es--enemies of Christ--who seek to destroy you. You are still
young. And the uncompromising experiment to which you are pledged,
of freeing your church, of placing her in the position of power and
influence in the community which is rightfully hers, is as yet untried.
And no stone will be left unturned to discourage and overcome you. You
have faith,--you have made me feel it as you sat here,--a faith which
will save you from bitterness in personal defeat. You may not reap the
victory, or even see it in your lifetime. But of this I am sure, that
you will be able to say, with Paul, 'I have planted, Apollos watered,
but God gave the increase.' Whatever happens, you may count upon my
confidence and support. I can only wish that I were younger, that my arm
were stronger, and that I had always perceived the truth as clearly as I
see it now."

Holder had risen involuntarily while these words were being spoken. They
were indeed a benediction, and the intensity of his feeling warned him
of the inadequacy of any reply. They were pronounced in sorrow, yet
in hope, and they brought home to him, sharply, the nobility of the
bishop's own sacrifice.

"And you, sir?" he asked.

"Ah," answered the bishop, "with this I shall have had my life. I am
content...."

"You will come to me again, Hodder? some other day," he said, after
an interval, "that we may talk over the new problems. They are
constructive, creative, and I am anxious to hear how you propose to
meet them. For one thing, to find a new basis for the support of such a
parish. I understand they have deprived you of your salary."

"I have enough to live on, for a year or so," replied the rector,
quickly. "Perhaps more."

"I'm afraid," said the bishop, with a smile in his old eyes, "that you
will need it, my friend. But who can say? You have strength, you have
confidence, and God is with you."

II

Life, as Hodder now grasped it, was a rapidly whirling wheel which gave
him no chance to catch up with the impressions and experiences through
which it was dragging him. Here, for instance, were two far-reaching
and momentous events, one crowding upon the other, and not an hour for
reflection, realization, or adjustment! He had, indeed, after his return
from the bishop's, snatched a few minutes to write Alison the unexpected
result of that interview. But even as he wrote and rang for a messenger
to carry the note to Park Street, he was conscious of an effort to seize
upon