business for a dozen other folks and they are all at him at once, there
are many things happening that he can't very well explain."

"I already had determined on a special effort at an early date," said
the pastor. "And still more: after two or three conversations with the
man whom you were so desirous that I should call upon, I have
determined to invite him to assist me in the conduct of the meetings."

"What?" exclaimed the deacon, "bring in that thief and drunkard and
ignorant fellow, that is only just out of jail, to teach the way of
life to people that need to know it? Why, Dr. Guide, you must be losing
your mind!"

"As you intimated about your own business affairs, deacon, that is a
subject upon which I am better qualified to judge than you. The
meetings will be held, and Mr. Kimper will be asked to assist. In fact,
I already have asked him. I trust that his presence will not cause us
to lose such valuable assistance as you yourself may be able to give."

"Well, I never!" exclaimed the deacon; "I never did! It beats all! Why,
if there was another church of our denomination in this town, I believe
I'd take my letters and go to it. I really would!"

Nevertheless, the special meetings were immediately announced, and they
began directly afterwards, and, according to the pastor's announcement,
the ex-convict was asked to assist. His assistance did not seem to
amount to much to those who came through curiosity to listen. But after
he had made a speech, which, at the suggestion of Dr. Guide, had been
carefully prepared, but which was merely a rehearsal of what he already
had said to numerous individual questioners, there was impressive