Dan made no answer to this, but as the Doctor saw his face in the light
it wore a mingled expression of astonishment and doubt.

The Elder proceeded, "They used to tell us some great stories about your
father, too. Big man, isn't he?"

"Yes sir, fairly good size."

"Yes, I remember some of his fights we used to hear about; and there was
another member of the family, they mentioned a good deal. Dad--Dad--"

"Howitt," said Dan softly.

"That's it, Howitt. A kind of a shepherd, wasn't he? Discovered the big
mine on your father's place. One of your father's fights was about the
old man. Ahem--ahem--I judge you take after your father. I don't know
just what to think about your whipping that fellow this morning. Someone
had to do something of course, but--ahem, for a minister it was rather
unusual. I don't know how the people will take it."

"I'm afraid that I forgot that I was a minister," said Dan uneasily. "I
hope, sir, you do not think that I did wrong."

"Ahem--ahem, I can't say that it was wrong exactly, but as I said, we
don't know how the people will take it. But there's one thing sure," and
the Elder's shrill cackle rang out, "it will bring a big crowd to hear
you preach. Well, well, that's off the subject. Ahem--Brother Matthews,
why haven't your people opened that big mine in Dewey Bald?"

"I expect it would be better for me to let father or mother explain that