those benches, cease from talking, and be quiet and orderly."

Instead of complying with this request, both of the rowdies cursed the
preacher, and said: "You'ns mind yer own bizness. We'uns will not get
down from dese seats."

Jasper knew that trouble was present, and being sure that it was vain
to continue preaching, he cried out: "I call for the magistrates on
this ground to come forward and take these men into custody." There
were several officers at hand; but they, being afraid, declared they
could not arrest them.

Jasper spoke to them: "Command me to take them, and I will do it at the
risk of my life." Saying this, he advanced toward them. "Stand off,"
shouted both of the rowdies; but the preacher walked forward, when Bert
Danks struck at him with his loaded whip, but that moment Jasper seized
him and jerked him off the bench. A regular scuffle ensued, and the
congregation was in great commotion. The magistrates, having found
their courage, commanded all friends of order to aid in suppressing the
riot. By this time Jasper Very had thrown Bert Danks down and, despite
his utmost efforts to arise, held him fast. About the same instant two
lusty farmers who were standing by the preacher took hold of Long Tom
and bore him to the ground.

Then the mob headed by Sam Wiles and Monster Turner with loud outcries
rushed to the rescue of the prisoners. They knocked down seven
magistrates and several preachers and many others. At this point Jasper
Very gave his prisoner to others, and threw himself in front of the
order-loving people. At once Sam Wiles confronted him. His eyes were
blazing with bitter hate. His rage was so great that it weakened his
judgment, and he struck out again and again at Very to fell him. The
last time he struck at him the momentum threw the side of his face
toward the preacher. It was too great a temptation to resist and Jasper
hit him a sudden and powerful blow in the ear which dropped him to the
earth.

Meantime the fight was waxing fierce in another direction. Zibe Turner
led a part of the mob to the right of the fighting, and attempted a
flank movement. He seemed like a personification of Satan. His black
eyes glared with a terrible fury, and with his long arms outstretched
he rushed on the fray. His voice of command seemed a mixture of beast
and human. Women shrieked and fled before him, and he had the
satisfaction of seeing them indeed fall over the rough benches. With
oaths and shouts