“Yet in spite of all this need—­of all this patient labour and really very gratifying success—­the subscriptions to the society no longer furnish it with its former very modest income—­an income which is deplorably insufficient if the organization is to be kept effective, and the work adequately performed.  In spite of the most rigid economy, the committee have been compelled to part with a considerable portion of their small reserve fund (provided by a legacy) to tide over difficulties.  But this method of balancing expenditure and income is very unsatisfactory, and cannot be long continued.

“I am led to plead for the society with especial insistence at the present time, inasmuch as more than one of those whose unblemished life has made them fitting recipients of such a signal favour, have recently had visions informing them that the Sunchild will again shortly visit us.  We know not when he will come, but when he comes, my friends, let him not find us unmindful of, nor ungrateful for, the inestimable services he has rendered us.  For come he surely will.  Either in winter, what time icicles hang by the wall and milk comes frozen home in the pail—­or in summer when days are at their longest and the mowing grass is about—­there will be an hour, either at morn, or eve, or in the middle day, when he will again surely come.  May it be mine to be among those who are then present to receive him.”

Here he again glared at my father, whose blood was boiling.  George had not positively forbidden him to speak out; he therefore sprang to his feet, “You lying hound,” he cried, “I am the Sunchild, and you know it.”

George, who knew that he had my father in his own hands, made no attempt to stop him, and was delighted that he should have declared himself though he had felt it his duty to tell him not to do so.  Yram turned pale.  Hanky roared out, “Tear him in pieces—­leave not a single limb on his body.  Take him out and burn him alive.”  The vergers made a dash for him—­but George’s brothers seized them.  The crowd seemed for a moment inclined to do as Hanky bade them, but Yram rose from her place, and held up her hand as one who claimed attention.  She advanced towards George and my father as unconcernedly as though she were merely walking out of church, but she still held her hand uplifted.  All eyes were turned on her, as well as on George and my father, and the icy calm of her self-possession chilled those who were inclined for the moment to take Hanky’s words literally.  There was not a trace of fluster in her gait, action, or words, as she said—­

“My friends, this temple, and this day, must not be profaned with blood.  My son will take this poor madman to the prison.  Let him be judged and punished according to law.  Make room, that he and my son may pass.”

Then, turning to my father, she said, “Go quietly with the Ranger.”

Having so spoken, she returned to her seat as unconcernedly as she had left it.