“It is necessary that you should remember your place. It is certainly not becoming for you, a mere boy, and filling a subordinate position, to come to me with gossip concerning the vestry of my church.”
“A subordinate position!” echoed Samuel dazed. “But what has my position to do with it?”
“It has a great deal to do with it, Samuel.”
The boy was staring at him. “You don't understand me!” he cried. “I am not doing this for myself! I am not setting myself up! I am thinking of the saving of the church!”
“What do you mean—saving the church?”
“Why, doctor—just see! I went to reform a man; and he sneered at me. He would not have anything to do with the church, because such wicked men as Mr. Hickman were in it. He said it was their money that saved them from exposure—he said—”
“What has Mr. Hickman done?” demanded the other quickly.
“He bribed the city council, sir! He bribed it to beat the water bill.”
Dr. Vince got up from his chair and began to pace the floor nervously. “Tell me, doctor!” cried Samuel. “Please tell me! Surely you didn't know that!”
The other turned to him suddenly. “I don't think you quite realize the circumstances,” said he. “You come to me with this tale about Mr. Hickman. Do you know that he is my brother-in-law?”