The Meeting for Rain ail

“Peter Tosh,’ answered Whamond, sternly,
“T call upon you to dismiss the congregation.”

“Should we no rather haud the meeting our-
sel’s?”

“We have other work afore us,’
precentor.

“ But what can I say?” Tosh asked, nervously.
“Should I offer up a prayer?”

‘T warn you all,” broke in Hendry, “that
though the congregation is sitting there quietly,
they'll be tigers for the meaning o’ this as soon
as they’re in the street.”

“Tet no ontruth be telled them,” said the
precentor. “ Peter Tosh, do your duty. John
Spens, remain wi’ me.”

The church emptied silently, but a buzz of
excitement arose outside. Many persons tried
to enter the vestry, but were ordered away,
and when Tosh joined his fellow elders the
people were collecting in animated groups in
the square, or scattering through the wynds for
news.

“And now,” said the precentor, “I call upon
the three o’ you to come wi’ me. Hendry Munn,
you gang first.”

“T maun bide ahint,’ Hendry said, with a
sudden fear, “to lock up the kirk.”

“T’ll lock up the kirk,’ Whamond answered,
harshly.

“You maun gie me the keys, though,” en-
treated the kirk officer.”

“ J’ll take care o’ the keys,” said Whamond.

“IT maun hae them,” Hendry said, “to open
the kirk on Sabbath.”

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