ubt we've traced the ring to its right owner, so we'll put it by for
the present, and it can come out and give its evidence when it's
wanted."

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

WILD WORK AT CROSSBOURNE.

It was now the beginning of April; a month had passed since the
temperance meeting, and James Barnes and William Foster were keeping
clear of the drink and of their old ungodly companions. But it was not
to be supposed that the enemies were asleep, or willing to acquiesce
patiently in such a desertion from their ranks. Nevertheless, little
stir was made, and open opposition seemed nearly to have died out.

"How quietly and peaceably matters are going on," said the vicar to
Thomas Bradly one morning; "I suppose the intemperate party feel they
can do our cause no real harm, and so are constrained to let Foster and
Barnes alone."

"I'm not so sure about that, sir," was Bradly's reply. "I'm rather
looking out for a breeze, for things are too quiet to last; there's been
a queerish sort of grin on the faces of Foster's old mates when they've
passed me lately, as makes me pretty sure there's something in the wind
as mayn't turn out very pleasant. But I'm not afraid: we've got the
Lord and the right on our side, and we needn't fear what man can do unto
us."

"True, Thomas, we must leave it there; and we may be sure that all will
work together for the furtherance of the good cause in the end."

"I've not a doubt of it, sir; but for all that, I mean to keep a bright
look-out. I'm not afraid of their trying their games with me; it's
Barnes and Foster as they mean to pay off if they can."

That same evening James Barnes knocked at Bradly's Surgery door, and
closed it quickly after him. There was a scared look in his eyes; his
dress was all disordered; and, worse still, he brought with him into the
room an overpowering odour of spirits. Poor Thomas's heart died within
him. Alas! was it really so? Had the enemy gained so speedy a triumph?

"So, Jim, you've broken, I see," exclaimed Bradly sorrowfully. "The
Lord pardon and help you!"

"Nothing of the sort," cried the other; "I've never touched a drop,
Thomas, since I signed, though a good big drop has touched me."

"What do you mean, Jim?" asked Bradly, greatly relieved at the tone of
his voice. "Are you sure it's all right? Come, sit down, and tell me
all about it."

"That I will, Thomas; it's what I've come for. You'll easily believe me
when I tell you," he continu