must abide the
consequences."

No more was said, and the young man was again left to his solitude. Had
he done right? Yes; he had no doubt on the subject. And now he must
prepare himself for what might be his lot, for he had no thought of
changing his resolution not to sign the cheque. Having fortified
himself by spreading out his case before the Lord in prayer, and
strengthened himself physically by eating and drinking a small portion
of his now nearly exhausted provisions, he once more examined every
place through which it might be possible for him to make his escape, but
in vain. Last of all he looked up the chimney, but felt that he could
not attempt to make his way out in that direction. He must just wait
then; and he turned to some of those promises in the Psalms which are
specially encouraging to those who wait, and a strange, unearthly peace
stole into his heart.

Noon had passed, but not a sound broke the stillness except the drip,
drip from the roof, for a thaw had set in. Three o'clock came. What
was that sound? Was the end nearer than he expected? Had his brother-
in-law, in his impatience, come earlier than he had said? No. There
was the welcome tone of a young voice crying out to some one else. Then
Amos sprang to the window, and, opening the casement, shouted out. In a
few moments Walter's face met his brother's. "Here he is! here he is!"
he screamed out. "Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!" Old Harry came round to the
barred window, and, lifting up his hands and eyes, exclaimed, "The Lord
be praised!" Then followed rapid questionings. But to these Amos
replied, "You shall know all by-and-by; but now I must ask you to set me
free. I am a prisoner here. The only outside door is locked, and I
cannot undo it; and these bars, which I have tried in vain to force,
have prevented my escape this way."--"All right," said his brother.
"Come along, Harry."

The two went round to the door and shook it, but to no purpose. A heavy
log had also been jammed down against it. This, by their united
strength, they with difficulty removed. Again they tried to wrench open
the door, but without effect, for it was a huge and ponderous structure,
and they could make nothing of it. "Harry must ride over to the nearest
village and fetch a blacksmith," said Walter, when he had returned to
the window. "Tell him to be quick then, and to bring two or three men
with him, for there is danger before us. I cannot tell yo