I came to a sudden decision in this crisis. The sensible thing to do was to meet the issue boldly, and take the job of launching Carpenter under proper auspices. He really was a wonderful man, and deserved to be treated decently. I addressed the reporter again. “Listen. This gentleman is a man of remarkable gifts, and does not take money for them; so, if you are going to tell about him at all, do it in a dignified way.”
“Of course! I had no other idea—”
“Your city editor might have another idea,” I remarked, drily. “Permit me to introduce myself.” I gave him my name, and saw him start.
“You mean the Mr.—” Then, giving me a swift glance, he decided it was not necessary to complete the question.
Said I: “Here is my card,” and handed it to him.
He glanced at it, and said, “I'll be very glad to explain matters to the desk, and see that the story is handled exactly as you wish.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “Now, yesterday I was caught in that mob at the picture theatre, and knocked nearly insensible. This gentleman found me, and healed me almost instantly. Naturally, I am grateful, and as I find that he is a teacher, who aids the poor, and will not take money from anyone, I want to thank him publicly, and help to make him known.”
“Of course, of course!” said the reporter; and before my mind's eye flashed a new set of headlines:
WEALTHY CLUBMAN MIRACULOUSLY HEALED
 
Or perhaps it would be a double head:
CLUBMAN, SLUGGED BY MOB, HEALED BY PROPHET
 
WEALTHY SCION, VICTIM OF PICTURE RIOT, RESTORED BY MAN FRESH FROM GOD
I thought that was sensation enough, and that the interview would end; but alas for my hopes! Said that blood-hound of the press: “Will you give public healings to the people, Mr. Carpenter?”
To which Carpenter answered: “I am not interested in giving healings.”
“What? Why not?”
“Worldly and corrupt people ask me to do miracles, to prove my power to them. But the proof I bring to the world is a new vision and a new hope.”
“Oh, I see! Your religion! May I ask about it?”
“You are the first; the world will follow you. Say to the people that I have come to understand the nature and causes of their mobs.”
“Mobs?” said the puzzled young blood-hound.
“I wish to understand a land which is governed by mobs; I wish to know, who lives upon the madness of others.”
“You have been studying a mob this morning?” inquired the reporte............