"So, you're going to turn preacher, John? You'll find me a hard subject.A short life and a merry one is what I am going in for. I've no turn forChristianity."

"It pays, Rege."

"Don't believe it. How can life be worth living when you're drivellingpsalm tunes all day long?"

John laughed, and there was a quite new note of gladness inside his voice whichReginald was quick to notice. "I always haven't begun to drivel yet, Rege; andlife counts for a good deal more when a man has an object than when heis living just to please himself."

"And who should a man please but himself, I should like to know?"

"Jesus Christ."

* * * * *

"Upon my word!" said Reginald some weeks later, as he came upon Haroldsitting astride a cobbler's bench busily mending a pair of shoes, whileNan looked on admiringly. "Do you learn a new trade every week?"

Harold laughed quietly. "I took up this one because there are so manyrepairs always needed on the harness, and your father skinnyks all talentshould be utilized."