instructors. John
Egerton was sometimes tempted to wonder if Donald Neil was taking his
revenge by inciting his young relative to acts of rebellion. Then,
too, some of the parents grumbled because their children did not return
home in time to do "the chores." This gave the schoolmaster very
little trouble, however. He paid no attention to such base sentiments;
patriotism must be inculcated in the minds of young Canada, whether the
calves were fed or not.

But in spite of all discouragements the work progressed. There were
flag drills and motion songs, patriotic songs and public spirited
recitations and when the programme was finally completed Mr. Watson
heaved a sigh of content. There was to be only one speech, for Mr.
Egerton insisted that Mr. Ansdell be asked to say "a few words." They
quite forgot, however, that the superintendent of the Sabbath school
had always given the opening address and that Sim Basketful, though a
Methodist, had never missed contributing to the programme. For the
postmaster was undoubtedly the orator of Glenoro and had never before
seen a picnic bill between the Oa and the Flats without his name on it
in large type. Mr. Watson brushed away any doubts the minister had
regarding the innovation. "Was he going to be ruled by Splinterin'
Andra, or was he not?" he inquired, and John Egerton had responded that
he most decidedly was not, so the preparations went on unabated.

To Donald Neil the new arrangement was anything but pleasing. He never
seemed to be able to see Jessie any more. She was always trying over
some new songs with the minister or reading a book he had given her, or
in consultation with him over their preparations for the picnic.
Donald's opinion of his pastor was not improved by this. He was too
jealous to be quite impartial in his judgment and, therefore, did not
realise that his rival was more careless than culpable. Donald's
conception of a minister heretofore had been the Glenoro ideal,
heightened by Duncan Polite's teachings,--a holy man, set apart from
ordinary humanity for the Lord's special work. John Egerton was a
revelation to him. Was this the sort of man his uncle worshipped? he
asked himself. Was this the sort of man he was to emulate? He
concluded by deciding that if John Egerton was a good sample of the
ministry, then Donald McDonald would have nothing to do with the
profession.

Meanwhile, John Egerton went happily on his way, all unconscious th