Then followed a long and lurid account of the scene at the meeting.

Another paper contained the following:

Affairs for Jesus and his friends are reaching a crisis. Many of the most influential people in New York believe he made a vital mistake when he took up the cause of prohibition of the liquor business. He ought to have kept silent on that delicate subject. He has aroused some very influential people who are among the best citizens, and who believe the bar and brewery are here to stay and should be licensed and regulated wisely. Jesus has alienated these people by his too outspoken utterances. His best friends declare a crisis is approaching which will result in something very serious to his cause. A rumor on the street yesterday said Jesus was going to Washington to visit Congress and the President. No one could be found to verify this rumor.

Meanwhile he is undoubtedly immensely popular with the masses. It is almost impossible for him to show himself in the day time on any of the big streets. As soon as he is recognized, immense crowds assemble, blocking traffic and congesting travel. Jesus himself has requested the people to gather for the hearing of his messages in the churches and halls where he is announced to speak. But no building can hold the people. Last Sunday he spoke at the Polo Grounds. Such a huge crowd was never seen before. He has a marvelous voice which carries to long distances. No matter what may be said about opposition from some sources, no one can deny that every day he grows more popular with the people. They clamor for him and drink in his teaching.

“And the common people heard him gladly,” murmured Carter as he read, calling to mind, again, the verse he knew as a boy. “And this is the man the upper classes crucified before, and would again if they could. And I myself have also been ready to persecute him like Paul.”

He got out at the Thirty-Second Street exit and walked to Fifth Avenue, thinking to go up to the Plaza and get a room there. He had no plan to search for Jesus, was not certain of his place to stay, and wondered if the rumor of his going to Washington had already perhaps been corroborated by his departure.

As he was going up the steps of the Plaza, a man came out of the revolving door, and Carter recognized Drake.

Drake pulled up in surprise. “Hello! I thought you were in Raymond!”

“I was, but I’ve come back to the city on important business. How are you?”

“I feel like a brown taste in the mouth all the time. Come in and have a drink with me.”