Stanford Eveleth - Miss Dexie

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The writer has attended but one meeting where the great McDonald presided,
and, being then young in years, the dress, or rather the undress, of the
man was itself awe-inspiring. It was something unusual to see a man in the
pulpit with his coat and vest laid aside and his shirt open, laying bare
his brawny neck. The man himself was enough to create fear, but when the
activity of the members began, discretion seemed the better part of valor,
and we escaped without ceremony. It would be impossible to convey to the
reader an idea of the awful excitement that always prevailed among his
followers, when under the direct leadership of McDonald himself. Even the
attempt to do so would be called exaggerated and untrue; but after
witnessing through the open window the surprising actions of the
congregation, we turned away, feeling that the half _could_ not be told,
for words would fail to portray the scene. The reader must be content with
a meagre description of a visit to the church made many years after the
death of the leader, when the excitement was less intense, to which meeting
Lancy Gurney and his party are hastening.

There are several churches of this sect in different parts of the Island,
but the principal church is in a country place called Uigg. The yearly
sacrament is held at this church, and on these occasions the multitudes of
worshippers who come from a long distance to attend this ceremony are
almost doubled by the number of sightseers who flock to witness the sight.
At such times the adjacent fences are lined with vehicles of every
description, giving the place the appearance of a fair or horse market.
These yearly meetings cannot begin to compare with those held during the
lifetime of the leader, but those who never witnessed a meeting conducted
by the Rev. Mr. McDonald could scarcely believe they were ever more
startling than those held in later years.

With this digression we will return to our young travellers, who, having
secured their horse under the sheltering trees by the roadside, and
fortified their courage by doing justice to the lunch Mrs. Fremont had
prepared for them, now entered the crowded church and stood among the
number of observers in the aisle.

The inside of the edifice had an unfinished look, and the arrangement of
the seats was uncommon, but to most people the seats themselves formed a
most unusual sight, for they were all without backs, the reason of which
soon became apparent.

The meeting had commenced, and the minister was preaching, but it must be
confessed that there was little heed given to his words, for the attention
of the people was attracted to the centre of the church, where a number of
people were already under the peculiar influence; but our little party,
being at a distance, watched the proceedings with a feeling of safety, yet
not unmixed with fear and dread.

Presently a young girl about seventeen or twenty, who sat in a seat quite
near, began to be affected, and all eyes were turned in her direction. She
was dressed in what was probably called in her neighborhood the "height of
style." On her head was a saucer-like bonnet of the "gypsy style," covered
with large artificial flowers, which drooped over a chignon of such
remarkable dimensions that it must have required a multitude of hairpins to
keep it together; but her bonnet helped to keep it in place, as strings of
ribbon were placed at the back, then brought forward under her chin in a
flaring knot.

The peculiar actions of these people are well named "the jerks." In this
instance the hands seemed to be the first part affected; a slight twitching
was soon followed by a quicker movement, then her feet jerked about as if
she were dancing a jig; a moment more and she flung her arms around wildly,
while her head began to shake in quick time to the movements of the hands
and feet. This soon loosened her chignon, the ingredients of which flew in
as many directions, and her hair swept wildly about her face. Her bonnet
fell at the back of her neck, but being held by the strings it bobbed up
and down her back like an animated nosegay. She accompanied her movements
with shrieks and screams that were better suited to a madhouse than a place
of worship, and when exhausted nature finally succumbed, she fell back
against those seated behind, who, very good-naturedly, it must be
confessed, for she weighed more than a trifle, helped her to regain her
senses and her seat. When she was able to sit up, her neighbors on either
side handed back the articles of wearing apparel and pieces of headgear
that she had scattered about, and the girl made a fresh toilet, as well as
the limited stock of hairpins allowed.

A number of other cases equally startling were taking place in different
parts of the church, and the backless seats were explained. It certainly
was less dangerous for the "jerkers" to throw themselves back into the laps
of those behind them than against the hard back of a seat. But the feelings
of those who received the form of the exhausted enthusiast we do not
profess to explain. It is probable, however, that those in the near
vicinity of one who had the "jerks" would prepare themselves for the
backward throw that so many execute at the last moment of their paroxysm.
But to those who looked on, it seemed like a game of "give-and-take," as if
each did not know what moment he might be under the same obligation to
someone else.

