tice or the
suppression of great social wrongs. With them, as things now are, rests
the chief responsibility. They have the intelligence, the wealth and
the public confidence, and are fully equal to the task if they will put
their hands to the work. Let them but lift the standard and sound the
trumpet of reform, and the people will rally instantly at the call.
It must not be a mere spasmodic effort--a public meeting with wordy
resolutions and strong speeches only--but organized work based on true
principles of social order and the just rights of the people."

"You are very much in earnest about this matter," said Mr. Dinneford,
seeing how excited the missionary had grown.

"And so would you and every other good citizen become if, standing
face to face, as I do daily, with this awful debasement and crime and
suffering, you were able to comprehend something of its real character.
If I could get the influential citizens to whom I have referred to come
here and see for themselves, to look upon this pandemonium in their
midst and take in an adequate idea of its character, significance and
aggressive force, there would be some hope of making them see their
duty, of arousing them to action. But they stand aloof, busy with
personal and material interest, while thousands of men, women and
children are yearly destroyed, soul and body, through their indifference
to duty and ignorance of their fellows' suffering."

"It is easy to say such things," answered Mr. Dinneford, who felt the
remarks of Mr. Paulding as almost personal.

"Yes, it is easy to say them," returned the missionary, his voice
dropping to a lower key, "and it may be of little use to say them. I am
sometimes almost in despair, standing so nearly alone as I do with my
feet on the very brink of this devastating flood of evil, and getting
back only faint echoes to my calls for help. But when year after year
I see some sheaves coming in as the reward of my efforts and of the few
noble hearts that work with me, I thank God and take courage, and I lift
my voice and call more loudly for help, trusting that I may be heard by
some who, if they would only come up to the help of the Lord against the
mighty, would scatter his foes like chaff on the threshing-floor. But
I am holding you back from your purpose to visit the mayor; I think
you had better act promptly if you would get possession of the child.
I shall be interested in the result, and will take it as a favor if you