In the small hours of the morning the flock break out afresh. Patsey is brought home helpless at 2 A.M., Michael has his head cut open at 3; Molly upsets the lamp, and sets the baby on fire at 4. In each and every case his reverence is brought down to give the last rites to the afflicted person, and in each and every case he finds that he might as well have gone on with his sleep. Dear Canon C. much loved, much plundered! Was it not told of him, how his flock took it in turns to trade on his loving credulity? In the early morning there would come a violent ring at the bell, and the Canon would stare out into wet darkness: “Who is there?” “It’s me, Mrs. O’Shaughnessy, God help me, yer Rivirence.” “What do you want?” “It’s me husband that’s had a shtroke, an’ he’s dyin’ this minute.” “Well, I can’t come, but here’s half-a-crown.” And so on _da capo_ till the purse was empty. Why do they stand it? The answer was given me, indirectly, by a contemplative priest: He: “There can be no doubt that for the working-man the Church of Rome is the best in the world.” I: “Why specially for the working-man?” He: “Because it enables him to lead whatever sort of life he prefers, and then at the last moment he can send for the priest, and put it all straight.” I: “Good Heavens, Canon! do you believe that?” He: “My dear man, if you believe the Bible, there can’t be the least doubt in the world about it.” This seems to account for the “conversation” (in the Scriptural sense) of several friends. It is hard that the privilege should seem to be confined to working-men. However, it becomes abundantly clear that even at 2 A.M. Patsey cannot be neglected: it may be for him the chance of a lifetime. Another and a most distracting part of their work is Finance. I believe I am correct in the following premises: Every mission in these parts has a debt on the buildings. No such debt can be incurred without leave from the bishop. The priest is bound to find the quarterly interest. No personal liability attaches to the priest: his successor inherits the debt. In favour of spending there is: (1) A congregation full of zeal; thriftless; firmly believing in Justification by Works. (2) Freedom from personal or family liability. (3) Accruing reputation for zeal. On the other side: The interest has to be found, and the congregations are poor, and heavily taxed for maintenance.