"I used to fear that I was too savage when I came into contact with such people," said he; "but one day, while reading the 15th Psalm, I received a flood of light upon the subject. This psalm begins by asking: 'Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?' In enumerating the qualifications of such person, the psalmist says: 'He that contemneth the evil man, but he honoreth them that fear the Lord,' Now that word 'contemn,' for the first time, attracted my special attention. I had read it scores of times, but had never realized how strong a term was here used. No stronger is to be found in the language. It means to despise, detest, spurn, etc. I was startled, but I was at the same time glad. I could not help it, but I always did despise and detest a man who would grind the face of the poor, or who would keep back the wage of the laborer. Not that I would judge him, or take vengeance upon him; and I must forgive him and receive him as my brother when he repents. But until he does turn from the evil of his ways, and does his best at making restitution, I can do a jolly good job at 'contemning' him."
The blue south shore of the lake soon became visible. A more entrancing picture than that of Silver Cloud floating swiftly over the great lake, so thickly dotted with steamers and sailing vessels, cannot be imagined. The exhilaration of the occupants as they looked from their commanding altitude upon this delightful scenery was extreme. Many adjectives are used in describing the scenery and experiences connected with this notable voyage, but language is far too feeble to do the subject full justice.
The Doctor pointed out the various islands, lakeports, etc., with all of which he was perfectly familiar. The wind became more westerly, and they passed into Ohio away to the east of Cleveland.
"I would have been glad to have stopped a little while at Cleveland," said Dr. Jones, "but we must hasten on while the wind is favorable."
"Is it absolutely necessary that we take Silver Cloud to Washington?" asked Denison. "Suppose the winds should be contrary for a considerable time, could we not anchor, and Professor Gray, the ladies, and yourself take the train for the Capital?"
"Yes, and we will do that if necessary. But I much prefer that we sail there together. It would then look as if we could come and go as we liked, and give some degree of color to my theory, that we can find any current we wish by hunting for it."
"That is all right in America, but doesn't hold good in Russia, Doctor," said Will, laughingly.
"Never mind, sonny," good-humoredly replied the Doctor. "All rules have their exceptions, and we happened to strike a full-grown, lusty one that time. But I shall always be thankful that my rule failed for once. I think more of the seed I sowed there than I do of our planting the flagstaff at the North Pole."
The wind continued very brisk, a little north of west, and the ship was heading considerably north of Washington.
"We are pointing straight as a gun barrel for New York City," said Will, who was consulting a map.