,illu/ration3 ,cov] art ,frontispiece3 #a4 ,a ,camp ,kit*54 #b4 ,lumb] ,jacks 9 ! ,bu%4 ,,trail-,,tales ,,( ,,we/]n ,,canada ,,by ,f4 ,a4 ,,rob9son1 ,b4,a4 ,,m>%all ,,bro!rs1 ,,ltd41 ,,london1 ,,ed9burgh ,,new ,,york ,,to ,,! ,,rev]5d ,,rob]t ,,john/on1 ,d4,d41 ,,m9i/] ,,( ,,! ,,am]ican ,,presbyt]ian ,,*ur*1 ,,montreal1 ,,& ,,to ,,fri5ds ,,9 ,,8 ,,congregation ,,^: ,,unfail+ ,,int]e/ ,,& ,,k9dness ,,h ,,= ,,ye>s ,,be5 ,,an ,,inspiration ,,9 ,,! ,,writ]',s ,,life-,,"w4 ,,introduction ,?is book has ?is virtue among o!rs1 t x is a true rescript ( ev5ts t h happ5$ 9 ! au?or's p]sonal exp]i5ce4 ,x is made up ( human docum5ts t deal ) matt]s ( surpass+ int]e/4 ,! book tells 9 simple & vivid /yle ! /ory1 always fasc9at+ & ?rill+1 ( ! triumph ( ! ,gospel 9 ! s\ls ( m54 ,x is a he>t5+ book & a mov+4 ,x w br+ c\rage & hope to ^? :o read x1 & awak5 9 _! he>ts a deep] passion to %>e 9 ,god's great mission to m54 ,! new we/ is full ( ! brok5 driftwood ( humanity1 %[+ ! m>ks ( ! attrition ( "t & conflict & defeat--good /uff x is1 b wa/e & lo/4 ,?is book tells ( its salvage to ! inf9ite joy ( m51 & to ! glory ( ,god4 ,! au?or has ! fur!r di/9ction ( hav+ se5 himself a l>ge "p ( ! ev5ts he describes4 ,! book w d good :]ev] x goes4 ,,*>les ,w4 ,,gordon4 7,ralph ,connor47 ,,w9nipeg1 ,,canada4 ,octob] #e?1 #aiad4 ,,cont5ts ,old ,k5's ,r\nd-up ,*>l ,! ,bann] ,m9es ,! ,hop ,?y ,t\* has /ill its ,anci5t ,p[] ,if a ,man be ,ov]tak5 ,! ,sup]9t5d5t's ,visit ,! ,cookee ,! ,reg5]ation ( ,bill ,s&]s ,! ,snake-room ,! ,bu% ,fire ,ru? & ! ,prodigal ,! ,cord ( ,love ,nell's ,home-go+ ,,li/ ,,( ,,illu/rations ,,frontispiece4 ,a camp kit*54 ,l[] half1 ,lumb] ,jacks 9 ! ,bu%4 ,,fac+ ,,page #db4 #a4 ,a "y m9] be=e 8 d>k & d+y cab94 #b4 ,a m9e & bunk-h\se4 #c4 ,!y buri$ h] half a mile f ! camp 7see page #dh74 ,,fac+ ,,page #dc4 #a4 ,company h\se 9 a m\nta9 m9+ t[n4 #b4 ,he said he 0 ,! only g5tleman 9 ! place 7see page #cd74 #c4 ,an op5-air meet+ 9 ,briti% ,columbia m9+ camp1 betwe5 %ifts4 #d4 ,m9]s at entrance to a ,briti% ,columbia m9e4 ,,fac+ ,,page #ij4 #a4 ,a prairie %ack4 #b4 ,a copp] m9]'s %ack4 #c4 ,a ba*elor's %ack4 #d4 ,a %ack on ! hillside4 #e4 ,a m\nta9-side %ack4 ,,fac+ ,,page #abh4 #a4 ,a we/]n lumb] camp4 #b4 ,lumb] camp gr\p 9 ,sunday attire4 #c4 ,! day's "w end$4 #d4 ,a typical b>-room4 ,,fac+ ,,page #aef4 #a4 ,"p ( a t[n site aft] be+ swept by bu% fires4 #b4 ,a bu% fire gett+ "u way4 ,,fac+ ,,page #aeg4 #a4 ,improvis$ dwell+s2 cov] di/ricts into :i* p h fl$ = safety4 #b4 ,! long l9e ( coke ov5s 7see page #ahc74 #c4 ,! fire rapidly approa*+4 ,,fac+ ,,page #bjd4 #a4 ,briti% ,columbia m9]s (f %ift4 #b4 ,wreck$ ?r\gh a wa%-out4 #c4 ,a section ( a m\nta9 m9+ t[n4 ,,fac+ ,,page #bje4 #a4 ,an exhau/$ prospector4 #b4 ,a m9]'s wa%+ day4 #c4 ,ready to />t = ! hills to inspect a m9e4 #d4 ,m9]s (f to _! daily toil4 ,,trail-,,tales ,,( ,,we/]n ,,canada ,,old ,,k5',s ,,r\nd-,,up ,old ,k5 0 d[n on 8 luck4 ,= well-nigh fifty ye>s he _h gone ! pace 9 a di/rict :]e c]ta9 m5 say glibly1 !re's no ,god we/ ( ! ,rockies4 ,! old prospector _h be51 accord+ to ^? :o knew him be/1 9 "o ( ?ree conditions = "s ye>s4 ,he 0 ei!r gett+ drunk1 drunk1 or sob]+ up4 ,& yet 9 spite ( 8 weakness & s91 & 9 spite ( ! curses he got1 !re 0 no m popul> man 9 ! :ole camp ?an ,old ,k51 al?\gh likely he 0 n consci\s ( x4 ,"o ( ! m9]s _h once express$ a conviction ab\t ,k5 t 0 dang]\sly popul>4 ,x 0 at ! "t ,frank ,/acey's "m di$1 9 ! ,ea/1 & ,frank _h n two bits to 8 cr$it4 ,z might h be5 expect$1 x 0 ,old ,k5 :o />t$ ! hat to wire t ,frank 0 leav+ on ! next tra91 & to see t he _h en\gh ( ! ne$ful to d ! dec5t ?+4 ,x's 8 la/ *ance1 boys1 said ,k51 z he made ! r\nds dur+ ! noon h\r4 ,i got tw5ty-two doll>s s9ce elev5 o'clock1 s ,i guess1 ) :at y fell]s is a-go+ to d1 ! old camp's on ! job1 z usual1 :5 a *ap l ,frank wants to pay 8 la/ respects4 ,!re 0 "s my/]y ab\t ^? tw5ty-two doll>s until ,&y ! b>-t5d] told h[ ,old ,k5 _h got x out ( ! boss on ! solemn promise t = two weeks he w\ld "w l a ,texas /e] )\t t\*+ a c5t until ! debt ( ?irty doll>s1 m9us eight = bo>d1 0 dis*>g$4 ,!n x 0 t "o ( ! boys express$ himself ?us ab\t ,k53 ,by go%1 fell]s1 he's :ite cle> ?r\gh1 t same old soak is1 :5 !re's any tr\ble on4 ,he's a pile dec5t] ?an 8 ?ir/y old c>case 'll let him be4 ,on a p>ticul> morn+ "s mon?s ago ! old prospector /ood at ! little /ation a mile or s away f ! camp c5tre4 ,! mix$ 0 w9d+ h] way sl[ly ar\nd ! curves ( ! summit ( ! ,rockies4 ,f ! w9d[s ( ! solit>y pass5g] c> a "y man look$ some:at anxi\sly across ! valley bel[4 ,a few %acks ne/l$ among ! popl> bru%1 & 9 ! di/ance an unpa9t$ build+ /ood1 ) di/9ct outl9e1 t[]+ aga9/ ! d>k backgr\nd ( ! m\nta9 range opposite4 ,! "y man knew well en\gh1 f 8 "w among ! m9]s & logg]s1 t yond] build+ 0 z a moral canc] eat+ out ! be/ life ( ! community4 ,! outlook 0 n bright1 b he 0 on ! ,k+'s ,bus9ess1 & he knew t he _h 9 8 c>e ! mightie/ ?+1 & ! greate/ rem$y1 ! _w kn[s (4 ,alone he /epp$ (f ! tra91 & be+ ! only arrival he receiv$ ! entire b5efit ( ,old ,k5's curi\s b n unfri5dly gaze4 ,! new-com]1 :o 0 conduct+ special s]vices at select$ m9+ & lumb]+ camps t 7 consid]$ especially ne$y1 look$ ar\nd = a di/rict mission>y :o 0 expect$ to act z 8 pilot = a few days4 ,no "o b ,old ,k5 & ! /ation ag5t 7 9 sight1 s aft] fri5dly greet+s to ! =m] ! "y prea*] made kn[n ! purpose ( 8 visit4 ,old ,k5 li/5$ c\rte\sly4 ,well1 /rang]1 y've hit ! "r spot alright2 we k9 /& ! gospel 9 big doses "h = sure2 mo/ ( u is :iskey soaks or bums1 & "s ( u is bo?4 ,i wi% y luck1 p>tn]1 b ,i'm fe>$ mo/ ( u is incurable4 ,yes1 p>tn]1 ,i'm fe>$ y've come too late1 too late4 ,! ,fr5*man :o 0 hotel-keep]1 pr(essional gambl]1 lumb]man & m9e-own]1 0 n en?usia/ic ab\t all[+ ! sky-pilot to bo>d 9 8 notori\s hotel & gambl+ d51 b ev5tually accommodation 0 secur$4 ,! dance-hall 0 procur$ = ! s]vices1 & ,k5 volunte]$ ! in=mation t ! prea*] w\ldn't likely be di/urb$1 because !re 7 only f\r wom5 left 9 ! camp1 & he add$1 two ( 'em c dance l elephants & "o's got +r[+ to5ails or some?+ else1 s !re's only "o on duty1 & t a9't en\gh v>iety = a good hop4 ,a few days aft] ! s]vices comm5c$1 ,old ,k5 manag$ to repl5i% 8 treasury by ! =tunate desire on ! "p ( two m5 to get a haircut4 ,! old man boa/$ t he knew h[ to d mo/ ?+s4 ,i'm nev] idle1 prea*]1 he said ) a w9k2 :5 ,i a9't do+ some?+ ,i'm a-do+ no?9'1 s ,i'm always a-do+ some?+ y see4 ,no soon] 7 ! locks %orn ?an ! old man made 8 way to ! b>-room4 ,he 0 em]g+ f 8 fav\rite haunt :5 ! prea*] met him4 ',ta9t no use pret5d+ ,i'm :at ,i a9't1 prea*]1 he said aft] a few m9utes' conv]sation4 ,i'm an old fool & ,i "k x1 b :at does x matt]8 ,:o c>es8 ,x matt]s a good deal to y1 ,k51 ! prea*] repli$ quietly1 & !re are "s ( u :o c>e4 ,k51 if y w\ld give ,god z big a place 9 y\r life z y've giv5 :iskey !re w\ldn't be room = ! ?+s t h made y call y\rself an old fool4 ,i "k ,he c\ld make a mighty good man ( y1 ,k54 ,?ank y k9dly1 prea*]1 b y don't "k me3 ,i'm ! h>de/ old guy 9 ?is c\ntry2 ! fell]s ar\nd "h ?9k !y c g x "s1 b let 'em all get z full z !y k9 hold & ,i'll take z mu* z any "o ( 'em & !n put twelve glasses m on top ( t to keep x k9d ( settl$1 & !n pile ! :ole gang "u ! table & walk out l a g5tleman4 ,yes1 sir1 ,i k9 d x2 & if a fell]'s z big z a h\se ,i'll :ittle him d[n to my size & lick him4 ,y] int5tions are good1 p>tn]1 b y're ab\t fifty ye>s late on ?is job4 ,! days allott$ to ! mission 7 rapidly pass+ away1 & :ile n a few _h giv5 evid5ce ( see+ ! vision spl5did1 !re 7 "s aft] :om ! little prea*]1 z he _h come to be g5]ally spok5 ( 9 ! camp1 greatly long$4 ,com+ d[n ! /airs "o day he saw ,old ,k5 /&+ ) 8 back to ! /air rail4 ,putt+ 8 h& on ! old man's %\ld] he ent]$ into conv]sation4 ,k51 y hav5't be5 to "o ( ! s]vices yet1 & ,i want y to come to-night4 ,"l bless y1 prea*]1 if ,i w5t to a religi\s meet+ ! ro( 'ud fall 9 = sure1 & ,i don't want to bu/ up ! dance-hall4 ,b ! little prea*] 0 n 9 a mood to be jolli$ t day4 ,k51 he cont9u$1 ,i'd l y to give ,god a *ance4 ,d y "k1 ,i l ! look ( y1 &---- ,! old prospector cut ! s5t5ce %ort1 /raight5$ up1 & gaz$ appreciatively into ! speak]'s eyes4 ,:at's t y said1 prea*]8 ,:at's t y said8 ,y l ! look o' me6 ,well1 siree1 t's ! dec5te/ ?+ t's be5 said to me 9 ?irty ye>s6 ,yes1 sir1 x is3 ,i'm treat$ l a yall] dog ar\nd "h2 b y speak dec5tly to a yall] dog1 he'll wag 8 tail4 ,he likes x1 y "k4 ,say1 prea*]1 :5 y ne$ me j y :i/le & ,i'm on ! job6 ,i take y\r (f]1 old man1 said ! prea*]4 ,i've be5 "h = "s "t & ,i've he>d a good deal t ,i didn't want to he>4 ,"s ( y fell[s h be5 curs+ pretty ne>ly day & night s9ce ,i came4 ,i didn't want to he> x1 b ,i c\ldn't get away f x4 ,i've he>d ! boys2 x's only fair !y %\ld he> me4 ,k51 y r\nd !m up & br+ !m to ! dance-hall4 ,k5's h& 0 ext5d$4 ,"h's my h& on x1 prea*]2 ,i'm y] man4 ,if ! boys a9't !re y'll see my head 9 a sl+ 9 ! morn+4 ,at #g4cj ,k5 organiz$ himself into an ,invitation ,committee4 ,!re 7 rum\rs t he ev5 bru%$ 8 coat4 ,at any rate1 at #g4de he /ood at ! door ( ! gambl+ d51 & ) an air ( unusual importance he succe$$ 9 gett+ sil5ce long en\gh to tell ! boys t !re 0 a religi\s %[ on 9 ! dance-hall4 ,! procession w =m 9 t5 m9utes1 he cont9u$1 & e ---- man 9 ?is place has got to be 9 x4 ,a few laugh$2 "s curs$ at ! int]ruption1 & o!rs 7 s engross$ 9 _! game t !y appe>$ n to h he>d4 ,9 a few m9utes ,k5 ent]$ ! b>room & />t$ 8 r\nd-up4 ,aft] tell+ "o or two quietly t x 0 up to him to get ! boys to ! religi\s %[1 he made 8 proclamation4 ,come out ( ?is1 y ---- fell]s1 & come up to ! ---- dance-hall & give ! ---- little prea*] a fair %[1 or ,i'll kick ! ---- hide (f y4 ,! writ] has no apology to make = blasphemy ei!r 9 ! ,ea/ or ,we/1 b l classical music1 to "s e>s1 ,old ,k5's blasphem\s language 0 n s bad z x s\nd$4 ,aft] ! old man _h br\ght into use all 8 rem>kable res]ve ( ,we/]n m9+ camp vocabul>y1 !re 0 only "o man besides ! b>-t5d] :o fail$ to jo9 ! procession4 ,! s]vices _h become well adv]tis$ ?r\gh\t ! entire di/rict by ?is "t1 s t :5 ,old ,k5 arriv$ ) 8 company ! little hall 0 fairly well fill$4 ,b ! old man 0 go+ to see ?is ?+ ?r\gh1 & s1 despite ! prote/ations t almo/ upset ! gravity ( ! prea*] conduct+ ! prelim9>y song s]vice1 ! gang 0 coax$ & =c$ to ! front seats4 ,k5 direct$ ! seat+ op]ations 9 a way t sugge/$ 8 own]%ip ( ! entire place4 ,9 a /age :isp] he in/ruct$ ! boys to get a squ9t at ! prea*]'s hair4 ,) pride he cont9u$1 mighty good cut t1 ,i p]=m$ ! op]ation ?is aft]noon4 ,at ! close ( ! s]vice he came to ! plat=m4 ,say1 prea*]1 t 0 a great bun*4 ,!re a9't a ---- 7excuse me1 prea*]1 ,i =got y don't swe>71 b say1 !re a9't a man ( 'em b's done "t4 ,i'll tell y1 prea*]1 we'll run ?is %[ toge!r4 ,i'll r\nd 'em up & y hit 'em2 !n ) a sw+ ( 8 big arm he add$1 & hit 'em h>d4 ,see "h1 prea*]1 y take a tip f me2 u old s9n]s don't want to li/5 to none ( y] /roke-'em-d[n-easy prea*]s2 we wants a fell] :at 'll tell u we're d---- fools to be hoodw9k$ by hitt+ ! pace1 & :at'll help u to get up aft] he %[s u we're d[n4 ,a few nights lat] ! prea*] _h ,k5's bun* p>ticul>ly 9 view z he deliv]$ 8 message4 ,ne> ! close he ask$ dur+ "o ( ^? times ( rev]5t sil5ce t may be felt b n describ$3 ,are n "s ( y m5 tir$ ( go+ ! pace8 ,y "k x doesn't pay4 ,_m a "t y curse y\rselves = be+ fools1 & yet y g back to ! old ways t bla/ y\r life4 ,m56 ,god kn[s h[ "s ( y are tempt$1 & ,he is ready to help4 ,8 ,son came into ! _w to save s9n]s4 ,he /ood 9 ! face ( ! fi]ce/ temptations1 & ) ! comm& ( a conqu]or ,he said1 ',get !e beh9d ,me4' ,&1 ,m56 ,he is ready to /& alongside ( e passion-torn man to-day & to help him to ov]come4 ,isn't !re "s man "h to-night :o wants to d ! dec5t ?+1 & :o w accept ,8 (f] ( help 9 ! bigge/ fight any man has8 ,! words 7 simple & commonplace en\gh1 b ! ,"o :o uses /umbl+ lips 0 pres5t t night4 ,unexpect$ly "o man arose1 pull+ himself up by ! back ( ! seat 9 front ( him--a s9-m>r$ man1 trembl+ z a result ( daily dissipation--& said 9 a muffl$ voice1 ,i want to d ! dec5t4 ,a confirm$ gambl] n f> away /ood up & m]ely said1 ,me too1 ,bob4 ,ano!r1 9 a tone ( despair1 cri$1 ,god & me kn[s !re's no?+ 9 ?is k9d ( life6 ,oh ! d----1 d---- :iskey1 x's ru9$ me4 ,late into ! night ! prea*] walk$ along ! trail ) "o ( ^! s9-wreck$ m52 b ! trans=mation ( t life & o!r lives mu/ con/itute a sep>ate /ory4 ,a few days be=e ! mission clos$ ,old ,k5 came to ! prea*] & ann\nc$ 8 int5d$ dep>ture f ! camp4 ,y see1 /rang]1 ! camp's pretty quiet1 & ,i a9't a-mak+ en\gh money to buy a dress = a humm+-bird4 ,i a9't got ! :]e)al = a ticket1 b if ,i /rike ! "r k9d ( conductor ,i guess ,i'll make ! grade4 ,y see !y c't put a fell] (f betwe5 /ations 9 ?is c\ntry4 ,s ,i'll get "o /ation along anyway1 & if !y *uck me (f ,i'll wait = ! next tra91 & a few *ucks & ,i'll get to ,n---- anyway4 ,! foll[+ morn+ prospector & prea*] walk$ toge!r d[n ! railway track to ! little /ation4 ,a f>ewell ^w 0 spok51 & a f>ewell tok5 slipp$ into ! big h>d h&4 ,old ,k5 /ood a mom5t or two on ! /eps ( ! c>4 ,!re 0 a f>-away look 9 ! old man's eyes z he gaz$ 9 ! direction ( ! di/ant ,cascade range4 ,good-bye1 prea*]4 ,yes1 maybe1 maybe we'll /rike ! ma9 trail t leads home4 ,i hope s--,god kn[s--maybe x a9't too late = me yet4 ,i k9d] ?9k lately t ,god wants ,old ,k54 ,good-bye1 prea*]2 ,god bless y4 ,?ree mon?s lat] ! little prea*] receiv$ a lett] f a ,briti% ,columbia m9]4 ,"o p>agraph may be quot$ "h3 ,poor ,old ,k5 0 burn$ to dea? 9 a hotel fire 9 ,s---- ?ree weeks ago4 ,he 0 ! k9de/ old man ,i ev] met1 & z long z ,i live ,i %all ?ank ,god = ! night he r\nd$ u up & br\ght u to y\r meet+ 9 ! dance-hall4 ,,*>l ,:5 ,*>lie ,rayson pass$ out ( ! dance-hall 9 ! little m\nta9 m9+ t[n a few nights aft] ,old ,k5's r\nd-up1 he 0 on ! bord]-l9e betwe5 despair & hope4 ,0 !re any *ance8 ,= ye>s he _h app>5tly work$ ) ! logg+ gang only t he might give full re9 to ! lu/s t dev\r$ him2 & if he rema9$ 9 ! bu% ! :ole w9t] x 0 ) an impati5ce = ! days to pass s t ! spr+ might br+ him to ! b>-rooms & d5s ( vice1 :]e ! awful monotony might be reliev$ 9 a spr+-long spree4 ,nobody _h any p>ticul> int]e/ 9 ,*>lie1 & no "o knew f :5ce he came4 ,& yet !re seem$ to be "s slight ray ( hope to-night4 ,he _h li/5$ = ! fir/ "t s9ce boyhood to ! pe>l ( ! p>ables1 & !n ,old ,k5 _h ask$ ! prea*] to s+ t !re ,w&]+ ,boy piece4 ,*>lie knew n if 8 "m /ill liv$1 b ! words1 ,oh6 c\ld ,i see y n[1 my boy1 z fair z 9 old5 times1 came l 8 "m's call ?r\gh ! s9-/a9$ pa/4 ,= ?irte5 ye>s he _h cut himself entirely (f1 s f> z 8 :]eab\ts 0 conc]n$1 f t "o :o _h nev] ceas$ to love him4 ,9 a few m9utes aft] ! close ( ! s]vice ,*>lie & ! prea*] 7 alone on ! m\nta9 trail4 ,sudd5ly ,*>lie /opp$ & said1 ,good ,god1 prea*]1 y c't1 y don't und]/& :at ,i'm up aga9/4 ,= n9ete5 ye>s ,i've be5 9 ! h&s ( ! doctor or ! policeman--my passions rip me to pieces--m5 c't help me2 ,i wond] if ,god c8 ,i want to believe :at y said to-night is true1 b ,i've always want$ to d ! ?