look at it, I'm not ashamed of it. A
very few words will tell you: I'm going out among men and spread the
gospel of mercy and forbearance, teach the lessons of peace, urge men to
forgive instead of fight--showing them that courts of law are more often
the devil's playground than the abode of real justice. I have worked
hard, I have read many books, I have stored information in my mind, I
have laid up money enough. You behold my armor--I have wrought at it
patiently for a long time."

"Expect to have 'em throw things at you?"

But the blacksmith, replying, gave no sign that he resented this brusque
humor.

"It is well known that it is hard to attract the attention of the world
from its own affairs. For instance, if I had stood in the yard to-day,
dressed as a plain man, thee would have passed on thy way--providing
father had been chopping up kindling-wood instead of a coffin. If I had
stopped thee and started to explain my views thee would have paid little
attention to me. Isn't that so?"

"It's so."

"Well, then, thee have my theory and know my plan and have noted how it
has worked," said Mr. Chick.

"I don't want to discourage you in a good thing, but how long do you
think a policeman would let you stand on a street corner?"

"I shall find places where I can deliver my message without offending."

"There's another point--a rather delicate point to consider, Brother
Chick. There are plenty of persons who are a bit dull when they are
examining a man's motives, but who think they are almighty smart in
detecting a man's mental failings; when somebody does anything they
wouldn't do they say he's crazy."

The blacksmith turned his serene face and smiled at Farr.

"I appeal to thy good judgment, sir. Would thee, after talking with me,
even if I do wear iron outside my wool garments, send me to an asylum?"

"No," acknowledged Farr, "I don't believe I would send you to an
asylum."

"Thank thee! I believe thee can speak quite generally for the average
man."

"But the armor scheme--it's a little risky, Friend Chick."

"But it has been the trade-mark of unselfishness ever since the days of
the Crusaders," declared Mr. Chick. "Why shouldn't its significance
be revived in these modern times? At any rate," he added, with Yankee
shrewdness, "it's necessary to give the world quite a jump these days
before it will stop, look, and listen."

"Some advertising concern will make you an offer that will pull you into
camp