O
A Romance of Early Days
ill LAIC A'AIVIUIV;
Authorof"KeithoftheBorder,M"MyLady
of Doubt," "The Maid of the
CHAPTER XXI Continued.
15
All I could do w:ia pray, and wait.
Perhaps no word would be given me
tbe escape might already be accom
plished, and I left here to my fate.
Bolsronlet . knew nothing of my deci
sion toj? Company D'Artigny in hi
exile. If the wav was difficult and
angerous. he might not consider It
essential to communicate with me at
aJi. De Tonty had promised, to be
sure, yet he might have failed to so
instruct the younger man. I clung to
the window, the agony of this possi
bility driving me wild.
Mod Dieu! was that a noise over
bead? I could see nothing, yet. as I
leaned farther out, a cord touched my
face. I grasped It. and drew tbe dan
gling end In. It was weighted with a
bit of wood. A single coal glowed In
the fireplace, and from this I Ignited
a splinter, barely yielding me light
enough to decipher the few words
traced on the white surface: "Safe bo
far; have you any word?"
My veins throbbed; I could have
screamed in delight, or sobbed in sud
den Joy and relief. I fairly crept to
the open window on bands and knees,
animated now with but one thought,
one hope the desire not to be left
there behind, alone. I hung far out,
my face upturned, staring Into the
darkness. The distance was not great,
only a few feet to the roof above, yet
so black was the night that the edge
above rue blended imperceptibly
against the sky. 1 could perceive no
movement, no outline. Could they
have already gone? Was it possible
that they oere!y dropped this brief
message, and instantly vanished? No.
the cord still dangled; somewhere in
that dense gloom the two men peered
over the roof edge, waiting my re
sponse. "Monsieur," I called up softly, un
able to restrain my eagerness.
"Yes. madame." it was D'Artigny's
voice, although a mere whisper. "You
have some word for me?"
"Ay. listeav is there any way by
which I can join you?"
"Join me bore?" astoulshment at
my request made him incoherent.
"Why. madame, the risk is great "
"Never mind that: my reason is wor
thy, nor have we time now to discuss
the matter. Monsieur Boisrondet Is
there a way?"
I heard them speak to each other,
a mere murmur of sound; then another
voice reached my ears clearly.
"We have a strong grass rope, ma
dame. which will safely bear your
weight The risk will not be great.
I have made a noose, and will lower
it"
I readied It with my hand, but felt
a doubt as my fingers clasped it
" 'Tis very small, monsieur."
"But strong enough for double your
weight as 'twas Indian woven Put
foot in the noose, and hold tight.
There are two of us Dolding it above."
The memory of the depth below
frightened me. yet I crept forth on the
narrow sili, clinging desperately to the
taut rope, until I felt my foot safely
pressed into the noose, which tightened
firmly about it
"Now." I said, barely able to make
my lips speak. "I am ready."
"Then swing clear, madame; we'll
hold you safe."
I doubt if it was a full minute In
which I swung out over that gulf amid
the black night. My heart seemed to
stop beating, and I retained no sense
otber than to cling desperately to the
swaying cord which alone held me
from belrijj Wished to death on the lag
ged rocks below. Inch by Inch they
drew me up. the continuous jerks
yielding a sickening sensation but the
distance was so short I could scarcely
realize the full danger, before D'Ar
tlgny grasped me with his hands and
drew me In beside him on the roof
1 stood upon my feet, trembling from
excitement, yet encouraged in my pur
pose hy his first words of welcome.
"Adele." he exclaimed. forget fu' of
tbe presence of his comrade "Surely
you bad serious cause for iolniug us
here."
"Am i welcome, monsieur?"
"Can yen doubt? Yet surely It was
not merely to say farewell that you
assumed Such risk?"
"No. monsieur. It was not to say
farewell I would accompany you In
your flight. Do not -rart like that
At ""V "vnln: I einnot e rout tma
A Souvenir of Solferlno,
The recent Solferino anniversary re
sailed not only the occasion of a great
rlctory by Italians over Austrians, but
also the birth of the Red Cross "Un
Souvenir de Solferino" was the title
it the work thai sil?red the conscience
if Europe. It wa3 written by a young
3wiss, Henri Dunant, who had been
imong the nurses at the front and
teen the sufferings of the wounded.
