"Yes, I remember some of his fights we used to hear about; and there was another member of the family, they mentioned a good deal. Dad--Dad--" "Howitt," said Dan softly. "That's it, Howitt. A kind of a shepherd, wasn't he? Discovered the big mine on your father's place. One of your father's fights was about the old man. Ahem--ahem--I judge you take after your father. I don't know just what to think about your whipping that fellow this morning. Someone had to do something of course, but--ahem, for a minister it was rather unusual. I don't know how the people will take it." "I'm afraid that I forgot that I was a minister," said Dan uneasily. "I hope, sir, you do not think that I did wrong." "Ahem--ahem, I can't say that it was wrong exactly, but as I said, we don't know how the people will take it. But there's one thing sure," and the Elder's shrill cackle rang out, "it will bring a big crowd to hear you preach. Well, well, that's off the subject. Ahem--Brother Matthews, why haven't your people opened that big mine in Dewey Bald?" "I expect it would be better for me to let father or mother explain that to you, sir," answered Dan, as cool and calm as the evening. "Yes, yes of course, but it's rather strange, rather unusual you know, to find a young man of your make-up and opportunities for wealth, entering the ministry. You could educate a great many preachers, sir, if you would develop that mine." "Father and mother have always taught us children that in the battle of life one cannot hire a substitute; that whatever work one volunteers to make his own he must look upon as his ministry to the race. I believe that the church is an institution divinely given to serve the world, and that, more than any other, it helps men to the highest possible life. I volunteered for the work I have undertaken, because naturally I wish my life to count for the greatest possible good; and because I feel that I can serve men better in the church than in any other way." "Whew!" thought the Doctor, "that was something for Nathan to chew on." The lad's face when he spoke made his old friend's nerves tingle. His was a new conception of the ministry, new to the Doctor at least. Forgetting his cigar he awaited the Elder's reply with breathless interest. "Ahem--ahem, you feel then that you have no special Divine call to the work?" "I have always been taught at home, sir, that every man is divinely called to his work, if that work is for the good of all men. His faithfulness or unfaithfulness to the call is revealed in the _motives_ that prompt him to choose his field." The boy paused a moment and then added slowly--and no one who heard him could doubt his deep conviction--"Yes sir, I feel that I am divinely called to preach the gospel." "Ahem--ahem, I trust, Brother Matthews, that you are not taken up with these new fads and fancies that are turning the minds of the people from the true worship of God."