At last Judge Vernon spoke in a tone that revealed very strong emotion. "It may not be possible for all of us to do as Mr. Carlton has decided. Not all the people in Merton can become residents in Freetown. But I came here to-night to say this: I will reside in the house a part of the time and give my personal attention to whatever part of the work over there I can help most."
Again there was silence. The Rev. Howard Douglass said afterward that all during that evening's experience he felt so astonished at the unexpected volunteers for the work that he was like one who sees things in a dream.
The Hon. William Brooks had listened with head bent and a look of strange hesitation on his face. He now lifted his head, and looked directly at the minister.
"Mr. Douglass, the Sunday that you spoke about this plan for redeeming Freetown I walked home with Deacon Culver here, and in a talk with him I criticised the plan and expressed my doubts as to its success. I came here to-night to offer my services to make your plan a success. You are entirely right when you say that money alone cannot do this work. You are right when you say that people must go and live there themselves."
He stopped suddenly, and the Rev. Howard Douglass returned his look, while the color rose in each man's face.
"Will you live there yourself?" The minister asked it as if the other man had compelled the question. Indeed, he said afterward that it seemed absolutely necessary to make Mr. Brooks commit himself directly on that point.
No one spoke for a moment. The stillness was deep and full of meaning.
"Yes, I will," said the voice of the lawyer at last. Probably he had never spoken three words that cost more or meant more to a large number of souls.
No one spoke again for a moment. There seemed to be a tension in every man's mind, but a great hesitation to expel it with the spoken thought. Deacon Culver said at last: "Mrs. Culver and I will do our part. I am fully in sympathy with the pastor's plan."
"Mrs. Douglass and I have decided our course. We will make our home for the time in the settlement. I need hardly say that we are deeply moved by this unexpected beginning of the work. The Spirit of God has certainly moved all your hearts. I have been guilty of questioning God's power. What I have heard to-night shows me that nothing is too hard for him." The minister's voice trembled; and, as he looked into the faces of those men, he felt that the victory of good over evil was possible. He saw already the redemption of Freetown a reality.