"'Deliver me in thy righteousness and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me and save me.
"'Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress.
"'Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.'"
"These cursed people all have the Scriptures at their tongues' end," one of them was saying, when a sudden blast of wind shook our little cottage till all could feel it rock. The smoke was driven down the chimney, and came into the room in great puffs, and the candle went out. All was confusion. The men were seized with fear, and when the fire again sent out a ruddy glow, they hastened to find the door and escape.
"The very elements fight for them," said one as they hurried away.
Steenie heard them gallop down the lane and out on the high road. Convinced that they were gone, he returned to the house.
"The Lord has delivered us all," said mother.
"Yes," said Steenie, "we are all safe; but it is only for the present. Sooner or later I am sure to fall into their hands. But, as David McDougal was saying, I would like it if we could encounter our enemies on the battlefield."
Jamie showed his uncle his burned hand. Steenie carried it to his lips. "Poor wee man!" said he, "did you indeed have to suffer for Uncle Steenie's sake?"
"Grandmother did too," said the lad.