by the
roadside, Lancy re-entered the church, the strange doings having a certain
fascination which he could neither explain nor resist.

In a short time Elsie recovered sufficiently to walk around, but curiosity
drew her again to the church, and they watched through the windows the
peculiar actions of the people. But the excitement had now somewhat
subsided, and Elsie urged that they enter the church again. Dexie was
afraid of the effect which another such scene might have upon her friend,
so she tried to persuade Elsie to stay and watch at a safe distance. Elsie
felt sure she would not be alarmed again, so they entered the church and
obtained a seat that had just been made vacant.

A few minutes later, the movements of an old woman attracted notice. They
had watched her as she entered the church a short time before, and had
pitied the poor, feeble creature, as she dragged herself up the aisle by
the aid of a pair of crutches; but all pity left Dexie's heart as she saw
the crippled creature thump the floor with her crutches, and bring them
together over her head with a crash that rivalled the noise made by many of
the hard-handed sons of toil, who had taken the "jerks" during the service.

"What makes them do it, Dexie?" said Elsie, in a whisper. "'And there was
in the synagogue many people possessed of the devil;' that is the only
solution of the mystery that I can see," was the reply.

"Oh, Dexie! do you really think that is what ails them? How awful!"

"'And there was one woman among them who had seven devils,' and that is she
with the crutches, I think. Are you afraid? Shall we go out, Elsie?"

"It does scare me, but I cannot help looking at them," was the answer.

But the "jerks" now spread from one to the other, until pandemonium let
loose could not be much more alarming. Elsie turned white with fear, but it
was impossible to get out at the moment, as the aisles were blocked by
terrified sightseers, their screams of fright mingling with the shrieks of
those who had the "jerks." It is safe to say that no madhouse ever held a
more excited crowd.

At this moment a heavy woman, who sat on the same seat that held Dexie and
Elsie, began to be affected, and as the seats were only supported at each
end, this one began to spring up and down, setting all those who were upon
it in motion.

The two girls were on their feet in an instant, feeling for one awful
moment that they were taking the "jerks" themselves; but