That "souvenir" brought an invitation
jo Dunant from the Geneva Society of
pubUc Utility to propose n Interna-
VVVOl L.y
Forest," etc.
perhaps if I could I should lose cour
age. I have made my choice, mon
sieur. I will not remain the slave of
M. Casslon. Whether for good or evil,
I give you my faith."
"You you," his bands grasped mine.
"Yon mean you will go with me Into
exile. Into the woods?"
"Yes. monsieur."
"But do you realize what it al!
means? I am a fugitive, a bunted
man; never again can I venture with
in French civilization. I must live
among savages. No, no. Adele. the
sacrifice is too great I cannot accept
of it"
"Do you love me, monsieur?"
"Mon Dleu yes."
"Then there is no sacrifice. My
heart would break here. Godt Would
you doom me to live out my life with
that brute tbfct murderer? I am a
young woman, a mere girl, and this
Is my one chance to save myself from
hell. I am not afraid of the woods, of
exile, of anything, so 1 am with you. I
would rather die than go to bim to
confess him husband."
"The lady is right Rene." Boisrondet
said earnestly. "You must think of
her as well as yourself."
"Think of her! Mon Dieu. of whom
else do I think? Adele. do you meaD
your words? Would you give up all
for me?"
"Yes, monsieur."
"But do you know what your choice
means?"
I stood before him. brave in the
darkness.
"Monsieur. 1 have faced It all. I
know; the choice is made will yon
take me?"
Then I was In his strong arms, and
for the first time, his lips met mine.
CHAPTZR XXII.
We Reach the River.
It was the voice of Boisrondet which
recalled us to a sense of danger.
"It is late, and we must not linger
here." he insisted, touching D'Artigny's
sleeve "The guard may discover your
absence. Rene, before we get beyond
the stockade. Yet how can we get
madame safely over the logs?"
"She must venture the same as we.
Follow me closely, and tread with
care."
So dark was the night I was obliged
to trust entirely to D'Artigny's guid
ance, but it was evident that both men
were familiar with the way, and had
thoroughly considered the best method
of escape. No doubt De Tonty and
his young lieutenant had arranged all
details, so as to assure success. We
traversed the flat roofs of the chain of
log houses along the west side of the
stockade until we came to the end.
The only light visible was a dull glow
of embers before the guardhouse near
the center of the parade, which re
vealed a group of soldiers on duty
The stockade extended some distance
beyond where we halted, crouched low
on the flat roof to escape being seen.
There would be armed men along that
wall, especially near the gates, guard
ing against attack, but tbe darkness
gave us no glimpse. There was no
firing, no movement to be perceived.
The two Dieu crept to the edge, and
looked cautiously over, and I clung
close to D'Artigny, nervous from the
silence, and afraid to become separat
ed. Below us was the dense blackness
of the gorge.
"This is the spot" whispered D'Ar
tiguy, "and no alarm yet. How far
to the rocks?"
"De Tonty figured the distance at
forty feet below the stockade: we have
fifty feet of rope here The rock shelf
is narrow, and the great risk will be
not to stop off in the darkness There
should be an iron ring here somewhere
-ny. here it Is: help me draw the knot
taut. Rene."
"Do we do we go down here, mon
sieur?" I questioned, my voice falter
ing "Here, or not at all; there are guards
posted yonder every two yards This
is our only chance to escape unseen."
Boisrondet tested the rope letting It
slip slowly through his hands down
into the darkness below, until it hung
at full length "it does not touch." he
sidd, "yet it cannot lack more than a
foot or two Faith! We must take ihe
risk. I go first. Rene hush 'tis host
so the lady would prefer that you
remain, while I test the passage The
devil himself may be waiting there."
He enved down balancing himfr nn
tional scheme of trained nurses in
violable under guarantee by all na
tione. It was that pamphlet which
brought the signing of the Geneva con
vention in 18G4, with the Red Cross on
white ground in compliment to Henri
Dunant's country. Westminster Ga
zette. Battleship Services.'
