"It was an encouragement of idolatry, was it not, Mr.Courtland ?" "Scarcely," said he.

"On the contrary, it was an honest attempt to lead them from their idols to something higher and better." "You are something higher and better," suggested Ella.
"Quite so; I am a little lower than the angels, but a good deal higher than the awful image which they worshiped before I turned up," said he.
"The whole tribe admitted in the most honorable manner that I was by far the best god they had ever had; they had not an unlucky day so long as they worshiped me, and I retained my Winchester and a full supply of cartridges." "The testimony was flattering," said Ella.

"But still Phyllis is shocked." "I am," said Phyllis.

"I believe in God.

Mr.Courtland believes in a Principle." "Anyhow, I led some thousands of savages from idolatry and cannibalism to something higher, and that's a better record than most gods of my acquaintance can show.