Elder Fox, plainly nettled by the turn affairs had taken, rose and demanded the floor.
“Brother Fox!” vociferously acknowledged the moderator.
“We have no right to carry this senseless discussion further. There has not yet been sounded––er––the note of fellowship that should prevail among the brethren,” declared the Elder, eyeing the chairman. Very gently stroking his side-whiskers, he continued: “We have sprung at our young friend––er––as if he were before a jury, condemned and found guilty of a felony. Why should we trouble 44 him about things that are not fundamental to our faith?”
Captain Pott muttered something under his breath. Never before had he known of the Elder and the city minister disagreeing.
“That is the very question,” expostulated the moderator. “Mr. McGowan has attacked every sacred doctrine of the church, for he has said what is equivalent to the statement that my ancestors were monkeys. What other interpretation can be given to the doctrine of evolution? If it does not contradict every sacred belief of our past, then I am no theologian.”
The old seaman chuckled, and several shocked faces were turned in his direction.
“Perhaps it would help if Mr. McGowan would tell us just what he does believe in regard to the book of Genesis,” suggested Mr. Fox.
“It is the story of human redemption.”
With a nod of satisfied approval, the Elder sat down, and the moderator crumpled up.
Captain Pott irreverently observed to Elizabeth: “I cal’late that there Means is left for 45 once with his sails flopping, without no idea as to what his longitude is.”