The preacher shook his head.

"Friend of the family, perhaps?"

"No, Mr. Hampton. My purpose in coming here is perfectly proper, yet
the request was not advanced as a right, but merely as a special
privilege."

A moment Hampton hesitated; then he arose and quietly crossed the room,
holding open the door. Without a word being spoken the minister
followed, and stood beside him. For several minutes the eyes of both
men rested upon the girl's sleeping form and upturned face. Then
Wynkoop drew silently back, and Hampton closed the door noiselessly.

"Well," he said, inquiringly, "what does all this mean?"

The minister hesitated as if doubtful how best to explain the nature of
his rather embarrassing mission, his gaze upon the strong face of the
man fronting him so sternly.

"Let us sit down again," he said at last, "and I will try to make my
purpose sufficiently clear. I am not here to mince words, nor do I
believe you to be the kind of a man who would respect me if I did. I
may say something that will not sound pleasant, but in the cause of my
Master I cannot hesitate. You are an older man than I, Mr. Hampton;
your experience in life has doubtless been much broader than mine, and
it may even be that in point of education you are likewise my superior.
Nevertheless, as the only minister of the Gospel residing in this
community it is beyond question my plain duty to speak a few words to