thought the purchaser a man who was certain to pull the chapel down.

"I know who the intending purchaser is," said Mr. Drake, "and----"

Barwood's countenance changed: he bethought himself that the conveyance
was not completed, and half started from his chair.

"You would never go to do such an unneighborly act," he cried, "as----"

"--As conspire to bring down the value of a property the moment it had
passed out of my hands?--I would not, Mr. Barwood; and this very day the
intending purchaser shall know of your project."

Barwood locked his teeth together, and grinned with rage. He jumped from
his seat, knocked it over in getting his hat from under it, and rushed
out of the house. Mr. Drake smiled, and looking calmly round on the rest
of the deacons, held his peace. It was a very awkward moment for them.
At length one of them, a small tradesman, ventured to speak. He dared
make no allusion to the catastrophe that had occurred. It would take
much reflection to get hold of the true weight and bearing of what they
had just heard and seen, for Barwood was a mighty man among them.

"What we were thinking, sir," he said, "--and you will please to
remember, Mr. Drake, that I was always on your side, and it's better to
come to the point; there's a strong party of us in the church, sir,
that would like to have you back, and we was thinking if you would
condescend to help us, now as you're so well able to, sir, toward a new
chapel, now as you have the means, as well as the will, to do God
service, sir, what with the chapel-building society, and every man-jack
of us setting our shoulder to the wheel, and we should all do our very