he had seen slipping out before the closing prayer. But the doctor
was nowhere to be seen, and in despair Shock went to Father Mike. He
found that gentleman in a state of enthusiastic excitement. "My dear
fellow, my dear fellow," he exclaimed, "that was great!"

"What?" said Shock simply.

"That sermon, man. I would give my hand to preach like that."

"Preach?" said Shock. "I didn't preach. Did you see the doctor?"

"Never mind the doctor," said Father Mike. "Come in, I want to talk
with you; come in."

"No, I must see the doctor."

"Well, then, wait; I will go with you."

Shock hesitated. "I think I would rather go alone, if you don't mind,"
he said.

"All right, old chap," said Father Mike, "I understand. The door's
always open and the kettle on."

"Thank you," said Shock. "You know how I appreciate that," and he went
out.

There was a light in Macfarren's office. Shock knocked at the door and
went in. He found the doctor and Macfarren seated by a table, upon
which were glasses and a bottle. The doctor was pale, nervous, shaking.

"Sit down, Mr. Macgregor," said Macfarren, with more cordiality than he
had ever shown to Shock before.

"I was just saying to the doctor that that was a fine discourse, a very
able discourse, Mr. Macgregor."

Shock made no reply, but stood looking at the doctor.

"I would like to say," continued Macfarren, "that I regret your leaving
us. I believe, on the whole, it is a mistake; we require preaching like
that." There was a touch of real earnestness in Macfarren's tone.

"Mr. Macfarren," said Shock, "I am sorry I have not been able to help
you. You need help, you need help badly. Jesus Christ can help you.
Goodnight." He took the doctor's arm and, helping him up, walked off
with him.

"What do you want?" said the doctor fiercely, when they were outside.

"Doctor, I want your help. I feel weak."

"Weak! Great Heavens above! YOU talk of weakness? Don't mock me!"

"It is true, doctor; come along."

"Where are you going?" said the doctor.

"I don't know," said Shock. "Let us go to your office."

The doctor's office was a cheerless room, dusty, disordered, and
comfortless. The doctor sat down in a chair, laid his head on the
table, and groaned. "It is no good, it is no good. I tried, I tried
honestly. I prayed, I even hoped for a time--this is all gone I broke
my word, I betrayed my trust even to the dead. All is lost!"

"Doctor," said Shock quietly, "I wish that you