The Rector took the book, examined the inscription, but made no remark.
"Father did not want me to belong to the nine. You would not like me to either, would you, Uncle Raymond?"
"To the nine, boy?--What do you mean?"
"You remember, Uncle Raymond, when Jesus once healed ten lepers, nine went thankless away. I have been healed, and I must acknowledge it at all times, else I should be as one of them."
A frown gathered on the Rector's face.
"Never speak to me, Carol, of your healing in the same breath with the healings of Jesus."
The boy looked sorely pained. For an instant he was silent. In that instant he asked:
"Father-Mother God, lead me."
Then he said:
"May I ask you a question, Uncle Raymond?"