me evidence to the contrary, to believe your
repentance to be genuine. In the meantime, we need a ship's chaplain.
If your conscience permits, you may have the post--combining it,
however, with the vocation of a common sailor before the mast. I am
inclined to agree with you that manual labor will do you good. Some
time or another, in her progress around the world, the Jasper B. will
undoubtedly touch at a coast within walking distance of Jerusalem.
There we will put you ashore. Before we sail you can put in your time
holystoning the deck.

"The deck of the Jasper B.," said Cleggett, looking at it, "to all
appearances, has not been holystoned for some years. You will find in
the forecastle several holystones that have never been used, and may
begin at once."

Cleggett, if his tastes had not inclined him towards a more active and
adventurous life, would have made a good bishop, for he knew how to
combine justice and mercy. And yet few bishops have possessed his
rapidity of decision, when compelled, upon the spur of the moment, to
become the physician of an ailing soul. He had determined in a flash to
make the man ship's chaplain, that Calthrop might come into close
contact with other spiritual organisms and not think too exclusively of
his own.

The Rev. Mr. Calthrop thanked him with becoming gratitude and departed
to get the new holystones.

By three o'clock that afternoon, with such celerity had the work gone
forward, Mr. Watkins, the contractor, announced to Cleggett that his
task was finished, except for the removal of the rubbish in the hold.
Cleggett, going carefully over the vessel, and examining the new parts
with a brochure on the construction and navigation of schooners in his
hand, verified the statement.

"She is ready to sail," said Cleggett, standing by the new wheel with a
swelling heart, and sweeping the vessel from bowsprit to rudder with a
gradual glance.

It was a look almost paternal in its pride; Cleggett loved the Jasper
B. She was an idea that no one else but Cleggett could have had.

"Sail?" said Mr. Watkins.

"Why not?" said Cleggett, puzzled at his tone.

"Oh, nothing," said Mr. Watkins. "It's none of my business. My
business was to do the work I was hired to do according to
specifications. Further than that, nothing."

"But why did you think I was having the work done?"

"Can't say I thought," said Mr. Watkins. "I took the job, and I done
it. Had an idea mebby you were