"No, he never read it through, he intended to, but when he saw such assertions as I quoted to you, he could see there was nothing in it." "Why, certainly, of course. You must excuse me, Mr. Jones, for acting carefully in this matter, because of the condition of my wife." "I would do the same if I were in your place, but you can rest assured there is nothing in it." "I suppose not, yet I wish there was for my wife's sake." "You wouldn't dare use it if there was, they would cast you from your church." "But no one need know it, Rev. Jones." "Do you think one of those female practitioners could keep such a good thing? They would be pleased beyond measure to be employed by a minister, and would scatter the news to the four winds of heaven." "I hadn't thought of that; thank you, Mr. Jones, for pointing out to me the danger of employing one of those Christian Scientists. I also thank you for showing me the nonsense of thinking Christian Science could cure my wife of something that the best physicians pronounce incurable. I must be going now, as I wish to talk it all over with my son. Good day, Rev. Jones." "Good bye, Rev. Williams, call again." "I shall be pleased to." The pastor wended his way home, well satisfied with himself. Walter could not now accuse him of being prejudiced, for he had given Christian Science an impartial investigation, besides he was congratulating himself that he had been wise enough to consult with a deep-thinking man like Parson Jones, before employing a practitioner, for that practitioner would have delighted in telling it to every person in his parish, and this would have resulted in the loss of his position. The parson felt he had had a narrow escape from a great trouble. As soon as he arrived home he called Walter to the library and told him of his visit to Parson Jones, and also what Rev. Jones had said regarding Christian Science. Walter was somewhat surprised at the news, but after a moment he said, "You say you have given Christian Science an impartial investigation?" "Yes, Walter, I have; you see I was not as prejudiced as you thought. I talked for an hour with Parson Jones, and he convinced me that it was nothing but a lot of rubbish and nonsense." "What does Parson Jones know about it?" "Why, Walter, Mr. Jones is considered the best educated man in our city." "Best educated in what?" "In every thing in general." "Did Parson Jones ever study Christian Science under a qualified Christian Science teacher?" "No, I think not." "Did he ever study 'Science and Health,' the text-book of this science?" "No, he considered it a waste of time." "Did he ever read 'Science and Health'?" "No." "Did he ever see the book?" "He said not."