"I hope—in fact, I firmly believe—that Providence will aid us," he continued.
"I hope so, too," said I. "But wouldn't it be advisable to have a policeman, too?"
"By no means! Certainly not!" he returned, with considerable excitement. "All we want is a band of saints, of justified souls, of men fitted for the martyr's crown."
"Oh, that's all, is it, Sir? Well, shall we get into the cars? There they are."
The train was full, and our party had to scatter, but Mr. Riley and I got seats together.
"I have not seen you at our meetings, Sir," he continued. "Allow me to ask, are you a believer in Dispensationism?"
"Not so strong as I might be. However, I have been absent from
Troubleton for three months, and only returned yesterday."
"Ah! you have lost precious opportunities. You must lose no more. Life is short."
"And uncertain," I added. "Especially in railroad travelling."
"My dear Sir, I hope this road is prudently conducted," he said, with a look of some little anxiety.