The “Fencing of the Table” was concluded in as thorough a manner as the conscience of the minister demanded. The solemn moment when the elders were to go forward for “the administration of the elements” had arrived. From his place near the front of the church John Carr had risen, expecting his fellow Elder, Sandy Campbell, to join him in his impressive march to the “Table.” Sandy, however, was nowhere to be seen. The situation was extremely awkward.
“Is Mr. Campbell not present?” inquired the minister, scanning the congregation.
“’E’s retired from the church, sir,” replied Churchwarden Bickford, respectfully rising from his seat, “but if I might (h)assist—” he added with a hesitating glance at John Carr.
“Thank you, Mr. Bickford, if you would be so kind—” began Mr. Fraser. “Ah! here is Mr. Campbell,” he added, greatly relieved. A church warden might possess in full measure the qualifications necessary for his exalted office, but as a substitute for an Elder in the administering of the Sacrament he left something to be desired.
Quietly and with impressive deliberation Sandy made his way to the “Table” while under cover of the ceremonial of “preparing the elements” Paul slipped quietly into his place beside his father.
“And whaur did ye flit tae, Sandy?” inquired John Carr as they two were “daunderin’” homewards after the service. “Man, it was a terrible embarrassment tae hae yon Bickford buddie offer to officiate.”
“It wass the lad. He wass driven out from the ‘Table,’ but by what spirit I wass unable to judge till I had inquired.” For some distance Sandy walked on in silence and his friend knew him well enough to await his word. “He was under deep conviction and sore vexed, but he was brought out into a large place.” Still John Carr walked on in silence. These matters were to be handled with delicacy and reserve.
“Yess! the word wass given me,” said Sandy softly. “Oh, yess! even to me. ‘Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings.’”
“He is a wise laddie in spite o’ quirks,” ventured his friend.
“‘Quirks’?” inquired Sandy with some severity. “‘Quirks’ did you say? And what might you be calling ‘quirks’?’ The lad is a rare lad with a gift of discernment beyond his years. I went out in my pride of heart to minister counsel to him. I found that it was for myself that he had the word of the Lord. And a searching word it wass. Oh, yess! yess!”