Every day oh eve ' British war
ship, wither In th north sea, or
bombarding the Dardanelles, or guard
the edge, the cord gripped In his hands.
"Now mind my woed; once on the
rock below, I will signal-with three
Jerks on the cord. Haul up then slow
ly, so as to make no noise; make a
noose for the lady's foot and lower her
: with care. You have the strength?"
"Ay, for twice her weight."
"Good; there will be naught to fear,
madame. for I will be below to aid
your footing. When I give the signal
again Rene will descend and join us."
"Tbe rope Is to be left dangling?"
"Only until I. return. Once I leave
you safe beyond the Iroquois, 'tis my
part to climb this rope again. Rome
task that." cheerfully, "yet De Tonty
deems It best that no evidence connect
us with this escape. What make you
the hour?"
"Between one and two."
"Which will give me time before
day dawn: so here. I chance It"
Tie swung himself over the edge, and
slipped silently down into the black
mystery. We leaned over to watch,
but could see nothing, our only evl
dence of his progress the Jerking of the
cord. D'Artigny's hand closed on mine.
"Dear." he whispered tenderly, "we
are alone now you are sorry?"
"I am happier thau I have ever been
In my life," I answered honestly. "I
have done what I believe to be right,
and trust God. All I care to know now
is that you love me."
"With every throb of my heart."
he said solemnly. "It Is my love which
makes me dread lest you regret."
"That will never be, monsieur; I
am of the frontier, and do not fear the
woods. Ah! he has reached the rock
safely 'tis the signal."
D'Artigny drew up tbe cord, testing
It to make sure the strands held firm,
and made careful noose. Into which he
slipped my foot.
"Now, Adele. you are ready?"
"Yes, sweetheart; kiss me first."
"You have no fear?"
"Not with your strong hands to sup
port but do not keep me waiting long
below."
Ay, but I, was frightened as I swung
off Into the black void, clinging des
perately to that slight rope, steadily
sinking downward. My body rubbed
against the rough logs, and then
against rock. Once a Jagged edge
wounded me, yet I dare no? release my
grip, or utter a sound. I sank down,
down, the strain ever greater on my
nerves. 1 retained no knowledge of
distance, but grew apprehensive of
what awaited me below. Would the
rope reach to the rock? Would I swing
clear? Even as these thoughts began
to horrify, I felt a hand grip me. and
Boisrondet's whisper gave cheerful
greeting.
"It Is all right, madame; release your
foot, and trust me. Good, now do not
venture to move, until Rene Joins us.
Faith, he wastes little time; he Is com
ing now."
I could see nothing, not even the
outlines of my companion, who stood
holding the cord taut. I could feel the
jagged face of the rock, against which
1 stood, and ventured, by reaching twit
with one -foot to explore my immedi
ate surroundings. The groping toe
touched the edge of the narrow shelf,
and I drew back startled at thought of
another sheer drop into the black
depths.
My heart was still pounding when
D'Artigny found foothold beside me.
As he swung free from the cord, his
fingers touched my dress.
"A fine test of courage that, Adele,"
he whispered, "but with Francois here
below there was small peril. Now
what next?"
"A ticklish ptssage for a few yards.
Stand close until I get by: nov cling
to the wall, and follow me. Once off
this shelf we citn plan om journey.
Madame, take hold of my Jtcket. Rene,
you have walked this patli before."
"Ay. years since, but I recall its
peril."
We crept forward, so cautiously It
seemed we scarcely moved, the rock
shelf we traversed so narrow In places
that I could scarce find space in which
to plant my feet firmly. Suddenly we
clambered on to a flat rock, crossed it.
and came to the edge of a wood, with
a murmur of water not far away. Here
Boisrondet paused, and we came clos
about him. There seemed to be more
light here, although the tree shadows
were grim, and the night rested about
us in Impressive 6ilence.
"Here is where the river trail comes
down." nnd Boisrondet made motion
to the left. "You should remember
that well, Rene."
