Perhaps there was something contagious in this wholesale display of
thirst, for the Rev. Mr. Ware became conscious of a notion that he
should like to try a glass of beer. He recalled having heard that
lager was really a most harmless beverage. Of course it was out of the
question that he should show himself at the bar. Perhaps some one would
bring him out a glass, as if he were a pretty girl. He looked about for
a possible messenger. Turning, he found himself face to face with two
smiling people, into whose eyes he stared for an instant in dumfounded
blankness. Then his countenance flashed with joy, and he held out both
hands in greeting. It was Father Forbes and Celia.

"We stole down upon you unawares," said the priest, in his cheeriest
manner. He wore a brown straw hat, and loose clothes hardly at all
clerical in form, and had Miss Madden's arm drawn lightly within his
own. "We could barely believe our eyes--that it could be you whom we
saw, here among the sinners!"

"I am in love with your sinners," responded Theron, as he shook hands
with Celia, and trusted himself to look fully into her eyes. "I've had
five days of the saints, over in another part of the woods, and they've
bored the head off me."



CHAPTER XXIII


At the command of Father Forbes, a lad who was loitering near them went
down through the throng to the bar, and returned with three glasses of
beer. It pleased the Rev. Mr. Ware that the priest should have taken