on of religion has
got them all twisted. I know Delafield is a long way from being
Christian, but the difference between Delafield and such a pitiful mud
village as I've seen lately has more to do with the sort of Christianity
each place has been taught than with anything else whatever. But I never
thought of that before."

As Pastor Drury read that letter his heart warmed within him. He said to
himself, "John Wesley, Jr., is 'beginning to see,' he says. Please God
he musn't stop now until he gets his eyes wide open. The thing is
working out. He's groping around for something, and some day he'll find
it."

CHAPTER VIII

CHRIST AND THE EAST

For a first trip the Southwestern expedition under Fred Finch's tutelage
had been something of an exploit. Finch's report to Peter McDougall was
more than verified by the order sheets, and the observant Peter, keeping
track of things during the succeeding weeks, noticed with quiet
satisfaction that not a single order Was canceled.

To himself he said, "The lad's a find, I'm thinking. From Finch's talk I
should say he has not only a natural knack of selling, but he sells for
keeps. And that's the idea, Peter. Anybody can sell if the buyer means
to call off the order by the next mail. This John Wesley boy may go far,
and I'll have to tell Albert Drury the next time I see him that he's
done the house of Cummings a real favor."

The months went by. J.W. kept his wits about him, and on the road he
stuck to his salesman's faith that goods are better sold by those who
know exactly how they may be used and that they are never sold until
they are bought. So he found favor in the sight of Peter McDougall. The
proof of that is easy. Peter gave him a week off before the end of his
first year.

Delafield looked better to the homecoming salesman than it had to the
boy coming back from college. And the town was glad to see him. He
meant something to not a few of its people, altogether outside the
interest of the Farwells--and Pastor Drury--and Jeannette!

Deep Creek was his first port of call, after his first half-day at home.
He had been welcomed with deep, quiet gladness by the home folks, and he
had talked a little over the telephone with the preacher. Then time was
a laggard until he could head the Farwell car toward Deep Creek and the
old farm.

Jeannette's welcome was all that even he could ask, though, of course,
just precisely what it was is none of our business. In the ca