
goad rose and fell until the deacon's right
arm sank through sheer exhaustion. still
the boy made no sound. But when the
punishment was over, and he raised his
head there was blood trickling from his
bps where the teeth had clinched and his
form was weak and .tremulous from the
pain.
Now go to your room and remain
there until l say you may come out the
deacon commanded sternly
Yes, sir; but the Injuns will be here
tonight, an you'll need my help
The boy spoke quietly, though his voice
trembled and almost broke from the
agony he was enduring
.ILnJuns! What do You mean
They're In the woods waitin' for it
to come dark. found the track of one
who'd been scoutin' around an gone back
to report so l came and changed my
meetin' house clothes an follered. There's
six of EN-, an they're camped back in
the woods waitin' for it to come night
so they can s'prise us. But there's no
need to be skeered,'' reassuringly. we're
three, and Wen be inside, an we're all
good shots We can drive them off easy
Deacon White was a hard man and
grim one, but he knew when he had
made mistake, and this boy. who was
looking squarely into his eyes, he felt
was telling him the truth
You're sure they mean to attack us?'
Yes, sir, confidently: why'd they be
scoutin' round our place and be waitin
there in the woods. lift want for that?
There's no other house near
L believe you're right But as YOU
say, w're all pretty good shots, you and
Mrs. White and myself, and We'll be in
side. If they could surprise us, as they
seem to expect it would likely end dis
drive them off easily, 1 think. as there
are only six. And-and'' holding out his
hand, II want to ask you to forgive me,
Enos. | was too hasty. You and 1 will
understand each other better hereafter.
l think, and it may be that 1 can make
up for this days mistake to you in some
way
AS they thought. the night attack was
easily repulsed When the Indians found
they could not surprise as they had
planned, and that behind the thick walls
were three keen-eyed, watchful enemies,
they seemed to realize that the probable
cost was more than they cared to risk,
and after few Intellectual. shots they
withdrew
The next day Deacon White and Enos
hal long conversation and when it
ended and they clasped hands there was
no longer any misunderstanding or
grimness in the face of the one, or dis
content or listlessness in that of the
other. And thereafter Enos was not 10
be merely the work boy, but was to have
an interest in the place.