He had been struck below the belt by a good-natured giant.

The best he could do, as Bacon shuffled calmly out, was to stammer: "Will some one please sing ?" And while they sang, he stood in deep thought.

Just as the last verse was quivering into silence, the full, deep tones of Radbourn's voice rose above the bustle of feet and clatter of seats: "And all _that_ he preaches in the name of Him who came bringing peace and good-will to men." Radbourn's tone had in it reproach and a noble suggestion.

The people looked at him curiously.

The deacons nodded their heads together in counsel, and when they turned to the desk Pill was gone! "Gee whittaker! That was tough," said Milton to Radbourn; "knocked the wind out o' him like a cannon-ball.