“What would have been your course?” asked Mr. Fenwick, mildly.
“I would have set Guy to work. He is old enough to be a help to you.”
“He is earning his living.”
“True, if he keeps his place. Suppose he gets discharged?”
“The captain says that is not likely.”
“Mebbe, mebbe; but I didn’t come here to discuss your son, parson. I have a weightier matter to speak of.”
“Go on, Brother Crane, I am ready to listen to you.”
CHAPTER XVIII
WILY DEACON CRANE
“It’s a delicate matter,” said Deacon Crane, coughing slightly. “I’d rather some other brother would have taken it off my hands, but duty is duty, and it isn’t right to shirk it.”
“True, Brother Crane,” said the minister, but he looked puzzled. He had no idea what the deacon was driving at.