will find upon it the name of some of our most prominent business
people."

"I'm busy." said the severe gentleman.

"Need I remind you, my very good sir, that the smallest contribution will
be thankfully received?"

"Be so good as to close the door after you."

"Certainly, brother, all in good time. Shall we say half-a-crown?
Half-a-crown is a nice sum. No? A shilling perhaps?"

"I suppose I shall have to pay for the privilege of being left in peace
to the pursuit of my affairs. Here!!" The severe man slapped a shilling
on the counter.

"Oh, thank you--thank you so much." said the Rev. Andrew Rowbottom
effusively. "What name?"

"Confound the name!" snapped the severe gentle man. "Good-day."

"Oh, to be sure, to be sure--good--day," said the Rev. Andrew, and he
smiled and bowed and slid I trough the half-open door.

Nicholas Crips called at many offices. In a few instances the occupants
evaded a levy. They were people who had no particular business in hand,
and could spare the time to hear all the Rev. Andrew Rowbottom persuasive
arguments and stubbornly resist each plea, but the majority of the men
were glad to buy the eloquent clergyman off with a small contribution.