“But, Uncle Josiah, don’t you think his methods are a little too strenuous and out of the ordinary in dealing with spiritual derelicts?” she asked, trying hard to hide the pride which the Captain’s observation had wakened.
“I ain’t got much of an idea what you mean by spiritual derricks, Beth, but I’m going to say this: he’s the fust real live preacher I ever see, and if he’s got ways of bringing ’em in that’s a mite off the set course, he’s going to do it, and there ain’t enough men living to stop him. He has found some of that queer sort of religion what he called anonymous down there to that Inn, and if he’d have taken water the other night he’d have lost every one of them boys. He fought that puncher because 148 he was after the gang behind him. If things had gone against him, I’d have pitched in and helped him trounce the hull enduring lot, and I’d have felt mighty religious while I was doing it, too.”
“But I think he might prove just as much a success and still not be so original. It doesn’t pay when one’s position and salary depend on how one acts.”
“Mack’s position and salary can hang from the same gallows, so far as he’s concerned, if they go to putting muzzles on him.”
“I’m so glad you said that!” exclaimed the girl, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.
The seaman stared at her. What on earth could she mean? “Beth, you’ve sartin got me gasping to understand you this morning.”
“I’m trying so hard to explain without actually telling you. He must leave the church!”
“Must leave–––Say, what in tarnation do you mean?”
“Please, don’t hint that I told you, but it has been decided by the vestry.”
“I want to know!”