"I refer to the spiritual seed," said Mr. Gupperduck. "I preach the word of God, the peace that passeth all understanding."
Bindle groaned inwardly, and silence fell once more over the board.
"Mrs. Bindle," said Mr. Gupperduck at length, "you have given me a most excellent supper."
Mrs. Bindle's lips became slightly visible.
"The Lord shall feed his flock," remarked Mr. Gupperduck apropos of nothing in particular, "and——"
"'E keeps a few little pickin's for 'Is Gupperducks," flashed Bindle.
"Bindle!" Mrs. Bindle glanced across at Mr. Gupperduck. The two then entered into a conversation upon the ways of the Lord, about which they both seemed to possess vast stores of the most intimate information. From their conversation Bindle gathered that Mr. Gupperduck was a lecturer in the parks, mission-halls and the like, being connected with the Society for the Suppression of Atheism.
"And what are the tenets of your spiritual faith, Mr. Bindle?" Mr. Gupperduck suddenly turned and addressed himself to Bindle.
"Wot's my wot?" enquired Bindle with corrugated forehead.
"He's a blasphemer, Mr. Gupperduck, I'm sorry to say," volunteered Mrs. Bindle.