"Brother Johnson," said Brand, rising as the minister opened the Bible, "before you speak from the sacred volume, we would know if you are worthy to do so. Are your lips undefiled? Is your heart clean within you?" "Yes," replied the minister, calmly. "I am conscious of no sin." "It is 'whispered in Gath and told along the streets of Ascalon' that you have the stain of blood on your hands. The blood of the innocent cries out for judgment against you." "Who dares to say such a thing, Brother Korah?" "I do--unworthy as I am." Brand stretched out his arm. "Brother Johnson, you are a pastor of the Lord's sheep, and He committed a lamb to your charge. That lamb is slain, and it is cried aloud that you are the slayer. In the tents of Israel it is spoken. Your carnal love drove Bithiah of Koiau from your dwelling, and in her footsteps you followed to smite and slay her for the love of gold. As Nathan the prophet stood before David, so I stand before you; as Nathan the prophet said unto the king, so say I unto you: 'Thou art the man.'" CHAPTER XII A WELCOME WITNESS Assuredly, the congregation had no reason to complain that the anticipated sensation was not forthcoming. There was an agitated rustle through the chapel. Every one looked eagerly at Johnson, wondering what reply he would make to the accusation of Brand. For a moment or so the minister stood silent with upraised face. His lips moved in silent prayer, for he was seeking from God that aid which was denied to him by man. Miss Arnott, white and trembling violently, leaned forward in expectation of the denial she felt certain would come. For quite a minute there was dead silence. It was broken by the accused man. "'O Lord, Thou knowest,'" said he, in the words of Jeremiah, "'remember me, and visit me, and revenge me on my persecutors.'" He paused, and looked quietly at the rugged face of Brand. "Brother Korah," continued the minister, "you have borne false witness against me. I am innocent of this crime you would place on my shoulders. What evidence can you bring forward to prove that you speak truly? Let me hear your grounds of accusation, that I may reply to them as best I can." Brand was considerably surprised at the calmness of this speech. It was very different from what he had expected. He glanced with some embarrassment at Farmer Carwell. "Shall I question him?" he demanded. "Surely, brother," answered Carwell, gravely; "the meanest criminal has a right to a hearing. Question our pastor, that we may learn if he is still to teach us, or if he should be cast out of Emmanuel's fold." "I ask for nothing better than such an examination," cried Johnson. "I stand here as I would at the Judgment Seat, to defend my name and life. Begin, Brother Korah. On what grounds do you accuse me?" "You loved Bithiah," said Brand, harshly.