The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-11-12
THE PUNISHMENT OF ENOS;
BY FRANK H. SWEET.

 Copyright. 1891. by Daily Story Pub. Col s E ss s s g < x < < : stormed, "come back-at once! I conn
 ''Goiri'-to folier the trail-an find out" came back from the vanishing figure. t-your-guns-out-an' be ready"
 What is it, Eliphalet@' asked Mrs, White. brought from the kitchen by the unusual commotion.
 ''Enos," tersely; "he is falling back into the ways of wickedness. Perchance he has seen a deer or bear and the sight has set him wild. It Is the outcropping of his early training. He is from the house of Beiial."
 But Enos is not accountable. like most boys" said Mrs. White gently. You know he is not all there."
 Meanwhile Enos had sped through the orchard. emerging from the side nearest to the forest. But ere ne left the shelter of the fruit trees he dropped upon the ground and worked his way through the grass like a snake, keeping \as much as possible behind trees and natural eleva- tions. When he reached the forest he circled round to the point toward which the footprints pointed, where he remained for some minutes, scrutinizing the ground sharply. then he stole away into the depth of the forest.
 Two hours later he returned. hurrying 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 new replaced by grim satisfaction. as though the ob- tect of his quest had been successful.
 Deacon White was ready for him, as he had said he would be; and hardly did 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" the dea- con said grimly. as he raised the goad and brought it down vigorously across the boys shoulders. You needn't make any excuse or explanations it is too late for that; when words fall. the evil one must be cfrcumvented by more drastic methods. This shall be lesson you will never for get.
 Enos made no answer and though the goad rose and fell until the dcacon'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 lips where the teeth had clinched. and his form was weak and tremulous from the pain.
 Now go to your room and remain there until 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 ag- cny he was enduring.
 'Injuns! What do you mean?'
 Hcy re III ttle WOOuS, WdItlH TOT IL 10 come dark. I 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 the woods waitin' for 1t to come night so they can sprise us. But theren't no need to be skeered," reassuringly, we're three, an we'll be inside. an we're all good shots. We can drive them off easy"
 Deacon White was a hard man and a grim one but he knew when he had made mistake. and this boy, who was looking squarely into his eyes, he felt was tell inc him the truth.
 You're sure they mean to attack up?"
 Yes. sir,' confidently why'd they be scoutin' round our place and be waitin' there in the woods. fit want for that? There's no other house near''
 T believe you're right. But as you say. were all pretty good shots. you and Mrs. White and myself, and we'll be inside. If they could surprise US, as they seem to expect. it would likely end disastrously: but being prepared we can drive them off easily. I think, as there are only six. And and holding out his hand, "I want 10 ask you vo to forgive org % me En9s was too other better hereafter, I think, and it may be that 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, thev seemed to realize that the probable cos. was more than they cared to risk and after a few intellectual shots they withdrew.
 The next day Deacon White and Enos had long conversation and when it end ed and they clasped hands there was no longer any misunderstanding or grimness in the face of the one, or discontented or listlessness in that of the other. And thereafter Enos was not to be merely the work bov. but was To have ;in int e-ast in the place.
 by Mrs Noises P Handy.