+ t damns me1 worse ?an ,i h want$ to d any?+ else1 & yet ,i nev] d x )\t some?+ say+ 'don't4' ,9 ! sil5ce ( ! lonely hills ! two m5 /ood1 :ile "o ask$ ,him :o is ! ,help ( ! helpless to be ! ,refuge ( ! passion-pursu$ man4 ,poor ,*>lie c\ld utt] b few words3 ,god1 oh1 ,god1 he sobb$1 ,i'm l t prodigal1 & ,i'm sick ( x all4 ,oh1 ,god1 c y help me8 ,i want to see my old "m4 ,) ! m5tion ( ! ^w "m ! man bur/ into a passion ( weep+4 ,= sev]al m9utes no ^w 0 utt]$1 z ! prea*] /eadi$ ! trembl+ man4 ,x 0 no easy task = ,*>lie to d :at he 0 c\nsell$ to d aft] he _h made ! ,great ,decision4 ,b t night he read1 f ! ,te/am5t giv5 him1 a portion ( ! ?ird *apt] ( ,/4 ,john's ,gospel1 & knelt by 8 bunk & ask$ = /r5g? suffici5t4 ,to kneel d[n & pray 9 c]ta9 ,we/]n m9+ camp bunk-h\ses is a man's job1 b ,*>lie _h realiz$ t only ,"o 0 able to deliv] f ! passions t r5d1 & to t ,"o he appeal$4 ,a =tnight lat] an old woman 9 a f>-away ,ont>io village receiv$ a lett] be>+ a ,briti% ,columbia po/m>k4 ,%e 0 a poor1 lonely1 half-crippl$ individual1 b ! message ( t lett] enri*$ & *e]$ h] & quick5$ h] foot/eps z no?+ _h done 9 ye>s4 ,to ev]ybody %e knew1 & to a good _m p %e did n "k1 %e told ( h] new joy4 ,9 h] trembl+ old h&s %e held ! preci\s lett]4 ,d y "k1 ,i've got a lett] f my ,*>l4 ,i ?\ght he 0 dead4 ,i hav5't he>d f him 9 ?irte5 ye>s1 b he's 9 ,briti% ,columbia1 & he says he's a ,*ri/ian man n[1 & he wants to see 8 "m--& he's go+ to save up s's he c come home1 & till he comes he's go+ to write e week--& he s5t me "s money4 ,oh1 h[ good ,god is to give me back my ,*>l6 ,! poor old s\l seem$ rais$ z if by a miracle f h] invalidism4 ,*>lie toil$ on 9 ! logg+ gang1 & :5 pay-day came ! hotel-keep] reap$ ! usual h>ve/ f mo/ ( ! m51 & 0 hop+ t ,*>lie & ,bill ,davis1 two ( 8 be/ cu/om]s1 w\ld be coax$ back to _! old habits4 ,bill _h be5 kn[n z ! little devil ( ,primeau's gang1 & 8 pr(ess$ *ange ( he>t 0 a ?+ incr$ible to ! entire community4 ,b ,*>lie & ,bill _h be5 a good deal toge!r ( late1 & ! latt] _h told ,*>lie all he purpos$ to d & be ) ,god's help1 & s ! two m5 became mutually helpful4 ,five mon?s pass$1 & besides hav+ pur*as$ new clo!s1 ,*>lie ,rayson _h "o hundr$ & fifty doll>s 9 ! sav+s bank at ,br&on ,falls4 ,& s at la/ ! home j\rney 0 to be made4 ,x w\ld be h>d to say :o 0 ! m excit$1 ,*>lie or 8 loyal fri5d ,bill ,davis4 ,= "s "t ,bill ?\ght he w\ld pull out :5 ,*>lie w5t1 b lat] he decid$ to /ay on 8 job a few mon?s long]4 ,no?+ w\ld d b t ,*>lie %\ld take j a little remembrance ( #be f ,bill to ! ag$ "m4 ,on ,saturday aft]noon ! f9al arrangem5ts 7 made1 & ,bill did a score ( ?+s to make ,*>lie's get-away easi] & pleasant]4 ,:ile ,bill 0 pur*as+ a few little necessities at ! company /ore1 ,*>lie /epp$ across ! ?re%old ( ! b>-room = ! fir/ "t 9 mon?s4 ,he want$ to say good-bye to ,&y ! b>-t5d]4 ,a numb] ( ,*>lie's old pals 7 sitt+ or l\ng+ ar\nd1 "s ( !m well on ! way to _! t]rible mon?ly debau*4 ,num]\s h&s 7 ext5d$ & n a few glasses (f]$ to ,*>lie4 ,n = me1 boys--,i've cut x out = good1 ?anks all ! same1 0 ,*>lie's firm response4 ,oh1 come (f1 cri$ "o1 y a9't a-go+ back on y\r old pals j 'cause y've got a new suit o' clo!s4 ,num]\s sallies foll[$ ?is1 b to ea* "o ,*>lie gave a simil> reply1 & back$ t[>ds ! door4 ,x has always be5 suppos$ t x 0 ,primeau himself :o tripp$ ,*>lie1 b be t z x may1 someh[ ,*>lie /umbl$ backw>ds to ! b>-room floor2 & :5 ,bill ,davis 0 return+ ?r\gh ! hall "s ( ! m5 7 hold+ ,*>lie :ile o!rs 7 p\r+ :iskey ?r\gh 8 lips1 j to give him a lesson 9 sociability4 ,bill ,davis c\ld sc>cely believe t ! boys _h tri$ to make ,*>lie dr9k1 b :5 he realiz$ :at _h happ5$1 8 indignation prompt$ ! pr(anity t _h become a life habit4 ,he *eck$ ! words1 h[ev]1 & %\t$ at ! sc(f+ gr\p to leave ,*>lie alone or somebody w\ld get a heada*e4 ,!re 0 a laugh f "o & a mutt]$ m9d y\r own d---- bus9ess f ano!r4 ,& !n ,bill took a h& 9 ! affair4 ,! foll[+ day ! affray 0 be+ g5]ally discuss$4 ,"o or two m5 :o 7 p>ticipants 9 x 7 c>eful to keep out ( ! public gaze4 ,bill _h n select$ places :]e !y %\ld fall :5 he 0 def5d+ ,*>lie4 ,to a little gr\p 9 ! b>-room ,&y gave ! in=mation t ,!re 0 some?+ do+ alright1 :5 ,bill />t$ 9 to look aft] ,*>lie4 ,say6 ! fea!rs 0 a-fly+4 ,bill a9't su* a blam$ good ,*ri/ian t he's =got h[ to fight4 ,! ta/e ( :iskey _h ar\s$ ! old crav+ 9 ,*>lie1 & long aft] ! ea/-b\nd tra9 _h pull$ out he 0 fight+ 8 battle ) ,bill by 8 side4 ,nev] _h ! two m5 felt m alone1 & nev] _h !y m ne$$ a fri5d ?an n[4 ,all ,*>lie's confid5ce 9 8 ability to /& firm seem$ to be %ak54 ,bill6 he said1 ,i swall[$ "s1 & x seems l x 0 runn+ all ?r\gh me to f9d "s m to keep x company4 ,bill6 = ,god's sake don't leave me4 ,i feel z if ,i 0 go+ to lose ! game4 ,bill h>dly knew :at to say or d4 ,! fight 9 ,*>lie's behalf & ! disappo9tm5t ov] ! delay$ j\rney _h left a great depression4 ,nei!r ( ! m5 w5t d[n to ! ev5+ meal4 ,to pass ! b>-room door & to face ! m5 aga9 seem$ m ?an ,*>lie d>e und]take4 ,! next tra9 = ! ,ea/ pass$ ?r\gh at #c a4m41 & aft] ?9k+ ov] ! ev5ts ( ! aft]noon1 ,bill made up 8 m9d t !y w\ld flag ,numb] #ef1 & t he w\ld j\rney a hundr$ miles or s ) 8 sorely-tempt$ *um4 ,9 ! d>kness ( midnight1 ! two m5 pass$ quietly out ( ! build+ & along ! trail to ! railway /ation4 ,at la/ !y 7 really on ! tra91 & hav+ f\nd an empty d\ble seat ! m5 made !mselves z com=table z possible1 & 7 soon1 l _! fell[-pass5g]s1 gett+ su* fitful sleep z "o may obta9 on ! av]age local4 ,x 0 ! season ( ! ye> :5 wa%\ts make j\rney+ dang]\s1 & frequ5tly 9 ,we/]n ,canada tra9s are delay$ _m h\rs1 & sometimes days1 by ! swell+ ( ! m\nta9 /reams :i* 9 _! onw>d ru% sometimes c>ry culv]ts & balla/ f b5ea? ties & track4 ,! tra9 _h pull$ out ( ,s9clair1 & 0 mak+ h] usual "t ?r\gh ! ea/]n section ( ! ,pass1 :5 pass5g]s 7 sudd5ly ?r[n f _! seats by a t]rific jolt4 ,lamp glasses cra%$ to ! aisle1 & baggage 0 dislodg$ f ! racks4 ,*>lie pull$ himself to 8 feet almo/ in/antane\sly1 despite ! knocks he _h receiv$4 ,! lamps 7 flick]+ & smok+1 b =tunately !re appe>$ no dang] ( fire4 ,! brakeman1 hatless & ) a ble$+ face1 came ru%+ ?r\gh ! c>s seek+ to allay ! fe>s4 ,/ay 9 ! c>s1 please--!re's no dang] ( fire4 ,y're bett] "h ?an outside4 ,doctors w be "h soon4 ,bill _h n escap$ s]i\s injury4 ,he f\nd x impossible to rise1 & z t5d]ly z he knew h[1 ,*>lie pill[$ 8 head & /oop$ beside him z he lay 9 ! aisle4 ,i'm fe>$ ,i'm pretty badly hurt$1 p>dn]1 groan$ ,bill4 ,!re 0 some?+ k9d o' cru%$ inside4 ,guess ,i'll j lie "h = a bit4 ,! eng9e _h plung$ ?r\gh an und]m9$ piece ( track1 & eng9e] & fireman 7 t]ribly cut & scald$1 :ile ! baggage-man _h be5 p9n$ b5ea? "s heavy trunks t _h %ot =w>d & d[nw>d :5 ! eng9e cra%$ into ! wa%\t4 ,x's ! hospital = y1 my man1 said ! doctor k9dly1 aft] a hurri$ exam9ation ( ,bill's injuries4 ,we'll make y z com=table z we c be=e ! 'special' pulls out1 b y ne$ a little att5tion t y c't get 9 ! camp ev5 if y 7 able to /& ! j\rney4 ,*>lie got p]mission to accompany 8 pal1 & = ,bill's sake he kept a brave he>t1 al?\gh ! ev5ts ( ! pa/ tw5ty-f\r h\rs robb$ him ( ! ligh!>t$ness t _h be5 8 9 anticipation ( ! home-go+4 ,two days lat] ,*>lie decid$ to cont9ue 8 j\rney ea/w>d4 ,! doctors 7 /ill anxi\s ab\t ,bill1 b !re 0 no?+ ,*>lie c\ld d1 & he knew ! old "m 0 wait+ = h] boy4 ,x 0 a t\*+ f>ewell z ! sick man's h& 0 clasp$4 ,a score ( times ,*>lie _h express$ 8 sorr[ t he _h ev] let ,bill accompany him1 & yet ea* "t 9 8 own way he ?ank$ ,bill = /&+ by him :5 he 0 ne> b[l$ out4 ,bill tri$ to say t he 0 glad ,*>lie 0 go+ home1 b 8 tone & look reveal$ 8 s5se ( loss & lonel9ess at ! prospect ( 8 pal's dep>ture1 & ,*>lie's eyes ne$$ a good deal ( att5tion1 :i* !y receiv$ surreptiti\sly4 ,motion+ = ,*>lie to come ne>]1 ! sick man :isp]$3 ,y're a brick1 old p>d1 to /ay by me ?is long4 ,i guess %e's gett+ anxi\s = y]4 ,say1 ,*>lie1 :5 y] away d[n !re ,i'll be k9d er lonely2 h[ w\ld x be if y] made a bit ( a pray] once 9 a :ile = me8 ,!n ) a la/ pressure on ! /ill clasp$ h&1 he add$1 ,good-bye1 old pal1 ,god bless y]2 maybe we'll hit ! trail toge!r aga9 "s day1 b say1 ,*>lie6 7! voice 0 ?robb+ ) emotion1 & ! eyes reflect$ well-nigh a "m's t5d]ness7--say1 ,*>lie6 we'll /ay by x1 won't we8 ,if ! :ole _w goes back on ,jesus ,*ri/ we two'll /ick to him1 'cause we "k :at ,he c d2 don't we1 ,*>lie8 ,?us !y p>t$4 ,inside ( ?ree days ! "o 0 clasp$ 9 a "m's arms & !re 0 great joy 9 ! little village home2 & almo/ at ! same h\r ! o!r rea*$ 8 ,fa!r's ,home1 & !re1 too1 0 great joy4 ,,! ,,bann] ,,m9es ,*>lie ,rayson 0 ! man :o fir/ sugge/$ ! hold+ ( special s]vices at ! ,bann]4 ,oh6 boys1 b x's a h>d spot4 ,i m9d :5 ,old ,k5 hit ! trail to get a job !re4 ,somebody br\ght ^w !y 0 pay+ six bits an h\r = r\gh c>p5t]+1 & next morn+ ,k5 took ov] ! m\nta9 ) 8 pack4 ,he nev] /opp$ ev5 long en\gh to get on a spree4 ,9 ab\t a week he 0 back at ! old spot4 ,t night he 0 9 ! b>-room tell+ ! boys ab\t 8 trip4 ,i m9d he told 'em !y c\ld judge :at x 0 l :5 he 0 '! only g5tleman 9 ! place4' ,^? :o knew ,k5 ne$$ no fur!r report ( conditions at ! ,bann] ,m9es4 ,:5 ! ,di/rict ,sup]9t5d5t he>d t ! m5 7 plann+ to g to ! ,bann]1 he wrote to tell !m n to be too mu* disc\rag$ if x took a week's h>d "w to get half a doz5 he>]s4 ,! spot is kn[n to _m z ! 'hell-hole ( ! ,prov9ce1' & ! ,*ur* does n beg9 to figure 9 importance ) ! corn] groc]y1 b ) two special work]s & ! am\nt ( e>ne/ pray] t is ev]y:]e be+ (f]$4 ,i am hopeful t ! he>tr5d+ indiff]5ce may be ov]come4 ,& s on a c]ta9 ,monday morn+ ! mission]s made _! way to ! ,junction1 & !n took ! dirty "w-tra9 up ! gul* to ! camp4 ,9 a community :]e m5 h = ye>s read anti-*ur*1 anti-religi\s lit]ature1 & :]e p>asite is hiss$ "u ! brea? e "t a m9i/] ( ! ,gospel is se51 x c\ld sc>cely be expect$ t any?+ approa*+ a welcome w\ld be giv5 ! new-com]s4 ,inside ( an h\r ! "w ( gett+ acqua9t$ 0 comm5c$4 ,on ! trail1 along ! railway track1 at ! tipple1 at ! entrance to ! m9es1 9 ! wa%room1 :]ev] m5 c\ld be met1 ! mission]s s\ght to ent] into conv]sation ) ! m9]s4 ,"s answ]$ civilly1 a few 7 almo/ cordial1 _m 7 surly1 & _m o!rs ei!r absolutely indiff]5t & sil5t1 or op5ly antagoni/ic4 ,dave ,clem5ts1 a disabl$ m9]1 :o look$ aft] ! wa%-room1 express$ himself ?us3 ,religion a9't no good "h2 mo/ ( ! m9e-own]s is suppos$ to hev got x1 & s ! re/ ( u don't want x4 ,look at ! h\ses :at !y make u live 9--my missus has be5 sick mo/ all w9t]--je/ froz51 t's :y6 ,we pays eighte5 doll>s a mon? = ! ---- places4 ,! company owns ev]y?+ ar\nd "h3 l&1 h\ses1 /ores1 tra9--ev5 ! air belongs to 'em1 'cause x's full ( _! coal-du/4 ,we has to pay ab\t ?ree times ! prop] price = ?+s2 b1 !n1 t's :at helps 'em to be religi\s2 t's :at gives 'em ! front seats 9 ! synagogue1 y bet2 we fell]s sweat to buy *ur* organs & plu% cu%ions1 & !n ! p>asite p>sons pat ! m9e-own]s on ! pate & give ?anks = su* g5]\s bre?r54 ,if anybody ne$s revivall+1 /rang]1 x's t gang ( hypocrites back yond] :at makes u poor devils raise ! w9d to bl[ _! glory trumpets4 ,yet ev5 ,dave 0 compell$ to say ( ,him :om ! mission]s s\ght to exalt1 ,i f9d no fault 9 ?is man4 ,9 response to an invitation to att5d an ev5+ s]vice "o m9] repli$3 ,meet+1 eh8 ,any booze go+8 ,no8 ,any dance aft]8 ,some?