Lord. But stop-" The minister stepped to the cupboard, and, taking a flask from a chest of bottles, poured the liquor into the goblet and held it to the lips of the stranger, who endeavored vainly to swallow the potion. With a show of impatience, Warwick filled the goblet and drained it to the last drop, suggesting next that it might be well to heat some water and make the stranger a weak whiskey punch or an eggnog. Then he went again into the storm, which now had decreased in intensity, and turned his horse down the path toward the torrent, which, high above the bank, raged through the gorge. Beyond this ford other angry torrents were to be crossed before he could reach the little church on the island, where he had announced services that night at early candle-light. That he succeeded in his object and returned in safety was seen the next morning, when he sat, as usual, at the head of his table and asked a blessing that contained no allusion to his own trials or privations.

Four persons were present-the stranger, Warwick, his son and his daughter. For a time it seemed as though the meal might be finished in silence. The girl was timid, the boy churlish,

Warwick absorbed in thought, and the stranger reserved, although twice he had attempted to introduce the subject of his rescue. The first time he met with a reply indicating that there could be no risk to one who had faith in the Lord; the second time he was informed, in words that could not be misconstrued, that whatever credit was due should be given to God.

"We are all tools in a mighty scheme, in which man is helpless and powerless. You could not avoid the undermined bank that slipped and cast you into the stream. I could not help but go out into the storm, to be guided to your rescue."

"But surely you need not have risked your life for me."

"I could have done nothing but what I did. I could not have moved a hand but as the Lord decreed in the beginning it should move. I could not have crossed that stream had I attempted to do so, nor could I on the bank have watched your weakened hands unclasp had I been ever so afraid of self-injury. The act of yesterday was mapped out in the book of our lives. It was predestined that you should cling to that very log, and that I should save you from the flood."

The stranger seemed inclined to ask another question or to argue the point, but before he could speak Warwick added:

"That which is, is; that which is not, is not; that which is to come to pass, is sure to be. Does not the Word state that we are 'predestined according to the purpose of Him who maketh all things after the counsel of His own will?""

"But-" began the guest. Warwick knew too well from experience with others what the man proposed to argue, and he interrupted impatiently. "My friend, did you ever know a thing that had happened not to have been?"

"No. But "

"Did you ever know a thing that did not happen to have been ?"

"No-"

"Do you know of anything that God has planned in His infinite wisdom that will not come to pass?"

"No. But surely if you would not have ridden into that flood, you could have kept out of it."

"No mortal power, no will of man, could have prevented it. My friend, you ask if I could not have done differently if I had willed it. I answer,

No. Had I been ever so ready to disobey the Lord's command, I couldn't if I would."

The earnestness and aggressiveness exhibited by Warwick in this discussion abashed the stranger.

"I am fully recovered, thanks to your kindness, and will resume my journey, first, however, asking you to tell me where the man I am seeking lives."

"What is his name? I know every man in these knobs."

"His name is Warwick."

"Preacher Warwick?"

"Yes."

"God has guided your footsteps to my door. What would you have of me?"

"Are you Preacher Warwick?"

"Yes."

"I was sent here to study the geological formation of this part of Kentucky, the glacier prints on the Middle-creek, Gunpowder and other cliffs, the fossil shells of the hill formations and the big bones of 'Big Bone Lick.' I was directed to you as one who lived in this interesting section of our land, and who might give me temporary lodging and board."

"We live on coarse food; we have no luxuries, nor do we expect them. Can you put up with such fare as we offer?"

"This is good enough for any one," said the stranger lightly.

"Have you-" Warwick stopped, and looked at the visitor narrowly and suspiciously.

"Stranger, these are troublous times. There must be another question. Are you from the North or the South?"

"From the North."

"And have you no other object than to study stones and bones, and hills and hollows?"

"None."

Warwick mused a moment.

"And have you no letters?"

"No. I came by rail to Cincinnati, thence by stage to Stringtown, thence by a lift from one of your friends to a point near where you found me. There I left him, for his way led on to a branching road, but he said that Preacher Warwick lived in the very centre of the spot I wished to study. He told me, furthermore, that you would likely give me board during the time I wished to stay."