'1 was first to pass over it: It leads
to the water edge."
"Yes; not so easily followed in th
night, yet you are woodsman enough
to make it. So far as we know from
above the Iroquois, have not discov
ered there is a passage here. Listen.
Rene: I leave you now, for those were
De Tonty's orders. He said that from
now on you would be safe alone. Of
course he knew nothing of madame's
purpose."
"Monsieur shall not find me a bur
den." I Interrupted.
"I am sure of that," he said gallant
ly, "and so think it best to return while
the ni'.'lit conceals my movements
There will be hot words when M. Cas
sion discovers your escape, and my
chief may need my sword beside him.
If it comes to blows. Is my decision
to return Hunt Rene?"
ing the Atlantic trade routes, there
are prayers, as well as a regular
church service every Sunday.
If there is no chaplain on board,
the captain conducts the service The
"church" Itself is the deck, the part
choFen being as sheltered a position
as possible. The sailors' favorite
hymns are those dealing with the fiea,
particularly "Almighty Father, Strong
to Save . - .
There is one "thing afcotf tbetejerf
icea on board Khip; every Jack Tar'3
keen on attending them, and th"Un
"Ay. right: would that I might be
with you. But wbat plan Jld M. de
Tonty outline for me to follow?"
"'Twas what I started' to tell. At
the edge of the water, but concealed
fromkthe river by rocks, Is a small hul
where we keep bidden a canoe ready
fitted for any secret service. "Twas
Sieur de la Salle's thought that It
might prove of great use In time of
siege. No doubt It Is there now. Just
as we left it. undiscovered of tbe Iro
quois. This will bear you down the
river until daylight, when you can bide
along shore."
"There Is a rifle?"
"Two of them, with powder and
ball." He laid his hand on the other's
shoulder. "There Is nothing more to
say. and time is of value. Farewell, my
friend." ,
"Farewell," their fingers clasped.
"There will be other days, Francois;
my gratitude to M. de Tonty." Bois
rondet stepped back, and, bat in band,
bowed to me.
"Adieu, madame: a pleasant Jour
ney." "A moment, monsieur," I said, u fal
ter in my voice. "You are M. d'Ar
tlgny's friend, an officer of France, and
a Catholic."
"Yes." madame."
"And you think that I am right In
my choice that I am doing naught un
worthy of ray womanhood?"
Even in the darkness I saw him
make the symbol of the cross, before
lie bent forward and kissed my hand.
"Madame," he said gravely, "I am
but a plain soldier, with ail my service
on the frontier. I leave to the priests
the discussion of doctrines, and to God
my puulshment and reward. I can
only answer you as D'Artigny's friend,
and an officer of France. I give you
honor and respect, and deem your love
and trust far more holy than your mar
riage. My faith, and my sword are
yours, madame."
I felt his lips upon my hand, yet
knew not he had gone. I Rtood there,
my eyes blinded with tears at his gal
lant words, only becoming conscious of
his disappearance wbeo D'Artigny
drew me to him, his cheek pressed
agalust my hair.
"He has gone! We are alone!"
"Yes, dear one: but I thank God for
those last words; They bave given me
courage and faith. So my old com
rades believe us right the criticism of
others does not move me. You love
me. Adele? Yon do not regret?"
My arms found way about his neck:
my lips uplifted to his
"Monsieur. I shall never regret: I
trust God and you." ' N
How he ever found bis way along
that dim trail I shall never know
Some memory of Its windings, together
with the Instinct of a woodsman, must
bave given guidance, while no doubt
his feet, clad in soft Indian mocca
sins, enabled bim to feel the faint
track, imperceivable in the darkness.
It led along a steep bank, through low.
tangled bushes, and about great trees,
with here and there a rock thrust
across the path, compelling detour.
The branches scratched my face, and
tore my dress, confusing me so hat
had I not clung to bis arm, I should
have been Instantly lost In the gloom.
