an before them.
Simon Stubbles stood like a statue. It had taken him only an instant
to comprehend the whole situation. He knew now why the clergyman had
come to Rixton disguised as a farm-hand. It was to spy out the land,
and to ascertain what was the trouble in Church matters. Fear and
anger were blended as he watched Douglas' every movement, and a deep
sigh escaped his lips as he realised his helplessness.

No one slept during the sermon that day. Nell was the only one who did
not hear it all. She knew that Douglas was explaining his reasons for
coming to Rixton in disguise, and he explained them well. But her mind
wandered, and she thought of many things which had happened during the
past weeks and which at the time had puzzled her. But now she saw them
in a different light. Her attention was arrested as Douglas began to
tell why he was not coming to the parish as rector. The war had made
the change. He had offered to go to the front as chaplain, and he had
been accepted. His friend, Charles Garton, was raising a battalion and
men were being called to the Colours. "How many will go from this
parish?" he asked in conclusion. "Many of you are of Loyalist descent,
so I believe, and you cannot easily forget what your ancestors endured
in their devotion to the flag of the clustered crosses. All that the
old flag stands for is now at stake, and every one must do his part to
keep it floating as proudly as of yore. I now challenge the young men
of this parish to enlist as soon as possible, and unite with the
battalion which is being formed in the city. If you do, I shall be
your chaplain, and a great pleasure it will be for us to go overseas
together to support the brave men who are so anxiously awaiting the
Column of Relief. Do not delay. Make up your minds at once. The need
is great. Your King and country are calling you."

Never had Nell heard such singing in that old church as she did in the
closing hymn of "Onward, Christian Soldiers." All sang it with a new
spirit and a power that could not be mistaken. The sermon had made a
deep impression, and it was discussed for weeks afterwards.

When the service was over, Douglas was at once surrounded by an
enthusiastic crowd, for every one wished to shake hands with him and
give him a word of welcome. He mentally compared this reception with
his first arrival in the parish. It was really a victory, and he felt
that should he remain he would not be la