[Illustration]
When the darkness came, they too began to be alarmed. The gloom was terrible.
"It is the day of the Lord." said one.
"No use to make laws," said another, "for they will never be needed."
"I move that we adjourn," said a third.
Then up from his seat rose Abraham Davenport.
His voice was clear and strong, and all knew that he, at least, was not afraid.
"This may be the last great day," he said. "I do not know whether the end of the world has come or not. But I am sure that it is my duty to stand at my post as long as I live. So, let us go on with the work that is before us. Let the candles be lighted."
His words put courage into every heart. The candles were brought in. Then with his strong face aglow in their feeble light, he made a speech in favor of a law to help poor fishermen.
And as he spoke, the other lawmakers listened in silence till the darkness began to fade and the sky grew bright again.