d my horse,' and stepping up to the cursing disciple said
sternly to him: 'Now sir, you have to whip me as you threatened or quit
cursing me, or I will put you in the river and baptize you in the name
of the devil, for you surely belong to him.' This settled him and,
strange to say, when election day came he voted for me, and has been my
friend ever since."

"I am glad he learned such a needed and salutary lesson," said Viola.
"I have heard my father say that a braggart is generally a coward. My
mind commends your course, Mr. Very, of walking boldly up to danger and
daring it to do its worst; but my woman's heart shrinks from the
presence of peril."

"Merely to think upon danger makes you and most women timid; but when
the reality comes I believe your sex is as brave as mine. In many
encounters with rough and wicked men in the wilderness I have found
that a bold front is the best way to avoid evils which threaten. A
brave word, backed by a good cause, often disarms an adversary."

Thus with anecdote, comment, and talk of church work they rode along,
their acquaintanceship increasing, and each, scarcely conscious of the
act, looking into each other's heart to find there its thoughts and
feelings.

When they had approached within a half mile of Shiloh meeting house,
their destination, Jasper said: "Miss Viola, you remember I requested
you to sing at this coming service. Perhaps you expected to join your
voice only with that of the congregation, but I want you to favor us
with a solo before I rise to preach. It will be something new at
Shiloh, but all the more impressive for that. The other evening I heard
you sing in your drawing-room that inspiring hymn:

'Lo! he comes with clouds descending,
Once for favored sinners slain.'

"Now I am to preach this morning on 'Christ's Second Coming,' and the
hymn will be a good introduction to the sermon. Will you agree to sing
it?"

He looked down into her eyes to see if he could find consent in them.
She did not answer immediately, but seemed to be in deep thought.
Finally she looked up into his face, and there was a trace of tears in
her blue eyes as she said: "Mr. Very, I have never stood alone before
the public and sung. It would be a great trial for me to do so today;
but if by singing I can glorify my Master by helping some poor soul to
a better life, and if I can be of any aid to you, I will do the best I
can."

"Thank you, Viola (somehow he forgot to use th