g as the established jurisdiction will order
me to believe in it, for it is not for a private person but for a
judge to proclaim the innocence of a convicted person. Human justice
is venerable even in the errors inherent in its fallible and limited
nature. These errors are never irreparable; if the judges do not repair
them on earth, God will repair them in Heaven. Besides I have great
confidence in general Greatauk, who, though he certainly does not look
it, seems to me to be an abler man than all those who are attacking
him."

"Dearest Cornemuse," cried the pious Agaric, "the Pyrot affair, if
pushed to the point whither we can lead it by the help of God and the
necessary funds, will produce the greatest benefits. It will lay bare
the vices of this Anti-Christian Republic and will incline the Penguins
to restore the throne of the Draconides and the prerogatives of the
Church. But to do that it is necessary for the people to see the clergy
in the front rank of its defenders. Let us march against the enemies of
the army, against those who insult our heroes, and everybody will follow
us."

"Everybody will be too many," murmured the monk of Conils, shaking his
head. "I see that the Penguins want to quarrel. If we mix ourselves up
in their quarrel they will become reconciled at our expense and we shall
have to pay the cost of the war. That is why, if you are guided by me,
dear Agaric, you will not engage the Church in this adventure."

"You know my energy; you know my prudence. I will compromise nothing.
. . . Dear Cornemuse, I only want from you the funds necessary for us to
begin the campaign."

For a long time Cornemuse refused to bear the expenses of what he
thought was a fatal enterprise. Agaric was in turn pathetic and
terrible. At last, yielding to his prayers and threats, Cornemuse, with
banging head and swinging arms, went to the austere cell that concealed
his evangelical poverty. In the whitewashed wall under a branch of
blessed box, there was fixed a safe. He opened it, and with a sigh took
out a bundle of bills which, with hesitating hands, he gave to the pious
Agaric.

"Do not doubt it, dear Cornemuse," said the latter, thrusting the papers
into the pocket of his overcoat, "this Pyrot affair has been sent us by
God for the glory and exaltation of the Church of Penguinia."

"I pray that you may be right!" sighed the monk of Conils.

And, left alone in his laboratory, he gazed, through his exquisite eyes