+ bett] ?an t8 ,gee6 x mu/ be swell6 ,!n ! tone 0 contemptu\s3 ,no1 siree2 y c\ldn't get me into a religi\s meet+ ) a c\ple ( ,c4,p4,r4 eng9es4 ,yet ! daily conv]sations & invitations 7 n all 9 va91 = :5 !re is a real conc]n on ! "p ( ,*ri/ians = non-,*ri/ians1 t conc]n is likely to be imp>t$ to ^? :om !y seek to w94 ,moses ,evans1 a ,wel% m9]1 li/5$ some:at impati5tly to ! mission]'s words1 z he /ood lean+ aga9/ a telephone pole4 ,!n ) app>5t we>9ess he answ]$1 ,look "h1 "y fell[1 !re a9't a ---- man 9 ?is c\ntry c live a ,*ri/ian life 9 ?is camp4 ,i've tri$ x2 y a9't4 ,i "k2 y don't4 ,i us$ to be a ,*ri/ian 9 ,wales--lea/wise1 ,i ?9k ,i 0--b y c't be "h4 ,! int]view end$1 h[ev]1 ) a promise on ,moses' "p to be pres5t on ! foll[+ night4 ,?ree nights lat] he knelt1 at ! close ( ! s]vice1 beh9d ! old piano1 & brok5ly ask$ ,god to make him diff]5t aga94 ,=give my s9s1 he cont9u$1 & help me l ,y did 9 ,wales4 ,ne> ! end ( ! week ! mission]s plann$ to hold an op5-air s]vice a mile & a half d[n ! gul*1 at a spot call$ ,spani% ,camp1 :]e ne>ly two hundr$ m9]s liv$4 ,x 0 hop$ t by arrang+ ! meet+ betwe5 %ifts a numb] might he> ! ,gospel message1 :o _h n previ\sly be5 rea*$4 ,e t5t & %ack 0 visit$ twice prec$+ ! meet+1 & h&-pr9t$ signs 7 po/$ :]ev] likely to arre/ att5tion4 ,at ! "t = ! meet+ to comm5ce !re 7 five *ildr5 & eight dogs pres5t4 ,x 0 n a dignifi$ c\rse to pursue1 & probably m]it$ ! disapproval ( ! *ur* fa!rs1 b "o ( ! mission]s1 ye>n+ to get a he>+ = 8 message1 got possession ( a l>ge t9 c f a ne>by rubbi% heap1 & ) ! aid ( a club succe$$ 9 gett+ consid]able noise f its empt9ess4 ,! p may h appreciat$ 8 adv]tis+ ability1 or x may be !y pref]r$ to he> ! ,gospel r ?an ! noise t 0 com+ f ! t9 c2 b1 at any rate1 9 a few m9utes a circle ( ?irty or =ty ga!r$ ar\nd ! speak]s4 ,a few m9utes aft] ! meet+ _h comm5c$ ! limp+ figure ( ,moses ,evans might h be5 se5 on ! m\nta9-side ne> ,no4 #c ,m9e4 ,hurry+ d[n ! trail he cross$ ! ru/ic bridge ov] ! little m\nta9 /ream1 & came to :]e ! cr[d _h ga!r$4 ,)\t any hesitation he pu%$ ?r\gh ! circle & /ood 9 ! c5tre4 ,rev]5tly remov+ 8 m9]'s cap1 he said1 ,i'd l to pray4 ,a few faces express$ a sne]1 b ,moses clasp$ 8 h&s & utt]$ 8 petition1 :i* 0 writt5 d[n imm$iately !reaft]4 ,oh1 ,god1 y "k z h[ ! devil has be5 at me all day1 say+ z ,i dasn't /& out 9 ! public air & confess ,!e4 ,y "k1 oh1 my ,god6 t ,i want to be a good man aga94 ,y "k ,i c't read nor write 9 ,engli%1 b ,y've put words 9 my m\?2 put !m into my he>t1 & keep x clean1 = ,jesus' sake4 ,am54 ,moses ,evans & o!r m51 :o ) him made op5 confession ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 7 aga9 & aga9 spat ^u & curs$1 z !y pass$ along ! entry at _! daily toil 9 ! m9e4 ,b x's a great ?+1 wrote ! s*ool-tea*]1 t ^! m5 c be by tongue damn$ high] & damn$ l[] ?an any?+ else 9 ?is _w1 & yet /& firm4 ,increase ! numb] ( su* m51 & y h a leav5 ( righte\sness t w ev5tually p]meate ?is :ole m9+ community4 ,?is is our only hope ( rescue f ! mire ( s5suality & vice into :i* _m ( our m9]s h sunk4 ,moses says to please tell y t ! words ( ! hymn y us$ to s+ are true 9 8 own exp]i5ce3-- ',?r\gh days ( toil1 :5 he>t do? fail ,god w take c>e ( y2 ,:5 dang]s fi]ce y\r pa? assail1 ,god w take c>e ( y4' ,,! ,,hop ,x 0 ! acceptance ( ! *all5ge to att5d ! ,hop at ! ,bonanza ,camp t popul>iz$ ! s]vices at ! ,bann] ,m9es4 ,illu/ration3 #a4 ,a ,"y ,m9] be=e 8 d>k & d+y cab94 #b4 ,a ,m9e & ,bunk-h\se4 #c4 ,!y buri$ h] half a mile f ! camp4 7see page #dh74 ,aft] ! op5-air meet+ a numb] ( m5 l\ng$ ar\nd "o ( ! %acks discuss+ ! "q ( religion4 ,:5 "o ( ! prea*]s approa*$ ! gr\p to invite !m to ! meet+ 9 ! ,hall1 ,smut ,ludl[ at once began to air 8 grievances aga9/ ! ,*ur*1 & to in=m ! prea*] t !re 7 m ---- rascals 9 ! ,*ur* ?an 9 any o!r organization on e>?4 ,!n ,frank ,/acy contribut$ 8 bit ( condemnation3 ,see "h1 prea*]6 ,! la/ "t ,i 0 back ,ea/1 ,i ?\ght ,i'd see :at sort ( a %[ !y 0 /ill runn+ 9 y] ,h\se o' ,god1 & s ,i w5t 94 ,j ov] ! ar*way inside 0 a f9e piece ( writ+1 some?+ ab\t '! ri* & ! poor meet+ toge!r1 & go+ snooks4' ,i ?\ght x s\nd$ pretty good1 s ,i made myself z com=table z ,i c\ld 9 "o ( !m s(t seats4 ,aft] a :ile "s dude />t$ to play ! organ1 & folks dress$ up fit to kill /rutt$ into _! seats & bobb$ _! heads d[n & pret5d$ to say _! pray]s4 ,!n ,i wat*$ an old guy try+ to get 8 ov]coat (f3 ,i m9d h[ 8 o!r coat well-nigh come (f ) x2 he sure 0 sc>$ :5 he saw 8 %irt sleeve1 & he hu/l$ bo? 8 coats on aga9 l he'd be5 caught /eal+4 ,j !n somebody tapp$ me on ! %\ld]1 & a coon ) a silk tile 9 8 h& told me to sit at ! back :]e ! seats w]5't r5t$4 ,i w5t back look+ l a fool1 b y bet ,i didn't /op = a back seat3 ,i decid$ ,i'd take an outside b]?1 & x'll be a few hundr$ ye>s be=e ?is *ick5 gets caught aga94 ,ri* & poor meet toge!r1 & g snooks6 ,x look$ l x1 didn't x8 ,see "h1 prea*]1 a9't x ab\t "t y fell]s /opp$ talk+ "o ?+ & s]v+ up ano!r8 ,! :ole ?+ is tommy-rot1 t's :at ,i say4 ,illu/ration3 #a4 ,company ,h\ses 9 a ,m\nta9 ,m9+ ,t[n4 #b4 ,he said he 0 ,! only g5tleman 9 ! place 7see page #cd74 #c4 ,an ,op5-air ,meet+ 9 ,briti% ,columbia ,m9+ ,camp1 betwe5 %ifts4 #d4 ,m9]s at entrance to a ,briti% ,columbia ,m9e4 ,hal ,r9nell 0 n antagoni/ic1 b object$ to an illu/ration t ! prea*] _h us$4 ,say1 prea*]1 w>n't t !re /ory ab\t ! ,bi%op & ! silv] c&le/icks a bit fi%y8 ,y m9d y said ab\t ! fell] swip+ 'em aft] ! ,bi%op _h give him a b$1 & !n he got away ) 'em ?r\gh ! night2 & :5 ! p'liceman saw him ) 'em next morn+1 & "k'd !y belong$ to ! ,bi%op1 !y je/ nabb$ him & br\ght him back4 ,& y m9d y said ! ,bi%op told 'em ! man didn't swipe ! c&le/icks1 b got 'em f him z a pres5t4 ,!n :5 ! p'lice 0 gone1 ! ,bi%op call$ ! ?ief 'bro!r1' & made him keep 8 haul & promise to be squ>e f t on4 ,n[ t a9't reasonable3 x a9't human nature4 ,i'd l to see ! pumpk9-head :at w\ld swipe my c&le/icks1 if ,i _h any1 art] ,i'd give him a dec5t b$4 ,he'd hev 8 next breakfa/ 9 ,hades1 y bet4 ,"s o' y prea*]s a9't reasonable2 y k9d] get y] wires cross$4 ,! cross-fir+ end$ by a proposition f ,smut4 ,!re's go+ to be a hot old "t to-morr[ night at ! ,bonanza1 prea*]4 ,i'll make a deal ) y4 ,y don't l our /yle2 we don't l y\r hot air4 ,y att5d ! ball at ,bonanza1 we'll att5d y\r %[1 provid+ y />t :5 we />t1 & leave :5 we leave1 & get home z soon z we d4 ,h['s t1 boys8 ,! boys tru/$ ,smut's judgm5t1 & knew by 8 w9k t ! proposition 0 safe1 h5ce _! unanimity to make x a g4 ,none ( !m dream$ t ! proposal w\ld be accept$1 b aft] a mom5t's conf]5ce ) 8 fell[-work] ! prea*] agre$2 & 9 ord] t !re %\ld be no misund]/&+1 he repeat$ ,smut's proposition4 ,! foll[+ ev5+ ! six-mile walk to ! ,bonanza 0 comm5c$1 & ! second p>ty to ! contract foll[$ ! lead]s4 ,! fir/ mile ( trail 0 famili> to ! prea*]1 !n ! way l$ ov] r>ely-travell$ pa?s4 ,c>efully he took 8 be>+s :5 t 0 possible1 = few l&m>ks exi/$4 ,he obs]v$ ! :isp]+s & smiles :5 ! way 0 wide en\gh = two or ?ree ( ! m5 to walk toge!r1 & surmis$ t he 0 ! subject ( ! conv]sation4 ,at la/ ! ,bonanza 0 rea*$1 & already ! gaudily-decorat$ d9+-room ( ! bo>d+-h\se res\nd$ ) laught] & %\t+ f well-nigh a hundr$ gue/s4 ,f all corn]s ( ! di/rict !y _h ga!r$1 = :]e social opportunities are s r>e ! camp ball is a great ev5t4 ,! b& consi/$ ( viol91 cornet1 & horn1 accompani$ by ! rhy?mic p\nd+ ( ! p]=m]s' feet4 ,wom5 7 sc>ce 9 ! di/rict1 & mo/ ( ! m5 desir$ to dance ) e woman pres5t1 s t ! p]iods ( re/ 7 few & %ort4 ,liquor 0 disp5s$ freely1 & "s ( ! danc]s became hil>i\s & o!rs qu>relsome4 ,only once 0 !re any?+ approa*+ a fight4 ,nell ,web/]1 a notori\s "*1 :o 0 once well kn[n 9 ! crime colony ( an ,am]ican city because ( h] m ?an ord9>y attractiv5ess1 _h pass$ ?r\gh _m degrad+ exp]i5ces1 & _h ev5tually tak5 up h] abode at ! ,bonanza4 ,excessive use ( drugs & liquor _h wreck$ h] attractiv5ess1 b a dance 0 consid]$ incomplete )\t h]1 & :5 excit$ by intoxicants %e c\ld hold ! floor ) any ( !m4 ,x 0 ?r\gh "o m9] attempt+ to monopolize ,nell's dances t ! qu>rel arose4 ,heat$ words1 !n curses & ?reats1 creat$ an ugly situation1 until a few ( ! m sob] manag$ to sep>ate ! ang]$ ones4 ,x 0 ! la/ night !y w\ld qu>rel ov] ,nell4 ,h] mad race 0 end$4 ,! girl ( beauty _h let s9 become h] taskma/]1 & n[ = ye>s h] cup ( pleasure _h conta9$ only ! dregs4 ,/ep by /ep ! progress _h be5 d[nw>d4 ,once1 respectable m5 ) ref9$ brutality _h made h] ?9k %e 0 _! valu$ companion1 & !n1 l an orange f :i* ! sweetness _h be5 extract$1 !y _h ca/ h] (f4 ,= a "t %e ga9$ notoriety by be+ ! wife ( ,l5 ,wal%1 c\nt]feit]1 burgl>1 confid5ce-man1 & all-r\nd crook4 ,at t "t %e 0 kn[n z ,l5 ,wal%'s woman1 b :5 ,l5 laps$ f clev] crime to simple drunk5ness1 %e left him & took ano!r "n4 ,& n[ = ye>s h] associates _h be5 drunks & crooks4 ,once dur+ ! revelry1 z an opportunity pres5t$ itself1 ! prea*] spoke a few words to h] ab\t h] t]rible mode ( liv+4 ,he ?\ght !re 0 a %ad[ ( remorse z1 ) a =c$ smile1 %e repli$1 ,i don't give a d---- n[2 bett] try x on somebody y\ng]4 ,two days lat] ! prea*] 0 ask$ to return to ! ,bonanza & make a la/ pray] ov] ,nell4 ,!y _h f\nd h] lifeless body ! morn+ foll[+ ! camp ball4 ,h] grimy %ack 0 litt]$ ) bottles & glasses1 & !re 7 evid5ces ( a fracas--s9-m>r$1 s9-maul$ ,nell lay on ! fil?y floor 9 ! dress %e _h worn at ! dance4 ,!y buri$ h] half a mile f ! camp1 & "o ( ! boys crudely c>v$ ! ^w ,nell on a c$> po/1 & plac$ x at ! head ( ! solit>y grave amid ! lonely m\nta9s4 ,few sadd] mom5ts has ! prea*] ev] sp5t ?an ! ones occupi$ 9 ! burial ( ,nell4 ,aga9 & aga9 7 h] la/ words to him recall$--words t h s9ce become an appeal 9 behalf ( ! w&]+3 ,i don't give a d---- n[2 bett] try x on somebody y\ng]4 ,b to return to ! dance4 ,x 0 long pa/ midnight :5 ! ,bann] cont+5t />t$ = home4 ,!re 0 some?+ ( int]e/ t ,smut _h to confid5tially communicate to ea* man4 ,!n !re 0 a hurri$ %\t1 ,all "r1 boys1 & ! cr[d imm$iately disappe>$ 9 ! d>kness4 ,?us f> ! prea*] _h kept 8 "p 9 ! agreem5t1 b ,smut ,ludl[ 0 plann+ t on ! homew>d j\rney ! re/ ( ! contract mu/ be made impossible4 ,! m9]s /ruck a furi\s pace1 & ! prea*] 0 = a few m9utes unable to see ! w9d+ way1 b he /umbl$ along z rapidly z ! h9dmo/ ( 8 fell[-travell]s4 ,v soon he realiz$ t _m ( ! m5 c\ld n ma9ta9 t pace = long1 & s1 refra9+ f conv]sation1 he held himself well 9 res]ve1 be+ cont5t to take 8 pace f ! sl[e/ 9 ! l9e4 ,= half an h\r no *ange 9 position took place4 ,! =emo/ m5 7 *uckl+ to !mselves ov] %ak+ ! prea*]1 & 7 wond]+ h[ f> back on ! trail he 01 & :e!r he w\ld sp5d ! next few h\rs 9 ! woods wait+ = daylight4 ,b _! mir? 0 %ort-liv$4 ,! prea*] decid$ t x 0 8 move next4 ,he c\ld he> ! pant+ ( ! m5 imm$iately ahead ( him1 & at a fav\rable opportunity he increas$ ! l5g? & spe$ ( 8 /ride1 & pass$ two ( ! boys4 ,at ea* wid5+ ( ! trail he p]=m$ ! same feat1 until only ,smut rema9$ ahead4 ,smut 0 mightily amaz$ :5 he discov]$ :o 0 8 ne>e/ fell[-travell]1 & an oa? escap$ him4 ,) vigor\sly sw++ arms he made e ef=t to keep ! lead1 try+ = a :ile to d a jog-trot1 b 8 feet began to drag heavily1 & once or twice he /umbl$4 ,no ^w 0 ex*ang$1 = ,smut 0 be+ press$ to ! utmo/ exp5diture ( 8 /r5g?1 & ! o!r conte/ant _h nev] m long$ = victory4 ,m ?an once he _h receiv$ ! *e]s ( ! ?\s&s :5 he 0 ! fav\rite on ,mc,gill's field-day1 b someh[ he felt to-night l>g] issues 7 at /ake ?an ! a?letic glory ( a college4 ,he 0 /ill comp>atively fre%1 = he _h be5 only an onlook] at ! dance1 & _h no alcohol 9 8 sy/em4 ,n>rat+ 8 f9al conte/ to 8 fell[-work]1 he said1 ,if ev] ,i pray$ ,samson's pray] ) all my he>t x 0 "r !n3 ',/r5g!n me1 ,i pray ,!e1 only ?is once1 ,o ,god4' ,at la/ ! two m5 7 side by side1 b only = a few seconds4 ,) ! en?usiasm ( a victor ! prea*] quickly l5g!n$ ! di/ance1 & manag$ to sp>e en\gh brea? to call back1 ,come on1 boys2 x's no use hang+ ar\nd "h all night4 ,at ! fir/ w9d+ ( ! trail he broke into a run1 & kept x up until he rea*$ ! bunk-h\se4 ,) all possible spe$ he unlac$ 8 boots1 ?rew (f 8 coat1 made himself z com=table z possible1 & :5 ! boys fil$ 9 he 0 sitt+ alongside ( ! d9+-table ) 8 feet on a box & a book 9 8 h&1 look+ z ?\gh he _h be5 hav+ a quiet night ( read+4 ,poor ,smut6 ,if ev] a man _h x rubb$ 91 x 0 ,smut ,ludl[4 ,ev5 be=e ! camp 0 rea*$ ! attack comm5c$4 ,smut1 y're a ---- fool1 & y've made ---- fools ( e ---- man 9 ! camp1 />t$ ,frank ,/acey4 ,b ) *>act]i/ic ,we/]n fair-play ! prea*]'s /ock w5t up rapidly4 ,t sky pilot a9't no sl\*4 ,gee6 :iz6 y %\ld h se5 him give ,smut ! g-by :5 he 0 plung+ ar\nd l a :ale 9 %all[ wat]1 & puff+ l ! 'dummy' :5 %e's try+ to make ! grade ) too big a haul4 ,_m simil> expressions w5t ! r\nd ! next day1 & ! prea*] 0 no long] reg>d$ z ! "u-dog4 ,say1 pilot1 said ,frank at ! noon h\r1 :]e d'y le>n t gait y /ruck la/ night8 ,) a smile came ! quiet reply1 ,i 0 br\ght up on ! f>m1 & us$ to drive ! calves to ! wat]4 ,z ,frank walk$ away he rem>k$1 ,y] guv'nor mu/ h rais$ blam$ good calves4 ,! mo/ annoy+ result ( ! :ole incid5t1 s f> z ! m5 7 conc]n$1 lay 9 ! fact t !y 7 9 hon\r b\nd to att5d ! evangeli/ic meet+4 ,to "s x 0 s exasp]at+ t !y sugge/$ ! violation ( ! contract4 ,b t 0 n to be ?\ght ( 9 ! op9ion ( ! majority4 ,we 0 lick$1 & we'll take our m$ic9e1 ?\gh x's ---- h>d to swall]1 said ,hal ,r9nell4 ,= ! meet+ t night ! h&-pr9t$ signs gave ! in=mation t a s]ies ( lant]n slides w\ld be exhibit$ at ! comm5cem5t ( ! s]vice4 ,a few m9utes aft] ! op5+1 & :ile a popul> ,gospel hymn 0 be+ sung1 ab\t a doz5 m5 avail$ !mselves ( ! m]cifulness ( ! semi-d>kness1 & slipp$ into back seats4 ,by ! "t ! lights 7 turn$ up !y _h become accu/om$ to _! surr\nd+s1 & bore ) fair grace ! sugge/ive glances t 7 direct$ t[>ds !m4 ,! appeal 0 bas$ on ! words3 ,i f9d no fault 9 ?is ,man4 ,all ! controv]sial weaknesses ( ! ,*ur* 7 dismiss$1 & ! great problems ( he>t & life 7 dealt ) 9 a manly1 sympa!tic mann]1 & m5's ?\ghts 7 direct$ to t ,"o ^: "n /ill occupies its spl5did solit>y pre-em95ce4 ,be=e any p]son left ! build+1 ! speak] 0 9 8 accu/om$ place at ! door to speak a p]sonal ^w & give a h&%ake4 ,frank ,/acey clasp$ ! pr(f]$ h& ) g5u9e cordiality1 & 9 a voice t 0 he>d by all1 said1 ,y're play+ a bully good game1 prea*]4 ,y hit z good a pace to-night z la/ night1 & if y keep x up y'll lick u to a f9i% be=e y\r inn+s is out4 ,smut ,ludl[ 0 n 9 good hum\r1 & z ! boys sat ar\nd ! bunk-h\se /ove hav+ _! la/ smoke = ! day1 he 0 cle>ly disgu/$ & madd5$ at ! *ang$ attitude ( ! camp t[>d ! prea*]4 ,once he express$ himself aft] ,frank _h prais$ ! prea*] = 8 grit4 ,y're a ---- lot ( turncoats2 ?