ministers," declared Ralph Wilkes.

"I heard the man with the pen and ink-horn ask for the popish
vessels, as he called them, and not a word would the parson say,"
said Oates.

"I'd take my oath he has hid them somewheres," replied Jack Beard, an
ill-looking lad.

"What a windfall they would be for him as found them!" observed
Wilkes.

"I'd like to look over the parsonage house," said Jeph.

"No use. Old dame housekeeper has locked herself in, as savage as a
bear with a sore head."

"Besides, they did turn over all the parson's things and made a
bonfire of all his popish books. The little ones be dancing their
rounds about it still!"

Stead had heard quite enough to make him very uneasy, and wish to get
home with his tidings to his father. There was a girl standing by
with a baby in her arms, and she asked:

"What will they do to our minister?"

"Put him in Little Ease for a scandalous minister," was the ready
answer. "But he _is_ a good man. He gave us all broth when father
had the fever!"