CHAPTER XVI.
THE CHURCH MILITANT.
Bud was doubly enlisted on the side of John Pearson, the basket-maker.
In the first place, he knew that this persecution of the unpopular old man was only a blind to save somebody else; that they were thieves who cried, "Stop thief!" And he felt consequently that this was a chance to put his newly-formed resolutions into practice.

The Old Testament religious life, which consists in fighting the Lord's enemies, suited Bud's temper and education.

It might lead to something better.

It was the best possible to him, now.

But I am afraid I shall have to acknowledge that there was a second motive that moved Bud to this championship.