+s are 9 a ---- ( a mess if y fell[s c be bamboozl$ by "o ( ^! ---- p>asites4 ,well6 we a9't ! only ones :at 7 bamboozl$1 ,smut4 ,he sure put x all ov] y la/ night1 & if y _h en\gh bra9s to fill a ?imble y'd keep y\r fool m\? %ut4 ,nev] 9 _! long acqua9tance _h ,frank oppos$ ,smut to ! ext5t ( ?is deliv]ance1 b !re 0 no "q b t ! prea*] _h ov]come ,frank's opposition & ar\s$ 8 admiration4 ,anyh[1 he cont9u$1 t *ap's a diff]5t br& to mo/ ( 'em1 & ,i k9d] ?9k he c put up ! g5u9e goods4 ,frank ?rew 8 clo!s ov] ! l9e & clamb]$ into 8 untidy bunk1 & long aft] ! heavy brea?+ ( we>i$ m5 _h become g5]al he lay ) /rangely new ?\ghts4 ,he agre$ ) ! prea*] t x wasn't a squ>e deal to f9d no fault 9 ?is ,man1 & !n to deliv] ,him to be crucifi$4 ,& t night ! prea*] _h1 by num]\s illu/rations1 compell$ ! wor/ ( m5 to pay _! tribute to ,him :o 0 ! highe/ t humanity has kn[n2 & yet 7 !y any squ>] to ,him ?an ,pilate 08 ,_h !y n mu* m evid5ce ?an ,pilate _h1 & yet1 9 ! face ( an absolutely unanim\s v]dict ( n guilty1 !y pron\nc$ :at 0 equal to ! dea? p5alty4 ,aga9 & aga9 ,frank said to himself ,t a9't squ>e4 ,!re 0 n a seat to sp>e 9 ! dance-hall dur+ ! subsequ5t nights4 ,frank ,/acey miss$ no s]vice1 & :51 at ! mission's close1 a meet+ 0 call$ ( ^? int]e/$ 9 ! organization ( a ,*ur* & ! erection ( a build+1 he 0 "o ( ! little company4 ,:5 six mon?s lat] !y 7 ready to occupy ! new *ur*1 ,frank 0 insi/5t t ,mr4 ----1 ! man :o %[$ ,smut :]e to get (f1 %\ld be ! prea*] = ! day4 ,impossible1 said a numb]2 x w\ld co/ ov] ?irty doll>s = railway f>e alone4 ,impossible no?+6 0 ,frank's response2 & tw5ty-f\r h\rs lat] he h&$ fifty doll>s to ! ,treasur] = railway f>e & pulpit supply1 & aft] two weeks ( correspond5ce ! ann\ncem5t 0 made t ! desir$ speak] 0 com+4 ,no "o enjoy$ ! day ( ! op5+ m ?an ,frank4 ,! build+ ( ! *ur* _h absorb$ all 8 int]e/1 & n[ ! ef=t 0 cr[n$ ) success4 ,= sev]al nights a doz5 ,wel% & ,engli% m9]s _h practis$ ! hymns to give ! ?+ a good s5d-(f4 ,!y sat 9 ! corn] ne> ! read+-desk1 & l$ ! music ) increas+ confid5ce z ! day's s]vices progress$4 ,i guess ! devil ov]-rea*$ himself :5 he tri$ to make a fool ( ! prea*] ! night ( ! dance1 said ,frank1 z a gr\p /ood outside at ! close ( ! aft]noon's ,communion s]vice4 ',ta9't (t5 he gets z h>d hit 9 ! neck by 8 fri5ds z he 0 t night4 ,! ,*ur* at ! ,bann] has _h its ups & d[ns dur+ ! pa/ ?ree ye>s4 ,"o ( ! m9es has clos$1 & _m %acks are n[ unoccupi$4 ,frank ,/acey has gone ov] to ,vanc\v] ,isl&1 & "s ( ! *>t] memb]s h ceas$ _! e>?ly lab\rs2 b ea* ,sabba?-day a few fai?ful ones1 ! salt ( ! e>?1 ga!r = wor%ip 9 ! ,*ur* t ,smut ,ludl[ unwitt+ly caus$ to be built4 ,,?y ,,t\* ,,has ,,/ill ,,its ,,anci5t ,,p[] ,jack ,ro&e 0 on "o ( 8 p]iodical sprees4 ,= eight ye>s he _h be5 go+ ! pace4 ,!y _h be5 long1 we>y ye>s to ! "o :om ,jack _h v[$ to love & *]i%4 ,night aft] night1 ?r\gh ^! long ye>s1 %e _h li/5$ = ! awful home-com+4 ,!re 7 few 9 ! little m9+ t[n b _h (t5 se5 h] eyes r$d5$ by weep+1 & all knew ( ! ,ea/]n home %e _h left4 ,among ^? :o _h jo9$ 9 ! s5d-(f1 ne>ly fifte5 ye>s ago1 7 two m5 ^: names are /ill hon\r$ h\sehold words ?r\gh\t ! ,dom9ion4 ,!re 0 no note ( sadness t day1 = ,jack 0 a model "y man1 & e "o agre$ t !re 0 no f9] girl ?an ,nell4 ,jack blam$ 8 d[nfall to dabbl+ 9 politics4 ,politics are rott5 9 ?is prov9ce1 said he1 z he endeav\r$ to excuse 8 condition2 b p]haps1 z a *um ( ,jack's said1 he only blam$ politics 'cause a fell[ g5]ally tries to f9d a s(t place to fall4 ,:atev] ! cause1 at lea/ ! fact 0 pla9 to all 9 ! t[n t ,jack 0 d[n & out4 ,! bus9ess m5 said s1 & agre$ ) ! au?orities t ,jack 0 a nuisance to ! t[n4 ,"s ( ^? :o _h assi/$ 9 8 d[nfall spoke ( him z a dirty loaf]1 & ev5 ! b>-rooms1 :]e he _h sp5t all1 tol]at$ 8 pres5ce only :5 ! cruel pity ( "s patron call$ him 9 = a treat1 or :5 he c\ld exhibit "s co94 ,x 0 ?r\gh ! t5d] m]cies ( ! wick$ to ,jack t !re 7 ?ree empty /ock+s 9 ! ,ro&e home on ! rec5t ,*ri/mas ,eve4 ,= ! *ildr5's sake1 !re _h be5 a te>ful plea t ! husb& w\ld be home ,*ri/mas ,eve & ,*ri/mas ,day4 ,) glad expectancy ! meagre res\rces ( ! pantry 7 comb9$ by lov+ h&s to give ! ne>e/ possible approa* to a fea/4 ,f ! ne>-by woods ! *ildr5 _h br\ght c$> & p9e = decorative purposes1 & ^!1 ) /ray bits ( brightly-col\r$ tissue pap]1 _h done mu* to give ! home a ,*ri/mas appe>ance4 ,! usual notes _h be5 writt5 to ,santa ,claus1 & ! "m-he>t _h lov+ly sugge/$ a curtailm5t ( su* reque/s z ,santa might f9d x difficult to grant4 ,! little ones _h ?r[n _! lett]s into ! fire1 & wat*$ "s ( ! gauzy a%es c>ri$ up ! *imney to ! my/]i\s b g5]\s fri5d ( ! *ildr51 :o w\ld soon be load+ 8 sleigh some:]e 9 ! f> nor?4 ,jack appe>$ to respond to 8 wife's plead+s1 & s on acc\nt ( h] _m home duties %e confid$ to him "s ( ! reque/s ! *ildr5 _h made1 & h[ ! mu*-covet$ toys 7 p>cell$ & wait+ to be call$ = at "o ( ! d[n-t[n /ores4 ,no ^w 0 spok5 ( ! sacrifice ! pur*ases _h involv$1 nor ( ! /+ love _h endur$ :5 = ! *ildr5's sake %e began to take 9 sew+4 ,x 0 !re=e agre$ t ,jack %\ld br+ ! p>cel home %ortly be=e tea on ,*ri/mas ,eve1 & 9 ! d>kness x c\ld be hidd5 away until ! little ones 7 asleep4 ,jack 0 true to 8 ^w1 & />t$ = home ) ! preci\s toys "u 8 arm1 9 ample "t = ! ev5+ meal4 ,m]ry ,*ri/mas1 ,jack1 call$ a voice z ,jack 0 r\nd+ ! saloon corn]2 come on 9 & h "o4 ,guess ,i'd bett] get home1 0 ! hesitat+ reply4 ,x ne$$ little p]suasion1 h[ev]1 to get ,jack inside1 & aft] a second treat he lo/ all anxiety to rea* home1 & 0 ready = a night's debau*4 ,dur+ ! tea-h\r ! b> patrons became few]1 & ,jack's *ances = fur!r dr9ks 7 f> ap>t4 ,9 response to a reque/ to *alk up a c\ple ( :iskeys1 he receiv$ an emphatic n on y\r life f ! b>-t5d]4 ,!re 0 a mom5t>y conflict )9 ,jack1 & !n ! bea/ became "l ov] ! man4 ,go+ to ! corn] he br\ght 8 p>cel f ! b5* & plac$ x on ! b>4 ,h[ mu* c ,i draw on = t8 ,!re 0 a wild det]m9ation 9 ! voice4 ,unwrapp+ ! p>cel b5ea? ! b>1 ! b>-t5d] at once knew :at ! cont5ts meant4 ,i don't want 'em1 ,jack3 y bett] get home to y\r kids4 ,b ,jack 0 insi/5t1 & gradually ! o!r weak5$4 ,well1 x's y\r prop]ty1 & if y're go+ to sell 'em ,i guess ,i may z well buy 'em z anybody else4 ,i'll *alk y fifty c5ts4 ,! articles 7 wor? ?ree times ! am\nt (f]$1 b ,jack 0 be+ consum$ ) t helli% ?ir/ t he _h develop$ ?r\gh _m ye>s1 & he at once />t$ to use up 8 cr$it4 ,a mile away an anxi\s wife await$ ,jack's return4 ,*e]fully %e _h gone ab\t h] "w until ! h\r = ! ev5+ meal1 b ) ! pass+ mom5ts ! husb&'s abs5ce caus$ h] fe>s to increase4 ,) =c$ smiles %e did h] be/ to br+ into ! home ! gladness t belongs to ,*ri/mas ,eve1 b ! he>t 0 heavy1 & ! little ones saw n[ & aga9 ! te>s t c\ld n be suppress$4 ,b$time 0 prolong$ to two h\rs beyond ! cu/om>y "t1 b /ill !re 0 no sign ( ! fa!r4 ,once ! "m express$ ! fe>s t 7 9 h] he>t :5 %e sugge/$ t sometimes ,santa ,claus did n get to homes :5 ! fa!r 0 away1 at :i* sugge/ion !re 7 te>ful little eyes & (t-express$ wi%es t daddy w\ld come home4 ,bravely ! "m ga!r$ ! ?ree *ildr5 ar\nd h] *air = _! good-night s+4 ,fav\rite hymns ( ! ,sabba? ,s*ool 7 sung1 & all ! "t f\r pairs ( e>s 7 al]t = ! s\nd ( ,jack's return4 ,x 0 :ile ,grace's fav\rite hymn1 ,i am s glad t our ,fa!r 9 ,heav51 0 be+ sung1 t foot/eps 7 he>d at ! door4 ,in/antly ! little ones ceas$ _! s++1 z ,grace joy\sly %\t$1 ,x's daddy2 ,santa ,claus w come n[1 won't he1 "m8 ,= a m9ute or two be=e ,grace's glad %\t two m5 _h /ood an ! d>kness outside ! ,ro&e home4 ,aft] he _h be5 turn$ out ( ! ,kelby ,h\se1 ,jack _h /agg]$ & /umbl$ ar\nd ! /reets = "s "t1 & at la/ lay pro/rate 9 ! sn[ n f> f ! home ( "o :o _h (t5 befri5d$ him4 ,a woman hurry+ along ! /reet sudd5ly saw ! d>k =m on ! sn[1 & ) a cry ( fe> ran to ! ne>-by h\se4 ,! m9i/] :o resid$ !re1 at once recogniz+ poor ,jack1 dragg$ him into ! h\se1 & aft] secur+ a neighb\r's sleigh & a driv]1 />t$ = ,jack's home4 ,f ! sleigh to ! h\se he manag$ to conduct ,jack safely1 b :5 ! /ra9s ( ,i am s glad f *ildi% voices rea*$ 8 e>s1 he /ood /ill = a mom5t4 ,h[ c\ld he take su* a fa!r home at su* a "t6 ,yet x 0 impossible = him to rema9 long outside ) ,jack z he 01 & s he guid$ ! poor drunk5 fa!r onw>d4 ,jack /umbl$ & fell heavily aga9/ ! door j z ,grace's glad %\t sil5c$ ! hymn-s++4 ,! m9i/] 0 dragg$ almo/ to ! floor z ! door sprang op5 & ,jack lur*$ into ! room4 ,few words 7 spok51 = all he>ts 7 sad z ! /upefi$ man almo/ imm$iately fell asleep on ! floor ( ! sitt+-room1 & fill$ ! air ) ! drunk>d's /5*4 ,! little ones 7 t5d]ly told to g to _! b$s4 ,_h he a p>cel :5 y f\nd him8 :isp]$ ! "m z soon z %e c\ld control h] voice4 ,!n foll[$ ! n>ration ( h] plans to fill ! ?ree /ock+s t _h already be5 hung up at ! back ( ! /ove4 ,& n[ x 0 too late to f9d out :at _h happ5$ to ! p>cel4 ,! m9i/] look$ into ! "m's face1 & !n at ! ?ree empty /ock+s ) _! mute appeal = a visit f ,santa ,claus4 ,i c\ld be> ?is1 h>d z x is1 %e cont9u$1 glanc+ at ! drunk5 sleep]1 b ! poor *ildr5----4 ,! head dropp$ on h] arms :i* 7 re/+ on ! table1 & quietly %e wept ov] ! bitt] disappo9tm5t ! little ones mu/ be> on ,*ri/mas morn+4 ,mrs4 ,ro&e--a h& t\*$ h] %\ld] lightly--if y are n too we>i$ to wait up ,i'll d my be/ to locate ! p>cel4 ,! look f ! grateful "m 0 all t 0 ne$$ to s5d ! m9i/] =? on 8 err& ( love4 ,! /ore f :i* ! toys 7 secur$ 0 clos$1 b ! proprietor _h n yet retir$1 & 0 able to reassure ! midnight visitor t ,jack _h procur$ ! p>cel %ortly be=e supp]-"t4 ,x 0 n long be=e ! clue l$ ! m9i/] to ! home ( ! b>-t5d]4 ,we>i$1 b ) m+l$ sorr[ & ang]1 he rang ! door bell4 ,! man he 0 look+ = came d[n/airs p>tly disrob$1 & 0 manife/ly surpris$ at a pa/oral call1 especially at su* an h\r4 ,! m9i/] /epp$ unask$ into ! hall4 ,mr4 ,kl9t1 ,i apologize = di/urb+ y1 b ,mr4 ,ro&e left a p>cel some:]e t ,i mu/ f9d to-night1 & ,i und]/& he 0 9 y\r b>-room4 ,d y "k any?+ ab\t x8 ,! answ] n be+ satisfactory1 a fur!r "q 0 put4 ,no1 sir1 he left no?+2 we _h a squ>e deal1 b t's nobody's bus9ess b m9e & 84 ,may ,i !n ask if a p>cel conta9+ toys _h any place 9 t deal8 ,no answ] be+ giv51 ! m9i/] said ) quiet firmness1 ,i mu/ h an answ] to t "q be=e ,i leave ?is h\se4 ,mr4 ,kl9t1 ?is is ,*ri/mas ,eve6 ,!re are ?ree empty /ock+s hang+ 9 ! room :]e ,jack ,ro&e lies drunk1 & ! ?+s int5d$ = ^? /ock+s mu/ be !re be=e morn+4 ,i'm n oblig$ to tell y or anybody else any?+ ab\t my bus9ess1 answ]$ ,kl9t surlily2 b if y are s anxi\s to "k1 !n ,i c tell y t ,i b\ght t p>cel to oblige ,jack1 & x 0 8 deal1 n y\rs4 ,?is is n ! "t = mu* talk+4 ,be good en\gh to tell me :]e ! p>cel is n[1 & :at y paid = x4 ,aga9 !re 0 hesitancy1 & aga9 !re 0 pressure4 ,at la/ ! in=mation 0 elicit$ t ! toys 7 b5ea? ! ro( t %elt]$ !m1 & t ! price paid 0 fifty c5ts4 ,be good en\gh = ! *ildr5's sake1 if n = y\r own1 to take back y\r fifty c5ts & let me take ! p>cel4 ,ev5tually ! deal 0 consummat$4 ,:5 ! toys 7 safely 9 8 possession ! m9i/] said1 ,mr4 ,kl9t1 if y 7 dealt ) z y des]ve1 y w\ld sp5d ,*ri/mas day1 n 9 y\r own com=table home1 b 9 ! hospital or 9 jail3 ,i only hope y are n z contemptible z y\r de$4 ,i %all see y aga91 "s o!r day4 ,! h&-clasp f ! ?ankful "m 0 ample repaym5t = ! midnight se>*1 & 9 ! e>ly morn+ ! exclamations ( delight f h] little ones 9 turn lift$ some?+ ( ! burd5 f h] tr\ble-worn life4 ,?us _h x be51 sorr[ aft] sorr[1 = poor ,nell ,ro&e = ov] eight ye>s1 & at times %e felt !re 0 little hope ( any *ange1 b ! new day 0 soon to come1 & ! night ( weep+ 0 to be turn$ into ! morn ( song4 ,on ! ,tuesday night foll[+ ! comm5cem5t ( special s]vices1 z a little gr\p ( "y m5 7 leav+ ! ,pool-room adjo9+ ! ,op]a ,h\se1 ,jack ,ro&e came /umbl+ along4 ,x 0 a great joke1 s ,bill ,?ornton ?\ght1 to jolly ,jack into believ+ t !re 0 a free %[ 9 ! ,op]a ,h\se1 ) pretty girls & swell danc+4 ,)9 a few m9utes ,jack 0 sitt+ ) eyes z wide op5 z he c\ld get !m1 ready to take 9 ! swell danc+4 ,he quickly realiz$ t he _h be5 fool$1 & cat*+ ! ^w religion he %ook 8 fi/ z he dep>t$ say+1 ,religion6 x's all d----d rot4 ,!re's no?+ 9 x4 ,! mission] 0 d[n ! aisle 9 a few seconds1 & z ,jack 0 pass+ ?r\gh ! sw++ doors a k9dly h& 0 laid ^u 8 %\ld]1 & a voice1 made t5d] by acqua9tance ) ! ,fri5d ( s9n]s1 said ,good-night1 fri5d2 y h ! m>ks ( a g5tleman al?\gh y h made a slip to-night4 ,i hope y w come aga94 ,return+ to ! plat=m he cont9u$ 8 message1 b x 0 easy to see t ! speak]'s he>t 0 out 9 ! night :]eev] ,jack 04 ,0 x t ye>n+ t br\ght ,jack back aga9 9 less ?an half an h\r8 ,be t z x may1 ! man :o _h left ) a curse1 /agg]$ 9 aga9 be=e ! clos+ hymn1 & made n ! slighte/ di/urbance aft] he rea*$ a seat4 ,at ! close he conv]s$ 9 z intellig5t a way z 8 intoxication p]mitt$4 ,! conv]sation ne$ n be record$4 ,x 0 "o ( sev]al4 ,five nights lat]1 tw5ty m9utes aft] ! clock _h made its l5g?ie/ /rike1 a subdu$ knock 0 he>d at ! door ( ! home 9 :i* ! mission] 0 be+ ent]ta9$4 ,! burn] ( midnight oil hurri$ d[n/airs4 ,jack /ood 9 ! doorway4 ,mr4 ,williams1 ,i've got to settle x1 & ,i've got to d x n[4 ,two s\ls t>ri$ 9 ! upp] room1 & :ile !y t>ri$ ,he came4 ,at la/ ! brok5 cry asc5d$1 ,my ,fa!r1 ,i want to get back to ,!e4 ,help me to walk 9 ! pa?s ( righte\sness1 = ,jesus' sake4 ,am54 ,x 0 a great night = ! fi%] ( m54 ,l ! we>i$ disciples ( old1 he said ,x is ! ,"l4 ,! foll[+ night1 ,jack ,jr41 ,mamie & ,grace accompani$ _! fa!r to ! s]vice1 & happily unit$ _! voices 9 ! s]vice ( praise4 ,grace--!y call$ h] ,gay1 = t 0 ! be/ pronunciation wee ,jean1 n[ dep>t$1 c\ld once give--told sev]al ( h] s*oolmates confid5tially 9 h] "m's words1 t %e _h a new daddy4 ,& ! subsequ5t days h prov5 ! tru? ( h] ass]tion4 ,! clos+ night arriv$4 ,! ,op]a ,h\se 0 cr[d$1 & f ! op5+ words1 ,our ,fa!r1 until ! ,& n[ ,i comm5d y to ,god1 e "o pres5t seem$ to feel t ?is 0 no ord9>y religi\s ga!r+4 ,an opportunity 0 giv5 = a ^w f new conv]ts4 ,t5d]ly1 pray]fully1 ^! 