stness and
sincerity, made irresistible appeal to all but those who for personal
reasons were opposed to him.

"You see," he continued, in a tone of voice deliberative and quite
detached, "there are a number of things to think about. Those arrears,
for instance, are hardly my fault--at least, not altogether. I was
looking over the treasurer's books the other day, and I was surprised
to find how many had apparently quite forgotten to pay their church
subscription. It is no doubt just an oversight. For instance," he added,
in the confidential tone of one imparting interesting and valuable
information, "you will be surprised to learn, Mr. Duff, that you are
twenty-five dollars behind in your payments."

At this Neil Fraser threw back his head with a loud laugh. "Touche!" he
said, in a joyous undertone.

The minister looked at him in surprise, and went on, "And while Mr.
Innes and Miss Quigg are both paid up in full, Mr. Hayes has apparently
neglected to pay his last quarter."

"Hit him again," murmured Harry Hobbs, while Mr. Hayes rose in virtuous
indignation.

"I protest, Mr. Chairman!" he cried, "against these personalities."

"Oh, you quite mistake me, Mr. Hayes," said the preacher, "these are not
personalities. I am simply showing how easy it is for arrears to arise,
and that it may not be my fault at all. Of course, it may be right for
me to resign. I don't know about that yet, but I want to be very sure.
It would be easier to resign, but I don't want to be a quitter."

"I move we adjourn," said Neil Fraser.

"I second the motion," said Stewart Duff. The motion was carried, and
the meeting adjourned.

At the door the minister stood shaking hands with all as they passed
out, making no distinction in the heartiness with which he greeted all
his parishioners. To Miss Quigg, however, he said, "Thank you. You were
splendidly plucky."

"Nonsense!" cried the little lady, the colour flaming in her faded
cheeks. "But," she added hastily, "you did that beautifully, and he
deserved it, the little beast!"

"Solar plexus!" said Neil Fraser, who was immediately behind Miss Quigg.

The minister glanced from one to the other in perplexity, as they passed
out of the door.

"But, you know, I was only--"

"Oh, yes, we know," cried Miss Quigg. "But if those men would only take
hold! Oh, those men!" She turned upon Neil Fraser and shook her head at
him violently.

"I know, Miss Quigg. We are a hopeless and helpless lot