There were at that time just under four hundred students, all but about fifty working their way through.

So poor was the college that it was kept going only by efforts, the success of which seemed miraculous interventions of Providence.

They were so regarded by Dr.Hargrave, and the stubbornest infidel must have conceded that he was not unjustified.
As Hargrave, tall and spare, his strong features illumined by life-long unselfish service to his fellow-men, came into Hiram Ranger's presence, Hiram shrank and grew gray as his hair.

Hargrave might have been the officer come to lead him forth to execution.
"If you had not sent for me, Mr.Ranger," he began, after the greetings, "I should have come of my own accord within a day or two.

Latterly God has been strongly moving me to lay before you the claims of my boys--of the college." This was to Hiram direct confirmation of his own convictions.