the spaces between dwellings, to the low-caste quarter. Here
were people of the bottom stratum of Indian life, yet it was a Christian
community in the making. The little school was in session--a group of
fifteen or twenty boys and girls with their teacher. It was all very
crude, but the children read their lessons for the visitor, and did sums
on the board, and sang a hymn which the pastor had composed, and recited
the Lord's Prayer and the Twenty-third psalm.

"These," said the pastor, "are the children of a people which for a
thousand years has not known how to read or write. Yet see how they
learn."

"Yes," the superintendent agreed, "but that isn't the best of it, as you
know. They are untouchables now, but even caste, which is stronger than
death, yields to education. Once these boys and girls have an education
they cannot be ignored or kept down. They will find a place in the
social order."

"I can see that," J.W. said, thinking of Abraham. "But education is not
a missionary monopoly, is it? If these children were educated by Hindus,
would not the resulting rise in their condition come just the same?"

"It would, perhaps," the missionary answered, "but your 'if' is too big.
For the low caste and the out-caste people there is no education unless
it is Christian education. We have a monopoly, though not of our
choosing. The educated Hindu will not do this work under any
circumstances. It has been tried, with all the prestige of the
government, which is no small matter in India, and nothing comes of it.
Not long ago the government proposed a wonderful scheme for the
education of the 'depressed classes.' The money was provided, and the
equipment as well. There were plenty of Hindus, that is, non-Christians,
who were indebted to the government for their education. They were
invited to take positions in the new schools. But no; not for any money
or any other inducement would these teachers go near. And there you are.
I know of no way out for the great masses of India except as the gospel
opens the door."

"Is there no attempt of any sort on the part of Indians who are not
Christians? Surely, some of them are enlightened enough to see the need,
and to rise above caste." J.W. suspected he was asking a question
which had but one answer.

"Yes, there is such an effort occasionally," the superintendent
admitted. "The Arya Samaj movement makes an attempt once in a while, but
it always fails. If a few are bold enough t