The poor mother sat looking at him with the look of one shrinking from a blow, while Bella Peter's face expressed only startled fear.
"And this is the word of the Lord this night to me," the elder went on, his voice losing its tremor and ringing out strong and clear: "'There is none righteous, no, not one, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

He that believeth shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned.' That is my message, and it is laid upon me as a sore burden to hear the voice of the Lord in this solemn Providence, and to warn one and all to flee from the wrath to come." He paused long, while men could hear their hearts beat.

Then, raising his voice, he cried aloud: "Woe is me! Alas! it is a grievous burden.
The Lord pity us all, and give grace to this stricken family to kiss the rod that smites." At this word the old man's voice suddenly broke, and he sat down amid an awful silence.

No one could misunderstand his meaning.

As the awful horror of it gradually made its way into her mind, Mrs.Cameron threw up her apron over her head and rocked in an agony of sobs, while Long John sat with face white and rigid.