Pike was livid with rage. He bristled like a bantam rooster for a minute to the amazement of his guard.
“Don’t do that! Don’t do it—don’t do it again! Upon my soul, this surpasses human belief, sir! I shall denounce the whole proceeding in a series of resolutions that will resound over this nation—mark my word!”
The soldier waited until Pike’s breath ran short and then kicked him three feet, lifting him clear of the ground. When the preacher struck he fell flat on his face.
The blow took out of him what wind there was left.
He scrambled to his feet and edged out of reach.
“I—I—return—good for evil, sir—“ he stammered at last. “I bless them that despitefully use me—God bless you!”
The soldier snorted with rage and gave him another kick, crying: “The same to you! And many of ’em!”
When Pike scrambled to his feet again and wiped the dust out of his lips he shook his head in despair:
“God bless my soul! God bless my soul!”
The Sergeant grinned in his face.