cow into my pasture you knew that she would come back, didn't you?"

"Why, what makes ye think so, parson?"

"Didn't you know that she would break down almost any fence?"

"Yes, I suppose I did."

"And that she would naturally take my cow with her?"

As the captain did not answer, the parson continued.

"You did it merely to make a scoff at religion, and have a joke to tell
at the store for others to laugh at. Oh, I know your tricks well
enough. I have striven to live peaceably with all men, but you have
sorely tried me on various occasions. Whatever good I have done in
this parish, you have endeavoured to undo it by your scoffs and
actions. I often wonder why you do such things to oppose me."

Into the captain's face came an expression of surprise mingled with
anger. He had never heard the clergyman speak to him so plainly
before, and he resented it.

"You have had your say, parson, and I have the cow," he retorted, "so
we are quits. Come and take her out of my yard if ye dare."

"I don't intend to try, captain. If you wish to injure your own soul
by stealing Brindle you may do so. I can get another, only it will be
hard on the little chap not to get his milk. I see it is no use for us
to continue this conversation any further," and the clergyman turned to