it meant many things, but chiefly it was
prophetic of that which would soon put an end to the detachment and
loneliness of the scattered communities to which he ministered.
Holding the thing thus, his heart went out to Clark, and he yearned
with a great longing over the spirit of this man who so reveled in the
joy of creation. His eyes wandered to the Evangeline. She lay at
anchor just off shore. A thin film of smoke slid from her funnel, and
he could see the Indian pilot swabbing down her smooth teak decks.
Then, in sudden impulse, he smiled and, laying the rail section on top
of a half finished sermon, wrote a short note, and, calling his man
servant, instructed him to wait for an answer.

A little later the note reached Clark in his office, where he sat
motionless under the sway of a slight reaction. At the moment he did
not want to work. He was continuously conscious of ribbons of red hot
rails that streamed like fluted snakes from under the gigantic rolls,
and they seemed to be boring their way into his brain. He had shipped
thousands of tons to the railway company and there were thousands more
to go. In a week or so he would get a formal acceptance of his
product, and then-- He stretched himself a little wearily and pressed
his eyes till a red and compelling blur brought its transient solace.
And just then his secretary came in with the bishop's note.

Dear Mr. Clark:

I am off this afternoon for a five day cruise of visits amongst the
islands of Lake Huron. Won't you come with me? I know it would be
good for me and think it might give you what I'm sure is a much needed
rest. My Mercury, I mean the hired man, awaits your answer.

Yours faithfully,
JAMES, ALGOMA.

P. S. I never attempt to proselytize my guests.

For a moment he puzzled over the signature, and finally made out that
it was the bishop's Christian name followed by that of his diocese, for
this was the first letter he had received from the prelate. Then he
felt a sudden throb of impulse. He had a natural liking for the bishop
and this, with his insatiable appetite for new experiences, prompted an
acceptance. He touched the bell, and his secretary reappeared.

"I am going away for five days," he paused, adding with a smile--"on
missionary work. I haven't any idea where we are going and don't want
to be disturbed. I'll be back before we receive the results of the
United Railway Company's tests. That's all."

It was mid-a