While standing in the aisle Dexie passed her arm around Elsie's waist, lest
they should be separated in the crowd. Dexie had become so engrossed in
watching the worshippers that she had forgotten how the sight might affect
her friend, but glancing into her face she saw that this was no place for
one of Elsie's temperament. But the aisles were blocked; they seemed
standing in a vice, with no power to move front or backwards. The
_enthusiasm_ seemed increasing every moment, and as almost every seat held
an active member, the excitement in the church was appalling.

One young girl, quite near where Dexie stood, sprang to her feet with a
shriek that caused Elsie to scream with fright, and Dexie bade her hide her
face from the sight. But Elsie felt she must watch what was going on or
else scream again, so great was her terror. The sight was indeed alarming,
for the girl beat the air with her hands while she jumped up and down,
until her movements appeared actually dangerous to those near her. Her head
was thrown backward and forward with such violence and rapidity that it
seemed a marvel how she escaped dislocation, and her whole body was in
violent motion. At last she fell to the floor with a final shriek, where
she struggled about for several minutes, much to the alarm of those in her
immediate vicinity.

On all sides shrieks and cries mingled with the quick movements of those
who had the "jerks," and Elsie could bear it no longer.

"Take me out, Dexie; I can't stay here another minute!" she cried.

Lancy was some distance away, but he pressed to her side, regardless of the
bruised toes and sides he left behind him, and lifting Elsie in his arms
pressed to the door, with Dexie closely following. They hurried away to
where the noise of the worshippers was not quite so audible, and by degrees
Elsie grew quiet and calm. Leaving them seated on the grass by the
roadside, Lancy re-entered the church, the strange doings having a certain
fascination which he could neither explain nor resist.

In a short time Elsie recovered sufficiently to walk around, but curiosity
drew her again to the church, and they watched through the windows the
peculiar actions of the people. But the excitement had now somewhat
subsided, and Elsie urged that they enter the church again. Dexie was
afraid of the effect which another such scene might have upon her friend,
so she tried to persuade Elsie to stay and watch at a safe distance. Elsie
felt sure she would not be alarmed again, so they entered the church and
obtained a seat that had just been made vacant.

A few minutes later, the movements of an old woman attracted notice. They
had watched her as she entered the church a short time before, and had
pitied the poor, feeble creature, as she dragged herself up the aisle by
the aid of a pair of crutches; but all pity left Dexie's heart as she saw
the crippled creature thump the floor with her crutches, and bring them
together over her head with a crash that rivalled the noise made by many of
the hard-handed sons of toil, who had taken the "jerks" during the service.

"What makes them do it, Dexie?" said Elsie, in a whisper. "'And there was
in the synagogue many people possessed of the devil;' that is the only
solution of the mystery that I can see," was the reply.

"Oh, Dexie! do you really think that is what ails them? How awful!"

"'And there was one woman among them who had seven devils,' and that is she
with the crutches, I think. Are you afraid? Shall we go out, Elsie?"

"It does scare me, but I cannot help looking at them," was the answer.

But the "jerks" now spread from one to the other, until pandemonium let
loose could not be much more alarming. Elsie turned white with fear, but it
was impossible to get out at the moment, as the aisles were blocked by
terrified sightseers, their screams of fright mingling with the shrieks of
those who had the "jerks." It is safe to say that no madhouse ever held a
more excited crowd.

At this moment a heavy woman, who sat on the same seat that held Dexie and
Elsie, began to be affected, and as the seats were only supported at each
end, this one began to spring up and down, setting all those who were upon
it in motion.

The two girls were on their feet in an instant, feeling for one awful
moment that they were taking the "jerks" themselves; but finding the floor
steady under her feet, Dexie soon regained her composure, and endeavored to
quiet Elsie, who was now sobbing without restraint.

Out of this they must get at any hazard, and, drawing Elsie after her, she
crossed to the door by stepping on the knees of the people who intervened,
giving no thought to the outraged feelings of those she had used as
stepping-stones to freedom.

As they reached the doorstep, they saw Mr. Holbrook at a distance, and were
soon at his side.

"How soon can we get away from this awful place?" Dexie hurriedly asked.

