"Now, gentlemen, brothers, if you please," said Mr. Bulkley, "this is ridiculous,—"
"So I say," murmured Mr. Winkles.
"As far as you are concerned, it is ridiculous," said the deacon.
This brought Mr. Winkles up, standing.
"Sir!" he shouted, "sir!"
"But my dear sirs—" beseechingly said the philosopher.
"Sir!" continued Winkles, "sir! I am too old a man—too good a Christian, Mr. Bulkley, to allow a man, a mean, despicable toad, like Deacon Potter—"
"Do you call me—me a despicable toad?" menacingly cried the deacon.
"Brethren," said Mr. Bulkley, "if I am to counsel you in your difference, I must have no more of this unchristian-like bickering."
"I do not wish to bicker, sir," said Johnson.