And
what is more, I shall leave your home forever. You may take your choice,
father, but not until I make another statement. The girl from the lake
asked me to pray for her. That is my intention, and I shall do more if
possible. I shall use every bit of influence I have to aid her father to
escape hanging.... Also, if you punish Teola, you will never see me
again."

Mrs. Graves had risen from her chair. She walked straight to her
son--placed her hand upon him.

"Frederick, you wouldn't leave your mother?"

The strong arm pressed about the wearied little form reassuringly.

"And you can bet, papa Graves," put in Babe, "that I'll go with mamma
any old day, that's what I will."

Teola stood irresolutely, looking first at Frederick, then at her
father. She went toward the minister and almost whispered,

"Father, let me speak! The girl came without having been invited by
anyone, and she did not stay five minutes. She was drenched through, and
cold ... I gave her my cup of coffee, and she stated her errand and went
away."

The minister rose, leaving his supper untouched, put on his overcoat,
not one remonstrating word coming from his family, and went out.

Pastor Graves made his way up the town through the main street to Bates'
drug-store, his hunger having died in his anger and amazement.

He was positive that he could have brought his children to terms, had
not their mother taken sides with them. His thoughts went back to the
early days of his married life when nothing had disturbed their peace;
the children obeyed, and Mrs. Graves thought her husband's word the
essence of all law.

He turned into the drug-store in the middle of the block. Here met,
nearly every evening, the head ones of his flock for a little while to
talk over religion and politics. Outsiders called it the "Amen Corner"
of Ithaca.

"Ah," exclaimed the druggist, "you're early, Graves. Must have had your
supper at the going down of the sun."

Graves coughed his embarrassment and sat down.

"Feeling sick, Elias?"

The druggist opened the door for a child to pass out.

"No, not ill, only disgusted with the world in general."

"Skinner's girl coming to the court went against your notions, eh?"

"And every one else's with any sense," snapped Graves.

"Professor Young stopped in here to-day on his way up the hill," resumed
Bates, "he had been over to the jail, talking to Skinner, and he says
that the man will be murdered if the state hangs