7 urg$ to 9 "s way publicly confess _! new-f\nd ,"l4 ,!re 0 a hu% z ,jack /ood erect4 ,9 a l[1 cle> voice he address$ himself p>ticul>ly to ! half-hundr$ "y m5 at ! back4 ,i d n ne$ to tell y :at ,i 04 ,two weeks ago x w\ld h be5 inconceivable to y & to me t ! *ange ,i h exp]i5c$ c\ld take place4 ,!re is only ,"o :o c\ld d x1 & ,he has done x4 ,i _c say m n[1 b if y want to "k all ab\t x1 come to me at ! close ( ?is s]vice1 or come to my home4 ,! eyes ( ! wife at 8 side 7 r$ aga91 b ! te>s 7 te>s ( joy4 ,x is v wond]ful3 we are all s happy4 ,oh1 h[ glad ,i am t ^! s]vices h be5 held1 7 h] f>ewell words4 ,jack's h& 0 ! la/ "o ! mission] clasp$4 ,jack1 y w be ,god's man4 ,i g1 b ,he rema9s4 ,?is *ange is all ,8 do+1 & ,he w hold y fa/ if y only tru/ ,him4 ,_m a day ,i'll pray = y1 ,jack4 ,rememb] t y\r feel+s may *ange1 b y\r purposes mu/ endure4 ,good-bye4 ,good-bye1 ,mr4 ,williams2 ,god help+ me ,i won't fail4 ,x'll be no easy bus9ess1 b ,i'm n 9 ! fight alone2 ,god's 9 x too4 ,good-bye4 ,& ! ye>s t h pass$ s9ce ^! words 7 spok5 h %[n cle>ly en\gh t ,jack is n fight+ alone4 ,once aga9 pray]ful he>ts are return+ ?anks = ! t\* t has /ill its anci5t p[]4 ,,if ,a ,,man ,,be ,,ov]tak5 ,george fell--all ! p knew t 0 :at w\ld happ54 ,:5 he told 9 ! *ur* t he 0 go+1 ) ,god's help1 to be a ,*ri/ian & act ! squ>e1 !re 0 only "o at ! close ( ! meet+ to say an enc\rag+ ^w to him2 ! re/ left him alone4 ,on ! :ole1 !y did n believe 9 results f ,special ,s]vices1 &1 despite ! ,pa/or's frequ5t appeals = _! unprejudic$ & :ole-he>t$ support1 none 7 en?usia/ic ov] ! ef=t be+ put =?1 & _m 7 antagoni/ic4 ,9 ! op9ion ( ! majority ! regul>1 well-ord]$ ,sabba? s]vices gave ample opportunity = ^? :o want$ to lead diff]5t lives1 & s f> z rea*+ ! outsid]s 0 conc]n$1 ! endeav\r to invite p]sonally ! non-*ur*go]s 0 q unnecess>y--all su* knew !y 7 welcome1 because ! fact _h be5 on ! ann\ncem5t bo>d outside ! *ur* = ov] t5 ye>s4 ,! mission] 0 told on all sides :at a notori\sly untru/wor?y man ,george 03 ,y see1 we "k 8 pa/1 & y h be5 "h only two weeks1 or y'd "k bett] ?an to put any fai? 9 :at he did & said la/ night4 ,x 0 j a pass+ emotion1 & x won't mean any?+4 ,s ,george fulfill$ _! expectations :5 he return$ f ! city upro>i\sly drunk "o night ?ree weeks aft] ! mission clos$4 ,! morn+ foll[+ ! outbreak ! m9i/]'s wife made a special trip d[n /reet4 ,! door ( ! c>p5t]'s %op 0 =tunately op51 & ,george 0 lean+ aga9/ 8 b5* look+1 z he felt1 f> f happy4 ,pleasantly ! little woman greet$ him1 & pass$ on4 ,!n1 ) an exquisite piece ( deception1 %e appe>$ to h a sudd5 aft]-?\ght1 & turn+ quickly1 %e said1 ,oh1 ,george1 ! doors 9 ! pantry cupbo>d are s swoll5 t ,i _c close !m4 ,c\ld y fix !m = me8 ,! c>p5t] look$ we>ily at h]4 ,i a9't feel+ mu* l fix+ any?+1 ,mrs4 ,lamb1 b ,i'd try to d mo/ any?+ = y4 ,?ank y1 ,george1 0 ! reply1 ,i believe y w\ld2 come z soon z y c4 ,george _h said :at 0 true2 he believ$ 9 ,mrs4 ,lamb1 & :at 0 /ill bett]1 he felt t %e believ$ 9 him4 ,:51 on ! night ( 8 confession1 %e took 8 h& & said1 ,i'm s glad1 ,george1 he valu$ h] ^w & tone1 & look & h&-clasp1 z only ! fri5dless man c4 ,b ,george 0 ?or\ghly di%e>t5$ to-day4 ,ev]ybody knew :at he _h said 9 ! meet+1 & by n[ !y w\ld "k t he _h fail$4 ,yet no "o w\ld blame him m ?an he blam$ himself4 ,he call$ himself a fool = go+ to ! city4 ,! bus9ess c\ld h be5 done equally well by correspond5ce4 ,f ! "t he decid$ to g he fe>$ t he w\ld return home intoxicat$4 ,he 0 q aw>e ( a t]rible crav+1 t he knew only too well made x dang]\s = him to frequ5t ! old haunts s soon1 b 9 spite ( inn] w>n+s he made up 8 m9d to g1 s t ! battle 0 lo/ be=e ! temptation 0 actually met4 ,twice t aft]noon ,george took up a few tools to g to ! ,manse 9 response to ,mrs4 ,lamb's reque/1 & twice he put !m d[n aga94 ,! prison cell w\ld h be5 ent]$ ) less fe> ?an ! ,manse t day4 ,he felt he _h betray$ "o ( ! be/ fri5ds he ev] _h4 ,& s night came1 & ! pantry doors 7 unt\*$4 ,family pray]s 7 ab\t to be conduct$ at ! ,manse4 ,baby ,jean 0 on "m's knee1 & ,h>old's *air 0 close to fa!r's4 ,j be=e kneel+ ! good wife said quietly3 ,please rememb] ,george1 papa4 ,!re 7 te>s 9 h] eyes :5 ! petition 0 (f]$ = ^? :o h fail$1 & a :isp]$ ,am5 foll[$ ea* clause t 0 utt]$ 9 behalf ( ,george4 ,! foll[+ morn+ ,george made 8 way to ! ,manse & att5d$ to ! pantry doors4 ,:5 ! "w 0 f9i%$1 ,mrs4 ,lamb l$ ! way ?r\gh ! d9+-room to ! front door4 ,h] h& re/$ on ! door-knob1 & %e seem$ 9 no hurry to let ,george out4 ,x 0 evid5t %e want$ to say some?+1 b ! words did n easily come4 ,at la/ ,george broke ! sil5ce1 & 8 voice quiv]$ ) p5it5ce z he look$ = a mom5t into ,mrs4 ,lamb's sympa!tic eyes4 ,i suppose y've he>d all ab\t x1 ,mrs4 ,lamb1 & ! mess ,i've made ( ?+s8 ,yes1 ,george1 ,i "k1 & ,i'm s sorry2 b y are go+ to w9 yet3 ,god's go+ to help y w94 ,p]haps1 ,george1 y tru/$ too mu* 9 y\r own /r5g?1 & y =get h[ weak we all are :5 we /& alone4 ,y "k ! hymn t says--',*ri/ w hold me fa/'8 ,y _c get along )\t ,him1 ,george4 ,tell ,him all ab\t x1 :5 y & ,he are alone1 & ask =giv5ess1 &1 ,george1 ,i "k ,god c & w make y a good1 /rong1 true man2 ,he loves y1 & we love y4 ,y are go+ to w9 yet1 & ,he loves y1 & we love y1 7 s5t5ces t gave ! man1 ov]tak5 9 a fault1 new hope4 ,deep ye>n+s 7 9 8 he>t z he walk$ back to ! %op4 ,he believ$ 8 bett] mom5ts 7 8 true/ mom5ts1 & yet x seem$ to him t no "o except ,mrs4 ,lamb cr$it$ him ) noble aspirations4 ,he knew v well t !re 7 ,*ri/ian p :o 7 suspici\s & unsympa!tic t[>d him1 & s 8 bett] nature seem$ to retire 9 _! pres5ce4 ,lat] on he told h[ he us$ to feel l say+1 ,:y won't y believe 9 me1 & /& by me1 & give me a fight+ *ance8 ,(t5 he felt l a man :o _h be5 injur$1 & :o ne$$ support until he c\ld rea* a place ( safety2 & yet few did m ?an look ) disgu/ on him1 & ?9k x unlikely t he c\ld make ! j\rney )\t fall+4 ,b1 despite 8 weakness & 8 s91 ,george believ$ !re 7 possibilities ( noble liv+ ev5 = him4 ,! foll[+ ,sabba? he 0 back 9 8 place 9 *ur*1 a humble1 p5it5t man4 ,! s]mon t day 0 diff]5t f ! ones ! p 7 us$ to he>+2 n t x 0 bett]1 = all ,mr4 ,lamb's s]mons 7 ( a high ord]1 b x _h an elem5t t 0 unusual1 an elem5t ( great t5d]ness4 ,! text 03 ,g1 tell ,8 disciples & ,pet]4 ,pet]'s pa/1 traitor\s conduct 0 graphically po9t$ out1 b s also 0 8 weep+4 ,we _c ?9k too h>%ly ( our s9s1 said ! prea*]1 b we may ?9k too exclusively ( !m4 ,pet] ?\ght ( 8 s9s1 b he also ?\ght ( ,8 ,savi\r1 & :5 he saw 8 ,ris5 ,"l1 ! err+ b p5it5t disciple said3 ',?\ kn[e/ t ,i love ,!e1' & ! ,ma/] =gave all & s5t him out to s]vice4 ,! ,god :om ! ,m9i/] 0 accu/om$ to prea* ab\t 0 a spl5did1 /rong1 b r pitiless ,be+2 n[ !y he>d ( a lov+1 pitiful ,fa!r :o 0 ev] seek+ ^? :o _h turn$ f ,him1 & :o 0 m ?an ready to receive !m z !y turn$ aga9 home4 ,all ,he want$ 0 to he> f _! own lips1 ,fa!r1 ,i h s9n$4 ,t confession op5$ ,heav5's w>drobe = ! man made disreputable by w&]+4 ,at ! close ( ! ev5+ s]vice ,george accept$ ,mrs4 ,lamb's invitation to slip 9 & h a cup ( cocoa4 ,j ! ?ree ( u1 %e add$4 ,y "k ! way2 walk "r 94 ,hurri$ly %e pass$ on to give k9dly greet+s to a few /rang]s %e _h notic$4 ,= ne>ly two h\rs ,george & ! ,m9i/] sat 9 ! gl[ ( ! firelight4 ,x 0 a great relief to ! di%e>t5$ man to be ) ^? :o knew all1 & :o yet lov$ him1 & :o1 by _! fai? 9 him1 gave him a little m fai? 9 himself & 9 ,god4 ,ref]r+ to 8 dr9k+ habit1 he said1 ,sometimes ,i feel ,i'd r drop dead 9 my tracks ?an t\* x aga92 & !n !re are o!r days :5 x seems z if "s slumb]+ devil _h awak5$ )9 me1 & ,i'm s crazy = x t ,i'd give ! :ole ( ,canada1 if ,i _h x1 = ano!r dr9k4 ,!n1 aft] a pause1 he cont9u$1 ,i suppose a man %\ldn't try to blame 8 s9 on o!rs1 b "o ( ! e>lie/ ?+s ,i c rememb]1 ,mr4 ,lamb1 is be+ held 9 my "m's arms & putt+ my h&s ar\nd ! be] jug :ile %e gave me a dr9k4 ,_m a night1 :5 ,i 0 'knee-high to a gras%opp]' z we say1 ,i h clung to h] skirt1 z %e dragg$ me f b> to b>1 ar\nd ,high ,/reet & ,george ,/reet 9 old ,glasg[4 ,i guess my fa!r & "m 7 drunk e ,saturday night = five ye>s4 ,"o night ,i c rememb] z cle> z if x 0 only ye/]day4 ,x 0 ! "t ( ! ,glasg[ ,fair1 & ,i 0 wi%+ !y'd g home4 ,i mu/ h be5 ab\t six ye>s old1 & my si/] ,janet 0 two ye>s y\ng]1 & !n !re 0 a baby !y call$ ,bobbie4 ,"m _h ,bobbie fa/5$ ar\nd h] ) an old %awl4 ,%e & fa!r _h be5 on a spree all ! ev5+4 ,fa!r 0 lean+ aga9/ a lamp-po/1 j drunk en\gh to say ! fool ?+s t amuse "s ( !m folks :o don't ?9k any?+ ab\t ! big price somebody is pay+ = t k9d ( fun4 ,maybe y ?9k x's que] ( me to talk t way1 :5 ,god kn[s ,i've be5 guilty en\gh myself4 ,well6 let me f9i% my /ory1 anyway4 ,my "m 0 dead drunk1 sitt+ on ! curb/one ne> him1 & maybe ,bobbie 0 /upefi$ ) liquor l ,i _h be5 _m a "t4 ,once 9 a :ile %e'd r\se up1 & press h] h&s aga9/ h] madd5$ head & %riek all k9ds ( curses4 ,police6 :y1 ,mr4 ,lamb1 ! ,glasg[ police c\ldn't h h&l$ ! cr[ds t 0 drunk !m days4 ,i've se5 hundr$s ( drunk5 m5 & wom5 9 "o night ar\nd ,rott5 ,r[ & ,%uffle ,lane1 & o!r /reets ne> ! corn] ( ,george & ,high ,/reets3 s long z !y didn't get too awful bad ! police let !m alone4 ,"m 0 a v devil :5 %e got fight+4 ,i've he>d fa!r brag ab\t :at %e c\ld d 9 t l9e4 ,:5 %e us$ to roll up h] sleeves = a fight1 %e 0 l a madd5$ bea/4 ,i tell y1 !re isn't mu* 9 ! fight+ l9e ,i hav5't se52 b x makes me k9d ( %udd] yet :5 ,i ?9k ( h[ %e'd pun*1 & kick1 & scrat*1 & all ! "t %e'd be us+ language t w\ld make a dec5t man's blood run cold4 ,y 7 say+ some?+ ab\t 'sacr$ memories ar\nd ! ^w "m' 9 "o ( y\r s]mons1 b t 0 ! k9d ( "m ,i _h1 ,mr4 ,lamb4 ,x mu/ h be5 ne> ,sunday morn+ :5 somebody help$ to get u home4 ,janet & me _h be5 sleep+ 9 ! gutt]1 & ,i c rememb] ! "t !y _h gett+ fa!r & "m up ! /airs 9 ! ',close4' ,somebody slipp$ ne> ! top1 & !re 0 a heap ( u jamm$ aga9/ ! wall at ! turn+ ( ! /airs4 ,b we *ildr5 7 us$ to bruises1 & we le>n$ to keep quiet1 or we'd only get m = our tr\ble4 ,i likely cri$ myself to sleep on ! rott5 old floor1 & ,i suppose ,i'd nev] h rememb]$ any m ab\t x if x hadn't be5 = ,bobbie4 ,9 ! morn+ ! poor wee *ap 0 dead4 ,he mu/ h di$ ?r\gh neglect2 pretty close to murd] ,i call x4 ,did ! dea? make any diff]5ce to ! p>5ts8 ,n likely6 ,at lea/ ,i nev] rememb] !m any diff]5t4 ,i 0 t5 ye>s old :5 my "m di$1 & %e di$ ?r\gh /umbl+ 9 a drunk5 fight2 h] head /ruck ! curb-/one1 & %e nev] spoke aga94 ,aft] h] dea? ,i 0 tak5 c>e ( 9 "o ( ! ,orphanages until ,i 0 s5t to ,canada1 ,b :at ,i (t5 wond] ab\t1 ,mr4 ,lamb1 is :e!r ,god w be h>d on ^? ( u :o've _h p>5ts l t1 & :o've be5 br\ght up :]e we didn't get a fair *ance4 ,god only kn[s :at we kids _h to see & he> & suff]4 ,p don't make any all[ance = bad blood1 & bad food1 & bad treatm5t1 except 9 cattle4 ,i wond] if ,god does8 ,yes1 ,i "k ,i'm hav+ a *ance n[1 & yet ,god mu/ pity ev5 me :5 ,he kn[s h[ ,i've be5 h&icapp$ = ^! ye>s2 b "s ( ^? boys live & die "r !re1 & !y don't get ev5 ! *ance ,i've _h4 ,x's easy = folks :o "k no?+ ab\t x to say ! p %\ld get out ( su* places2 b "s ( !m are l hea!n1 !y don't "k !re's any?+ bett]4 ,:at did ,i "k ab\t a diff]5t k9d ( life8 ,:]e c\ld ,i h gone8 ,:o w\ld h want$ me8 ,h[ c\ld a /reet y\ng/] get out ( ! place1 :]e a good _m ( 8 meals 7 pick$ (f ! /reets & out ( ! a%-b>rels1 & he nev] _h two copp]s ahead8 ,& !re 7 ?\s&s l ,i 04 ,i ?9k ab\t ^! ?+s once 9 a :ile1 :5 ,i'm alone 9 ! %op1 & ,i've sometimes ?\ght x 0 well-nigh a crime to all[ *ildr5 to be born 9 su* hell-l places4 ,& !re are "s p h no "r to be fa!rs & mo!rs at all4 ,x 0 only r>ely t ,george unburd5$ 8 m9d to su* an ext5t2 b ,mr4 ,lamb gave him "r-(-way t night1 & _m p]plexities 7 express$ ) a c&\r t gave ! ,m9i/] a l>g] sympa?y ) ! h&icapp$ man1 & a resolve to deal m t5d]ly ) m5 ( ,george's type :o _h su* t]rific battles to keep ! body "u4 ,at ! close ( ! conv]sation ! ev5+ pray] especially comm5d$ ,george to ! ,fa!r's c>e1 & :ile ! enc\rag$ man 0 walk+ back to 8 dwell+-place ) ?ankful he>t1 ,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,lamb 7 kneel+ toge!r1 & 9 e>ne/ petition 7 plac+ _! home & all !y might ev] possess at ! s]vice ( ! ,"o 9 ^: h&s ?+s commonplace may be mighty ) bless+4 ,! mission] has be5 p]mitt$ to visit aga9 ! ,manse :]e ,george did a bit ( c>p5t]+4 ,x 0 a great pleasure to f9d t ,george 0 "o ( ^? invit$ to ! ev5+ meal4 ,dur+ ! aft]-supp] conv]sation he spoke confid5tially to ! visitor ( ! mi/ress ( ! ,manse4 ,%e's ! greate/ little woman 9 ?is c\ntry4 ,god kn[s ,i'd h /ill be5 on ! d[n-grade b = h]2 %e nev] let me g4 ,%e told me "o night h[ %e'd told ,god t %e c\ldn't g to heav5 & leave me outside1 & ?ank ,god ,he's tak+ h] at h] ^w4 ,! midnight *at :i* m9i/]s are accu/om$ to h on su* occasions reveal$ ! /ory ( ,george's _m & sore temptations & h>d battles1 & ( h[ ! unfail+ fai? & pati5ce ( "o 9 ! ,manse _h he>t5$ ! disc\rag$ man1 _h l$ him into active s]vice1 & _h br\ght a new s5se ( responsibility & possibility to _m ( ! *ur* memb]s :o 7 beg9n+ to practise ,paul's injunction3 ,if a man be ov]tak5 9 a fault1 ye :i* are spiritual re/ore su* an "o 9 ! _s ( meekness1 consid]+ ?yself1 le/ ?\ also be tempt$4 ,,! ,,sup]9t5d5t',s ,,visit ,hope to visit y\r field ,w$nesday1 ,febru>y n9ete5?