“Oh! go ahead,” said Mr. Wheaton.  “Tell him we’ll pay him $1,500 and a parsonage.  The church will back you, Mr. Laicus.”

“And if the church don’t,” said I, “will you pay the deficit?”

Mr. Wheaton shook his head, very decidedly.  I was equally decided that without a responsible backer I would not “go ahead.”  So on my demand a meeting of the Board of Trustees was called.  The Supply Committee met with them.  James Wheaton, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, was in the chair.

On behalf of the Supply Committee I stated the object for which the Board was convened.  The church had hitherto paid $1,200 salary.  It was quite inadequate.  No one doubted that.  It was unreasonable to expect that Maurice Mapleson would come for less than we had offered Mr. Uncannon-$1,500 a year and a parsonage.  But in the call, by a strange omission, the church had neglected to mention any salary.  The Committee wished to write Mr. Mapleson on the subject.  Would the Board sustain us in pledging the church to $1,500 and the parsonage?

Upon this there was an informal expression of opinion all round the Board.  Mr. Wheaton led the way.  He had no doubt on the subject.  We must have a minister, a good minister, a live, wide-awake, practical man.  Such men were in demand.  If one could not be got for $1,200, we must pay $1,500.  That was the way in which he managed railroads; and business was business, whether in church or railroad.  Not pretending to be a saint, he naturally took a worldly view of the matter; but he at least tried to conduct worldly matters on equitable principles.  It was certainly true that the laborer was worthy of his hire.

So, in substance, said James Wheaton, Esq., Chairman Board of Trustees, etc., etc.; and so, in substance, said they all.  Even Mr. Hardcap acquiesced, though with a mild protest against modern extravagance.

“Well, gentlemen,” said Mr. Wheaton, “this is just what I expected; yes, let me say, just what I was sure of.  In fact, I told Mr. Laicus he might depend on having $1,500 a year; but he was not satisfied with my assurance-he wanted yours.  I hope he is satisfied.”

“Excuse me,” said I, “if I seem unreasonable, but I am not satisfied; and I should certainly have been so with Mr. Wheaton’s assurance.  I never doubted that he was good for $1,500 a year.  But, in dealing with a church board, to be frank, I want to know where the money is coming from.  Pray, Mr. Treasurer, what was our income last year?”

The Treasurer murmured something about not having his accounts.

“In round numbers,” said I.

“Between fourteen and fifteen hundred dollars.”

“And our expenses?”

“Not far from eighteen hundred dollars.”

“And, pray, how,” continued I, “was the deficit made up?”

A part, it appears, was made up by a special subscription, and a part is still due as floating debt, and part went in to increase the mortgage.  Perhaps I would remember the meeting in the fall at Mr. Wheaton’s house.