"
There was a pause. "I see perfectly," said Samuel, in a low voice.
"There's only one thing I can't understand."
"What is that?"
"Why you should belong to the church, sir? What has this money
scramble to do with the teaching of Jesus?"
And then Samuel saw that he had overstepped the mark. "Really, young
man," said Mr. Wygant, "I cannot see what is to be gained by pursuing
this conversation."
"But, sir, you are degrading the church!"
"The subject must be dropped!" said Mr. Wygant sternly. "You are
presuming upon my good nature. You are forgetting your place."
"I have been reminded of my place before," said Samuel, in a
suppressed voice. "But I do not know what my place is."
"That is quite evident," responded the other. "It is your place to do
your work, and be respectful to your superiors, and keep your opinions
to yourself."
"I see that you will get angry with me," said the boy, "I can't make
you understand--I am only trying to find the truth. I want to do
what's right, Mr. Wygant!"
"I suppose you do," began the other--
"I want to understand, sir--just what is it that makes another person
my superior?"
"People who are older than you, and who are wiser--"
"But is it age and wisdom, Mr. Wygant? I worked for Master Albert
Lockman, and he's hardly any older than I. And yet he was my
superior!"
"Yes," admitted the other--
"And in spite of the wicked life that he's leading, sir!"
"What!"
"Yes, Mr.
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