you in behalf of this young lady, and her probable future. I trust not
to be offensive, yet cannot shirk the requirements of my sacred office."

The speaker paused, somewhat disconcerted perhaps by the hardening of
the lines in Hampton's face.

"Go on," commanded Hampton, tersely, "only let the preacher part slide,
and say just what you have to say as man to man."

Wynkoop stiffened perceptibly in his chair, his face paling somewhat,
but his eyes unwavering. Realizing the reckless nature before him, he
was one whom opposition merely inspired.

"I prefer to do so," he continued, more calmly. "It will render my
unpleasant task much easier, and yield us both a more direct road for
travel. I have been laboring on this field for nearly three years.
When I first came here you were pointed out to me as a most dangerous
man, and ever since then I have constantly been regaled by the stories
of your exploits. I have known you merely through such unfriendly
reports, and came here strongly prejudiced against you as a
representative of every evil I war against. We have never met before,
because there seemed to be nothing in common between us; because I had
been led to suppose you to be an entirely different man from what I now
believe you are."

Hampton stirred uneasily in his chair.

"Shall I paint in exceedingly plain words the picture given me of you?"

There was no response, but the speaker moistened his lips and proceeded