Trouble Along the Way

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Come in.

Father Burke, you'll have to come right

down. The provincial is here unexpectedly.

He brought the procurator with him.

I'll finish this chapter and join them.

Caesar is about to invade Gaul.

The provincial wasn't due until next month.

Don't you think you should hurry?

lf the suspense is killing you,

Father Peterson...

...we shall find out

what he has on his mind.

You've got them off again.

ln the Mohammedan religion,

I couldn't receive visitors any other way.

Have you been reading

without your glasses again?

- Now, you're eyes won't stand that.

- Please, l'm not a child.

When l'm so old that

my failing eyesight needs assistance...

...I'll be happy to turn over my desk

to the first replacement. Even you.

Well, you know you can't see a thing

without them.

Sometimes that may be a blessing.

Please don't take my arm.

That's not a Boy Scout uniform

you're wearing.

- Well, the doctor said--

- Never mind what the doctor said.

Good afternoon, Father Burke.

I thought you were waiting

for me below.

- l'd climb stairs for you any day.

- Didn't think I could make it?

- Good afternoon.

- Hello, George.

Oh, I hope that's money you have

in that satchel.

St. Anthony's could use a little.

Get those plans we've been working on

for the addition to the library.

I figured it out to a penny.

Won't cost over 4000. Or was it 8?

- Twelve thousand.

- I know it was in the neighborhood.

Didn't we add on to the library in 1932?

Well, there have been two

or three volumes written since then.

Would you have the college subscribe to the

Book-of-the-Month Club, and call it quits?

I don't think you could afford even that.

Excuse us, Father Peterson,

and never mind those plans.

Oh, yes, excuse me.

Difficulties, Ed?

Yes, Father, we've just had a meeting...

...of the province advisors

concerning your school.

St. Anthony's debt

is now over $ 170,000.

You aren't doing anything to decrease it.

Well, George, when I take a vow

of poverty, I go all the way.

You've been going a little too far, Father.

As far as I can make out, 85 percent

of your students aren't even paying tuition.

Eighty-five percent, eh?

That's even better that I thought.

The order appreciates your generosity.

But how do you expect the college

to pay its way?

Well, if I may coin a phrase,

''The Lord will provide.''

What the Lord doesn't, the order has to.

I think we'll do better this term.

I have some figures here.

Now, let me see.

- Father Peterson!

- lt won't be necessary.

You see, we've given this

a great deal of thought.

St. Anthony's College is to be closed.

Times have changed, Father.

Small colleges are picturesque,

but uneconomic.

Read the figures for yourself.

I think you will find it's for the best.

Besides you're too valuable a man

for us...

...to let you ruin your health

in this backbreaking job.

Too valuable, Ed?

- Or too old?

- You're not being put out to pasture, Father.

Santa Carla's wanted you

on its faculty desperately.

That was my school.

Santa Carla is one of the finest universities

in the country. Like Notre Dame.

Outstanding in scholarship and athletics.

Which one do they want me for?

Our order has a wise precept.

No man is left in one position long enough

to form an attachment for it.

ln my case, it was an oversight.

I first came to St. Anthony's

little more than a boy.

I returned a few years later

as an instructor.

Shortly after, as a professor.

You were one of my students, Ed.

Finally, they set me back

as father rector.

Most of us have no home.

Unfortunately, I have one.

And I wouldn't like to tear it down.

l'm sorry, but the decision's been made.

Unless you suddenly find $ 170,000.

I figure we should be able

to absorb St. Anthony's students...

...in our other schools in about six months.

You have another term here, Father...

...but try to keep expenses down.

l'm sure you'll be very happy

at Santa Carla.

- Goodbye.

- Goodbye, Ed.

- Goodbye, George.

- Father.

Don't trip on that step coming down.

What's that all about?

lt's the students, Father.

I think it's meant for you.

Somehow,

they must have heard the news.

Over the National Broadcasting Company,

no doubt.

That will do, that will do.

I appreciate this touching display

of sentiment.

But aren't you being a bit premature?

The body is not cold yet.

St. Anthony's is not ready

for the ash heap, and neither am l.

This college will still be here

when your grandchildren are flunking out.

May I remind you, gentlemen,

that you're out of dormitories after hours.

There are examinations tomorrow.

And your lead tenor was off-key.

That was an excellent sermon, Father.

I was under the impression

Father Provincial ordered the school closed.

Only if we fail to solve

our financial problem.

- lt's a mere matter of money.

- That old stuff again.

We understood it was insurmountable.

Most of us are preparing to be moved.

''Why are ye fearful, oh ye of little faith?''

I know exactly

how I shall meet the situation...

...and as usual, I'll meet it single-handed.

But the amount I heard mentioned

was $ 170,000.

- How do you intend to get it?

- You will find the answer in Deuteronomy.

- Chapter 32, verse 15.

- ln Deuteronomy, Father?

Well, well, is there a Bible in the house,

or do you have to go to a hotel?

- Chapter 32, verse 15--

- I wonder what he means.

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