t's well," said Jess, with a twinkle in his eye, "the model o'
all Christianity sot the example, 'cordin' to Scriptur', an' ye might do
good by follerin' it."

But the worthy leader of that flock who had thus deserted him failed to
see the humor of the situation and sadly shook his head. He remained in
the sanctuary and Jess joined the fishermen.

It was such a peculiar, sympathetic, and broad understanding of these
fisher-folk's carnal as well as spiritual needs that made Jess the
oracle and leader of the island.

"Thar wa'n't no need o' gettin' fussy over it," he said later to the
good dominie, with a laugh, "religion's good 'nuff when mack'rel's
fetchin only a dollar a kit; but when three's offered 'n' scace at that,
prayers hain't got their usual grip. And ye oughtn't ter 'spect it,
parson. The way to reach 'em's to be one with 'em and sorter feel thar
needs, and make em feel they're yer own. If ye'd gone with 'em that day
and helped 'em make a haul, an' then invited 'em to join ye in a prayer
o' thankfulness, thar want one but 'ud a-kneeled down at yer bidding
and said 'Amen.'"

And that was Jess Hutton and partially the secret of his supremacy on
Rockhaven.

Another point--he had always believed and practised the sterling rule of
"paying scot and lot as you go." While Jess forgot injuries, he always
remembered favors. If an unwashed, uncombed, and even unnamed child
brought him but a sea-shell, Jess never failed to reward the act. And so
on, upward, to each and all he returned all favors, paid all debts, and
rewarded all kindnesses. And how they trusted him! A fisher lad, saving
up for a new suit of clothes or a boat of his own, would, before
starting on a trip, leave his money with Jess for safe keeping. The
owner of a smack or schooner, ready for another cruise, would ask Jess
to take charge of the quintals and kits of fish just landed, sell them
to best advantage, and hold the proceeds till he returned, or longer.
Not only was Jess selling agent for most of them, but the safe in his
store was a bank of deposit for them also. What he did not keep to
supply their needs, they told him to get without bargaining, sure it
would be what they wanted, and at right, or lowest price.

And this trust was mutual.

"If I ain't here, help yourselves," while not a sign over his door, was
understood by all to be the rule; and every one in the island, from a
child wanting a stick of candy to the skipper needing a dozen s