m restive. A
little guidance--that is all--merely guidance!"

Mr. Podgers was the only hesitant one. He was very large and rubicund,
with a resonant voice and a gusty dominant manner. He was extremely rich
and entirely self made, with the process still somewhat incomplete. Most
of his life had been devoted to the single-handed task of besting his
fellow men, and, until success, with its automobiles and ten servants
and social responsibilities, had arrived, matters theological had been
of absolute unimportance. Now, however, he was quite the most orthodox
member of the vestry, which, to be sure, was very desirable in one whose
contributions were so large. There was really nothing illogical or
surprising in the fact that faith and a set of ancestors came to Mr.
Podgers simultaneously with his distinction as a manufacturer of
therapeutic alcohol.

"I am not at all in favour," he said with profound conviction, "of
permitting even slightly lax doctrine to gain currency. The faith must
be kept pure. The Church must be preserved. Otherwise ..." Mr. Podgers
did not deign to indicate what shocking things might eventuate. That the
others shared his apprehension was evident from their knitted brows and
shaking heads.

But Mr. Podgers, having expressed his opinion and made clear his
unimpeachable conservatism, was anxious to get back to business, where
conservatism, a little of which, after all, went a very long way, was
not so necessary. So he rose.

"I think Mr. Imrie can be informed that his resignation will not be
accepted."

"Undoubtedly," echoed Mr. Campbell, who was Mr. Podgers' legal adviser,
though he took more advice than he gave. "I think no one questions
that." He surveyed the others as if daring anyone to question it. No one
did.

"I will talk to him again," said Judge Wolcott. "Like a father," he
added benevolently.

The other gentlemen accepted his suggestion with alacrity. Aside from a
reluctance at wasting valuable time in such a comparatively unimportant
matter, there was a natural distaste for the possibility of
unpleasantness. It was quickly decided, therefore, that the Judge should
be the vestry's vehicle of "guidance."

Filled with confidence and the best of intentions, he visited the
clergyman without delay. Remembering his former discomfiture, he began
very tactfully. Imrie listened quietly while he dilated upon the
generosity and tolerance of the vestry ... and then, instead of being
grateful an