A wave of indignation, however, swept over the town when it was learned that the would-be murderer was recognized by the minister, and it was rumored that he had openly threatened that he would "fix the cursed preacher so that he would not be able to preach again." Philip, however, felt more full of fight against the rum-devil than ever.

As he lay on the bed the morning after, the shooting he had nothing to regret or fear.

The surgeon had been called at once, as soon as his wife and the alarmed neighbors had been able to carry him into the parsonage.

The ball had been removed and the wounds dressed.

By noon he had recovered somewhat from the effects of the operation and was resting, although very weak from the shock and suffering considerable pain.
"What is that stain on the floor, Sarah ?" he asked as his wife came in with some article for his comfort.