f them was: 'Thou shalt not kill.'
Do not think that lynch law is not murder. It is murder of a very
deplorable kind; for the perpetrators of the deed are not one but many,
so that many are guilty of shedding their brother's blood. In the name
of Him whose I am and whom I serve as a humble ambassador, I call upon
you to desist from this proposed crime, conceived in passion and
carried forward under great excitement. Listen to the voice of reason,
and your consciences will approve your course."

What the majesty of the law could not do under the words of the honored
Judge, the power of the gospel accomplished through the agency of the
backwoods preacher.

Hiram Sanders was the first to yield. "Neighbors," he said, "what the
preacher spoke is true. I think we will sleep sounder tonight if we
spare the prisoner, though he is a sneaking, onery critter. But let the
law take its course. We must see that he is securely guarded and lodged
in jail without a mishap."

Under a strong guard Wiles was taken up the river road to be placed in
the county jail. The planters and others returned to their usual work,
while Judge LeMonde and his company rode home at their leisure.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Apple Blossoms.

May Day had come in Kentucky, and all the air was sweet with the odor
of blossoms. Jasper Very had made an afternoon call at Judge LeMonde's
mansion; and the day being so charming he had invited Miss Viola to
walk with him to the apple orchard which was in full bloom. The two
walked down the gentle hill on which the house was built and proceeded
along a private road leading north toward the knob. They passed by
tilled fields in which green things were peeping through the soil. They
skirted a pasture where horses and cows were grazing in perfect
content. Then they went through a wide gateway and at once came into
the apple orchard.

The apple blossom was Jasper's favorite flower. He thought an apple
tree in bloom was the nearest approach to Eden's tree of life of any
sight on earth. And to behold scores of these trees filled him with
such strange, happy feelings that it was difficult for him to control
his emotions.

As they walked up the gradual slope which was the beginning of the
swell of the knob they gazed upon many trees so thick with blossoms
that they looked like gigantic bouquets. Under one of these trees they
sat down upon a rustic seat and looked upon the myriads of blossoms
above and around them. The