t? Who ever heard of St. Paul not being able to pay a butcher's
bill! No doubt St. Paul was a mighty general, and he but a poor
subaltern, but in the service there was no respect of persons. On the
other hand, who ever heard of St. Paul having any bills to pay!--or for
that matter, indeed, of his marrying a rich wife, and getting into
expensive habits through popularity! Who ever heard of his being
dependent on a congregation! He accepted help sometimes, but had always
his goats'-hair and his tent-making to fall back upon!--Only, after all,
was the Lord never a hard master? Had he not let it come to this?

Much more of the sort went through his mind in a flash. The country
woman had again drawn the attention of the butcher with a parting word.

"You don't want a chicken to-day--do you, Mr. Drake?" she said, as she
turned to go.

"No, thank you, Mrs. Thomson. How is your husband?"

"Better, I thank you sir. Good morning, sir."

"Mr. Jones," said the minister--and as he spoke, he stepped inside the
shop, removed his hat, and wiped his forehead, "I come to you with
shame. I have not money enough to pay your bill. Indeed I can not even
pay a portion of it till next quarter-day."

"Don't mention it, Mr. Drake, sir."

"But your bill on Monday, Mr. Jones!"

"Oh! never mind that. I shall do very well, I dare say. I have a many as
owes me a good deal more than you do, sir, and I'm much obliged to you
for letting of me know at once. You see, sir, if you hadn't--"

"Yes, I know: I asked for it! I am the sorrier I can't pay it after all.
It is quite disgraceful, but I simply can't help it."

"Disgraceful, sir!" exclaimed Mr. Jones, almost as if hurt: "I wish they
thought as you do as has ten times the reason, sir!"

"But I have a request to make," the pastor went on, heedless of the
butcher's remark, and pulling out a large and handsome gold watch:
"Would you oblige me by taking this watch in security until I do pay
you? It is worth a great deal more than your bill. It would add much to
the obligation, if you would put it out of sight somewhere, and say
nothing about it. If I should die before paying your bill, you will be
at liberty to sell it; and what is over, after deducting interest, you
will kindly hand to my daughter."

Mr. Jones stared with open mouth. He thought the minister had lost his
senses.

"What do you make of me, sir?" he said at last. "You go for to trust me
with a watch like that, and fancy I would