"It is as well you admit it," said the Rev. Nippit. "Because I did not
preach yesterday."

"Very remiss of you," said Mr. Crips.

"And, furthermore, I remember you well. Two years ago I was on a charity
committee that inquired into your case. You were then the son of a
Queensland Judge, reduced to poverty by wild living, but anxious to
return to respectable courses."

Nickie grinned again, and took up his hat. "It is as you say." he said,
"a truly delicious morning for a stroll. I think I'll go and watch the
grass grow. Good-day, Mr. Nippit."

The young clergyman arose and interposed between Nickie and the door.
"You will stay where you are," he said. "Sit down."

Nickie sat down. He placed his hat very carefully on the carpet, folded
his arms, and crossed his legs. "You are very kind," he said. "May I ask
if a compulsory lunch goes with this unwarrantable detention?"

"That remains to be seen," replied James. "I am going to offer you your
choice of two courses. You will either submit yourself to my deliberate
intention of making a good, clean, respectable, industrious member of
society of you, or you will walk out of this place into gaol."

Nickie's mind was made up instantly, but he did not capitulate in too
great a hurry; he talked of conditions, and asked for details of his
expected regeneration. The Rev. Nippit explained his belief that all men