The church at which Deacon Quickset worshipped was not large, nor was it ever well filled when prayer and experience were the only attractions.

When Sam Kimper entered, however, the place seemed so immense and the throng so great that nothing but the bulk of the deacon, which had been prudently placed in the rear of the new convert, kept him from turning about and escaping into the darkness.

Even when placed in a seat the outer end of which was occupied by the deacon, the frightened man cast his eyes appealingly towards his keeper,--for such was the relation he felt the deacon bore towards him.

Finally he slipped slowly along the seat and whispered,-- "Deacon, I can't speak; I can't think of a word to say.

It's a shame to have a fellow like me talkin' to good church-members about what they know more about than him." "You'll have to acknowledge Him before men, Samuel, if you expect Him to acknowledge you." "Well, I hain't any objections to ownin' up to ev'rybody I know.