310 The Little Minister

“‘ They say, then,” he answered, sullenly, “ that
it’s the Egyptian. Yes, and I believe they ken.”

The two farmers drew back from this statement
incredulously ; but Tammas Whamond jumped
at the kirk officer’s throat, and some who were in
the church that night say they heard Hendry
scream. Then the precentor’s fingers relaxed
their grip, and he tottered into the middle of the
room.

“Hendry,” he pleaded, holding out his arms
pathetically, “tak back these words. Oh, man,
have pity, and tak them back!”

But Hendry would not, and then Lang Tam-
mas’s mouth worked convulsively, and he sobbed,
crying, “ Nobody kent it, but mair than mortal
son, O God, I did love the lad!”

So seldom in a lifetime had any one seen into
this man’s heart that Spens said, amazed :

“Tammas, Tammas Whamond, it’s no like
you to break down.”

The rusty door of Whamond’s heart swung to.

“Who broke down?” he asked, fiercely. ‘ Let
no member of this session dare to break down till
his work be done.”

“What work?” Tosh said, uneasily. ‘“ We
canna interfere.”

“TI would rather resign,” Spens said, but shook
when Whamond hurled these words at him:

““* And Jesus said unto him, No man, having
put his hand to the plough and looking back, is
fit for the kingdom of God.’”’

“Tt mayna be true,’ Hendry said, eagerly.

« ‘We'll soon see.”

“ Fle would gie her up,” said Tosh.