Our advance was slow and cautious,
every step taken In silence. Snakes
could not bave moved with less noise,
and the precaution was well taken
Suddenly D'Artigny 6topped, gripping
me In warning. For a moment there
was no sound except the distant mur
mur of waters, and the chatter of some
night .bird. Yet some Instinct of the
woods hetd the man motionless, listen
ing. A twig cracked to our left, and
then a voice spoke, low and rumbling
It sounded so close at hand the fellow
could scarcely have been five yards
away. Another voice answered, and
we were aware of bodies, stealing
along through the wood: there was a
faint rustling of dead leaves, and th
occasional swish of a branch. We
crouched low in the trail, fairly hold
ing our breath, every nerve tense
There was no sound from below, but
in the other direction one warrior
I could see the dim outline of his ua
ked figure passed within easy reach
of my outstretched hand.
Assured that all had passed beyon'i
hearing D'Artigny rose to his feet, and
assisted me to rise, his hand still grasp
ing mine. .
"Iroquois, by the look of that war
rior," he whispered, "and enough of
them to mean mischief."
"'Twas the tongue of the Tusearo
ras." I answered. "My father taught
me a little of It years ago. Tbe first
words spoken were a warning to be
still: the other answered that the white
men are all asleep."
"And I am not sure but that is true.
If De Tonty was lu command the walls
would be well guarded, but De Baugls
and Casslon know nothing of Indian
war."
"You neiieve It to be an assault?"
"It bath the look; 'tis not Indian na
ture to gather thus at this night hour,
without a purpose. But. pouf. there Is
little they can do against that stockade
of logs for all their numbers. It is
our duty to be well away by daylight "
The remaining distance to the wa
ter's edge was not far a direct de
scent amid a litter of rocks, shadowed
by great trees. Nothing opposed our
passage, nor did we hear any sound
from the savages coucealed In the for
they are a matter of rouUce they are
never hurried.
Wart Cure.
This is a sure and harmless care
for warts. Go to the drug store and
get ten cents' worth of cinnamon oil
and put it on the warts every night
and in the morning if you wish. Do
cot be afraid of getting It on the other
skin around the warts, for it wiil Dot
hurt it The warts will soon start to
disappear as quickly as they came It
la best to apply with a toothpick.
est above. D'Artigny led the war
along tbe shore until we reached the
log but. Its door stood open; the cauoe
wag gone.
CHAPTER XXIII. '"
We Meet Surprise.
Not until we had felt carefully from
wall to wall did we admit our disap
pointment There were no overshad
owing trees here, and what small glim
mer of light came from the dull skies
found reflection on river and rocks, so
that we could perceive each other, and
ga'n dim view of our surroundings.
Of tbe canoe there was absolutely no
trace, and. If arms had been hidden
there also, they had likewise disap
peared. The very fact thnt the door
stood wide open. Its wooden lock
broken, told the story clearly. I re
mained silent, stariuR about through
the semi-darkness of the Interior, ren
dered speechless by a feeling of utter
helplessness. D'Artigny. after an ut
terance of disappointment, felt his way
along the walls; as he came back to
tbe open door our eyes met. nnd he
must have read despair in mine, for
he smiled encouragingly. j
"Swept bare, little girl." be said.
"Not bo much as an ounce of powder
left. The savages got here before us.
It seems. Never mind; we shall bave
to travel a ways ou woodcraft, and It
will not be tbe first wilderness Jour
ney I bave made without arms. Did
De Tonty mention to you where he
believed the HHnl were in hiding?"
"No. monsieur are they Indians?"
"Yes; the river tribes, the most
loyal of all to La Salle. It was one
of their villages we saw on the bank
of the stream as we approached the,
fort from the west I told Boisrondet
that It stood there deserted, but not
destroyed, and It was our Judgment
the Inhabitants were biding among
the river bluffs. Without canoes they
could not travel far. and are probably
concealed out yonder. If we can find
them our greatest peril Is past."
"They are friendly?"
"Ay. and bave never shed white
blood. I know them well, and with
leadership they would be a match even
for the Iroquois. De Tonty led them
once against these same warriors, and
they fought like fiends. Come, we will
follow the stream, and see if we cannot
find trace of their covert."
