indicated a state of extreme nervous tension, "and I never spoke in
meetin' before. I ain't had no use for churches and preachers, and I
guess they hadn't no use for me. You folks all know me. I've been in
this burg for near eight years, and I was a drinkin', swearin', fightin'
cuss. This preacher came into the barn one day when I was freezin' to
death after a big spree. He tuk me home with him and kep' me there
for two weeks, settin' up nights with me, too. Let me be," he said
impatiently to Barry, who was trying to pull him down to his seat. "I'm
agoin' to speak this time if it kills me. Many a time I done him dirt
sence then, but he stuck to me, and never quit till he got me turned
'round. I was goin' straight to hell; he says I'm goin' to heaven now."
Here he laughed with a touch of scorn. "I dunno. But, by gum! if you
fire him and do him dirt, I don't know what'll become of me, but I guess
I'll go straight to hell again."

"No, Harry, no you won't. You'll keep right on, Harry, straight to
heaven." It was the preacher's voice, full of cheery confidence.

Mrs. Innes was audibly sniffling; Mrs. Stewart Duff wiping her eyes. It
was doubtless this sight that brought her husband to his feet.

"I don't quite know what the trouble is here," he said. "I understand
there are arrears. I heard some criticism of the minister's preaching.
I can't say I care much for it myself, but I want to say right here that
there are other things wanted in a minister, and this young fellow has
got some of them. If he stays, he gets my money; if he doesn't, no one
else does. I'll make you gentlemen who are kicking about finances a
sporting proposition. I'm willing to double my subscription, if any
other ten men will cover my ante."