forsake us, but lead us. Amen."




CHAPTER EIGHT

ROBERT DAVIS' BATTLES


A month passed away rapidly. Robert and Mary Davis were making
arrangements to occupy the property bought from Jake Newby. Ever since
the little altercation over the removal of the chicken-house,
Robert had not seen much of Jake. As for Jake, he continued sour
and implacable. It was very hard for any Newby to take anything from
anyone, and yet, when they were on the right side of anything they
were bold champions for it. Some of the best improvements fostered
by the community had been initiated by them. Nevertheless, Robert
considered it best to avoid any further rupture of their relations.

Jake Newby felt keenly the outcome of the debates in the Fairmount
School. He did not like to see his father suffer a loss of his
prestige in the community. He nursed a secret grudge against Robert,
and determined that if ever an opportunity presented itself to his
liking, he would do something to humble him. He chafed especially
under the implication that his father was not a Christian, and if only
he could cause a downfall to Robert he would get sweet revenge.

Robert Davis was unaware of what was going on in Jake Newby's mind. He
had not counted on any bitterness over their little dispute.