CHAPTER XIX.

A TALK WITH THE MINISTER ABOUT MONEY.

"Cobbler" Horn knew his minister to be a man of strict integrity and
sound judgment; and it was with complete confidence that he sought Mr.
Durnford's advice with regard to those of his letters with which his
secretary and himself were unable satisfactorily to deal. The morning
after the removal to the new house, he hastened to the residence of the
minister with a bundle of such letters in his pocket. Mr. Durnford read
the letters carefully through, and gave him in each case suitable advice;
and then "Cobbler" Horn had a question to ask.

"Will you tell me, sir, why you have not yet asked me for anything towards
any of our own church funds?"

"Well," replied the minister, with a shrewd twinkle in his eye, "you see,
Mr. Horn, I thought I might safely leave the matter to your generosity and
good sense."

"Thank you, sir. Well, I am anxious that my own church should have its
full share of what I have to give. Will you, sir," he added diffidently,
"kindly tell me what funds there are, and how much I ought to give to
each."

As he spoke, he extracted from his pocket, with some difficulty, a bulky
cheque-book, and flattened it out on the table with almost reverent
fingers; for he had not yet come to regard the possession of a cheque-book
as a commonplace circumstance of his life.

"That's just like you, Mr. Horn," said the minister, with glistening eyes.

He was a straightforward man, and transparent as glass. He would not
manifest false delicacy, or make an insincere demur.

"There are plenty of ways for your money, with us, Mr. Horn," he added.
"But what is your wish? Shall I make a list of the various funds?"

Mr. Durnford drew his chair to his writing-table, as he spoke, and took
up his pen.

"If you please, sir," said "Cobbler" Horn.

No sooner said than done; and in a few moments the half-sheet of large
manuscript paper which the minister had placed before him was filled from
top to bottom with a list of the designations of various religious funds.

"Thank you, sir," said "Cobbler" Horn, glancing at the paper. "Will you,
now, kindly set down in order how much you think I ought to give in each
case."

With the very slightest hesitation, and in perfect silence, Mr. Durnford
undertook this second task; and, in a few minutes, having jotted down a
specific amount opposite to each of the lines in the list, he handed the