His first move was to call on Dr. Chellis without any introduction, and present his credentials from the church in Burnsville, as well as an excellent letter from his minister, certifying particularly as to his religious character and deportment. He thought by going as an unsophisticated youth from the country he would make a better impression and more strongly commend himself to the Doctor's sympathy than in any other way. I think, however, that Hiram's call was rather of a failure. He had no ordinary man to deal with. Dr. Chellis had not only a profound knowledge of human nature, but a quick insight into its various peculiarities. He could classify individuals rapidly; and he read Hiram after fifteen minutes' conversation. The latter, not accustomed to men of the Doctor's calibre, found himself wanting in his usual equanimity. His familiar role did not serve, he could see that, and for once his resources failed him. For the Doctor did not appear to be specially interested when Hiram, apropos of nothing, except as a last card, undertook, in a meek, saint-like manner, to give him an account of his early conviction of sin and subsequent triumphant conversion. Indeed, if the truth must be told, the worthy divine gave evident symptoms--to speak plainly--of being bored before Hiram's story was half finished! The latter was not slow to see this, and he found it difficult to rally. At length he gave the Doctor an opportunity to speak, by bringing his personal narrative to a close. 'You have no acquaintances in the city?' 'I think I may say none, except in business; and my object in selecting such a church as yours is to keep up the same degree of piety which I humbly trust I maintained in my village home.' [Pretty well, Hiram, pretty well--but you have an old head to deal with, and an honest heart: be careful.] 'To do that,' replied the Doctor, gravely, 'you must not look back to what you were, or thought you were. Be sure you are in danger when you feel complacent about yourself.' These were awful words to Hiram, and from such a severe, grave, dignified old man. 'In danger!' That was something new. 'Of what?' Why, no thought of a possibility of danger had crossed young Meeker's mind since the day he joined the church in Hampton. He sat quite still, uncertain what reply to make. He was interrupted by the tones of the Doctor's voice--tones which were modified from their previous severity. 'I will take your letter,' he said, 'and at the next communion, which will take place in about six weeks, you will be admitted to membership.' 'I should like to have a class in the Sunday school,' said Hiram, breathing more freely. 'If you will speak next Sunday to Mr. Harris, the superintendent,' replied the Doctor, 'he will furnish you with one. There is a demand for teachers just at present, I heard him say.' Dr. Chellis rose, as if Hiram had taken up enough of his time. Our hero could but do the same. He bowed and left the room.