“Well,” said I, “that is at least a new view of Scripture teaching.”

“I have no doubt it is the correct one,” said he.  “I don’t believe there is any fiction in the Bible at all.”

“Well,” said I, “when you get home you read Jotham’s story of the trees, in the Book of Judges; I think it’s about the ninth chapter.”

“I will,” said he; “but if it’s in the Bible I have no doubt it is true, no doubt whatever.”

But in spite of Mr. Hardcap, the Wheathedge library flourished; and next week our new quarters are to be dedicated to the cause of literature and temperance by a public meeting.  And I am assured by those that know, that Tom Poole’s business was never so poor as it has been since we started our opposition to his free reading-room.

Miss Moore asked Maurice Mapleson last week to suggest a subject for an illuminated motto to hang on the wall of the reading-room over the librarian’s desk.

“Overcome evil with good,” said he.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Maurice Mapleson Tries an Experiment.

Five or six weeks ago Maurice came to me in some excitement.  “Mr. Laicus,” said he, “is it true that ten of you gentlemen have to contribute thirty dollars a piece this year to make up my salary?”

“No,” said I.

“Why, John,” said Jennie.

“We didn’t have to do it,” I continued.  But in point of fact we do it.”

“I don’t like that,” said he soberly.  “If the church can’t pay me fifteen hundred dollars a year I do not want to receive it.  I thought the church was strong and well able to do all it professed to do.”

“My dear Mr. Mapleson,” said I, “you attend to the spiritual interests of the church and leave its finances to us.  If we cannot pay you all we have promised, we will come and beg off.  Till then you just take it for granted that it’s all right.”

Maurice shook his head.

“Why, my dear friend,” said I, “how much do you suppose I pay for pew rent?”

“I haven’t the least idea,” said he.

“Fifty dollars,” said I.  “That provides myself and wife and Harry with a pew in church twice on the Sabbath if we want it.  It pays for Harry’s Sabbath-school instruction and for your service as a pastor to me and to mine.  But we will make no account of that.  Fifty dollars a Sabbath is a dollar a week, fifty cents a service, twenty cents a head.  Harry half price, and the Sabbath-school, and the prayer-meetings, and the pastoral work thrown in.  It is cheaper than any lecturer would give it to us, and a great deal better quality too.  My pew rent isn’t what I pay for the support of the Gospel.  It is what I pay for my own spiritual bread and butter.  It won’t hurt me, nor Deacon Goodsole, nor Mr. Wheaton, nor Mr. Gowett, nor any one else on that list to contribute thirty dollars more for the cause of Christ and the good of the community.”