"Yes," said another dignitary, "only I think that the undertaking
must be looked upon as conditional. I understand, well, that the money
belongs to Mrs. Bull."
"Probably she will endorse the bond as she is a liberal little woman,"
said the Dean, "and in any case our brother Bull, if I may be pardoned
a vulgarism, will knock the stuffing out of that pestilent Menzi and his
crowd."
"Do you think so?" asked the other. "I am not so certain. I have met old
Menzi, and he is a tough nut to crack. He may 'knock the stuffing' out
of him. Bull, sound as he is, and splendid as he is in many ways, does
not, it seems to me, quite understand natives, or that it is easier to
lead them than to drive them."
"Perhaps not," said the Dean, "but in the case of these Sisas it is
rather a matter of Hobson's choice, isn't it?"
So this affair was settled, and in due course Thomas received his letter
of appointment as priest-in-charge of the Sisa station.
On his arrival home a few days later, where he was not expected till the
following week, Thomas was so pre-occupied that he scarcely seemed to
notice his wife's affectionate greeting; even the fact that both she
and Tabitha were arrayed in smart and unmissionary-like garments escaped
him.
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