, 1901-12-07
White, brought from the kitchen by
tla ,.natcIinl nnptInn


White, brought from the kitchen by
the unusual commotion.
"Enos," tersely; he is falling back
into the ways of w~ickcdness. Per-
chance he has seen a deer or bear and
the sight has set him wild. 1t is the
outcropping OF his early training. He
is from the house of Belial.'
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 he left
the shelter Of the fruit trees he dropped
upon the ground and worked his way
through the grass like a snake. keep.
ing as much as possible behind trees
and natural elevations. When he
reached the forest he circled round
to the point toward which the foot
prints 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, hurry
ing 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 a grim satisfac-
ton. as though the object Of his quest
had been successful.
Deacon White was ready for him,
as he had said he would be; and hard
ly had Enos stepped through the door
way when the strong, uncompromising
hand fell heavily upon his shoulder.
Now we will try the effect Of an
oak stick upon wicked tendencies
The deacon said grimly, as he raised
the goad and brought 1t down vigor-
ously across the boys shoulders. You
needn't make any excuses or explain
atoms, it is too late for that; when
words fail, the evil n must be cir
cumvented by more drastic methods.
This shall be a lesson. you will never
forget"
Enos made no answer, and though
the goad rose and fell until the lea
cons right arm sank through sheer
exhaustion, still the boy made no
| sound. But when the punishment was
! over, and he raised his head. there vas
| blood trickling from his lips where
he 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"
| .hn damon cpp,ropdo5 ctorpIy
Yes, sir; but the Injuns will be
mere tonight. an you'll need my help"
The boy spoke quietly. though his
voice trembled and almost broke from
he agony he was enduring.
'Injuns! What do you mean?"
They're in the woods, wai'in' for it
o come dark. l found the track of
,ne who'd been scoutin' around an
gone back to report, SO l came and
hanged my. meetin' house clothes an
'ollered. There's six Of 'em, an
.hey're camped, back in the woods
waitin' for it to come night SO they
an s'prise us. But there's no need
o be skeered." reassuringly, we're
hree, an we'll be inside. an we're all
good shots. We can drive them off
! Easy"
Deacon White was . hard man ana
l grim one, but he knew vhsii he had
made a mistake, and this boy, who was
ooking squarely into his eye. he fel.
vas telling him the truth.
You're sure they mean t. attacl
,s?"
yes. Sc confidently; why'd tic
70 s>.'. rcund our place v
Saitin' there In the woods, ift want
for that? There's NO other HOUSE
near"
: Il believe you're right. But as you
say, we're all pretty good shots. you
and Mrs.. White and myself, and vel
be inside. II they could surprise us
- they seem 70 expect, 1t would likely
end disastrously; but being prepared
We an drive them OF easily, I think
~ there are only six. And-and" hold
ing out his hand. II want to ask you
to forgive me, Enos, I was too hAsty
You and I will understand each othel
better hereafter. 1 think. and 1t may
b that I can make up for this day'i
mistake to you In some way"
As they thought, the night attach
was easily repulsed. When the In
dams found they could not surprise
as they had planned. and that behind
the thick walls. YER three keen-eys1.
watchful enemies. they seemed 70
realize that the probable cost VA
more than they cared to risk. and
after a few inefRectual shots they With
drew.
The next day Deaeoa White I'D
Enos had . lens conversation -
when It ended and thag claapsi ha1eD