oney in
horse-dealing, it appeared, and was not satisfied with his present
prosperous condition, but longed to make more money; probably, too, he
was tired of idling, after a rather strenuous life spent in business.

Christian was willing to part with the little fellow for a time, but
only on condition that he should go to a Catholic institution, of which
Val had told her previously. The idea infuriated Gowan. What did
religion matter? Protestant institutions of the kind were far in
advance of Catholic. It was ridiculous to think of sending the boy
anywhere except to a place thoroughly up-to-date. Finally he had
refused to do anything in the matter unless he had free scope to place
the child where he should think best.

The poor woman's eyes were opened at last. She was absolutely
determined that Jeemsie should be given up to no authority that was
incapable of teaching him all that was necessary for the practice of
his religion. She had come to pour out her difficulties to Val, and to
ask further advice. He, of course, applauded her decision, and
strengthened her in the resolution she had made, even though it might
lead to a temporary withdrawal of Gowan's liberality. Val was
convinced that the man was too much attached to the children to break
altogether with the Logans.

Gowan had expressed his intention of going up to settle definitely with
Christian about the matter of Jeemsie, and she was most anxious for Val
to be present. To this he had at once consented; for he felt it a
foremost duty to protect the faith of the little lad. So next morning
the interview would come off.

"It was a stormy conference!" was Val's first remark, when we met for
lunch next day. "But we've won the victory for the little chap's
faith, though it has cost us Gowan's further patronage!"

The man had refused to be persuaded to allow the priest to choose some
institution to which Jeemsie might safely be sent--merely because it
was a priest who wished to have a voice in the matter, Val was inclined
to think; for the Protestant Home which Gowan favored was in no way
superior. They discussed the question in all its bearings, and
eventually Gowan lost his temper and showed his hand. He meant to
bring up all the children Protestants! He had learned by experience
what a hindrance it was to have to submit in everything to the
dictation of priests, and he was determined to have no more of it!

It was at that stage that Christian