The Arkansas lad, proud of the possession of his normal and theological diplomas, and now ready for service, was sent by the A. M. A. to this prosperous village in the beautiful Teche country. When Mr. H. arrived in the fading twilight of a June evening, and looked over the situation--a rude, unfinished edifice, a scattered congregation, and a membership that had diminished almost to the vanishing point--for the first time he began to have serious doubts whether after all he had not mistaken his calling. After much searching, only ten or twelve discouraged members could be found. Neither party was unduly impressed with the other. His doubt that he could do anything for the church was probably fully respected by the members as they looked him over and took his measure. The thoughts that came to him that night as he lay upon his restless and dreamless pillow, were decidedly Jonah-like. Nor were the means lacking to follow the example of that ancient prophet. Ships lay at anchor in Vermillion Bay ready to carry him out into the gulf and the great sea beyond. The question what he should eat and drink, and wherewithal he should be clothed, seemed to justify his flight. He was now learning that missionary service is a fine thing to talk about in prayer meetings and missionary gatherings, but that the reality often possesses a stern and forbidding countenance. Nor was much reflection needed to show him that though the ships might take him away from the place of duty, they could not take him away from duty itself; that it were better to bear poverty and privation than to bear a guilty conscience. It is always darkest before day. In a few weeks an ordaining council has assembled, his old pastor and theological teacher being among the number. The harvest was ripe, waiting for the reapers to put in the sickle, and what began as ecclesiastical council ended in a gracious revival. The Arkansas lad was now a minister; the dream of his boyhood was rapidly fulfilling. Three years and a half passed. The field which at first seemed so barren of promises had proved to be rich in opportunities. The Louisiana Congregational Association holds its annual meeting with him. His old pastor sends three other teachers. One of them, the wife of "the Boss," returns with the other members of the ordaining council to see what progress has been made.