It was but a cluster of rocks where
the hut stood, and a few yards below
we found thp forest creeping down to
the very bank of the river. The ky
had lightened above us. the obscuring
clouds opening to let the silver gleam
of stars through, atid we paused a mo
ment gazing back and upward at the
vast rock on which perched the be
leaguered fort We could dimly per
ceive the vague outline of It silhouet
ted against the lighter arch of sky. In
massive gloom and silence it seemed
to dominate the night the grim forest
sweeping up to its very walls. Not a
gleam of light appeared; not a sound
reached us. I felt D'Artigny's arm
about me 4j!
"I would that" I really knew what
was going on yonder 'neath the screen
of trees," he said gravely. "Some In
dian trick, perchance, which it might
be in my power to circumvent at least
bear to the lads fair warning."
"You would risk life for that?"
"Ay, my own readily. That Is a les
son of tbe wilderness: the dlty of a
comrade. But for your presence I
should be climbing the bill. Rieking to
learn the purpose of those savages
else I were no true soldier of France."
"Wbat thinfe you their purpose is.
monRieur?" i
"An attack In force at dawn. Those
who passed us were heavily armed,
and crept forward stealthily, stripped
and painted for war. There were other
parties, no doubt, creeping np throusrb
the woods from all sides. Tis my
thought the hour has struck for them
to make their great effort. They have
scattered the friendly Indians, killed
them, or driven them In terror down
the river. Their villages have been
destroyed. Now all the warriors wb
have been at that business have re
turned, filled with blood lust, and eager
to strike at tbe French."
"But they cannot win? Surely they
cannot capture the fort, monsieur'
Why. it is all rock?"
"On three sides yes; but to thfl
south there Is ample space for attack
in force. Those woods yonder would
conceal a thousand savages within a
few hundred yards of tbe fort gates,
and what of the defense? Opposing
thpm is one hundred and fifty feet oi
stockade, protected at .best by fifty
rifles. There are no more in the fort,
officers, Indians, and all; and Bolsron
det says scarcely a dozen rounds of
powder, and ball to a man. If the
Iroquois know this ana why should
they not? 'twill be no great feat of ,
Arms to batter their way In. I would
do that which is right Adele, If I saw
clearly."
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
Not His Fault
It wns the first case ever tried Ib
Stony Gulch, and the Jury had sat for
hours mguing und disputing. At last
they struggled back, and the foreman,
a tall mountaineer, expressed the gen
eral opinion: "We don't think he dlt'
it,' be. said slowly, "for w allow
wa'n't there; but we thin wou
ef he U tiad the cltuutft."
Not Altogether His Fault.
Eddia hud traded a nice pocket knife
for a forlorn-looking dog. minus hit
tail. His father teasingly reminded
him that he got the worst of the bar
gain, as the dog bad no tall. Ed sob
Singly answered. "Well, daddy, he wa
sittin' down when 1 traded."
Penalty of Progress.
When we get telephones that can be
seen through every womac will have
to look into the mirror before ah
answers a call. Toledo Blade
TlWDNATIONAI
SllNWSfflOOL
Hy I). O. SELLERS, Acting1 Director of
the Sunday School Course of the Moody
Bible Institute. Chloago.)
(Copyright, 1916, Western Newpaper Union.)
LESSON FOR OCTOBER 1
PLOT THAT FAILED.
LESSON TEXT Acts 23.
GOLDEN TEXT They shall fight
igralnst thea; but they shall not prevail
against thee; for I am with thee, Baith
Jehovah, t deliver thee. Jer. 1:19.
The stirring events of this lesson oc
curred In the Castle Antonia and the
Sanhcdrin hall, near the temple court
of Jerusalem; also in Caesary
Roman capital of Jude:;H:n tjr -grfr"
terunonn coast, in the i'k57.
Just at the close of rjjrfurd mis
sionary Journey. Thetfjsson pictures
two successive days,v strange adven
tures in which I'aul was concerned, a
narrow escape and the unexpected
providences used In his deliverance.
The day was Inaugurated by Paul's
magic words "I am a Roman citizen,"
which caused the commander, Lysias,
to release him from the threatened
scourging, and made him more than
ordinarily careful In Ids treatment of
Paul.
