A number of men had been sent to this meeting by their respective wives to vote for Rendalen, and one of these obedient husbands made the mild remark that "peace" had already been disturbed by the Town Bailiff's proposal. The last-named gentleman became so exasperated at this that he would not continue, and Consul Engel's solicitor, the best speaker in the town, found it necessary to come to his assistance. His name was Bugge, and he was extremely eloquent. Several solicitors followed him, and all talked more or less about peace, morals, and Christianity--subjects which they, at all events, knew by _hearsay_. Karl Vangen asked what on earth these great questions had to do with the matter in hand, whether Rendalen should, or should not, be a member of a social club? But Karl Vangen had hardly stood up before the Town Bailiff pulled a long list out of his pocket. He asked if he might put some questions to Pastor Vangen? "With pleasure." "First question--Is it true that Herr Rendalen has said that history cannot well be taught to people who believe that the world began as Paradise and its inhabitants as perfect beings?" Breathless silence. Karl Vangen began a little hesitatingly: "Yes, that is true, but----" "I beg your pardon, but I have the word," interrupted the Town Bailiff. "No," observed one of the "husbands"; "Pastor Vangen undoubtedly has the word. It was he who was interrogated." Hereon there was a great uproar; the real men were, Heaven be praised, in the majority; the "husbands" had by no means such strong throats. "Second question--Is it true that Rendalen has said----" "But dear me!" called out Niels Hansen; "is Rendalen to join the club to be confirmed?" A roar of laughter followed. The whole room, without distinction of parties, gave way to immense merriment. The Town Bailiff paused. As soon as peace was restored he began again. "Second question--Is it true----" The laughter began again, worse than before. The Town Bailiff stopped abruptly, and left the room; Karl Vangen now began. His friend Rendalen was of the opinion that history lessons ought conscientiously to describe all movements just as they were, and therefore the development of Christianity as well; but to describe the life of mankind as a work of God's dispensation belongs to Church history. "Is he not a Christian, then?" asked Bugge. "We have nothing to do with that here," called out Niels Hansen. "Is he not a Christian?" repeated Bugge. "No, he is not a Christian," answered Vangen, colouring like a little boy. "The blockhead," muttered Niels Hansen, and he left too. "Then he has deceived us," shouted Bugge. "He should have said that from the first," observed another. Several shouted at once. There was disturbance, noise, delight. All the "husbands" were frightened, and held their tongues.