Because--well, because there's likely to be others that I shan't like at all." On Friday evening the minister conducted his first prayer meeting.
Before it, and afterwards, he heard a good deal concerning the Come-Outers.

He learned that Captain Eben Hammond had preached against him in the chapel on Sunday.

Most of his own parishioners seemed to think it a good joke.
"Stir 'em up, Mr.Ellery," counseled Lavinia Pepper.

"Stir 'em up! Don't be afraid to answer em from the pulpit and set 'em where they belong.
Ignorant, bigoted things!" Others gave similar counsel.

The result was that the young man became still more interested in these people who seemed to hate him and all he stood for so profoundly.