Therefore, you, being a clergyman, should go and do likewise.

There are some ten thousand people here, but I do not observe that as yet you have converted a single one." Thus spoke Bickley in a light and unguarded moment with his usual object of what is known as "getting a rise" out of Bastin.

Little did he guess what he was doing.
Bastin thought a while ponderously, then said: "It is very strange from what peculiar sources Providence sometimes sends inspirations.

If wisdom flows from babes and sucklings, why should it not do so from the well of agnostics and mockers ?" "There is no reason which I can see," scoffed Bickley, "except that as a rule wells do not flow." "Your jest is ill-timed and I may add foolish," continued Bastin.

"What I was about to add was that you have given me an idea, as it was no doubt intended that you should do.