ask the police to give an eye to his house for the night. Besides, it
was more than probable that Mr. Burge would decline to allow such a
proceeding. With a growing sense of his peril he resolved to try
flattery.

"It was a great thing for the Brethren to secure a man like you," he
said.

"I never thought they'd ha' done it," said Mr. Burge frankly. "I've 'ad
all sorts trying to convert me; crying over me and praying over me. I
remember the first dear good man that called me a lorst lamb. He didn't
say anything else for a month."

"So upset," hazarded the jeweller.

"I broke his jor, pore feller," said Brother Burge, a sad but withal
indulgent smile lighting up his face at the vagaries of his former
career. "What time do you go to bed, Brother?"

"Any time," said the other reluctantly. "I suppose you are tired with
your journey?"

Mr. Burge assented, and rising from his chair yawned loudly and stretched
himself. In the small room with his huge arms raised he looked colossal.

"I suppose," said the jeweller, still seeking to re-assure himself, "I
suppose dear Brother Clark felt pretty certain of you, else he wouldn't
have sent you here?"

"Brother Clark said 'What is a jeweller's shop compared with a 'uman