"Well, I had no idea when I commenced this conversation with Mr. Brown that I was to find such an antagonist in yourself. One would naturally come to the conclusion that you had made the Bible a study." "Thank you, you do me honor. I confess I have as a Christian studied the record; in fact, at a very early age my parents required me to commit and remember a very important verse in that good old book. It is found in the fifth chapter of the gospel according to St. John, being the 39th verse, and reads as follows: Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." "That is certainly proper, but I must again warn you against plunging into mysteries which we cannot understand." "But Peter tells us that 'no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation' (II. Peter i: 20), and these are the things which we should seek for information upon; for lack of explanation by the ministers upon these points is, to a great extent, the cause of many persons being in Mr. Brown's frame of mind today." "You are scarcely complimentary, and if your assertion be correct, perhaps it would be better for me to withdraw and leave Mr. Brown in your hands." "I beg your pardon, my dear sir," said Durant, "I meant not to offend, I assure you, and intended only to be in earnest; I will endeavor to be more careful during the rest of the conversation." The lawyer, who was decidedly impressed at this juncture, dispelled what might have been a painful silence by saying: "Well, I declare, things have taken a very peculiar turn, I seem to be out of the fight altogether. But I want to say this, I have heard more that appears to be reasonable from you, Mr. Durant, regarding these matters than ever before in my life, and I must also admit that if my early teaching on religious matters had been as reasonable, I almost believe I might have been a Christian." As it was getting late Mr. Marshall here "put in a word," saying: "It is now getting quite late and perhaps all would like to retire; if so, I will conduct you to your rooms." "No," said Mr. Brown; "we must not go to bed yet a while. I never was religiously interested before in my life, and I wish to listen to further discussion between these two." The new-comer was more than willing; but being somewhat fatigued himself, and realizing that possibly there might be a sense of weariness in some of the others, he deemed it best not to continue for the time being, although asked to do so. He then made a suggestion, which was unanimously agreed to: that the subject be taken up on the following evening in the same place; and so, with mutual expressions of regard and a kind "good night" all around, the party dispersed for the night. CHAPTER IV. GAINING AND LOSING FAVOR.