--arrive ,m---- ,/ation midnight1 eighte5?4 ,&rew ,ransom4 ,! ,we/]n m9i/] _h be5 h\se-clean+ 8 /udy1 & 9 sep>at+ ! valu$ f ! useless he ran across ! above telegram1 :i* _h be5 buri$ away = sev]al ye>s4 ,he h&l$ x almo/ rev]5tly & !n put x away 9 8 ,home ,mission fold] = future ref]5ce4 ,! /ory connect$ ) x 0 told "o night z ! mission] sat aft] ! ev5+'s s]vice 9 ! quiet ( ! prairie manse1 ex*ang+ rem9isc5ces ( "o ( ! greate/ & be/ lov$ m5 t ev] cross$ ! prairie prov9ces--,&rew ,ransom1 ! great ,home ,mission>y ,sup]9t5d5t4 ,)9 fifte5 m9utes f ! "t ! /ud5t mission>y receiv$ ! above message1 ! p 9 ,mc,lean's g5]al /ore1 9 ,/ev5son's bo>d+-h\se1 & 9 ,mallagh's blacksmi?'s %op _h he>d ! good news1 & all knew t ,w$nesday ! n9ete5? w\ld be a great day = ^? ^: homes ! old ,doctor c\ld visit1 & = ! p :o c\ld get into ! little *ur* at night4 ,illu/ration3 #a4 ,a ,prairie ,%ack4 #b4 ,a ,copp] ,m9]'s ,%ack4 #c4 ,a ,ba*elor's ,%ack4 #d4 ,a ,%ack on ! ,hillside4 #e4 ,a ,m\nta9-side ,%ack4 ,^? :o _h met & he>d ,dr4 ,ransom be=e1 vi$ ) ea* o!r 9 recall+ ev5ts connect$ ) 8 =m] visits4 ,!y rememb]$ 8 appeal = _! fair %>e ( money to help build ! little *ur*4 ,ev]ybody said ! am\nt c\ld n be rais$ until ,dr4 ,ransom came1 b aft] he _h pa9t$ 8 ^w-picture ( _! glori\s h]itage--aft] he _h plead$ t t h]itage %\ld nev] become ! wild & woolly ,we/--aft] he _h %[n ! ,gospel z ! antiseptic influ5ce 9 ! life ( ! great ,we/l&--aft] he told !m :at !y got _! l& = & :at x 0 wor? t day1 & aft] t /rong voice1 ) its d[nright s9c]ity1 _h be5 lift$ 9 pray]1 ev]ybody 9 ! d9+-room ( ! bo>d+-h\se knew ! am\nt 0 rais$4 ,& !n t h&-clasp1 & t id5tification ( himself ) ! poore/ settl]'s problems1 & sorr[s--:o c\ld =get ^! ?+s8 ,d'ye m9d1 said ,dick ,mc,nabb1 ! "t he 0 "h j aft] ,alex4 ,mc,laren's son 0 kill$ on ! railway8 ,well1 sir1 ,i'll nev] =get see+ !m two old m5 /&+ ) h&s clasp$4 ,! ,doctor look$ z if x might 'a be5 8 own boy :at 0 kill$4 ,mc,laren1 he said1 ,i'm sorry = y4 ,i once lo/ a boy1 & ,i "k :at x means2 !n he :isp]$ some?+1 & ,alex4 wip$ away ! te>s z he /ill clung to ! old ,doctor's h&1 & ,i guess !y /ood t way = two or ?ree m9utes4 ,well1 sir1 y bet ,grant ,s9clair won't miss ,w$nesday night1 put 9 ,dan ,mc,lean f beh9d ! c\nt]4 ,d'ye m9d :5 ,dr4 ,ransom 0 "h1 ,grant c\ldn't walk at all6 ,say6 w ,i ev] =get t day 9 ! ,fall :5 he fell (f ! f5ce on to ! scy! he 0 c>ry+8 ,! ga% 0 a foot long1 & !re 0 no doctor )9 ?irty miles1 & ! road wasn't z good z x is n[1 & x a9't any?+ to write home ab\t ev5 yet4 ,bill ,grayson 0 ! only "o :o _h ! grit to sew ! ga% up1 & x 0 f\rte5 h\rs be=e ! doctor got "h4 ,nobody ?\ght ,grant w\ld get ov] x2 he lo/ s mu* blood4 ,he'd be5 on 8 back ab\t two mon?s1 ,i m9d1 :5 ,dr4 ,ransom came4 ,x 0 "o ( !m dirty days :5 x don't "k :e!r to sn[ or ra91 b ! old ,doctor _h he>d ab\t ,grant & 0 b\nd to get out !re4 ,! folks said he did him m good ?an ! regul> doctor did4 ,jim ,s9clair & ! boys _h rigg$ up a pair ( crut*es s's to get ,grant a-mov+ ar\nd1 b !y didn't make a v swell job ( x4 ,well1 sir1 ab\t ?ree weeks lat] ! slicke/ pair ( crut*es y ev] set eyes on come out "h ) "s express ( m9e4 ,!y 0 address$ to ,grant & m>k$ ',ru%4' ,m9d y1 !y come f ,toronto1 & !y fitt$ ,grant z if he'd be5 measur$ = !m4 ,jimmy said aft] !y got ! crut*es he rememb]$ ! old ,doctor k9d o' spann+ ! quilt along ,grant's side :ile he 0 talk+1 b he nev] paid no p>ticul> att5tion to x1 b he says t's h[ he mu/ 'a got ! measure4 ,! days betwe5 ! ?irte5? & ! n9ete5? 7 sp5t by ,mr4 ,/ew>t1 ! /ud5t mission>y1 9 cov]+ ! di/rict1 s t all ! scatt]$ settl]s %\ld "k ( ,dr4 ,ransom's visit4 ,on ,tuesday morn+ he borr[$ an extra robe1 &1 hit*+ up 8 team ( bron*os1 />t$ on 8 j\rney to ,m---- ,/ation4 ,! roads 7 heavy1 & tw5ty-five miles 0 a h>d j\rney ?r\gh ! unpack$ sn[4 ,by mid-aft]noon he rea*$ ! railway1 & soon _h 8 ponies com=tably /abl$ 9 a ne>-by b>n4 ,ab\t midnight he tramp$ ?r\gh ! deep sn[ to ! dimly-light$ /ation4 ,! night op]ator report$ ! tra9 z an h\r late1 ) ! additional in=mation t %e w\ld probably lose a little m "t on ! grade :i* lay ab\t t5 miles away4 ,%ortly be=e two o'clock ! welcome :i/le 0 he>d1 & 9 a m9ute or two ! midnight express sl[$ d[n = ,m----4 ,! tall figure ( ! ,sup]9t5d5t 0 beh9d ! brakeman1 on ! /eps ( ! day-coa*1 & !re 0 a wave ( recognition be=e ! cordial h&-clasp & words ( greet+ c\ld be giv54 ,we'll j wait till %e pulls out1 said ! ,sup]9t5d5t1 z ,mr4 ,/ew>t />t$ to move away aft] ! ex*ange ( greet+s4 ,yon op]ator has ! tongue4 ,8 duties p]=m$ at ! baggage c>1 ! op]ator return$ to ! (fice dragg+ a heavy trunk along ! plank plat=m4 ,man6 b t's a great muscle y h1 said ! ,doctor g5ially1 & 9 less ?an a five-m9ute conv]sation he knew ! man's "n1 ,old ,l& home1 l5g? ( "t 9 ,canada1 & *ur* relation%ip4 ,z he gripp$ ! h& 9 bidd+ good-night1 he got 9 a message t ! op]ator has nev] =gott54 ,9 recall+ ! visit to ! writ] _m mon?s lat]1 he said1 ,he's a gran' man t3 he'd be a we*ty man g9 he liv$ 9 ,ed9burgh4 ,he mak's y ?9k4 ,well1 ,doctor1 said ,mr4 ,/ew>t z !y ne>$ ! place :]e a b$ _h be5 prep>$1 y'll be glad en\gh to get "r to re/4 ,h[ f> are we f y\r field1 ,mr4 ,/ew>t8 ,ab\t tw5ty-five miles1 0 ! reply4 ,well1 !n1 if y\r team is fit1 ,i ?9k we'll n bo!r ab\t b$ j n[1 b get out !re4 ,despite ! prote/s t 7 made 9 ! ,doctor's int]e/s1 !re 0 a k9dly insi/5ce t result$ 9 ! bron*os be+ imm$iately h>ness$ = ! return j\rney4 ,9 ! mon? ( ,febru>y1 ) deep sn[ & z]o wea!r1 a tw5ty-five mile drive betwe5 #c & #h a4m4 is by no means a pleasure trip4 ,z ! little animals pl\gh$ _! way ?r\gh ! drifts1 ! ,sup]9t5d5t e n[ & aga9 rais$ 8 m\? above 8 coat coll> to express 8 admiration4 ,a gr-reat team t--a gr-reat team4 ,! day 0 dawn+ z on ,w$nesday ! #aj? ! /ud5t mission>y & ! eag]ly-look$-= visitor1 fro/-cov]$ & %iv]+1 drove up to ,mack5zie's b>n4 ,mack5zie & 8 wife 7 j gett+ on ! fires1 & 7 n a little surpris$ at ! e>ly arrival ( _! di/+ui%$ gue/4 ,emb>rassm5t c\ld n1 h[ev]1 rema9 long 9 any home :]e ,dr4 ,ransom ent]$4 ,ev]ybody b ! indol5t admir$ & lov$ him1 & !re seem$ to be no circum/ance or comb9ation ( circum/ances b he c\ld adapt himself to4 ,aft] breakfa/ ,mr4 ,/ew>t 0 ready en\gh to get a few h\rs' re/1 & hav+ conf]r$ ) ,mrs4 ,mack5zie reg>d+ ! read9ess ( ! sp>e room = ! ,sup]9t5d5t1 he invit$ ! latt] to retire4 ,did y ?9k ,i came out "h to get a sleep1 my boy8 ,:5 w\ld we visit ! field8 ,no6 no6 ?ank y4 ,prote/s 7 aga9 futile4 ,i h to meet two ,committees on ,saturday1 9 ,w9nipeg1 & y mu/ get me back to ,m---- ,/ation 9 "t = ! #aa4cj to-morr[ morn+4 ,:at ab\t a horse8 ,c we get "r away8 ,a9't ! old ,doctor a horse to "w1 said ,mac,kenzie to ,/ew>t :ile hit*+ up 8 be/ driv]4 ,hurri$ b helpful & purposeful calls 7 made until x 0 "t to return = ! ev5+ s]vice4 ,! visit t /&s out mo/ cle>ly 9 ! ,mission>y's memory 0 "o made at ! noon-h\r4 ,alex4 ,mc,donald's place 0 ! "o spot 9 ! :ole di/rict :]e no man :o _h any respect = 8 /oma* w\ld ev] dream ( d9+4 ,few1 inde$1 c>$ ev5 to ent] ! dirty little %ack4 ,& s x 0 n to be wond]$ at t ! ,mission>y 0 plann+ to pass ,mc,donald's on ! up trip1 & to rea* "o ( ^? bright1 clean c5tres ( hospitality t are usually to be f\nd 9 ev5 ! mo/ isolat$ di/rict4 ,b ! be/ laid plans ( mice & m5 gang aft agley4 ,:o lives 9 ! %ack on ! hillside8 ask$ ! ,sup]9t5d5t4 ,a family nam$ ,mc,donald1 0 ! reply1 b !y nev] ent] a *ur*---!y live l pigs1 & ,i ?9k we _h bett] leave call+ !re until we see h[ our "t holds out4 ,we'll g !re = d9n]1 0 ! almo/ brusque response ( ! ,sup]9t5d5t4 ,/ew>t laugh$ incr$ul\sly4 ,i don't ?9k y c\ld swall[ a homoeopa?ic pill 9 t %ack1 ,doctor4 ,we'll g !re = d9n]1 ,mr4 ,/ew>t4 ,x'll d !m good4 ,no f9] mission>y /&s 9 %oe-lea!r ?an ,cav5 ,/ew>t 0 a te/imony t all :o knew him he>tily agre$ )1 b ,/ew>t _h an absolute horror ( dirt1 & x 0 ) feel+s ( di/ressful anticipation t he dragg$ op5 ,mc,donald's rickety apology = a gate1 & drove across ! r\gh swamp to ! dilapidat$ %ack on ! hillside4 ,! b>k+ ( ! dog br\ght faces to ! little f\r-pan$ w9d[4 ,drive sl[ly6 ,give !m "t1 give !m "t1 said ! ,sup]9t5d5t1 z ! faces quickly disappe>$4 ,a few f[ls flutt]$ f )9 ! %ack1 & a family pet 9 ! %ape ( a pig grunt$ disapproval at be+ =c$ to take an outside b]?4 ,= fully ?ree m9utes !re 0 su* a h\se-clean+ z ! old %ack _h n kn[n = _m a mon?4 ,alex4 ,mc,donald1 pull+ a dirty corduroy coat ar\nd him1 saunt]$ ov] to :]e ! visitors 7 gett+ out ( ! cutt]4 ,he guess$ t ! ,sup]9t5d5t & ! /ud5t c\ld f9d accommodation = _! horse1 & a bite = !mselves dur+ ! noon h\r4 ,we ha'ena got mu* ( a place1 he said1 z ! ,sup]9t5d5t l[]$ 8 head to ent] ! mis]able %ack4 ,ea* memb] ( ! family receiv$ a *e]y greet+ f ! magnetic sup]9t5d5t1 :o nev] seem$ at a loss to say ! fitt+ ^w4 ,mrs4 ,mc,donald 0 pr(use 9 explanations & apologies4 ,we wesna expect9' onybody1 & ^! d>k morn+s x seems to be noon a=e y c get turn$ r\nd4 ,! visitors ent]$ sympa!tically into ! v>i\s reasons :y ?+s wesna j /raight4 ,to ?is day ,cav5 ,/ew>t rememb]s ! deep5$ convictions t came to him ( ! ,sup]9t5d5t's possibilities1 z he wat*$ him enjoy 8 d9n]4 ,by v>i\s excuses ,/ew>t _h r$uc$ 8 own portion to ! m9imum :5 ! pork & potatoes 7 di%$ up1 & ev5 !n m food w5t to 8 pocket ?an to 8 m\?4 ,b n s ) ! ,sup]9t5d5t4 ,n only did he h a lib]al fir/ supply1 b actually pass$ back 8 plate = m1 meantime complim5t+ ,mc,donald on ! gr-reat potatoes he grew & ! f9e pork he rais$1 & incid5tally rem>k+ t ! be/ potatoes & ! f9e/ pork 7 easily spoil$ 9 ! h&s ( an incompet5t cook4 ,:5 he told ,mrs4 ,mc,donald t ! d9n] 0 j z he lik$ x--well-cook$ & pla9--8 place 9 h] highe/ e/eem 0 fix$4 ,t he 0 a man ( excell5t judgm5t %e _h no d\bt4 ,mc,donald's ,old ,l& home 0 well-kn[n to ! ,sup]9t5d5t1 & z sc5es famili> to bo? 7 recall$1 g5iality prevail$4 ,at ! close ( ! meal ! ,doctor ask$ = ,! ,book4 ,anxi\s looks 7 ex*ang$ by ! occupants ( ! %ack1 & ere long ?ree memb]s ( ! family 7 unit+ 9 ! se>*4 ,:5 at la/1 to ! great relief ( ! se>*]s1 a du/y b unworn ,bible 0 produc$1 ! ,sup]9t5d5t held x rev]5tly 9 8 out/ret*$ h&4 ,look+ squ>ely at ! head ( ! home1 he said ) a ye>n+ t no man c\ld miss1 ,eh1 mon1 b ,i'm sorry--sorry x's n worn m4 ,x's ! be/ piece ( furniture y h 9 ! h\se4 ,if any man ought to h a well-worn ,bible x's a ,highl& ,scotsman4 ,a few v]ses 7 impressively read1 & !n = ! fir/ "t 9 its hi/ory ! mis]able %ack conta9$ a gr\p kneel+ 9 ! attitude ( pray]4 ,!re 7 no mean+less pleasantries :5 ! little company arose4 ,x seem$ z ?\gh ! place 0 hall[$ gr\nd4 ,a man & 8 ,mak] _h be5 9 communion4 ,! invitation to ca/ ?y burd5 ^u ! ,"l _h be5 he$$1 & ) an exquisite t5d]ness ! anxieties1 ! problems1 ! hopes & ! fe>s ( ! little home 7 br\ght to ! ,great ,burd5 ,be>]4 ,! p>t+ 0 little %ort ( affectionate4 ,! la/ h&-clasp 0 ,mc,donald's4 ,mc,donald1 ,i c sc>cely believe y've nev] d>k5$ ! kirk door1 & y an ,ab]feldy man4 ,i want y to give me y\r ^w = x t next ,sabba? morn+ y & ! good wife & ! bairns w make a new />t & be f\nd wor%ipp+ ,god4 ,six mon?s f n[ ,i expect to he> f ,mr4 ,/ew>t t y've be5 regul> 9 att5dance at ! h\se ( ,god4 ,mc,donald6 give me y\r ^w t y'll n disappo9t me--nor ,him6 ,no words came f ,mc,donald's lips1 b !re 7 moi/5$ eyes & a l+]+ h&-clasp t made ! ,sup]9t5d5t's he>t glad4 ,:51 n9e mon?s lat]1 ,/ew>t 0 leav+ ! field = college1 & 0 report+ conditions to ! ,sup]9t5d5t1 he wrote z foll[s3 ,y w rememb] ! visit ,i did n want to make at ! ,mc,donalds4 ,may ,god =give me = my lack ( int]e/ & ( fai?6 ,s9ce la/ ,febru>y ,mc,donald1 ) "s ( 8 *ildr51 has nev] miss$ a s]vice4 ,at ! ,communion 9 ,june1 ,rev4 ,mr4 ,r[att came ov] f ! ,=t & welcom$ sev5 new memb]s1 ,john ,mc,donald1 8 wife1 & _! son ,bruce be+ among ! numb]4 ,! ,bible y help$ !m to resurrect has be5 mu* '?umb$' s9ce !n4 ,i am ?ankful ,i /ay$ ! ye> on ?is field4 ,to h se5 ! *ange t has tak5 place 9 ! %ack on ! hillside has done m = me ?an ! :ole ye>'s c\rse 9 ,apologetics4 ,,! ,,cookee ,x _h be5 a bitt]ly cold drive across :at 0 kn[n z ,! ,pla9s1 & ! /ud5t mission>y 0 ?ankful :5 8 pony rea*$ ! %elt] ( ! jack-p9es4 ,aft] a few miles ( bu% a small cle>ance 0 rea*$4 ,! l[-ro($ %ack /&+ at ! back ( x nev] look$ m invit+ ?an to-day2 b ?\gh tw5ty-five miles f ! highway ( comm]ce1 !re 7 homes /ill m remote t _h be5 expect+ a visit f ! little prea*] = "s "t1 & s1 despite 8 pony's prote/ aga9/ driv+ by ev5 poor %elt] 9 wea!r l ?is1 he _h regretfully to tell h] %e might n turn 9 t road to-day4 ,z 0 ! mission>y's cu/om 9 pass+ any dwell+s1 he wav$ 8 greet+ 9 ! direction ( ! humble %ack4 ,be=e he _h gone _m y>ds ! good-natur$ pione] f>m] 0 outside %\t+ 8 halloos1 &1 on be+ he>d1 signall$ = ! prea*] to /op4 ,mak+ 8 way ?r\gh ! sn[1 he said1 ,a9't y go+ to give u a call to-day8 ,bett] come 9 & get ?aw$ out2 soon be grubb+ "t4 ,n to-day1 ,mac1 ?anks1 0 ! reply4 ,i've be5 to y\r place pretty (t51 & ,i ?\ght ,i ought to make ! end ( ?is road to-day4 ,well1 if y won't come 91 ,i'll tell y :at ,i 0 a-want+ to ask y4 ,!re's a fell[ ,i'd l y to see awful well4 ,say6 d y call on anybody else except ,prote/ants8 ,y d1 eh8 ,well1 ,i wi% y'd see ,jimmy ,hayson4 ,he's 9 a bad fix4 ,!y %ipp$ him home f ! camp4 ,he 0 cookee !re1 & ,i guess he c\ldn't /& t k9d ( life4 ,8 /ummick's gone on a holiday4 ,anyway1 he's mo/ all 94 ,x a9't mu* ( a trail to foll[1 b aft] y pass ,m>/on's y'll see a wood road1 & !n1 if y keep y\r eyes sk9n$1 on ! nor? side y'll see1 ab\t =ty rod along1 a foot track--,jimmy a9't got any team--j foll[ ! track1 & y'll /umble into 8 %ack4 ,! second /op t aft]noon 0 at ,hayson's4 ,x 0 a poor place = a sick man to be 94 ,! entire furni%+s ( ! home w\ld n h be5 a b>ga9 at five doll>s4 ,! wife 0 mo/ grateful = ! visit1 & be=e ! mission>y _h spok5 to ! invalid1 %e said1 ,y are ! only prea*] ev] 9 our h\se2 & w y make a bit ( a pray] = ,jimmy8 ,a few fl\r sacks _h be5 made into a curta91 & ! fai?ful wife pull$ !m aside & gaz$ lov+ly at ! sick man1 & !n que/ion+ly at ! mission>y4 ,! mission>y felt t n _m pray]s w\ld h to be made = ,jimmy1 & p]haps !re 0 an increas$ t5d]ness 9 ! voice z x 0 lift$ to ! ,fri5d ( ! we>y & heavy-lad54 ,! five *ildr5 7 n v cle> z to :at 0 go+ on1 & dur+ ! devotions ! dog kept up a l[ gr[l ( di/ru/ at ! :ole proc$ure1 b ! wa/$ =m ( poor ,jimmy1 & ! subdu$ sobs ( ! wife1 ov]%ad[$ m9or di/urbances4 ,x 0 ! fir/ ( almo/ a doz5 calls dur+ ! next two mon?s4 ,a r\nd trip ( ?irty-two miles once a week meant some?