“I am just beginning to catch a glimpse of it. As I have already told you I am not a Christian, but I have some idea of the meaning of religion. I realize that I shall have to regard everything from a different point of view, and I fear that the task is beyond me. That’s where you come in.”
“Still I do not understand.”
“It’s simple enough. I’m going to make you my conscience. You know exactly what I have got to do, and it will be your duty to see that I do it. I can foresee many situations which will require delicate judgment, but I have confidence in you. I now formally offer you the post of private chaplain to John Gaunt, millionaire, at any salary which you like to name. It strikes me that the post will be no sinecure,” Gaunt wound up quickly.
A look of distress came into Drake’s face.
“I cannot accept such a position. The responsibility would be too great.”
“Think a moment. Remember the power for good that will rest in your hands. Dare you refuse my offer?”
“It is such a vast thing. To right the wrongs that you have done. How can you contemplate the task so calmly? Do you forget the origin of your fortune? Do you forget the Congo?—with its cruelty and torture?”
“I forget nothing. What I have promised I will endeavor to carry out,” Gaunt said quietly, but his face had grown very white.
“It may be your duty to use your millions to fight the rulers of the Congo—to compel them to make the iniquities cease? Do you realize that and can you carry it out?”
“Yes. To know me thoroughly, Drake, you must understand that I don’t value my wealth one jot, save for the power it gives me.”