When he understood Gates' message he slowly said, "I be in charge of
the keys for this here parish."

"Come, come, Master Kenton, this wont do, give 'un up or you'll be
made to. Times are changed, and we don't want no parsons nor
churchwardens now, nor no such popery!"

"I'm accountable to the vestry for the church," gravely said Kenton.
"I will come and see what is doing, and open the church if so be as
the parish require it."

"Don't you see! The parish does--"

"I don't call you the parish, Master Gates, nor them boys neither,"
said Kenton, getting up however, and placing the little one in the
cradle, as he called out to Patience to keep back the dinner till his
return. The two boys and Rusha followed him to see what would
happen.

Long before they reached the churchyard they heard the sound of a
powerful voice, and presently they could see all the men and women of
the parish as it seemed, gathered about the lych gate, where, on the
large stone on which coffins were wont to be rested, stood a tall
thin man, in a heavy broad-brimmed hat, large bands, crimson scarf,
and buff coat, who was in fiery and eager words calling on all those
around to awaken from the sleep of sloth and sin, break their bonds
and fight for freedom and truth. He waved his long sword as he spoke
and dared the armies of Satan to come on, and it was hard to tell
which he really meant, the forces of sin, or the armies of men whom
he believed to be fighting on the wrong side.