He talked just as if he was a good brother of mine, an' he left me feelin' that if I wasn't good I was a brother of his anyhow.

That's more than I can say most other folks in this town ever did, deacon." The deacon was so horrified at this unexpected turn of the conversation that for a little while he entirely forgot the purpose for which he had come.

But he was recalled to his senses by the entrance of Reynolds Bartram.

His eyes met the lawyer's, and at once the deacon looked defiant.

Then he pulled himself together, and, with a mighty effort, remarked,-- "Sam, some folks say I am down on you, and that I don't sympathize with you.