ive no regular salary," reiterated the evangelist.

"Do not quibble, sir," said the Rector sternly. "Do you receive any
financial support from any source whatever in your mission about the
country?"

"I receive--" began the evangelist.

"Do you or do you not?" thundered the Rector.

"I was about to say that my expenses are paid by my society."

"Thank you, no more need be said. These people can judge for
themselves."

"I am willing that they should judge, but I remind you that there is
another Judge."

"Yes, sir," replied the Rector with portentous solemnity, "there is,
before whom both you and I must stand."

"And now then," said the evangelist, taking up the Bible, "we may
proceed with our meeting."

"No, sir," replied the Rector, stepping upon the platform. "I will not
permit it."

"You have no right to--"

"I have every right to protect this community from heretical and
disingenuous, not to say dishonest, persons."

"You call me dishonest?"

"I said disingenuous."

The evangelist turned toward the audience. "I protest against this
intrusion upon this meeting. I appeal to the audience for British fair
play."

Murmurs were heard from the audience and subdued signs of approval. The
Rector glanced upon the people.

"Fair play," he cried, "you will get as will any man who appears
properly accredited and properly qualified to proclaim the Gospel, but
in the name of this Christian community, I will prevent the exploitation
of an unwary and trusting people."

"Liberty of speech!" called a voice from a dark corner.

"Liberty of speech," roared the Rector. "Who of you wants liberty of
speech? Let him stand forth."

There followed a strained and breathless silence. The champion of free
speech retreated behind his discretion.

"Ah, I thought so," said the Rector in grim contempt.

But even as he spoke a quiet voice invaded the tense silence like a bell
in a quiet night. It was Mrs. Gwynne, her slight girlish figure standing
quietly erect, her face glowing as with an inner light, her eyes resting
in calm fearlessness upon the Rector's heated countenance.

"Sir," she said, "my conscience will not permit me to sit in silence in
the presence of what I feel to be an infringement of the rights of free
people. I venture very humbly to protest against this injustice, and to
say that this gentleman has a right to be heard."

An even more intense silence fell upon the people. The Rector stood
speechless, g