"I don't care erbout no pictures," said Jimmie. "He ain't no womany man. He built houses and barns and was a carpenter when He was here. He was born in a barn and slep' in a barn same's I do an' He didn't have no more home 'an I got. He jus' knows what I'm doin' an' what I need an' kin take care of me, 'cause He's been there." When they were in the midst of their argument the wagon stopped in front of Dave's barn. Dave's opinion on any subject was final in Bucktown. "Say, Dave, come here, will yer?" cried Jimmie. "Dese pikers are tryin' ter say that Jesus don't love 'em and can't save 'em and sech like and I want yer ter prove that I'm right. Don't Jesus love everybody?" "Yes, everybody," said Dave. "Ain't He got der power der save everybody?" "Yes, everybody," said Dave. "Cripples an' all?" asked Jimmie. "Yes, cripples and all," said Dave. "Won't He fergive 'em all der mean things dey done?" "Yes, all of them," said Dave. "An' won't He take care of 'em all der time?" "Yes, all the time," said Dave. "Now, smartie, what did I tell yer?" said Jimmie to Hop. "Say, Dave," said Hop, "do yer believe all yer sayin'?" "I certainly do," said Dave. "Say, Dave, why don't yer git it if yer believe it?" Dave was dumfounded. "Oh, it's not for me, boys," he said. "You see, it's----" "Den it's not fer us neither," Hop ejaculated. "So yer see yer don't believe a word yer say. We're goin'. So-long, Dave." Jimmie's eyes filled with tears as he watched Dave stand there with his head down. Never had he known Dave to get the worst of an argument before. As the team started, Dave looked up at Jimmie; their eyes met for an instant. The pain and sorrow on Jimmie's face pierced Dave to the heart. CHAPTER XVI _Dave Strikes His Gait_ After Jimmie had sold his evening papers he started for Dave's barn. His heart was heavy. Dave had a wonderful influence over this boy. Jimmie loved him and believed him to be a wonderful man. He found Dave in his office. "Dave, I want ter talk ter yer erbout what Hop said ter yer. He said 'at if it wasn't fer you it wasn't fer him either. Yer didn't say nothin' and I've been thinkin' maybe yer didn't have nothin' ter say. If yer sure it's not fer yer, how kin it be fer me? I don't know what ter do. I pray fer yer every day but if God don't want yer I might as well give yer up." He buried his face in his hands and began to weep. "It's me that's been wrong, Jimmie, not you. I've fought God ever since I've known you. After you went away to-day I hated myself for my cowardice. I know what is right and I'll do it or die." Jimmie looked up and said, "Der yer mean yer are goin' ter get saved?" "That's just what I mean, Jimmie, I am----" But before he could finish his sentence Jimmie jumped into his lap and hugged him. "Dear old Dave, I knowed you'd come. Let's go to der Mission right away, it's time fer der singin' already."