LITTLE short of material, and so switched off upon a theme 

 JOURNEYS which he had already exploited from the pulpit with 



marked effect. All public speakers carry this boiler-plate 

 matter for use in time of stress. 



The Bishop began to denounce "those enemies of the 

 Church and Society who make covert attacks upon the 

 Bible in the name of science." He warmed to his theme, 

 and by a specious series of misstatements and various 

 appeals to the prejudices of his audience, worked the 

 assemblage up to a high pitch of hilarity and enthusiasm. 

 Toward the close of his speech he happened to spy 

 Huxley seated near, and pointing a pudgy finger at him, 

 'begged to be informed if the learned gentleman was 

 really willing to be regarded as the descendant of a 

 monkey?' 



As the Bishop sat down there was a wild burst of ap- 

 plause and much laughter, but amid the din were calls, 

 " Huxley ! Huxley ! ' These shouts increased as it came 

 over the people that while the Bishop had made a 

 great speech, he had gone a trifle too far in ridiculing a 

 member, who up to this time had been silent. The good 

 English spirit of fair play was at work. 

 Still Huxley sat silent. 



Then the enemy thinking he was vanquished, took up 

 the cry "with intent to add to his discomfiture " Hux- 

 ley! Huxley!" 



Slowly Huxley arose. He stood still until the last buz- 

 zing whisper had died away. When he spoke it was in 

 so low a tone that people leaned forward to catch his 

 words ^ ^ 

 68 



