VALLEY

CARL DOES PENANCE 309there were a few friendly stars to be seen !The darknesswas so thick it seemed to press against his face.There was a sound as of stealthy passing footsteps allover the graveyard. Carl shivered, partly with pricklingterror, partly with real cold.Then itbegan to rain a chill, penetrating drizzle.Carl's thin little cotton blouse and shirt were soon wetthrough. He felt chilled to the bone. He forgotmental terrors in his physical discomfort. But he muststay there till twelve he was punishing himself andhe was on his honour. Nothing had been said aboutrain but it did not make any difference. When thestudy clock finally struck twelve a drenched little figurecrept stifflydown off Mr. Pollock's tombstone, madeitsway into the manse and upstairsto bed. Carl'steeth were chattering.He thought he could never getwarm again.He was warm enough when morning came. Jerrygave one startled look at his crimson face and thenrushed to call his father. Mr. Meredith came hurriedly,his own face ivory white from the pallor of hislong night vigil by a death bed. He had not got homeuntil daylight. He bent over his little lad anxiously."Carl, are you sick?" he said."That tombstone over there," said Carl, "it'smoving about it's coming at me keepitawayplease."Mr. Meredith rushed to the telephone. In tenminutes Dr. Blythe was at the manse.Half an hour