was rescuing one from the water down at Long Wharf."

Douglas spoke slowly, and he watched to see the effect of his words.
But Dr. Rannage did not seem to notice the implied sarcasm, nor the
sharp contrast between theory and practice.

"So that is what you were doing, eh?" the latter questioned. "You seem
to enjoy being down there."

"I enjoy helping the unfortunate, and because I am not allowed to
continue the work, I have sent in my resignation."

"But you must remember that you have a duty to the parish as a whole,
and not to one portion of it only."

"Haven't I tried to do my duty? I have visited in season and out of
season, and worked like a dog for the two years I have been with you."

"But I have received complaints that you are unsociable, and that you
refuse all invitations to, ah, friendly gatherings and such like
affairs."

"You mean card-parties and afternoon teas, I suppose," Douglas sharply
replied. "If so, I plead guilty. Haven't I taken a keen interest in
the Boy Scouts, the Young Men's Club, the Sunday School, and dear knows
what? Any spare time I had I spent at the water-front in an effort to
follow my Master's example of putting my religion into practice. How
dare I waste my time sipping tea at this house and that, and talking
nice little nothings to the butterflies who gather there, when there is
so much to be done, and precious souls to be helped and saved?"

"But the butterflies, of whom you speak so contemptuously, need to be
helped as well."

"No one knows that better than I do," Douglas bitterly assented. "But
until they are willing to throw aside their vain pretensions of being
the salt of the earth and better than others, I am afraid little can be
done. They dislike me because I speak my mind too freely, and refuse
to waste my time at their senseless gatherings. They desire some one
who will flatter their vanity and condone their idleness."

"You are making serious charges, young man," Dr. Rannage severely
replied. His curate's words had hit him hard, and he winced, for he
knew how true they were. "If that is the feeling you entertain for
innocent amusements, it is just as well you should sever your
connection with this parish. When do you expect to leave?"

"At once."

"And where do you intend to go?"

"I have not the slightest idea. The future to me is a complete blank.
Something will turn up, I suppose. If not, I have two hands and a
strong body."

"Look he