"It was nothing but blankets, and coals, and money," continued Mr. Caske. "And then the families he has picked out of the slums and sent across the sea! And it's said he'll pay anybody's debts, and gives to any beggar, and will lend anybody as much money as they like to ask." At this point Mr. Botterill once more put in his word. "I heard, only the other day, that Mr. Horn had announced his intention of presenting the town with a Free Library and a Public Park." "It's like his impudence!" exclaimed Mr. Kershaw. "After that I can believe anything," cried Mr. Caske. "The man ought to be stopped. It's very much to be regretted that he ever came into the money. And what a fool he is from his own standpoint! When he has got rid of all his money, it will be doubly hard for him to go back to poverty again." Mr. Caske was speaking somewhat at random. "Don't you think, sir," he concluded, with a facetious air, "that Providence sometimes makes a mistake in these matters?" The question was addressed to the minister. "No, never!" exclaimed Mr. Durnford, with an emphasis which caused Mr. Caske to start so violently, that the stem of his pipe, which he had just replaced in his mouth, clattered against his teeth. "No, never! And least of all in the case of friend Horn." The three critics of "the Golden Shoemaker" stared at the minister in amazement. They had been led to think Mr. Durnford was substantially in agreement with their views. "No, gentlemen," he resumed, "my opinion is quite the reverse of yours. I believe this almost unlimited wealth has been given to our friend, because he is eminently fitted to be the steward of his Lord's goods." This declaration was followed by an awkward pause, which Mr. Caske was the first to break. "Perhaps you think, sir," he said, in an injured tone, "that this upstart fellow is an example to us?" "Mr. Caske," responded the minister, "you have interpreted my words to a nicety." The three critics shuffled uneasily in their chairs. "Yes," continued Mr. Durnford, "an example and a reproach! Mr. Horn has the true idea of the responsibilities of a Christian man of wealth; you have missed it. He is resolved to use his money for God, to whom it belongs; you spend yours on yourselves--except in as far as you hoard it up you know not for whom or what. He is never satisfied that he is giving enough away; you grumble and groan over every paltry sovereign with which you are induced to part. He will be able to give a good account of his stewardship when the Lord comes; there will be an awkward reckoning for you in that day." The three friends had ceased to smoke, and were listening to Mr. Durnford's deliverance open-mouthed. They respected their minister, and valued his esteem. They were rather conscience-stricken, than offended now. "But, surely, sir," said Mr. Kershaw, presently, finding breath first of the three, "you wouldn't have us fling away our money, as he does?"