was informed that Miss LeMonde already had told the tale in substance
and that all present, would keep secret his remarks, he repeated what
he had seen and heard with more fullness than we have written down.

After Mose had been dismissed, Nathaniel Grimes, the lawyer-preacher,
spoke in these words: "I believe I have a plan by which this plot can
be frustrated. It is this: Let Brother Very prepare for his journey
tomorrow as though nothing unusual was expected; let us notify two or
more constables to enter the woods from a different direction just
after dark tomorrow evening, and at a convenient distance from where
the plotters post themselves behind great trees. Let Friend Nebeker,
Brother Larkin, and myself steal into the woods as best we can and join
the constables in season. At the proper time let Brother Very ride
slowly along, and when he is met by the ruffians and the parley takes
place, we will suddenly rush upon the scene and capture them in their
base act."

The plan was discussed for some time and, being found simple and
practicable, was adopted. Costello Nebeker was to engage the services
of the constables. Being a layman, he could do so without exciting
suspicion.

Tuesday evening the sky was partly covered with clouds. About the time
Jasper Very started from his home the moon rose in beauty. Sometimes
she threw the full glory of her beams upon the white earth as she rode
in a clear place in the heavens; at others her light was obscured by
passing clouds which covered her fair face. We can follow the gospel
ranger as he left his humble boarding place.

Mounted on trustworthy Bob, Jasper Very started to his appointment. He
turned his horse's head toward the east and rode for half a mile along
a farm road when, coming to a gate, he opened it and came into a
broader county road. Just opposite this gate stood the immense barn on
Judge LeMonde's estate, in which was stored his hay and grain and in
which were kept his many horses. Up a gradual ascent a few hundred feet
beyond stood the Judge's mansion. The man of God gazed upon it as its
outlines were visible in the moonlight. He thought of the fair daughter
who lived there and who had taken such an interest in his welfare. Was
it fact or fancy which showed him a female figure dressed in white
standing by the west bay window? The distance was too great to see
clearly; but perhaps that intercommunication of minds which in later
times we call telepathy was the