you with indignity and to bring
the cause of religion into contempt. Mose was returning home late
last night from Mr. St. Claire's plantation when, seeing a light
in Simon Wiles' barn, he crept near and, looking through a chink
in the wall, saw Sam Wiles, Bert Danks, Zibe Turner, and two other
men lying on some hay. He overheard them planning to administer
to Rev. Jasper Very a coat of tar and feathers and to complete
the performance by riding him on a rail. This disgraceful act
is to take place next Tuesday night. The spot is that dark and
unfrequented place at the foot of Bald Knob through which you must
pass on the way to your preaching service.

"As 'to be forewarned is to be forearmed,' I hasten to notify you
of the plot, feeling sure you will adopt measures to thwart it.
Father and George would aid you in the matter but they went early
this morning to Lexington, and will not return till Wednesday
evening.

"I feel that I am able to do little in such an emergency as this;
but if I can be of any help, I will most gladly endeavor to
preserve the respect of our community and to assist a friend.

"No one knows of this plot except the instigators, myself, and
Mose. By him I send this note to you.

Most sincerely yours,

Viola LeMonde."

At eight o'clock Mose made his appearance, and Viola gave him the
message, telling him to ride Velox as fast as possible to Mr. Nebeker's
tavern, where Mr. Very had spent the night, and to give it to the
preacher.

Mose was doubly willing that the news should get to the parson by means
of the note; for if trouble came his way, he could swear that he did
not inform Very of the plot; and, secondly, he thought Viola would be
pleased to help the preacher.

Jasper Very was still at the home of the tavern keeper, as were also
several other preachers, including the "square man," John Larkin.
Jasper was standing on the porch, and was surprised to see the colored
man riding up fast to the house, his horse wet with sweat and steaming
in the wintry air.

Mose, dismounting, lifted his cap to those present, and said to Jasper
Very: "I has a message of 'portance to you, sir." With this he handed
him the note, and then, on request of Mr. Nebeker, put Velox in the
barn to cool off and rest.

Jasper Very took the missive to the end of the porch and, breaking the
seal, read it. When he had finished, his