He squeezed my hand and
said:
'"Is your heart softened? May I depend on you?"
'I answered, "Fear not. I have been a burneen brand and you have
snatched me from the fire." He turned his eyes toward the clayey roof
and gave thanks. When I returned to upper air Mr. Sykes had gathered
Mr. Jonas' late congregasheen about him, and thus addressed the
meeteen:
'"Brethreen and sisters, I intend to amend my life. I have been a
wicked man; but he good parson below has carried the grace of God to
my heart. Henceforth my mission shall be to preach the word. So
zealous am I in this respect that _I intend to preach instead of
Mr. Jonas!"_
'For several minutes I could not gather what he meant; but it became
quite clear when he added:
'"This congregasheen is large and wealthy enough to retain a
preacher unto itself. Capteen, with your permission we will keep Mr.
Jonas!" The capteen, who long before had caught Mr. Sykes' intention,
nodded a hearty approval.
'That eveneen Mr. Sykes took possession of Mr. Jonas' private
letters, recommendations, etc.; and likewise bore away to his own
diggeens a Bible, several prayer books, and three or four hymn books
belonging to the preacher.
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