he dual nature of Jesus. But when one reads His
life it is easy to believe in His divinity." After a moment the young
man added: "In one way we're all divine sons of God, aren't we?"

James was shocked. "Where do you get such notions? None of our people
were infidels."

"Am I one?"

"You ought to take advantage of this chance. It's not right to set your
opinion up against those that know better."

"And that's what I'm doing, isn't it?" Jeff smiled. "Can't help it. I
reckon I can't be saved by my emotions. It's going to be a life job."

James gave him up, but he sent another Senior to make a last attempt.
The young man was Thurston Thomas and he had never exchanged six
sentences with Jeff in his life. The unrepentant sinner sent him to the
right about sharply.

"What the devil do you mean by running about officiously and bothering
about other people's souls? Better look out for your own."

Thomas, a scion of one of the best families in Verden, looked as if he
had been slapped in the face.

"Why Farnum, I--I spoke for your good."

"No, you didn't," contradicted Jeff flatly. "You don't care a hang about
me. You've never noticed me before. We're not friends. You've always
disliked me. But you want the credit of bringing me into the fold. It's
damned impertinent of you."

The Senior retired with a white face. He was furious, but he thought it
due himself to turn the other cheek by saying nothing. He reported his
version to a circle of friends, and from them it spread like grass seed
in the wind. Soon it was generally known that Jeff Farnum had grossly
insulted with blasphemy a man who had tried to save his soul.

Two days later Miller met Jeff at the door of Frome 15.

"You're in bad! Jeff. What the deuce did you do to Sissy Thomas?"

"Gave him some good advice."

Miller grinned. "I'll bet you did. The little cad has been poisoning the
wells against you. Look there."

A young woman of their class had passed into the room. Her glance had
fallen upon Farnum and been quickly averted.

"That's the first time Bessie Vroom ever cut you," Sam continued
angrily. "Thomas is responsible. I've heard the story a dozen times
already."

"I only told him to mind his own business."

"He can't. He's a born meddler. Now he's queered you with the whole
place."

"Can't help it. I wasn't going to let him get away with his impudence.
Why should I?"

Miller shrugged. "Policy, my boy. Better take the advice of Cousin James