Receiving no answer, one young Methodist boy of sixteen shouted—
"Come out here, you Mormons! We want to give you your walking papers. If you don't go soon, we'll make it hot for you!"
No one made any attempt to stop the lad. He evidently expressed the opinion of the crowd.
"I'm not going to have you annoyed this way. I shall see the Mayor myself," said Brother Hallock, jumping up and going to the door.
Venna stepped in front of him and held the door fast, while the others were excitedly talking in the sitting-room, and did not notice.
"Do not open it," she said; "I fear for you."
He looked down into her anxious face with a calm smile.
"This—is nothing for us. We are used to almost any abuse. I shall never forget your kindness, though," he added earnestly.
And gently he took her hand from the door, and turning the lock, he opened it.
Standing face to face with the villagers who had crowded through the gate, he looked from side to side without a word. The dignity and fearlessness of Brother Hallock subdued them, for as he made to go down the steps, they moved apart to let him pass.