Запретный лес
XXI. The Going of the Minister
Theytooentered,andRobbfollowed,closingthedoorbehindhim,butleavingthegreatkeyinthelock.
AmosRitchiearrived,moodilysaunteringthroughthegate.Hehadbeenunabletofacethekirkyardcrowd,knowingthathewouldhearwordsspokenwhichmightcrackhisbrittletemper.Hereachedthedoorandwasabouttoenter,whenthesoundoffurioushoofsontheroadmadehimpause.Theriderhitchedhisbridletothegate-postandstrodeupthepath,andAmossawthatitwasReiverslaw.
"AmIowerlate?"thenew-comerpanted."What’sasteerinthekirk?"
"Ye’reowerlate,"saidAmosbitterly."YestreentheministerwascondemnedandexcommunicatbythePresbyteryatKirkAller,andChasehopewasaffirmedasauntforwanto’youtotestifyagainsthim.ThisdayMuirheadandProudfootarepreachin’thekirkempty."
"Godbemercifultome,"Reiverslawgroaned."Ionlygotthewordlastnicht,andI’veleftwearybeastsontheroadatweenhereandLangholm....Whereistheminister?WhereisMr.Sempill?"
"TheLordkens.He’snointhemanse,forIwasthereatskreigho’day,andhehasnabeenseensinceheleftKirkAller....Whatdoesitmatter?Thepuirladhashisnameblastit,andWoodileelosesthebestmanthateverwalkeditsroads....Areyeforin?"
"I’mforin,"saidReiverslawgrimly."IfIcannahelptheministerIcanmishandlesomethathaebrochthimdoun.I’mthinkin’Chasehopewillhaesairbonesornicht."
Thetwoslippedthroughthedoorandstoodintheduskattheextremebackofthecrowdedkirk.Thefirstexerciseshavingbeenconcluded,Mr.
