At the dispersion of the gathering at the Grove, as Mr. Norton was on his way to the quiet of his own room, Mr. Dubois had presented to him the bearer of a dispatch from Fredericton.  The messenger said he had been instructed to announce that the Provincial Court was in session in that city, and that a complaint had been lodged with the grand jury against Mr. Norton, and he was requested to meet the charge immediately.

Mr. Norton was surprised, but said very calmly—­

“Can you inform me, sir, what the charge is!”

“It is a charge for having preached in the Province of Brunswick, without a license”.

“Can you tell me by whom the charge was brought?”

“By the reverend Francis Dinsmoor, a clergyman of the Established Church, of the parish of ——­“.

“Yes, sir.  I understand.  He is your neighbor on the other side of the river, Mr. Dubois.  Well, sir”, continued Mr. Norton, “I suppose you have just arrived and stand in need of refreshment.  I will confer with you, by and by”.

The messenger retraced his steps towards the house.

In the mean time, a few rough-looking men had overheard the conversation, taken in its import, and now came about Mr. Dubois and Mr. Norton, making inquiries.

Tom Hunkins, more noted for profanity, hard drinking, and gambling, than any man in the settlement, and whom Mr. Norton at the risk of making him a violent enemy, had on one occasion severely reprehended for the pernicious influence he exerted in the community,—­here interposed a word of counsel.  He was just speaking, when Adele, Mr. Somers, and John, joined the group.

“Neow ef I may be so bold”, said Tom, “I wouldn’t go anyst the cussed court.  It’s nothin’ at all, but the meanness and envy o’ that rowdy priest over the river there.  He’s jest mad, cos the people come over here to git fodder instid o’ goin’ to his empty corncrib.  They like to hear yer talk better than they do him, and that’s the hull on it.  I’d let the condemed critter and court whizz, both on ’em.  I would’t go aynst ’em”.

“But Mr. Hunkins”, said Mr. Norton, “I must attend to this matter.  I am exposed to a fine of fifty pounds and six months’ imprisonment, for breaking a law enacted by the Assembly of His Majesty’s Province”.

“I’ll tell ye what ye can do, parson.  I’ll take and put ye right through to Chartham this very night, and ye ken take a schooner that I know is going to sail to-morrow for Eastport.  That ’ill land ye safe in the State of Maine, where ye ken stay till the Court is over, and the fox has gone back to his hole, and then we’ll give ye a lift back agin and ye ken go on with yer preachin’”.