much. The deacon needed a lesson long ago, and he had received it at last. Mr. Edgarton would say now that I had settled that "long bill."

But what should I do, under such unfortunate circumstances? I must not return home, that I decided at once; and yet it was almost night. I resolved to go to my uncle's immediately, as quickly as my feet would carry me there. Night soon came on, and often was I obliged to stop and inquire my way. It was very dark, and twice I mistook the road, and went some distance in a wrong direction. It seemed cruel to be obliged to

retrace my steps.

It was one o'clock when I reached my uncle's house. O! how glad I was, for I was weary, hungry and cold. They were all fast locked in the arms of sleep; but I quickly aroused them. Greatly surprised were they to see me at that hour of the night; and more surprised still, when they learned that I had come on foot and alone. After partaking of a substantial supper, I told them my story. They rather blamed me, and Helen chided not a little. True, they were shocked at the horrid brutality of the deacon; but they would not justify me for being brutal also. It was decided that I must not return home, at least, for the present.

CHAPTER X.

NEWS FROM HOME.

AFTER I had been at my uncle's two weeks, and not hearing a word from home, I wrote to Jane; and received the following letter in reply:

"O, Henri! how glad I was to hear from you! We ፡፡ were very anxious on your account; for we knew not "what had become of you, but were in hopes you had

gone to uncle's. How glad I am that you have a place "to flee to, where you can find a good home; for you ፡፡ cannot return here again! Why did mother ever marry "that terrible man? I will answer your inquiries as well as I am able.

"The deacon's head was badly hurt; but he revived in "a few minutes after you left, and rushed out in search "of you, looking like a wild maniac. He said that he "would have your heart's blood, and send your black "soul shrieking down to hell! It was terrible to see "him rave. Mother tried to pacify him; but he thrust "her from him with great violence, while his eyes shot ፡፡ gleams of bitter hatred. When he found that you had

"fled beyond his reach, he raved still more. I will not "repeat his horrible words, for the thought of them "makes me sick. At last he sank down exhausted, and "mother washed and dressed his head, all of the time "weeping bitterly. George is getting well fast. He was "most shamefully whipped. In his sleep he often lives (6 over again that fearful scene in the cellar. First he

prays for mercy; then curses his tormentor, and "threatens terrible vengeance. Your suggestion, that "our damnation would be the result of this marriage, has

proved true; for it has been, so far, and the future is "all dark. I shudder to think what kind of dispositions "we shall have, if this state of things continues. I won"der not that you thought of vengeance, when you looked upon the many wounds and bruises of your poor "brother; and yet I cannot justify you in taking such "vengeance. O, Henri! it is horrible! Only think, "your mother's husband!

"Job was not much hurt, but considerably frightened. "What strength you have when angry, and what a "temper you have! You are too passionate. You must "learn to govern your temper, and curb your passions,

or you will some day rush headlong to destruction. Begin now, dear brother; now, before it is too late! "The tumult had subsided when Thomas returned. "He was greatly excited when told what had taken place. "He said that hanging would be too good for the deacon ;

"for no punishment was bad enough for such a brutal "wretch !

"If George had purposely left the door open or un"locked, it would have been different. I fear that boys "often suffer severely for doing what every one is liable "to do. George turned the key, he says, and thought "the door was locked; and most likely it was, for a false "key might have been used. The deacon was deterred "from sending an officer after you by the threats of "Thomas; who told him that if he moved an inch in the "matter, he would bring the whole subject before the "church, and also make him feel the full force of the "law for his abuse of George. He is a miserable coward, "and fears the loss of his reputation for piety and godli፡፡ ness! I don't think that he would feel his soul at all "safe out of the church. They say he talked beautifully "last night at the prayer-meeting; and I suppose he "might have said some good things, for it is not a very "difficult matter. The devil, it is said, can change him"self into an angel of light. The deacon has been a

hypocrite so long, that he truly thinks himself a good ፡፡ man, and one of the elect. I do not wish that he should "be cast into the pit; but, in spite of my peculiar views, "I sometimes think it a fitting place for him. Wicked, am I not? Such thoughts do not stay long in my head, "and my heart always rejects them.

"Mrs. Stewart sends her love to her dear Henri, and

"hopes he will become a better boy, and not allow his "passions to rage so fearfully. She says that you have "one of the best of hearts; but your passions are so vio"lent that one can hardly feel safe in your presence! "She hopes that you will never return here again; at "least, while Deacon Webber lives; for she is fearful that "blood would be shed, should you meet again. I tell "her that some blood was shed when you last met. Mrs. "Stewart would leave here now, I think, if it were not "for little Katy. She is rather imaginative, and she "will have it that Katy looks like her lost Lelia. She " is always talking of Lelia and you. Poor woman,-I "pity her!

"You will not be surprised to learn that the Eatons "and Webbers detest each other more than ever now. "The pious Hezekiah and Hannah are getting to be "more pious and more wicked. Chips of the old block!

'you would say. O, what a beautiful life we lead! "The deacon makes longer prayers than ever, and says

grace at every meal! If he should go to that wicked

place, to which you, of course, are doomed,

"he would say his prayers even there.

I think

I can

"I want to see Helen Means very much. "realize now how fearfully she must have suffered; and "I thank you, from my heart, for rescuing her from the "monster who held her in his grasp. That was a noble "deed, and Heaven will bless you for it.