“You been washed in the Blood?”
“Yes, brother, we been washed.”
“What is your church, brother.”
“It is called the Church of the True Word.”
There was a pause. “I dunno as I know that there message,” said Mr. Watkins.
“I am sorry,” said Dad. “I should like to explain it, but we’re not permitted to talk about our faith with strangers.”
“But brother!” Mr. Watkins was evidently bewildered by that. “We are told in the Book that ‘The Lord has called us for to preach the Gospel unto them;’ and also, ‘the Gospel must first be published among all nations.’ ”
“Brother,” said Dad, still with the utmost earnestness, “I understand that; but according to our faith, we get to know men in friendship, and talk about our religion later. We all have to respect the convictions of others.”
“Yes, brother,” said Mr. Watkins; and his voice sort of faded away, and you could see he did not know what to say next. He looked at the members of his family, as if seeking support from them; but they hadn’t yet said anything, except “Yes, Pap,” when he gave them an order.
So it was up to Dad to relieve the embarrassment. “We come here to look for quail,” he said. “I hear aplenty of ’em about.”