eyelash, "I've been thinking of Seth Curtis for the place. I have been
wondering just how I could interest Seth in his town church, how to
make him see that its business is his business, and this is my
opportunity. Seth, they tell me, is very good at figures. Somebody
said that Seth could figure to live comfortably on nothing if he found
he had to. Now most churches are perilously near the place where they
have to live on nothing and so, if any one can steer our finances in an
exact and careful manner, Seth can. And it is the only, absolutely the
only way in which he can be interested."

"But," the horrified Mr. Austin found his voice at last, "Seth Curtis
is impossible. Even if he joined the church he would be an unbeliever.
I have heard him criticize churches. Why, it can't be thought of!
Why, what would people say if you were to put a man like that right
into church work? It would be sacrilege."

There was a little pause and when the minister spoke again there was
the unmistakable ring of cool authority in his voice. Mr. Austin
suddenly realized that he was speaking to his pastor, the Reverend John
Roger Churchill Knight. And as Mr. Austin himself worshipped authority
and always saw to it that in his little sphere his own slightest word
was obeyed, he listened respectfully.

"I think, Mr. Austin, you are mistaken about Seth Curtis. Seth does
not make fun of religion. He merely criticizes churches and their
management. Seth is what in these times we call an efficiency expert.
And it always makes such a man impatient to watch waste of money and
effort.

"Seth must think well of the church for he sends his wife and children.