  The Witch heard of a murder trial that was going on in court and arousing intense interest, owing to the high social standing of all the parties concerned. She acted on impulse to a certain extent and, leaving her birds at home, started at once for the court-house. On her way there she turned her attention to a case of street pugilism. A crowd of boys, ranging in age from seven to twenty, had congregated. Two small urchins were fighting; their faces were scratched and bleeding, and the crowd was urging them on to do each other more injury. These young ruffians made a study of wickedness which is more than mischief, and this element is on an increase the world over. Yea also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil. Ecclesiastes ix, 3. No wonder when they have for examples men in high places who take such interest in prize fighting. It would be more in keeping with their positions if their minds could aspire to something more elevating. They are ready enough to censure the Spaniards for their bull fights, but are themselves not far in advance when they will encourage this barbarous sport which seems to be gaining popularity. The wicked walk on every side when the vilest men are exalted. Psalms xii, 8. For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. Isaiah ix, 16. These are the men that devise mischief and give wicked counsel in this city. Ezekiel xi, 2. If they would exercise the spiritual nature more and the animal less they could take no pleasure in such brutish doing. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other. Galatians v, 17. Even the Press takes a hand in it, and devotes whole columns of the papers to explaining in minutest detail the movements of the combatants. Our Witch was wrapped in thought, but did not forget her work, and in a few moments after she appeared among them the shamefaced crowd dispersed. |
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