"Well, I do not know, Miss Sherwood. Are you in a hurry to go?"

"Yes, that I am; I have had enough of this kind of worship, and Elsie must
not go near the church again. Where is Lancy?"

"I believe he is inside the church; I saw him there a short time ago. He is
much interested, I believe. I hope, Miss Gurney, that these excitable
people have not seriously alarmed you."

"Oh, I don't want to see them any more!" cried Elsie. "I wish we could find
Lancy, so we could start for Charlottetown."

"Do you know, I believe he wants you to stay overnight at some place near,
so that he can stay to the evening service. Could you agree to that plan,
do you think?" he asked.

"Certainly; if the place we have to stay is a good piece away from this
church, out of sight and hearing of these people," replied Dexie, feeling
that a drive back to town would be very tiresome after the exciting day
they had spent.

"Well, suppose we start now? The drive will do you good," said Mr.
Holbrook, as he turned towards their carriage; and as he led the horse on
the road, he proposed that they start for Montague Bridge at once,
describing it as a pretty hamlet about two miles from the church.

"But if Lancy should come and find the carriage gone, he would be anxious,"
said Dexie.

"Oh! I'll pin a note to the tree, so if he comes here it will explain our
absence; but I will be back before the service is ended; and I fancy he
will not leave the church till then. You are quite sure you have no
objections to leaving him behind you, Miss Gurney?" he asked.

"Oh, no! But are you quite sure you can get us a nice place to stay? I
suppose you know the place around here very well," she added.

"Yes, indeed; I have spent my life on the Island, Miss Gurney, and I know
my fellow Islanders pretty well. I will leave you quite comfortable, never
fear."

They were soon driving along at a rapid pace, and Dexie hoped that the
scene in the church had passed from Elsie's mind, till her question to Mr.
Holbrook proved the contrary. "Do tell us, Mr. Holbrook, what _is_ it
makes those people act so? Is it the talk of the minister that does it? I'm
sure I could only hear a word now and then, though his lips kept moving
even when the noise was the worst."

"That is a hard question to answer, Miss Gurney," was the reply. "Some say
it is the Heavenly Spirit working within them; others think the spirit is
not of a heavenly origin; others, again, say they are getting relief from
the bondage of sin."

"Well, if that is the way they show their relief, I think it would be
better to stay in bondage," said Dexie. "I wonder if it can be the same
craze that used to affect the colored people down South. Grandma's people
kept slaves, and I have heard of such actions amongst them, but if I ever
heard the explanation of them I have completely forgotten it. Still one
would hardly think that a superstitious negro craze would affect the
clear-headed Scotch people in the same manner. It is a mystery to me how
they live through it."

Mr. Holbrook laid back his head and laughed.

"But they are human, like other people, Mr. Holbrook," she urged; "and how
is it that they do not hurt themselves? There was a man with a shock of red
hair, sitting near the chimney, who took the 'jerks.' I daresay you noticed
him. Now, unless his head is made of something different than ours, it must
be smashed in on one side, for he struck the chimney with such rapidity and
force that it sounded quite sickening from where we sat. Really, I should
not have been surprised had he fallen dead to the floor."

"I daresay he never felt it," said Mr. Holbrook, smiling. "I do not believe
that any of them know what they are about when they take the 'jerks,' or
else some of the women are very careless of appearances."

"Oh! well, don't let us talk about them any more," said Elsie. "Papa often
says that everyone has a right to his own belief, and these people seem to
believe _something_, and they really _must_ believe it without merely
saying so, as so many of us do, or else they could not act out their belief
in such a dreadful manner; but whatever their belief is, it must be
awful!"

In a short time they entered the village, which was situated on both sides
of a river, connected by the bridge that gave the place its name. Mr.
Holbrook drove at once to a house where he knew the girls would have every
attention, and the pleasant face of the woman who welcomed them at the door
seemed to speak of rest and security to be found beneath her roof.

With a few words of explanation Mr. Holbrook left them, promising to be
back in good season with Lancy. He then returned with all speed to the
church of the McDonalds, where he found the energetic members still in
active motion.

CHAPTER XXII.

"What a relief to find ourselves safe and quiet once more!" said Elsie, as
she leaned back in her chair with a sigh of content. "I did not know I was
so tired."

