"Well, I'm not the captain of a ship."
"Yes, you are. You are the captain of your own soul, at least; and you may not know how many more souls are depending upon you for guidance in this voyage of life which we are all taking."
"That's right—true," agreed a number of by-standers.
"Say, mister," suggested one, "tell us what you think of the propositions. You seem able to, all right."
"Well," responded the elder, "I don't want to preach a sermon that will bore you; but if the ladies and gentlemen here are interested I shall be pleased to give my views."
"Sure—go on," came from others.
One or two found seats, as if they would rather sit through the ordeal, others following their example. "Yes; it's more comfortable," agreed Elder Malby, as they drew their chairs in a circle. Two people left, but two others came and took their places.
"I hope we are all Christians," began the speaker, "at least so far that we believe the Scriptures; otherwise my arguments will not appeal to you."
A number acknowledged themselves to be Christians.