"'That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
"'They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
"'They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
"'But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
"'So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
"'And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
"'The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.'"
The match had burned out, but she had disclosed nothing.
"Perhaps the lassie has a glib tongue," said one, and he sought another match to torture me. Following my mother's example, I too had recourse to the Sword of the Spirit. I repeated, though not as calmly as she had, these words, feeling more truly than ever their comfort:
"'In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.