The Forged Coupon

Chapter 19

ASKING Father Missael on his arrival to take a seat, the bishop told him

what had happened in his diocese.

"It all comes from weakness of spirit and from ignorance. You are a

learned man, and I rely on you. Go to the village, call the parishioners

together, and convince them of their error."

"If your Grace bids me go, and you give me your blessing, I will do my

best," said Father Missael. He was very pleased with the task entrusted

to him. Every opportunity he could find to demonstrate the firmness of

his faith was a boon to him. In trying to convince others he was chiefly

intent on persuading himself that he was really a firm believer.

"Do your best. I am greatly distressed about my flock," said the bishop,

leisurely taking a cup with his white plump hands from the servant who

brought in the tea.

"Why is there only one kind of jam? Bring another," he said to the

servant. "I am greatly distressed," he went on, turning to Father

Missael.

Missael earnestly desired to prove his zeal; but, being a man of small

means, he asked to be paid for the expenses of his journey; and being

afraid of the rough people who might be ill-dis-posed towards him,

he also asked the bishop to get him an order from the governor of the

province, so that the local police might help him in case of need. The

bishop complied with his wishes, and Missael got his things ready with

the help of his servant and his cook. They furnished him with a case

full of wine, and a basket with the victuals he might need in going to

such a lonely place. Fully provided with all he wanted, he started for

the village to which he was commissioned. He was pleasantly conscious of

the importance of his mission. All his doubts as to his own faith passed

away, and he was now fully convinced of its reality.

His thoughts, far from being concerned with the real foundation of his

creed--this was accepted as an axiom--were occupied with the arguments

used against the forms of worship.