“No; but 'twas foolish of your father to write that letter saying you had paid his Kentucky debts.” “I was sorry when I saw it. I know they'll say I got him to write the letter. But it's only another incident.” “It's true, then? You did pay the money?” “Yes; I was glad to.” “But it was folly. What had you to do with your father's debts? Every house to-day should stand on its own foundation.” “I don't agree with you; but in this case there was no question of that sort. My father very generously impoverished himself to send me to Europe and keep me there for six years. I owed him the five thousand dollars, and was only too glad to be able to repay him. You'd have done the same.” “Would I, indeed! Five thousand dollars! I'm not so sure of that.” The father's irritation conquered certain grateful memories of his younger days, and the admiration which, in his heart, he felt for the Professor's action, only increased his annoyance. “It must have nearly cleaned you out?” “Very nearly.” “Well, of course it's your affair, not mine; but I think you foolish. You paid them in full, I suppose? Whew! “Do you see that the 'Herald' calls upon the University authorities to take action upon your lecture? 'The teaching of Christian youth by an Atheist must be stopped,' and so forth.” “Yes; but they can do nothing. I'm not responsible to them for my religious opinions.” “You're mistaken. A vote of the Faculty can discharge you.” “Impossible! On what grounds?” “On the ground of immorality. They've got the power in that case. It's a loose word, but effective.” “I'd have a cause of action against them.” “Which you'd be sure to lose. Eleven out of every twelve jurymen in this state would mulct an Agnostic rather than give him damages.” “Ah! that's the meaning, then, I suppose, of this notice I've just got from the secretary to attend a special Faculty meeting on Monday fortnight.” “Let me see it. Why, here it is! The object of the meeting is 'To consider the anti-Christian utterances of Professor Roberts, and to take action thereon.' That's the challenge. Didn't you read it?” “No; as soon as I opened it and saw the printed form, I took it for the usual notification, and put it aside to think of this election work. But it would seem as if the Faculty intended to out-herald the 'Herald.'” “They are simply allowed to act first in order that the 'Herald,' a day later, may applaud them. It's all worked by Gulmore, and I tell you again, he's dangerous.” “He may be; but I won't change for abuse, nor yet to keep my post. Let him do his worst. I've not attacked him hitherto for certain reasons of my own, nor do I mean to now. But he can't frighten me; he'll find that out.” “Well, we'll see. But, at any rate, it was my duty to warn you. It would be different if I were rich, but, as it is, I can only give May a little, and--”