+ ov] unbeat5 tracks2 b ,jimmy 0 9 ne$1 & !re 0 only ,"o ,help]3 o!r help]s _h fail$1 & ,jimmy 0 pa!tically eag] = some?+ he _h n hi!rto receiv$4 ,on ! occasion ( ! f\r? visit1 ! wife call$ ! visitor z f> away f ! sick b$ z ! dim5sions ( ! little %ack p]mitt$4 ,w\ld y--! voice 0 agitat$--w\ld y----4 ,oh6 please1 y won't m9d me ask+1 b w\ld y /ay = d9n]2 we've nev] _h a m9i/] take a bite 9 our h\se1 & ,jimmy'd be s pleas$8 ,! invitation 0 mo/ gladly accept$4 ,:at a "t ensu$6 ,h[ ! poor s\l ex]t$ h]self to prep>e t meal6 ,x 0 ov] an h\r be=e ! bite 0 ready1 & 9 t h\r "o *ild _h gone ov] two miles4 ,! prea*] saw h] flutt]+ rags z %e ran across ! sn[4 ,he saw h] come back ) a little newspap] package4 ,x conta9$ a knife & =k--two miles1 t ! prea*] might h a knife & =k6 ,! meal 0 n appetiz+1 b aft] ! tr\ble x _h co/1 no man ) a he>t c\ld leave a morsel :i* x 0 possible to dispose (4 ,day by day ,jimmy weak5$1 & x 0 evid5t t he ne$$ att5tion & quiet1 su* z 0 n possible 9 ! "o-room$ %ack4 ,c\ld he ga9 entrance to ! di/ant hospital1 & 0 x possible to provide any?+ l a satisfactory conveyance 9 :i* ! sick man c\ld safely make ! j\rney f t pione] di/rict8 ,^! possibilities especially occupi$ ! m9d ( ! mission>y on a subsequ5t visit4 ,he talk$ to ! n[ worn-out wife ab\t ! matt]4 ,prejudices aga9/ hospitals 7 v real 9 t remote di/rict1 & x 0 "s "t be=e %e c\ld be conv9c$ t su* a c\rse w\ld be 9 ! int]e/ ( ! family4 ,! few neighb\rs did mu* com+ & go+ = ! next two days1 & su* blankets & wrapp+s z ! community af=d$ 7 provid$ = ! cold j\rney4 ,bricks & h>dwood /icks 7 to be heat$ & plac$ ar\nd ,jimmy to keep him z w>m z possible4 ,h5ry ,wallis 0 to make ! trip ! day be=e to arrange = ! repl5i%+ ( ^!1 & = "s n\ri%m5t = ! sick man1 at ?ree select$ /opp+-places4 ,x 0 late 9 ! ev5+ :5 ! sleigh pull$ up 9 front ( ! hospital4 ,! suff]] _h /ood ! j\rney bett] ?an 0 expect$4 ,! ,si/]s soon _h ,jimmy 9 ! mo/ com=table b$ t he _h occupi$ = ye>s4 ,two days lat] ! mission>y call$ at ! hospital z e>ly 9 ! morn+ z he 0 p]mitt$ to4 ,jimmy knew 8 end 0 n f> di/ant4 ,he c\ld speak b little1 & 9 ord] to he> ! feeble :isp] x 0 necess>y to put an e> close to ! pati5t's lips4 ,v sl[ly ! words came3 ,say--ab\t--,%eph]d4 ,once m ! ,%eph]d ,psalm 0 repeat$ ) its message = ^? ^: lives are ov]%ad[$4 ,jimmy's eyes spoke 8 ?anks1 & t5d]ly ! /ud5t wip$ ! te>s (f ! sunk5 *eeks4 ,some?+ else 0 want$4 ,aga9 ! :isp] 0 ) difficulty und]/ood3 ,tell--ab\t--re/4 ,x 0 ! words t only ! publican ,mat!w has record$ t ,jimmy want$ to he>4 ,sl[ly !y 7 repeat$3 ,come unto ,me1 all ye t lab\r & are heavy lad51 & ,i w give y re/4 ,once aga9 ! p>*$ lips mov$3 ,if--,i--c\ld--see *ildr5--t's all4 ,! eyes 7 s irresi/ibly plead+ t ! /ud5t c\ld only reply1 ,i'll try1 ,jimmy4 ,a few words 7 spok5 to ! nurse4 ,h[ long w\ld ,jimmy be "h8 ,%e ?\ght he might g t night4 ,c]ta9ly )9 ?ree days ! end w\ld come4 ,x 0 no small und]tak+ to br+ a family su* z ! ,haysons into t[n4 ,clo?+ _h to be procur$ 9 ord] t ! little ones might be protect$ on ! longe/ j\rney any ( !m _h ev] tak54 ,_! own scanty attire w\ld af=d little protection f ! cold w9d4 ,& s hurri$ visits 7 made to a few homes1 & to ! /ores ( "o or two m]*ants4 ,! case 0 briefly /at$1 & a doz5 he>ts in/antly k9dl$ into k9dness = ! ne$y ones 9 ! lonely home4 ,a w>drobe1 su* z ! ,hayson family _h nev] dream$ (1 0 soon /[$ away on ! mission>y's jump]4 ,inside ( two h\rs ! long1 cold drive 0 comm5c$4 ,at ea* %anty & %ack ^w 0 giv5 z to ! sick man's condition1 & :at ! pres5t j\rney 0 =4 ,)9 five miles ( ! lonely home1 :i* w\ld soon be ! abode ( ! fa!rless & wid[1 ! mission>y /opp$ = ! night4 ,9 ! dimly-light$ %ack ( ,s&y ,mac,gregor ,jimmy's la/ reque/ 0 made kn[n4 ,mac,gregor rose f a nail-keg on :i* he 0 sitt+1 & said sl[ly & emphatically1 ,well1 if ,jimmy wants to see ! *ildr51 he's a-go+ to see 'em4 ,! /ud5t grasp$ ! r\gh5$ h& ( ! speak] gratefully4 ,i knew ,i c\ld c\nt on y1 ,mac4 ,?anks4 ,i'm tir$1 s ,i'll say good-night4 ,i c sleep n[ t t's settl$4 ,be=e ! mission>y appe>$ ! next morn+1 ,mac _h ev]y?+ ready = driv+ ,jimmy's family into ! t[n :]e ! husb& & fa!r 0 rapidly ne>+ 8 end4 ,! horses 7 driv5 z h>d z 0 consi/5t ) m]cy4 ,jimmy 0 /ill alive1 ! ,si/] told !m z !y /ood 9 ! hall4 ,9 a mom5t !y 7 beside ! b$4 ,x 0 "o ( ^? sc5es t live 9 ! memory4 ,! sobb+ wife1 kiss+ aga9 & aga9 ! poor1 wan face4 ,! little ones weep+1 p]haps m 9 sympa?y ) ! "m ?an on acc\nt ( _! own realization ( ! com+ sorr[4 ,quietly ! l>ge scre5 0 plac$ ar\nd ! gr\p at ! b$side1 & = a few mom5ts ! family 0 left alone4 ,! j\rney _h be5 accompli%$ j 9 "t4 ,9 less ?an an h\r ,jimmy 0 gone4 ,8 la/ reque/ 0 = ! passages ( ,scripture m5tion$ above4 ,yes1 t's x1 he :isp]$1 re/--re/4 ,! wa/$ arm 0 rais$ a little z if he w\ld put x ar\nd ! mission>y's %\ld]1 b ! poor ,cookee's /r5g? _h dep>t$4 ,!y saw he w\ld say some?+ m1 & e>s 7 al]t to cat* 8 e ^w4 ,i--?9k---- ,!n !re 0 a long pause1 & ! sunk5 eyes turn$ f face to face z ?\gh seek+ to tell !m :at ! tongue refus$ to utt]4 ,!y wait$ ) te>-b$imm$ gaze1 b no o!r ^w 0 utt]$4 ,ere long !re 0 a rattl+ 9 ! ?roat1 & ! dea?-pallor increas$2 a few %ort & long-sep>at$ gasps & ! ,cookee _h f9i%$ 8 c\rse4 ,!y laid him away 9 ! quiet little cemet]y dur+ an almo/ bl9d+ sn[/orm4 ,) less ?an five doll>s 9 ca%1 & a r\gh bit ( l& heavily mortgag$1 ! "m w5t back to ! lonely %ack to toil ?r\gh we>y days to provide = h] five little *ildr54 ,) occasional help f o!r settl]s1 ! /ruggle = exi/5ce 0 made a little less sev]e4 99 99 99 99 99 ,t5 ye>s h pass$ away4 ,! pov]ty-/rick5 pione]s ( e>li] days h cle>$ l>ge sections ( l&1 & ! e>? has br\ght =? h] fruit4 ,prosp]ity ab\nds4 ,:]e ,jimmy ,hayson's %ack /ood is an attractive mod]n f>m-h\se4 ,a "m looks pr\dly at h] f>m] son z %e introduces him to a city pa/or :o is visit+ ! mission field ( 8 /ud5t m9i/ry4 ,a few h\rs lat]1 9 ! quiet ( ev5tide1 %e /&s ) ! visitor ex*ang+ incid5ts ( bygone days4 ,x's be5 a pretty h>d road to travel1 sir1 b ! neighb\rs 7 j z good z !y c\ld be aft] ,jimmy w5t4 ,b ,i (t5 say to my boy ,allan t !re is only ,"o :o c help u 9 su* times z ,i pass$ ?r\gh !n4 ,,! ,,reg5]ation ,,( ,,bill ,,s&]s ,a sev]e sn[-/orm _h rag$ = ov] twelve h\rs1 & ! home mission>y 0 tw5ty miles away f head-qu>t]s4 ,8 little ,indian pony 0 all grit1 z "o ( ! settl]s said1 b ) d>kness only two h\rs away1 ! prea*] began to reconsid] 8 decision to make ,! ,valley & home t night4 ,n a few days ,que5ie & h] driv] _h travell$ fifty miles1 b to-day ! drift+ sn[ almo/ bl9d$ man & bea/1 & ) elev5 miles ( unbeat5 pa? on ! /orm-swept pla9 imm$iately be=e him1 ! mission>y hesitat$4 ,at be/ x w\ld be d>k be=e he rea*$ ! bu%1 & he _h n =gott5 a =m] exp]i5ce1 :5 anxi\s h\rs 7 sp5t 9 a simil> /orm seek+ to f9d ! r>ely-travell$ road t l$ f ! pla9 ?r\gh ! bu% to ,! ,valley4 ,"o reason out ( sev]al t made him anxi\s to get home 0 ! fact t ,wid[ ,nairn's wood-pile ne$$ repl5i%+4 ,%e 0 a poor fri5dless old woman1 :o _h rema9$ on a plot ( gr\nd to :i* %e _h only squatt]'s rights1 & :ile ! few scatt]$ neighb\rs 7 k9dness itself1 ! wid[ 01 z ,grayson said1 s blam$ peculi> t x 0 h>d to "k h[ to d any?+ = h] )\t mak+ h] mad4 ,p]haps %e c\ld get along = "o m day1 & ! mission>y resolv$ to drive directly to h] %ack ! next morn+4 ,! decision be+ made1 he spoke *e]ily to 8 pony1 & aft] a little manoeuvr+1 ! cutt] 0 turn$ ar\nd & ,que5ie 0 head$ t[>ds ! spot :]e two solit>y p9es rose l s5t9els f ! und]bu%4 ,! road to ,pe>son's 0 n f> beyond ^! l&m>ks1 & ! home 0 "o ( ! few he knew 9 ?is r>ely-visit$ di/rict4 ,an h\r lat] he pe]$ anxi\sly ?r\gh ! /orm4 ,! sn[ melt+ ar\nd 8 eyes made see+ difficult1 & he began to fe> he _h tak5 a wood-pa? in/ead ( ! "o int5d$4 ,pull+ up 8 pony1 he li/5$ = ! j+le ( bells1 ! b>k ( a dog1 ! call ( a settl]1 or any?+ t might help him to locate "s abode1 b no s\nd except t made by ! w9t] w9d rea*$ him4 ,ty+ 8 pony to a popl>1 he plung$ ahead 9 an endeav\r to f9d out some?+ ab\t ! road he 0 on4 ,9 a few m9utes he saw t ! trees clos$ toge!r aga91 & knew t ! pony _h tak5 ! wrong track4 ,once m ! cutt] 0 turn$ ar\nd ) consid]able difficulty4 ,x 0 a h>d return j\rney2 e sign ( _! own rec5tly-made track 0 gone1 & ! sn[ 0 /ill fall+4 ,no m welcome s\nd _h be5 he>d by any e>s t day ?an :5 di/9ct1 ?\gh some:at di/ant1 ! tir$ travell] he>d ! b>k ( a dog4 ,/opp+ 8 pony1 he engag$ 9 a b>k+ conte/1 until he 0 sure ( ! direction f :i* ! s\nd came4 ,we are all "r n[1 ?ank ,god1 he said al\d4 ,?r\gh ! trees a light flick]$ a few m9utes lat]1 & soon a pione]'s home came into view4 ,! little cle>ance ) its l[-ro($ log-h\se 0 n "o ! mission>y _h se5 be=e1 b :]e !re 0 a h\se !re 0 hospitality on a night l ?is4 ,bill ,s&]s 0 soon assi/+ ! travell] to unhit*1 & ) ! aid ( a bug99 ,que5ie 0 cr[d$ into ! r\ghly con/ruct$ /able4 ,!re 7 times :5 x w\ld h be5 bo? difficult & dang]\s to h put h] into su* qu>t]s1 b t night %e seem$ to und]/&1 & behav$ h]self accord+ly4 99 ,a t9 l>d pail fix$ to hold a c&le & to s]ve z a lant]n4 ,! occupants ( ! little home consi/$ ( fa!r1 "m1 two boys & two girls4 ,:5 ! mission>y introduc$ himself !re 0 manife/ emb>rassm5t on ! "p ( ! wife1 & ! *ildr5 gaz$ 9 wond]m5t f ! room door2 !y 7 unwill+ to run any risks ?r\gh gett+ too close to ?is human novelty until !y saw h[ he act$4 ,y see1 sir1 we don't h _m p "h1 & !y ar5't us$ to /rang]s3 ,i guess y are ! fir/ m9i/] t's be5 9 ?is h\se2 & !n1 z ! husb& w5t to br+ 9 a fre% supply ( firewood1 %e add$ half apologetically1 b ,i 0 pray+ all week t ,god might s5d somebody 9 "h t lov$ ,him4 ,:5 ,i us$ to "w = ,home ,missions 9 ,ont>io1 ,i nev] ?\ght h[ mu* ,i'd long = ! visit ( a mission>y myself "s day2 x's v lonesome sometimes4 ,be=e ! mission>y retir$ to 8 allott$ space on ! floor1 he ask$ p]mission to read a few v]ses ( ,scripture4 ,!re 0 no response f ! fa!r3 ! "m said1 ,yes1 please4 ,! ,scripture & pray] 7 = ! enc\ragem5t ( ! heavy lad51 & te>s 7 wip$ away f ! "m's eyes z ! little gr\p arose f kneel+4 ,:5 pray]s 7 m5tion$ aft] breakfa/ ! next morn+1 ,bill ,s&]s delib]ately left ! %ack4 ,two doses ( religion )9 twelve h\rs 7 too _m = him1 z he (t5 said 9 aft] ye>s :5 recall+ ! mission>y's visit4 ,we've a lot to be ?ankful =1 said ! mu*-tri$ wife1 z ! visitor spoke a few words ( enc\ragem5t4 ,! mission>y glanc$ at ! mud floor1 at ! r\ghly-hewn table1 at ! r\nd blocks us$ = *airs1 at ! newspap] curta9s1 at ! fl\r-sacks t p>tition$ (f ! b$room1 at ! miscellane\s & damag$ collection ( di%es & t9s t re/$ on ! cov]less table1 & wond]$ :]e9 ! lot to be ?ankful = lay4 ,we don't get along well ) ! f>m2 someh[ ,bill don't----4 ,! words 7 *eck$1 & no?+ sugge/ive ( compla9t at ! husb& 0 utt]$4 ,! *ildr5 are well1 %e cont9u$1 & !y are ob$i5t1 & !n1 ) a f9e retic5ce t _c be writt51 %e add$ sl[ly1 ,i am try+ to tea* !m ab\t ,god2 & ,i (t5 tell !m t if ! %ack isn't a cr$it to u1 we mu/ try to be a cr$it to x4 ,y see1 sir1 ,i'm n /rong1 & ) ! little ones to look aft]1 ,i c't "w outside z mu* z a settl]'s wife ought2 b anyh[1 ,i'd r leave my *ildr5 a good "* ?an any?+ else4 ,yes1 ,god kn[s ,i w\ld4 ,late 9 ! morn+ ! /orm 0 ov]1 & ) a promise on ! "p ( ! mission>y to return aga9 z soon z possible1 & on ! "p ( ! *ildr5 to come to a ,sunday ,s*ool be+ />t$ 9 ! f\r-mile-di/ant s*oolh\se1 good-byes 7 said4 ,_m weeks pass$ be=e ! mission>y c\ld visit aga9 ! lonely little home4 ,?is "t ! "m1 pale & trembl+1 0 /ruggl+ f ! /able ) a pail ( milk4 ,inside ! h\se lay a f\r-days'-old baby boy4 ,! mission>y's he>t 0 heavy4 ,s9ce 8 la/ visit he _h he>d ( ! fai?fulness & goodness ( ! wife & "m1 & ( ! brutality ( ! husb& & fa!r1 b he f\nd x h>d to believe t any man w\ld compel 8 wife to d :at ?is poor creature _h be5 made to d 9 su* a physical condition4 ,at fir/ !re 0 fight 9 ! mission>y's he>t1 b :5 ! lazy1 cruel husb& return$ f 8 rabbit-sn>+1 ! fight+ _s _h be5 replac$ by a great ye>n+ = ?is man's salvation4 ,to angrily rebuke ,bill might only add to ! wife's burd51 :ile ! s\l ( all improvem5t is ! improvem5t ( ! s\l4 ,bill's ne$ 0 ( a *ang$ he>t4 ,a pray] = guidance 0 brea!d =? z he walk$ to meet "o :o1 a few ye>s ago1 _h promis$ to protect & love ! wife ^: _s 0 cru%$ & ^: he>t 0 well-nigh brok5 by neglect & abuse4 ,! two m5 /ood talk+ = "s "t on ! ev5+ ( t n[ memorable day4 ,(t5 ! pale face ( an anxi\s1 pray]ful wife look$ out ?r\gh ! t9y w9d[4 ,p]haps ! pray] )9 0 mighti] ?an ! simple message spok5 )\t1 b at any rate new desires & purposes 7 awak5$ 9 ,bill's he>t t night4 ,!re 0 no sudd5 light ( glory1 or ec/atic condition1 b dur+ ! next few weeks x 0 evid5t t ?is man 0 be+ *ang$4 ,:5 ! mission>y sugge/$ gett+ 8 pony hit*$1 ,bill urg$ him to rema9 ov]night4 ,at retir+ "t1 x 0 ! fa!r :o h&$ a mu*-soil$ ,bible to ! prea*]4 ,/range t s simple an act z t %\ld cause ! wife to weep1 b at t h\r %e saw ! dawn+ ( a new day4 ,?ree weeks lat] ! scatt]$ settl]s visit+ outside ! s*oolh\se on ,sunday aft]noon 7 amaz$ to see ,bill ,s&]s br++ 8 wife to *ur* on ! jump]4 ,! s++ 9 ! little s]vice 0 usually m he>ty ?an h>moni\s4 ,= two or ?ree ye>s x _h be5 an unsettl$ & vex$ "q z to :e!r ,sam ,gadsley or ,m>?a ,mc,leod 0 ! f9] s+]4 ,"o faction deem$ ! matt] settl$ beyond all controv]sy :5 a late arrival at ! s]vice confid$ to a few fri5ds at ! close t he c\ld he> ,sam1 good1 cle> across ! concession1 :ile he c\ldn't h told :e!r ,m>?a 0 !re at all1 at all4 ,m>?a's fri5ds felt ke5ly ! consequ5t v]dict ( ! community1 depos+ _! *ampion4 ,to-day ! mission>y broke all 8 own previ\s records 9 ! s++ ( ,praise ,god f :om all bless+s fl[4 ,p said x 0 a great s]mon t ! little p>son prea*$ t day4 ,al?