I. Before the Elders (vv. 1-12). By
referring back to chapter 21, v. 13, we
find tie charge which really underlay
all of Taul's trouble, his preaching In
the name of the Lord Jesua. Paul'sv
defense Is Interesting. lie gives us a
rehearsal of his Christian life, laying
rTYi rVi ci cl a nnnn 1 fa Kl n trtrilACcnoua a nrl -.
fonf fVtnf Via l rtnf ti nAC-fora1
Jew. The high priest speaks to silence
him, but not gently. Although Paul
for a moment seems to give way to his
justifiable Indignation, he quickly re
veals his reverence for the rulers of
the people. lie then divides the san
hedrln. Read carefully chapter 22 :6-7,
and compare with verses 17 and 15.
The sanhedrin could not explain this
testimony of Paul, and were seeking
to put aside the whole question. An
interesting discussion would be to con
sider the insult to Taul. Was his In
dignation right and rightly expressed?
Another question, the matter of Paul's
apology. Just for what did he apolo
gize? Is It ever wrong to speak evil
of rulers? These were indeed days of
stress and storm. Was Taul justified
In dividing the sanhedrin in order to
conquer their opposition to him?
Again, how God used these Incidents
In the furtherance of the gosped Is a
suggestive lesson for us all. It has
been hinted that Ananias was not In
his priestly garments, and therefore
perhaps not readily recognized by
Paul. Paul may never have seen him,
as he was elected high priest after
Paul had left the council. It Is Inter
esting to note that It Is not said that
anyone struck Paul or that Paul did
not apologize for his words or deny
them to be true, but only for their be
ing spoken to the high priest. Read
In this connection what Christ said ts
the Pharisees (Matt. 23:27). Paul ap
ologized because he had broken the
law found in Exodus 22:23. In the
trial of Christ one of the officers struck
Jesus with the palm of. his hand,
whereupon Jesus answered him, say
ing: "If I have spoken evil, bear wit
ness of the evil, but if well, why smlt
est thou me?" On the other hand,
when Jesus was ill-treated by the com
mon soldires, he opened not his mouth.
II. The Plot and Deliverance (vv. 12
35). Taul's prospect was not a pleas
ant one. In his darkness God appeared
to his faithful servant to cheer hlnj
(v. 11). Perhaps Paul was tempted to
think he had made a mistake in com
ing to Jerusalem over the protests oi
his friends, but evidently the Lord
heartily approved of his testimony
there. A dangerous conspiracy waa
forming against him, but God was, as'
he always Is, beforehand with his com
fort and preparation for the crisis. We
have often speculated as to what be
came of the forty men who entered
Into it (see v. 12) whether they ac
tually lived up to their oath. If they
did, they must have died of starvation.
They were determined men, willing to
go any length, and fancied they were
doing the will of God. There is no
more dangerous man than he who fan
cies that he must be the judge as to
who are God's friends and who are hie
foes, and that he Is the appointed exe
cutloner of God's judgment The plot
wrs well laid, and seemed certain oi
success, but It failed miserably. (See
rsalm 2:1-4; G4:l-10; Isaiah 41:10).
The wicked, who leave God out oi
their plans, no matter how cunningly
they plot, are doomed to failure (Rom.
8:31). These plotters co-operated with
the priest' Ecclesiastics have often
descended to the lowest villainy. Men
are not murdered today, though their
reputations are often blasted by un
principled and hellishly Impelled pro
fessed followers of he lowly Naza
rene. Paul had friends In this city.
IIIn nephew's discovery and revelation,
and the Gentile soldier, a colonel, ef
fered his deliverance. In the boy's
heart there must have been great ad
miration for the uncle. It would be
well for teachers of boys to have them
repeat In their own language this boy's
sfury. Paul was not safe In Jerusa
lem. The Roman governor recognized
the nature of the conspiracy, and the
desperate character of the Jewish fa
natics, and therefore sent him under a
strong guard to Caesarea, which was
reached after a lournew on horseback.
lusting through the eight and the fol
lowing day.
Lesson