"There is no doubt about that, sir; and what then? I really am puzzled to know why you ask," said the Sergeant.
"I won’t leave you long in doubt upon that point," continued the minister, more stern and calm if possible than before, "nor on some others which it involves."
Katie, at this crisis of the conversation, joined them in her black silk gown. She entered the kitchen wuth a familiar smile and respectful curtsey, and approached the minister, who, barely noticing her, resumed his subject. Katie, somewhat bewildered, sat down in the large chair beside the fire, watching the scene with curious perplexity.
"Are you aware, Mr. Mercer, of what has just happened?" inquired the minister.
[Illustration: "ARE YOU AWARE, MR. MERCER, OF WHAT HAS JUST HAPPENED?" Page 34]
"I do not take you up, sir," replied the Sergeant.
"Well, then, as I approached your house a crowd of children were gathered round that cage, laughing and singing, with evident enjoyment, and disturbing the neighbourhood by their riotous proceedings, thus giving pain and grief to their parents, who have complained loudly to me of the injury done to their most sacred feelings and associations by _you_----please, please, don’t interrupt me, Mr. Mercer; I have a duty to perform, and shall finish presently."
The Sergeant bowed, folded his arms, and stood erect. Katie covered her face with her hands, and exclaimed "Tuts, tuts, I’m real sorry--tuts."
"I went up to the cage," said Mr. Porteous, continuing his narrative, "and narrowly inspected the bird. To my--what shall I call it? astonishment? or shame and confusion?--I heard it utter such distinct and articulate sounds as convinced me beyond all possibility of doubt--yet you smile, sir, at my statement!--that----"
"Tuts, Adam, it’s dreadfu’!" ejaculated Katie.
"That the bird," continued the minister, "_must_ have been either taught by you, or with your approval: and having so instructed this creature, you hang it out on this, the Sabbath morning, to whistle and to speak, in order to insult--yes, sir, I use the word advisedly----"
"Never, sir!" said the Sergeant, with a calm and firm voice; "never, sir, did I intentionally insult mortal man."
"I have nothing to do with your intentions, but with _facts_; and the fact is, you did insult, sir, every feeling the most sacred, besides injuring the religious habits of the young. _You_ did this, an elder--_my_ elder, this day, to the great scandal of religion."