“When I came to you,” went on Samuel, “you taught me about love and brotherhood--about self-sacrifice and service. And I took you at your word, sir. As God is my witness, I have done nothing but try to apply what you told me! I have tried to help the poor and oppressed. And how could I know that you did not really mean what you said?” “Samuel,” protested the other, “you have no right to say that! I am doing all that I can. I preach upon these things very often.” “Yes!” exclaimed the boy, “but what do you preach? Do you tell the truth to these rich people who come to your church? Do you say to them: 'You are robbing the poor. You are the cause of all the misery which exists in this town--you carry the guilt of it upon your souls. And you must cease from robbery and oppression--you must give up this wealth that you have taken from the people!' No--you don't say that--you know that you don't! And can't you see what that means, Dr. Vince--it means that the church is failing in its mission! And there will have to be a new church--somewhere, somehow! For these things exist! They are right here in our midst, and something must be done!” And the boy sprang forward in his excitement, stretching out his arms. “The people are starving! Right here about us--here in Lockmanville! They are starving! starving! starving! Don't you understand, Dr. Vince? Starving!” The doctor wrung his hands in his agitation. “Boy,” he exclaimed, “this thing cannot go on. I cannot stand it any longer!” “But what am I to do, sir?” “You are to submit yourself to my guidance. I ask you, once for all, Will you give up these wild courses of yours?” “Dr. Vince,” cried Samuel, “I cannot! I cannot!” “Then I tell you it will be necessary for us to part. You will give up your position, and you will leave the church.” The tears started into Samuel's eyes. “Doctor,” he cried frantically, “don't cast me out! Don't! I beg you on my knees, sir!” “I have spoken,” said the other, clenching his hands. “But think what you are doing!” protested the boy. “You are casting out your own soul! You are turning your back upon the truth!” “I tell you you must go!” exclaimed the doctor. “But think of it! It means the end of the church. For don't you see--I shall have to fight you! I shall have to expose you! And I shall prevail over you, because I have the truth with me--because you have cast it out! Think what you are doing when you cast out the truth!” “I will hear no more of this!” cried Dr. Vince wildly. “You are raving. I tell you to go! I tell you to go! Go now!” And Samuel turned and went, sobbing meanwhile as if his heart would break. CHAPTER XXV Samuel rushed away into the darkness. But he couldn't stay away--he could not bring himself to believe that he was separated from St. Matthew's forever. He turned and came back to the church, and stood gazing at it, choking with his sobs.