—We have heard him preach, Mr. Hardcap. He preached here two Sundays last summer. Don't you recollect?
Solomon Hardcap.:
—Yes. I remember. But I didn't take no notice of his sermons; he wan't preachin' as a candidate.
Mr. Gear.:
—Gentlemen I am not very much acquainted with church affairs and I don't think I understand this business very well. What do you mean by preaching as a candidate? I thought a candidate was a man who applied for an office. Am I to understand that whenever a pulpit is vacant the church expects different ministers to apply for it, and puts them on trial, and picks out the one it likes the best?
Mr. Hardcap.:
—That's it exactly.
Mr. Gear.:
—You don't really mean to say that any decent ministers apply for the place on those terms.
Deacon Goodsole,: [(warmly).]