l to fence, Judge. Let's be frank with each
other."

"But I am frank," cried the older man.

"Not entirely. You're trying to reprimand me without seeming to do it."

"Not at all. I'm merely--ah--advising you."

"I see. And if I don't choose to heed the--ah--advice ... what then?"

The judge lifted his finely manicured fingers and shrugged his
shoulders. "You're not a boy, Arnold. You have eyes--and ears."

Imrie laughed again, but not pleasantly.

"Is this official?"

"I don't understand."

"I mean, are you talking to me as a friend--or as a vestryman?"

"My dear boy, the vestrymen are your friends."

"Please don't quibble. There's the same dual personality in you that
there is in me talking among friends and preaching in this pulpit.
Aren't you preparing me now--as a friend--for what you might have to
say--as a vestryman?"

"If you insist--yes," the Judge admitted, rather testily. It nettled him
to be put on the defensive, his subtleness openly contemned.

"In other words," Imrie rose from his chair and walked over to the
window, where he paused for a moment. "In other words, you bear
unofficial orders."

"Not orders."

"Advice then--advice for me to preach what the people want--and let what
they need go hang?"

"Arnold--my dear boy," cried the Judge pacifically, following him to the
window. But Imrie edged away.

"As the Spanish poet put it, 'Since the public pay 'tis just, methinks,
we by their compass steer, and write the nonsense that they love to
hear';" he murmured gently.

"Really, I--" the Judge was at a loss for words. He had anticipated no
such reception as this.

Imrie's voice changed and his lips narrowed.

"You may tell the--er--powerful laymen--Judge Wolcott, that I take my
orders in these matters from my conscience, not from them."

The older man stared at him in amazement.

"Are you crazy?" he demanded, and a light flickered in his own eyes.

"Obviously," said Imrie shortly.

"Do you realise what this means?"

"Perfectly."

"Are you prepared to abide by the consequences?" That the Judge was
thoroughly aroused was plain. He did not like to have subordinates treat
him in such fashion, and any notion that Imrie was not a subordinate was
of course only a polite fiction. It was incredible that this young fool
should think it anything else.

"My resignation will be in your hands this afternoon," said Imrie
quietly.

"Come, Arnold my lad," cried the Judge, honestly dismaye