Page 187 (1/1)

The straining of cords, together with sound of struggle, bore evidence that the Reverend Mr Cairnes washeroic effort to attain unto that food offered before idols That such strenuous effort was vain was soon proven by the bursting forth of his voice onceer than spiritual exaltation, "surely thy ancient servant Job never bowed before greater affliction than this now visited upon me Verily 't is even as the experiences of the Apostle Paul, yet without his reward in the flesh I beseech Thee from the depth of humiliation--even as did Daniel from the lions' den--loosen my arms that I may smite as with Thy wrath this profaner of Thypeace unto the smitten heart of Thy faithful servant O Lord, what have I done to be deserted in this hour of extremity? As Elijah called down fire from Heaven, so I call upon Thee to sht the ranks of these foul idolaters He who hath boldly proclaimed Thy truth in the wilderness, who hath proven a faithful witness unto these savages, through many years of trial and tribulation, doth now call upon Thee in dire distress Shall it be in vain, that he thus uplifts his voice supplicating in the wilderness?"

His deep ruuish little except those moans hich he punctuated the conclusion of each sentence Finally, hearing no other sound to restrain htly uplift one corner of the heavy curtain, and peer into the room The entrance opened upon the back of the rude platfor within less than three paces from the famine-stricken Puritan, ith loed head and hidden face, was still wrestling in fervent prayer I was unable, fro priest, yet knew he could not be far distant, and therefore I durst not speak above a whisper lest the sound awaken his suspicion

"Cairnes," I said softly, "hush that unseeive heed to my words"

Three ti before I noticed him lift his head, in evidence that the faint sound had finally reached his ears Unable to turn, he rolled his eyes inquiringly upward

"What is it, O Lord?" he questioned, with such unbounded faith in a celestial visitant I found it hard to restrain a laugh

"Don't be a fool," I whispered back hastily "The Aluided me here, but 'tis a man in the flesh who speaks"