The preacher was in the midst of a sentence: "An evil deed, brethren, is like unto a grain of mustard seed.

It is small, but it grows steadily, absorbing its like from the earth and air, sending out roots and branches, till at last"---- There was a scuffle and a snicker.

Mr.Pill paused, and gazed intently at Tom Dixon, who was the most impudent and strongest of the gang; then he moved slowly down on the astonished young savage.

As he came his eyes seemed to expand like those of an eagle in battle, steady, remorseless, unwavering, at the same time that his brows shut down over them--a glance that hushed every breath.

The awed and astounded ruffians sat as if paralyzed by the unuttered yet terribly ferocious determination of the preacher's eyes.