"A visit to the McDonaldite church is apt to fatigue both body and mind,"
said their hostess, Mrs. Gardner. "It does not seem right, does it, for
people to leave their own church to witness such doings?" she added
seriously. There was a mild rebuke in her words, and Elsie remembered with
a pang that it was Sunday. She had given little thought to the fact during
the last few hours.

"No, I am sure it can't be right, Mrs. Gardner," said Elsie, "but we were
so interested when we heard about these 'Jerkers' that we wished to see
them before we went home."

"Then you do not belong on the Island. Where is your home, my dears?" she
asked, as she stepped briskly about preparing the tea.

"We are from Halifax," Dexie answered.

"And is it possible that you are the daughter of Mr. Sherwood, who buys
horses on the Island? Why, we know him well. He always stays here when he
comes this way. Well, well; many's the time he has told us about his twin
girls, but I never expected to see one of them here. Are you the beauty or
the singer?" she smilingly asked.

"Now, Mrs. Gardner," said Dexie, laughing, "I am sure you can see for
yourself that I am not the beauty."

"Then you are the singer; but your looks will do very well. Uncommon beauty
is often a snare to its possessor, and the ability to sing God's praises is
worth far more. Are you too tired to do so to-night?"

Dexie looked up with a question in her eyes, and Mrs. Gardner added,

"There is a service in our meeting-house to-night. Would you like to attend
it with me?" turning to Elsie.

"Yes, indeed; I would love to go. The day will not seem all lost if we
spend a short time of it properly. But do tell us, Mrs. Gardner, what makes
those people take the 'jerks'? It seems such a queer kind of religion."

"My dear, I have lived in these parts for more than twelve years, and I am
acquainted with several families of McDonaldites, but I never yet learned
why they take the 'jerks,' or what they signify, but I know that there are
many good religious people belonging to the sect."

"But they might be good people on _account_ of their religion or in _spite_
of it," said Dexie.

Mrs. Gardner looked over at Dexie with a serious face.

"I wonder if you can repeat the first verse of the first Psalm. Try it, my
dear," she said.

"I do not think I can say it word for word, Mrs. Gardner," said Dexie,
presently; "but it is something like this, 'Blessed is the person who never
goes where he knows he ought not to be, and who never sits down in the seat
of the scornful.' Thank you, Mrs. Gardner, I see the application," she
added, smiling. "I fear I have been on that seat to-day, and I have no
right to be scornful when I am such a heathen myself. Yet I never attend an
impressive service that I do not wish I were a good member of that
particular church, no matter what denomination it happens to be. But
to-day, although I have witnessed the most impressive service of my life, I
never wished I was a good McDonaldite; no, not once. Now, you needn't
laugh, Elsie, for you know yourself I can jump around just as lively as
most people, and I am sure I could go through some of the most surprising
movements if I tried, but I never once felt the least desire to emulate the
members of that church, so I conclude that I have not been benefited by
attending that wonderful gathering; yet I have always thought that any
religious service that does not inspire you with a desire to join heart and
soul in it, is a miserable failure. I am afraid if I had to choose between
the two, I would rather be a dancing dervish than a McDonaldite. However,
perhaps if I understood the doctrines of each I might choose the other way.
But that brings me back to the beginning again, and makes me wonder how it
is that no one seems to really know why they take the 'jerks,'" turning to
Mrs. Gardner.

"Well, since none of us _do_ know, let us try to forget about them for the
rest of the evening," said she. "It is a comfort to know that there is a
religion which the simplest can understand, and a service in which we can
all unite without committing any impropriety."

A few preparations followed, and they were soon on their way to the
Methodist chapel, where the reverential feeling that always filled Elsie's
heart when inside a place of worship was not now wanting, as it had been
while inside the church of the McDonalds, and she followed the example of
Mrs. Gardner and bowed her head in silent prayer.

The service was opened by singing a hymn--one of those good old-fashioned,
heartfelt songs that are dear to the hearts of all Christian people,
whatever may be their Church or creed--and a feeling of strong emotion
filled Dexie's heart as it rolled from the throats of the people around
her, then her own clear, full notes rose above the assembled voices.

