g one or two seats close under
the platform. Punctually at the half-hour the party from the committee
room walked on to the platform, headed by the vicar; while at the same
moment Thomas Bradly, followed by James Barnes, emerged from a side door
near the platform, and the two friends placed themselves on two of the
vacant foremost chairs. The entrance of these two parties was greeted
by a roar of mingled cheers, laughter, and a few groans and hisses.

Mr Maltby advanced to the front of the platform, and there was
instantly silence. "Just one word, dear friends, before we commence our
meeting," he said. "I have such confidence in your manly English
honesty and common fairness, that I am persuaded that, whether you agree
with us or no, you will give myself and my friends a quiet and
uninterrupted hearing. We are come here to try and do some good. Bear
with us, then, and listen to us."

This short speech had the desired effect. There was indeed a grand
effort made to obstruct and disturb on the part of the drinking faction;
but it became apparent at once that the great bulk of the working-men
present--though most had come chiefly with a view to be amused--were not
at all disposed to allow the vicar and his friends to be hissed or
shouted down. The few straightforward words just spoken aroused their
better feelings, and the intended rioters felt that they must wait a
little before attempting any further demonstration.

Thankful for the success of his brief speech, Mr Maltby proceeded to
open the meeting with Scripture and prayer as usual. All were very
still; but as he rose from his knees his eyes fell upon a man who sat at
the extreme end of the front bench to his right. That man was William
Foster. Never had the vicar seen him before at any meeting where he
himself was present; and as he took his seat in the chair, he whispered
to his clerical friend, "Do you see that man at the extreme end of the
front bench? I am afraid his being here to-night bodes us no good, for
he is the leading infidel and mischief-maker in the place."--"Indeed!"
replied his friend; "well, let us hope the best. Perhaps the Lord will
give us a word even for him to-night. At any rate, we have a noble and
intelligent audience before us; and let us do our best for them, and
leave the issue in higher hands."--"Thank you," whispered the vicar; "I
feel ashamed of my want of faith. Doubtless all will be overruled for
good."

He then proc