After this the two older women drifted into the house. Charity settled herself in an attitude of rapt attention, and the program was continued.
"Ahem. You may not be aware of it Brother Matthews, but I know a great deal about your family, sir."
"Indeed," exclaimed Dan.
"Yes sir. You see I have some mining interests in that district, quite profitable interests I may say. Judge Strong and I together have quite extensive interests. Two or three years ago we made a good many trips into your part of the country, where we heard a great deal of your people. Your mother seems to be a remarkable woman of considerable influence. Too bad she is not a regular member of the church. Our preachers often tell us, and I believe it is true, that people who do so much good out of the church really injure the cause more than anything else."
Dan made no answer to this, but as the Doctor saw his face in the light it wore a mingled expression of astonishment and doubt.
The Elder proceeded, "They used to tell us some great stories about your father, too. Big man, isn't he?"
"Yes sir, fairly good size."
"Yes, I remember some of his fights we used to hear about; and there was another member of the family, they mentioned a good deal. Dad—Dad—"
"Howitt," said Dan softly.
"That's it, Howitt. A kind of a shepherd, wasn't he? Discovered the big mine on your father's place. One of your father's fights was about the old man. Ahem—ahem—I judge you take after your father. I don't know just what to think about your whipping that fellow this morning. Someone had to do something of course, but—ahem, for a minister it was rather unusual. I don't know how the people will take it."