It was what I said--at a
period when trouble fell upon me. It was how the doubt came in and the
belief went out. And nowadays, when, as you mention, things run smooth
and I know I've much to be thankful for, the doubt holds firm. For one
thing prob'bly, I read a great deal; I've crammed my head with
science; can't ever have enough of it. But, of course, I'm but an
ignorant man compared with you."
"Oh, no."
"Yes. I bow down to education--whenever I meet it. I needn't
apologize--because I hadn't many advantages. I try to make up by
application. I read, and I'm always thinking--and having mastered the
rudiments of science, I can look with some comprehension at the whole
scheme of nature. With the result that, viewing my own affairs in the
same spirit that I view the whole bag of tricks, I ask myself that
same old question of _Q. I. Bono._"
"What's that?"
"That's Latin," said Dale. "_Q. I. Bono._"
"Oh, yes--exactly."
"Where's the good? Whatever one has, it isn't enough if this life is
all we've got to look to and there's nothing beyond it."
Mr. Osborn had let the wheels run down. He came and sat opposite to
Dale, and spoke very quietly.
"There is everything beyond it."
"And supposing that's so, one's difficulty begins bigger than before.
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