One evening, when a party of young people were visiting at Mrs. Fremont's,
a remark was made that brought about a discussion of a sect which are known
in Prince Edward Island as McDonaldites or "Jerkers;" and after a
description of the remarkable character of their meetings, there was much
curiosity raised concerning them.

"You ought not to go home without attending a meeting, Mr. Gurney," said
Mr. Holbrook, "for I do not think the like is to be seen anywhere else in
the world. One visit is generally enough to satisfy most people, but to
those who have good nerves one visit only whets the curiosity. For my part,
I like to go and watch them whenever I find the opportunity."

"Well, I went once," said Gertrude Fremont, "and that was quite enough for
me, and I do not call myself nervous or timid either. Still I would not
have missed seeing them _once_ for anything, but that experience is enough
to last me a lifetime."

"I used to think that the people exaggerated when talking about the actions
of the Jerkers," said Beatrice, "but I had to believe my own eyesight; it
certainly is a very strange thing."

"I wonder if it is anything like what the slaves down South used to be
affected with," said Dexie. "I have heard my grandma tell of prayer
meetings in the negro quarters, where some of the slaves would act in the
same way you describe, but I suppose it is not the same thing except in
name. I should like very much to attend a meeting."

After much persuasion, Mrs. Fremont consented to allow the young people
under her charge to attend a meeting of this peculiar sect, under the
escort of Mr. Holbrook, but the consent was given reluctantly.

"I quite understand the curiosity you have to witness such a mode of
worship," she said, smiling kindly at Dexie, "but I fear the result for
Elsie. I am afraid it would quite unnerve her."

"But if she is the least frightened she need not stay in the church to
watch them," said Lancy, who was eager to visit a McDonaldite church. "It
must be a wonderful sight indeed, if the people go through such contortions
as Mr. Holbrook speaks of."

A few days later the little party drove off in the comfortable covered
carriage on a visit to Uigg. As they crossed the river to Southport they
found several other carriages going in the same direction, so they followed
on, journeying by the beautiful Vernon River road towards their
destination.

There was but one thing that marred the enjoyment of