He tried to look more resolute, and forced his lips into a smile.
"Brother Gorringe allus acts as Seckertary," said Erastus Winch, beaming broadly upon the minister, as if the mere mention of the fact promoted jollity.

"That's it, Brother Gorringe,--take your seat at Brother Ware's desk.

Mind the Dominie's pen don't play tricks on you, an' start off writin' out sermons instid of figgers." The humorist turned to Theron as the lawyer walked over to the desk at the window.

"I allus have to caution him about that," he remarked with great joviality.

"An' do YOU look out afterwards, Brother Ware, or else you'll catch that pen o' yours scribblin' lawyer's lingo in place o' the Word." Theron felt bound to exhibit a grin in acknowledgment of this pleasantry.