"What's the matter with this congregation, anyhow? Why don't they go home?"
The man turned scarlet, and the perspiration broke out all over him, for he felt that the eyes of the congregation were upon him, and he knew that he would have to yell to make Mr. Collamer hear. So he touched his lips with his fingers as a sign for the old man to keep quiet. But Mr. Collamer misunderstood the motion:
"Goin' to sing another hymn, hey? All right."
And he began to fumble his hymn-book again. Then the sexton hurried up the aisle, and explained matters out loud to Mr. Collamer, and that gentleman subsided, while the minister proceeded with his discourse. The clergyman has written Mr. Collamer a note requesting him in the future not to join in the sacred harmony. The effect is too appalling upon the ribald boys in the back pews.
CHAPTER XI.
A Fishing Excursion down the River—Difficulties of the Voyage—A Series of Unfortunate Incidents—Our Return Home, and how we were Received—A Letter upon the General Subject of Angling—The Sorrows of the Fisherman—Lieutenant Smiley—His Recollections of Rev. Mr. Blodgett—A Very Remarkable Missionary.