The minister lifted his eyes, and rested them a moment on the owner of the
voice; but, thinking that he supposed she was just singing for effect,
Dexie remained silent while the next verse was sung. A look of
disappointment was reflected on the faces of those around her; but Dexie
was not prepared for the pointed rebuke that was given as the minister read
out the next verse.

"When the Lord gives a good voice, He expects the owner to use it for His
glory; so let all sing who can sing, and do not be afraid to praise God in
His own house."

Dexie felt that the words were directed to her, and wisely obeyed, fearing
a more open command might be given her from the pulpit, and she detected
the nod of approval that was given as she lifted her eyes to the preacher.

When the service was over, Mrs. Gardner introduced her young charges to
those near her, and as the minister came down among his congregation he was
presented to the strangers also.

A few pleasant words followed the introduction; then, drawing Dexie aside,
he said:

"I felt sorry to have to reprove you before the whole congregation, seeing
that you were a stranger here; but after showing us that you _could_ sing,
it was very wrong and unkind to be silent. You know, the verse says, 'Let
those refuse to sing who never knew our Lord,' and I would be sorry to
place you on the left hand when you are so well able to sing God's
praises."

Dexie did not know whether to be amused, hurt or vexed. The words uttered
were words of rebuke, but the odd manner in which they were said and the
humorous twinkle in the minister's eyes did not well agree. He waited a
moment for her answer, still holding her hand and looking down into her
face with a serio-comic expression quite unlike a clergyman, until Dexie
answered, in a low tone,

"I will remember what you said, and will always sing when I can, though I
should not like to be spoken to right out in church very often."

"That's right," said Mr. Barkly. "I am glad to know that I have made an
impression on one of my congregation, at least, and that your sin of
omission will not be repeated. There is nothing like a personal remark to
bring people to a sense of their shortcomings; so let this be a warning to
you, Miss Sherwood," and he walked down the aisle at her side. "I hope,
Miss Sherwood," he added, "that your stay amongst us will allow us the
privilege of hearing your voice again. With a good preacher and a fine
singer as inducements, we ought to bring out a large congregation, eh?"

Dexie looked up quickly, but the ministerial air could not hide the rich
vein of humor in the man, and she smilingly replied,

"I should not like to be reproved before a larger audience than was here
this evening, Mr. Barkly, and I might unintentionally do something that
would bring it upon me; so I think the preacher must depend on himself, as
we expect to return to Charlottetown to-morrow."

A few parting words, and the group separated, and Dexie found herself by
Elsie's side, walking towards their temporary home.

As they were very tired, they decided not to await Lancy's arrival, so at
an early hour they asked to be shown to their room, and its spotless purity
spoke well for the housekeeper.

"However shall we get into that bed, Dexie?" said Elsie, as the footsteps
of Mrs. Gardner were no longer audible.

"That is just what I was wondering myself," and Dexie stood regarding the
high, old-fashioned four-poster. "Do you suppose they use a step-ladder, or
jump into it from the table? Why," lifting up the counterpane and sheets,
"it's just a mountain of feathers; we must spring into it from this chair."
A little later her smothered laughter camp from its depths, and the laugh
was repeated when Elsie sank beside her.

When they came downstairs next morning they found Lancy waiting for them,
and a few minutes later Mr. Holbrook put in an appearance, making a merry
little party as they sat round the cosy breakfast table.

At the earnest solicitation of Mrs. Gardner, they consented to stay a few
days longer at Montague Bridge, and visit the places of interest in the
vicinity.

"I will leave the horse and carriage, and return to town with a friend, and
report to Mrs. Fremont," said Mr. Holbrook, "so you can drive around the
country here; and when you are ready for home just follow the telegraph
poles, and you'll not miss your road. You have made a good thing of it by
visiting Montague Bridge."

A few days later the new friends they had made were left behind, and they
were again in sight of Charlottetown.

When they arrived at Mrs. Fremont's they were received with delight, as
there had been a picnic planned, and they were waiting the return of the
little party from Montague, in order to announce the day.

After the pleasant bustle of preparation had resulted in hampers of
delicacies, a lively procession of vehicles, filled with happy people,
started for Stanhope Bay, a lovely spot on the north shore of the Island.

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