y sometimes
indulge themselves, for he bit off his words in a way that was
calculated to make any but an unusually meek and saintly man exceedingly
uncomfortable. But the minister, with the fine, high humility of those
whose passion is for great or true things, was quite oblivious to the
harsh words. Borne along by an irresistible enthusiasm, he told in
glowing terms what his plan would mean to the community, how the
people needed a new social and civic spirit--a "neighbourhood religious
feeling" he called it. And as he talked his face flushed, and his eyes
shone with the pure fire of a great purpose. But I could see that all
this enthusiasm impressed the practical Mr. Nash as mere moonshine.
He grew more and more uneasy. Finally he brought his hand down with a
resounding thwack upon his knee, and said in a high, cutting voice:

"I don't believe in any such newfangled nonsense. It ain't none of a
parson's business what the community does. You're hired, ain't you, an'
paid to run the church? That's the end of it. We ain't goin' to have any
mixin' of religion an' farmin' in THIS neighbourhood."

My eyes were on the pale man of God. I felt as though a human soul were
being weighed in the balance. What would he do now? What was he worth
REALLY as a man as well as a minister?

He paused a moment with downcast eyes. I saw little Mrs. Minister glance
at him--once--wistfully. He rose from his place, drew himself up to his
full height--I shall not soon forget the look on his face--and uttered
these amazing words:

"Martha, bring the ginger-jar."

Mrs. Minister, without a word, went to a little cupboard on the farther
side of the room and took down a brown earthenware jar, which she
brought over and placed on the table, Mr. Nash following her movements
with astonished eyes. No one spoke.

The minister took the jar in his hands as he might the communion-cup
just before saying the prayer of the sacrament.

"Mr. Nash," said he in a loud voice, "I've decided to hold that farmers'
meeting."

Before Mr. Nash could reply the minister seated himself and was pouring
out the contents of the jar upon the table--a clatter of dimes, nickels,
pennies, a few quarters and half dollars, and a very few bills.

"Martha, just how much money is there?"

"Twenty-four dollars and sixteen cents."

The minister put his hand into his pocket and, after counting out
certain coins, said:

"Here's one dollar and eighty-four cents more. That mak