About this time Doctor Stone was enjoying no small degree of notoriety. He had debated with a Methodist minister in southern Illinois, and so completely mastered him that he acknowledged his defeat in sack cloth and ashes, and joined the Christian Church. Stone was taking advantage of his newly-acquired popularity in waging a relentless war against the “sects,” as he termed them, when some of the Pedo-Baptists secured Newgent to meet him in debate. And the challenge was brought to the great, self-important Doctor Stone. “Newgent!” said this supposed Goliath with a contemptuous sneer. “He can’t debate. He’s an Irish peddler who used to sell table-cloths in my father’s neighborhood.” The committee informed him that they were willing to risk their case with the Irish peddler. However, Stone’s visit to Doctor Treat to get information concerning the Irishman would indicate that his contempt was more feigned than real. The debate was held in a small town in southern Illinois, where the doctor had been making havoc of the “sects.” The table-cloth story became current, and much speculation was indulged in concerning the supposed vender of household commodities. His coming to the village was awaited with intense interest. When the train on which he was scheduled to arrive pulled in at the station, a curious and enthusiastic crowd was waiting to get a view of the man who dared to dispute the wisdom of Doctor Stone. As he stepped from the car, a gentleman who knew him said, pointing him out, “There’s the table-cloth peddler.” A hearty salute was given by the crowd. Newgent, having been apprised of the story, was equal to the occasion. As soon as the hubbub ceased, he addressed the crowd, turning the table-cloth story against his opponent in the following speech: “Gentlemen, if you have come here to buy table-cloths, you will be disappointed. I have changed my occupation. I have been informed that there is some fine stone in southern Illinois, so I have come down here to set up my shop and spend a few days dressing Stone.” The “Stone dressing” joke superseded the table-cloth story and became a catch phrase throughout the debate. It is likely that Stone often called to mind the friendly advice of Doctor Treat, and regretted that he did not take it. He could cope neither with the argument, the quick wit, nor the physical endurance of his opponent. His voice failed completely, and the last two addresses of Newgent were unanswered. The Stone-dressing business proved eminently successful.