The wise man in the spectacles rises, having exchanged glances with Sister Slocum, and commences reading a very long, and in nowise lean report.  The anxious gentlemen draw up their chairs, and turn attentive ears.  For nearly an hour, he buzzes and bores the contents of this report into their ears, takes sundry sips of water, and informs those present, and the world in general, that nearly forty thousand dollars have recently been consumed for missionary labor.  The school at Corsica, the missions at Canton, Ningpo, Pu-kong, Cassaba, Abheokuta, and sundry other places, the names of which could not, by any possibility, aid the reader in discovering their location-all, were doing as well as could be expected, under the circumstances.  After many years labor, and a considerable expenditure of money, they were encouraged to go forward, inasmuch as the children of the school at Corsica were beginning to learn to read.  At Casaba, Droneyo, the native scholar, had, after many years’ teaching, been made conscious of the sin of idol-worship, and had given his solemn promise to relinquish it as soon as he could propitiate two favorite gods bequeathed to him by his great uncle.  The furnace of “Satanic cruelty” had been broken down at Dahomey.  Brother Smash had, after several years’ labor, and much expense-after having broken down his health, and the health of many others-penetrated the dark regions of Arabia, and there found the very seat of Satanic power.  It was firmly pegged to Paganism and Mahomedan darkness!  This news the world was expected to hail with consternation.  Not one word is lisped about that terrible devil holding his court of beggary and crime in the Points.  He had all his furnaces in full blast there; his victims were legion!  No Brother Spyke is found to venture in and drag him down.  The region of the Seven Churches offers inducements more congenial.  Round about them all is shady groves, gentle breezes, and rural habitations; in the Points the very air is thick with pestilence!

A pause follows the reading.  The wise man in the spectacles-his voice soft and persuasive, and his aspect meekness itself-would like to know if any one present be inclined to offer a remark.  General satisfaction prevails.  Brother Sharp moves, and Brother Phills seconds, that the report be accepted.  The report is accepted without a dissenting voice.  A second paper is handed him by Sister Slocum, whose countenance is seen to flash bright with smiles.  Then there follows the proclaiming of the fact of funds, to the amount of three thousand six hundred dollars, having been subscribed, and now ready to be appropriated to getting Brother Syngleton Spyke off to Antioch.  A din of satisfaction follows; every face is radiant with joy.  Sister Swiggs twitches her head, begins to finger her pocket, and finally readjusts her spectacles.  Having worked her countenance into a good staring condition, she sets her eyes fixedly upon Brother Spyke, who rises, saying he has a few words to offer.