"Adhere, I was about to say, Mr. Broad, to my previously expressed
opinion. I am not at all sure that the Allens have not a legal
status, and that an action would not lie if we proceeded without due
formalities. Tanner's Lane, you must recollect, is in a peculiar
position, and there is an endowment."
Mr. Scotton had this advantage over Cowfold generally, that if he
knew nothing about the law himself, excepting so far as bids at a
sale were concerned, Cowfold knew less, and the mention of the
endowment somewhat disturbed Mr. Broad's mind.
"Brother Bushel is no doubt quite justified in his anxiety to avoid
discussion, which will in all probability lead to no useful result;
but, on the other hand, it will be as well, perhaps, to proceed with
caution."
"Well," ejaculated Bushel, "do as yer like; you'll see you'll get in
an argyfication and a mess, you take my word on it."
"Suppose," said Mr. Broad, his face shining as he spoke, "we hit upon
a third course, the via media, you know, Brother Scotton"--Brother
Scotton nodded approvingly, as much as to say, "_I_ know; but how
about Bushel?"--"the via media, and have a friendly meeting of the
most influential members of the church--a majority--and determine
upon a course of action, which we can afterwards ratify at the formal
meeting, at which the Allens will be present.
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