e knew the girls would have every
attention, and the pleasant face of the woman who welcomed them at the door
seemed to speak of rest and security to be found beneath her roof.

With a few words of explanation Mr. Holbrook left them, promising to be
back in good season with Lancy. He then returned with all speed to the
church of the McDonalds, where he found the energetic members still in
active motion.

CHAPTER XXII.

"What a relief to find ourselves safe and quiet once more!" said Elsie, as
she leaned back in her chair with a sigh of content. "I did not know I was
so tired."

"A visit to the McDonaldite church is apt to fatigue both body and mind,"
said their hostess, Mrs. Gardner. "It does not seem right, does it, for
people to leave their own church to witness such doings?" she added
seriously. There was a mild rebuke in her words, and Elsie remembered with
a pang that it was Sunday. She had given little thought to the fact during
the last few hours.

"No, I am sure it can't be right, Mrs. Gardner," said Elsie, "but we were
so interested when we heard about these 'Jerkers' that we wished to see
them before we went home."

"Then you do not belong on the Island. Where is your home, my dears?" she
asked, as she stepped briskly about preparing the tea.

"We are from Halifax," Dexie answered.

"And is it possible that you are the daughter of Mr. Sherwood, who buys
horses on the Island? Why, we know him well. He always stays here when he
comes this way. Well, well; many's the time he has told us about his twin
girls, but I never expected to see one of them here. Are you the beauty or
the singer?" she smilingly asked.

"Now, Mrs. Gardner," said Dexie, laughing, "I am sure you can see for
yourself that I am not the beauty."

"Then you are the singer; but your looks will do very well. Uncommon beauty
is often a snare to its possessor, and the ability to sing God's praises is
worth far more. Are you too tired to do so to-night?"

Dexie looked up with a question in her eyes, and Mrs. Gardner added,

"There is a service in our meeting-house to-night. Would you like to attend
it with me?" turning to Elsie.

"Yes, indeed; I would love to go. The day will not seem all lost if we
spend a short time of it properly. But do tell us, Mrs. Gardner, what makes
those people take the 'jerks'? It seems such a queer kind of religion."

"My dear, I have lived in these parts for more than twelve years, and I am
acquain