"He didn't really say that."
"No, not exactly in them words, but that was what he meant, an' we all took it that way."
"So you think that the archdeacon made it all the harder for the new clergyman by what he said last night, do you?" Douglas asked.
"Sure," Jake replied, as he helped himself to another pancake. "Didn't ye notice the feelin' in the meetin', an' how Si changed? Why, he looked jist like a thunder cloud about to bust. I sartinly do pity the new parson. He's goin' to have a hard time of it, mark my word."
"I had a little talk with Stubbles after the meeting," Douglas quietly remarked.
"Ye did, eh?" and Jake's eyes glowed with interest. "Was he surprised to see ye?"
"I believe so. He thought I was going to knock him down, and he raved like a madman. But I told him a few straight facts which he is not likely to forget."
"Ye did, eh? Bully fer you! But be careful, John. Si won't fergit anything, an' he'll come back at ye when ye'r least expectin' him."
"I told him that I am going to stay right in the parish, and that he couldn't drive me out."
"Good for you!" Mrs. Jukes exclaimed. "I like to hear a man talk that way. If the rest in Rixton would do the same Si would be taught a lesson in a short time. But they all lie down and let him walk over them."