One Sunday morning when Preacher Bonds stood before his meager audience,
the familiar face of Deacon Gramps was absent. His unusual absence from
the Church was very noticeable, and Preacher Bonds suggested in the
introductory remarks of his sermon that unquestionably Brother Gramps
was sick, and that it would be an act of brotherly kindness if when the
service was over a number of the members would call at the Gramps' home
and see the sick brother.

When Preacher Bonds had finished his sermon, a song had been sung, and
the benediction had been invoked, a dozen or more of the members with
Bonds in the lead started for the Gramps' home, which, as will be
remembered, was plainly visible from the church.

"I believe," said Bonds, "that Brother Gramps' barn is on fire." At this
the whole group began to rush toward the beautiful red barn that stood a
quarter of a mile away. By the time they reached the spot, black clouds
of smoke and angry flames were shooting from doors and cracks in the
barn. Mrs. Gramps and the three children who were still at home were in
the barnyard wringing their hands and crying in a heart-rending manner.
It was plainly to be seen that the visitors could do nothing to save the
barn, and all that remained to do was to stand and watch the flames
devour the building.

"Where is Brother Gramps?" said Preacher Bonds to Mrs. Gramps.

"Wasn't he at church? No? Well, I don't know where he can be. He left
the house just at church-time and I hadn't noticed but what he was in
the crowd that came from the church," she replied.

Preacher Bonds looked serious as he said, "He could not have been in the