DocPrancer, a good-for-nothing two timing trouble maker, known by many as a devil of a man, had been banished from the friendly town of CrickleWood five years ago and if rumours were to be believed, from the neighbouring town, he was on his way back once again.  The bad news had somehow leaked to Sheriff Kane who decided to put his foot down and take action, with the help of Father Adams, by calming the panic-stricken townsfolk by making a public announcement outside the town church itself. Father Adams was the first to speak.  He clasped his hands and looked passively at all the worried faces.

     “Children, first may I please request you all to calm down and hear my words of comfort.”

     One angry resident protested,

     “Father, we don’t want your comfort; we want our safety! Some of us have wives and small children you know and we don’t want that evil man interfering in our lives causing trouble again!” “The crowds backed him up, raising their voices and fists,

     “Yeah! Here here!” Suddenly, Sheriff Kane raised his long pistol up  in the air and fired two shots.

     “Silence!  Shame on you all!  I hope you all realise that this is no ordinary man who I have by my side. Why this is Father Adams!  Now, I don’t like to throw my weight around, but I must warn you that I am the sheriff and, by God, I won’t tolerate any man arguing with the good Father Adams! You’re all going to have to get past me first if there’s going to be any more trouble. Isn’t it upsetting enough already that that devil of a man is already rumoured to be on his way!?  Now just be silent and listen to what the good Father has to say.”

     The townsfolk settled down, some of whom were still muttering in the background but at least the Father was able to speak.

     “My children, I know how troubled you all are. I am only too aware of that this man whose name, even I, am afraid to utter, especially after learning from Sheriff Kane that he’s rumoured to be on his way; so all I ask you is to go home and pray that he does not show up again.”

     “That’s silly.  Praying alone won’t make him disappear and besides, that’s exactly what you said the last time we threw him out of town, five years ago, Father!” Yelled an elderly lady in the forefront.  Father Adams could only lower his head in deep thought.

     “See!  You have no reply to that one; bah!”  She spat on the ground and headed off to her home. Father Adams coughed.

     “My children, please I plead with you once again to calm down.  I assure you that you will all be safe.  Now, let us close our eyes and meditate.

     “Oh, he’s useless.” Said another man in the crowd. “Come on, let’s go back home and lock our windows and doors before Prancer comes.”

     “Yeah!” Replied the townsfolk and they all made off to their homes.  A saddened Father Adams turned to Sheriff Kane.

     “I’m sorry, Sheriff Kane, but I’m afraid it’s all in the Lord’s hands now. I can only go back to my church and pray that the evil soul does not enter our town ever again.”

     “I’m with you all the way, Father Adam’s; Amen to that!” And as the two of them headed back to their respective abodes they failed to notice the sound of approaching footsteps in the far distance.  

End of Chapter 1.