\gh ! congregation may n h kn[n x1 ! prea*] almo/ broke d[n 9 pray]1 8 he>t 0 s fill$ ) gratitude4 ,:5 he %ook h&s ) ,bill1 !re 0 a grip t ?rill$ new-com] & prea*] alike4 ,to ! wife he manag$ to say1 ,i'm s glad1 & ! n[ happy woman look$ z ?\gh ! op5+ doxology _h become a l>ge "p ( h] v self4 99 99 99 99 99 ,! visit ( ! ,home ,mission ,sup]9t5d5t is always a great day 9 ^! isolat$ places1 & :5 on 8 next visit he welcom$ ! new memb]s into full communion1 & took fa!r1 "m1 & two *ildr5 f ! little log-h\se1 n a few felt x 0 ! greate/ day ! s*oolh\se _h se54 ,dur+ ! subsequ5t days ( ! mission>y's t]m ( s]vice1 :5ev] !re 0 "w to be done1 ,bill ,s&]s c\ld be c\nt$ on4 99 99 99 99 99 ,9 ! summ] ( #aiab1 aft] a lapse ( t5 ye>s1 ! mission>y /ood once m 9 ,! ,valley4 ,z is true ( mo/ ,we/]n communities1 ev]y?+ 0 *ang$4 ,a little city _h aris5--! old s*oolh\se 0 no m1 & ! once well-kn[n places c\ld no long] be locat$4 ,b !re /&s a beautiful little *ur* n f> f :]e ! old s*oolh\se once /ood1 & "o ( ! hon\r$ eld]s be>s ! "n ( ,william ,s&]s4 ,two ( 8 daught]s tea* 9 ! ,sabba? ,s*ool1 & ( ! five *ildr51 a well-kn[n bus9ess man said1 ,:y1 y'd j be pr\d ( e "o ( !m1 if !y 7 y\r own4 ,9 ! *ur*y>d a m>ble slab be>s ! "n1 ,m>y ,p]ry ,s&]s1 & ne> ! base1 ,%e ha? done :at %e c\ld4 ,z 0 h] desire 9 ! days ( /ruggle & isolation1 ! pati5t1 fai?ful "m _h left ! preci\s legacy ( a good "* to h] *ildr54 ,?us _h ! se$ s[n br\ght =? its fruit aft] _m days4 ,among hall[$ memories1 few are s preci\s to ! mission>y z t ( ! day :5 8 n[ old fri5d ,que5ie took ! wrong road4 ,& :5ev] on lonely prairie1 9 quiet hamlet1 or noisy city1 he he>s a congregation s+ ,c[p]'s hymn1 ,god moves 9 a my/]i\s way1 ,8 wond]s to p]=m1 he ?9ks ( t di/ant1 /ormy w9t] day :5 a b>k+ dog l$ him to a home t is n[ trans=m$1 & to a d>k5$ life t 0 9 ,god's goodness guid$ into t light t %9e? m & m unto ! p]fect day4 ,,! ,,snake-,,room ,! hotels 9 ! t[n on ! b\nd>y99 7 cr[d$4 ,= sev]al days ! m5 _h be5 return+ f ! bu% aft] ! w9t]'s cut1 until ov] a ?\s& lumb]-jacks f ! v>i\s camps 9 ! imm$iate vic9ity _h tak5 possession ( ! place4 ,= mo/ ( ^! m5 ! b>-room 0 ! only social c5tre1 & ! arrival ( ea* gang meant ! recognition ( old fri5ds & ! celebration !re( 9 a call = dr9ks all r\nd4 99 ,b\nd>y l9e betwe5 ,u4,s4 & ,canada4 ,9 a hallway adjo9+ a popul> b>-room ! mission] /ood sadly wat*+ ! procession ( h>d toil]s los+ at ! "o "t _! w9t]'s e>n+s & ! control ( _! faculties4 ,x seem$ useless to plead ) ! m5 ei!r collectively or individually4 ,x's ! only way we've got to let (f /eam1 boss--x's a fool way1 y bet1 b "h goes4 ,! speak] 0 a man ( n ov] ?irty ye>s ( age4 ,) un/eady /ep he ent]$ ! b>-room aga91 & pu%$ 8 way to ! d\ble l9e t kept ! b>-t5d]s p]spir+ z !y s\ght to respond to ! sometimes curs+ dem&s = m rapid s]vice4 ,illu/ration3 #a4 ,a ,we/]n ,lumb] ,camp4 #b4 ,lumb] ,camp ,gr\p 9 ,sunday ,attire4 #c4 ,! ,day's ,"w ,end$4 #d4 ,a ,typical ,b>-room ,9 "s di/ricts fully #ge ( %anty m5's e>n+s goes ov] ! b>4 ,"o bank paid out #ch1jjj doll>s 9 wages4 ,)9 a week a ne>-by b>-room deposit$ #bb1jjj doll>s4 ,along ! hallway 7 m5 9 v>i\s /ages ( intoxication1 & ! mission] knew f pa/ exp]i5ces t "s ( ! m5 7 only at ! beg9n+ ( a debau* t w\ld la/ = sev]al days1 p]haps weeks4 ,mu* _h be5 done by ! lumb] companies to improve ! conditions 9 camp & to bright5 & turn to good acc\nt ! long w9t] ev5+s4 ,!n1 9 ord] to protect ! e>n+s ( ! m5 at paytime1 arrangem5ts 7 made to furni% imm$iate facilities = bank+ or = remitt+ home2 yet ev]y?+ prov$ ineffective 9 ! case ( "s4 ,! op5 b> ) its fooli% & dang]\s treat+ sy/em _h l$ to :at _h become kn[n ar\nd t[n z ! lumb]-jacks' annual spr+ spree4 ,! ca%i] ( "o ( ! companies saunt]$ ?r\gh ! cr[d1 & ! mission] ent]$ into conv]sation ) him1 que/ion+ him ab\t ! m5 ?rong+ ! b>-room4 ,yes1 ,rev]5d1 ,i "k mo/ ( ! boys2 ,i make out pay-*ecks = ov] two hundr$ ( !m1 & 9 my "t ,i've run across ?\s&s1 & mo/ ( !m are spl5did fell[s if y c only keep ! booze away f !m4 ,!y look pretty well damag$ j n[1 eh8 ,& !y'll be worse yet4 ,:5 !y get />t$ y c't /op !m till !y're at ! end ( _! te!r4 ,see t fell[ light+ 8 cig> 9 ,ern4 ,dean's pipe8 ,wait till he turns r\nd a bit--!re6 n[6 8 e>'s half gone1 see8 ,he's "s fight]1 believe me6 ,a ye> ago la/ mon? somebody got a few bottles ( :iskey into ! camp on ! q4t4 ,we try to keep x out1 b y might z well try to keep out mosquitoes 9 ,june4 ,well1 sir1 t night ,bill got into a fight ) a *ap call$ ,fr5*y1 & 9 ab\t t5 m9utes ,fr5*y ne$$ an id5tification label on him4 ,bill 0 clean plump crazy1 & z ,fr5*y _h be5 look+ = a scrap = weeks ! boys let !m h _! inn+s = a :ile4 ,j be=e ! boys pris$ !m ap>t1 ! two ( !m took a deuce ( a tumble to ! bunkh\se floor1 & someh[ ,fr5*y got 8 tee? on ,bill's e>4 ,we c\ldn't pat* ! ?+ toge!r1 s ,bill _h to foot x ne>ly ?irty miles to ! ne>e/ t[n1 & y see :at ! crossbones _h to d to trim (f 8 receiv+ app>atus8 ,bill gets n9ety doll>s a mon?--,i h&$ him a *eck = f\r hundr$ & fifty la/ ,saturday1 & x w\ld be safe to bet ! :iskies he hasn't fifty doll>s left "r ?is m9ute4 ,he doesn't "k :at he's done ) x--q likely a pile ( x has be5 swip$ :5 he 0 dead to ! _w4 ,betwe5 ourselves1 ,rev]5d1 !re's lots ( dope s]v$ out "r "h1 & :5 ! boys come to1 a good "p ( _! boodle is gone4 ,j ! o!r day ,dick ,boo? 0 yell+ blue murd] ar\nd "h1 & ,b]tois came f ! (fice & hook$ 8 arm into ,dick's & said1 ',come on1 ,dick1 & h "o on me4' ,9 less ?an five m9utes !re wasn't s mu* z a *irp f ,dick1 & he look$ l ! dick5s = a few seconds1 & !n he slid d[n ! wall to ! floor1 & ,b]tois & ,sam c>ri$ him into ! snake-room4 ,y bet ,b]tois fix$ ,dick's dr9k alright4 ,! tr\ble comes betwe5 season :5 ! boys are (f a few weeks4 ,!y come into t[n to kill "t1 b x works ! o!r way r\nd4 ,two days lat] ! mission] 0 sitt+ writ+ at ! hotel table :5 ,bill1 ble>-ey$1 un%av5 & dirty1 came /agg]+ t[>d him4 ,! voice 0 almo/ t]rify+ 9 its int5sity ( appeal1 ,= ,god's sake give me some?+ to eat2 ,i've _h no?+ b t /uff 7po9t+ t[>d ! b>-room7 = ?ree days4 ,be=e any?+ m c\ld be said1 ,b]tois1 ! proprietor1 hurri$ f beh9d 8 desk1 & grabb+ ,bill by ! %\ld]1 utt]$ an oa?1 & dragg$ him to a door at ! end ( ! hall4 ,unfa/5+ ! door ) 8 lat*-key he gave ,bill a vigor\s %ove1 & ! intoxicat$ man1 /umbl+ ov] "s object1 fell heavily to ! floor4 ,bang+ ! door1 ,b]tois turn$ to ! basem5t /airway j ar\nd ! corn]1 & 9 a %>p voice call$ ,sam4 ,sam imm$iately respond$ to ! call4 ,h[ 9 ! ---- did ,bill ,bird get out ( !re4 ,didn't "k 'e 0 out1 sir1 0 ! reply4 ,did y give anybody y\r key8 ,hi did n1 sir4 ,well1 !n1 y mu/ h left ! door unlock$2 m9d y don't let any m ( !m d---- fools out4 ,z calmly z 0 possible ! mission] prote/$ aga9/ ! treatm5t ,bill receiv$4 ,:at w\ld y d ) !m8 ,w\ld y want !m ar\nd ! h\se8 0 ! gruff reply4 ,give !m a b$8 ,n mu*6 ,we don't keep b$s = t br&4 ,! only ?+ y c d is to kick 'em into ! snake-room4 ,y don't "k any?+ ab\t ,bill's k9d4 ,he's see+ life2 !m fell[s h be5 c\nt+ on ?is bl[-out = mon?s4 ,an h\r or s lat] ! mission] f\nd ,sam alone 9 ! basem5t4 ,! old man 0 wor?y ( a bett] job ?an ! do+ ( ! dirtie/ & mo/ objectionable "w ar\nd a lumb]-t[n hotel1 b times _h gone h>d ) him ( late ye>s1 & 8 few relatives 7 on ! o!r side ( ! ,atlantic4 ,no1 sir1 hit a9't ! k9d ( place hi expect$ to be 9 at my hage1 b begg>s mu/n't be *oos]s1 y "k1 sir1 & aft] hi cut me foot half (f ) a hax ,i ad to take wot ,i c\ld get1 especially z me rheumatiz bo!r$ me a lot4 ,wot's ! snake-room l1 did y say8 ,hit j dep5ds oo's h9 x4 ,hit's *uck full ^! days1 ,i'm sorry to say1 & x ha9't a sight y] rev]5ce w\ld l to see4 ,y want a peep h91 eh8 ,well1 hi don't "k z h[ y'd be all[$2 ! boss is r p]ticl> ab\t :o sees 'is cu/om]s h9 ! snake-room4 ,x ha9't a v good hadv]tisem5t1 h9 my op9ion4 ,nev]!less ,sam agre$1 if ! t]ritory 0 cle>1 to %[ ! mission] ! snake-room4 ,by way ( apology1 ! old man expla9$ t he _h (t5 told 8 boss t x 0 a %ame to put m5 into su* a place )\t any k9d ( b$1 ) no food1 & frequ5tly1 9 decid$ly cold wea!r1 )\t any heat4 ,:5 ! opportunity af=d$ itself1 ,sam & ! mission] w5t quietly up/airs &1 unse51 ent]$ ! snake-room4 ,accu/om$ z he _h be5 to see ! effects ( alcohol & evil-liv+1 ! sc5e be=e ! visitor 0 a fre% & t]rible revelation ( _! de/ructive p[]4 ,! room 0 probably fifte5 feet squ>e4 ,its furni%+s consi/$ ( "o table & two fram$ pictures--! latt] be+ adv]tisem5ts ( popul> br&s ( :iskies1 :i* 7 said to h /ood ! te/ = ne>ly "o hundr$ ye>s4 ,"s results ( ! te/ 7 ^u ! floor4 ,9 ord] to get inside1 ,sam _h pu%$ h>d aga9/ ! door1 cr[d+ back ! feet ( ! man ne>e/4 ,!re 0 sc>cely m floor space ?an ! two m5 ne$$ to /& on4 ,curses1 snores & groans came f ! fil?y1 /5*-lad5 mass ( m5 t cov]$ ! floor4 ,sev]al bo>ds 9 ! wa9scott+ 7 spatt]$ ) human blood4 ,"o man ) a rec5tly made ga% across 8 =ehead 0 ly+ on 8 side1 & ) eyes clos$1 kept /rik+ out ) 8 fi/1 sometimes hitt+ ! leg ( an old man :o seem$ absolutely p>alys$ ) liquor1 & sometimes hitt+ ! p>tition4 ,e bl[ 0 accompani$ by pr(anity4 ,p>tly "u ! table lay two camp cooks4 ,"o ( !m1 ,he9ri* ,lietzmann1 0 a mo/ g5]\s individual1 & a great fav\rite ) 8 fell[-work]s4 ,because ( 8 appe>ance he 0 dubb$ ,roly-,poly ,lietzmann4 ,8 brok5 ,engli% 0 v attractive1 & no?+ pleas$ ! y\ng] m5 bett] ?an to get him go+ on int]national politics4 ,judg+ f 8 t]ribly bruis$ face1 he _h ei!r fall5 heavily or be5 9 a fight4 ,poor ,he9ri* made sev]al attempts to raise himself to a sitt+ po/ure1 ea* "t fall+ back ) a di/urb+ effect on ! m5 ne>e/ him1 & receiv+ !re=e _! mutt]$ curses1 :i* he return$ 9 full measure4 ,along ! table1 on 8 back1 lay ,*ris4 ,rog]s4 ,nobody knew ! hi/ory ( ,*ris4 al?\gh1 because ( a rem>kable gift ( spee* :i* he manife/$ :5 excit$ by liquor1 ! report t he _h once be5 a ,%y/] lawy] 9 a ,we/]n ,/ate 0 g5]ally believ$4 ,he 0 f> above ! av]age lumb]-jack 9 k1 b f> bel[ 9 vice4 ,aft] ! discov]y ( an unusually mean trick1 ,bill ,bird _h1 9 ! op9ion ( ! camp1 fitt+ly describ$ ,*ris1 :5 he said1 ,t dirty rascal is s ne> mongrel dog1 t if he _h a bit m hair on him he'd />t runn+ rabbits4 ,j :y ,*ris4 _h be5 giv5 *>ge ( ! camp /ores 0 a my/]y1 b = ne>ly two ye>s he _h held ! position4 ,he 0 a sl5d]1 wiry man ) a s+ul>ly repulsive face4 ,8 tee? 7 gone1 & 8 long po9t$ m\/a*e droop$ alongside ( ! h>d m\? t 0 cont9ually /a9$ ) tobacco juice4 ,8 coat & ve/ 7 pla/]$ ) grease f c>eless eat+ & 8 :ole appe>ance sugge/$ a dirty demon-possess$ man4 ,bill ,bird1 ! fight]1 _h manag$ to get into a corn]1 & 0 sitt+ ) arms on knees & droop+ head--a picture ( wret*$ness4 ,once he manag$ to look up1 & = a mom5t gaz$ 9 a daz$ way at ! mission]3 ,by ,god6 ,i wi% ,i 0 dead3 !n !re 0 a prolong$ cry on ! ^w ,oh1 z ( a man 9 great agony4 ,a few ( ! /upefi$ m5 r\s$ !mselves en\gh to utt] a curse 9 ,bill's direction4 ,gaz+ once m at ! mission]1 ,bill cri$ out3 ,oh6 oh6 ! devil's got me = sure4 ,sam laid 8 h& on ! mission]'s arm2 ,we'd bett] slip out n[1 sir1 or !re might be tr\ble4 ,) a sigh & a heavy he>t ! mission] pass$ into ! hall & up to ! room he _h be5 occupy+ = t5 days4 ,) a :isp]$ cry1 ,h[ long1 ,o ,"l1 h[ long8 he fell on 8 knees at 8 b$side1 & !n 9 sil5ce he plead$ ) 8 ,god t at lea/ ,bill ,bird might be releas$ f ! grip ( ! ,evil ,"o4 ,aft] ! regul> s]vice t night1 a few ,*ri/ian p met = pray]4 ,! mission] confid$ 9 ^? pres5t1 & ) sadness told ( 8 visit ) ,sam to ! snake-room4 ,:at are we do+1 he ask$1 ei!r z a *ur* or z individuals1 = ^! m58 ,has ,satan any opposition f u z he enslaves our fell[-c\ntrym58 ,surely x is n a matt] ( indiff]5ce to u :5 ^! m5 are wreck+ _! own & o!r lives1 9 d5s ( vice t h be5 all[$ to plant !mselves 9 ?is t[n1 & t c only ?rive z manhood & womanhood are debas$8 ,sev]al lumb]m5 9 ?is di/rict say t 9 ! pa/ fifte5 ye>s !re has be5 a /eady det]ioration 9 ! m5 employ$ 9 ! woods4 ,aft] e pay-day1 by _! debau*]y1 sev5ty-five p] c5t4 unfit !mselves = ! "w to be done1 & take f two to eight weeks to get back to normal condition4 ,!re is mu* t may & mu/ be done along social l9es if we are go+ to arre/ ^! degrad+ influ5ces1 b 9 ! meantime is x n possible = u z individuals to get into p]sonal t\* ) "s ( ^! boys1 & ?r[ ar\nd !m ! protection ( our ,*ri/ian fri5d%ip & hospitality8 ,prea*+ is n ! only means = advanc+ ! ,k+dom4 ,s mu* may be done if ,*ri/ian p w put !mselves & _! possessions at ! s]vice ( humanity1 & le>n to love ! l[e/ z well z ! be/ ( ! race4 ,"s ( ^! lumb]-jacks might g back to camp *ang$ m5 if we gave ,god a fair *ance to use u4 ,p]haps "s ( y bus9ess m51 or "s ( y ran*]s1 c\ld get alongside ( at lea/ "o poor fell[ f t snake-room1 & live = 8 reclamation4 ,!re are _m ways ( keep+ 9 t\* ) ^! m51 ev5 :5 !y return to ! bu%1 &1 9 ?is l& ( inve/m5ts1 y w\ld f9d no?+ yield su* a divid5d z ! inve/m5t ( y\r "t 9 ! attractive pres5tation ( ! love & p[] ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,w y at lea/ make ! ef=t1 & leave ! results to y\r ,ma/]8 ,! words 7 spok5 & ! "q ask$ ) an e>ne/ness t _h be5 int5sifi$ by ! he>t-r5d+ appeal ( ! brok5 manhood t ! speak] knew 0 repres5t$ by :at he _h look$ ^u 9 ! snake-room4 ,9 ! pray]ful atmosph]e & ! sil5ce t foll[$ ! "q1 "o man said 9 8 he>t1 ,i w4 ,t man 0 ,george ,cl>ke4 ,george ,cl>ke _h a small ran* a %ort di/ance f ! t[n4 ,he 0 "o ( ! mo/ indu/ri\s m5 9 ! ,prov9ce1 b 8 indu/ry _h n result$ 9 ! prosp]ity t mo/ ( 8 neighb\rs enjoy$4 ,he _h met ) en\gh rev]ses to absolutely di%e>t5 ! av]age man1 b he _h borne !m all bravely1 keep+ 8 disposition uns\r$1 & 8 "* clean4 ,8 extreme retic5ce1 h[ev]1 (t5 l$ /rang]s to misjudge him1 & to und]e/imate 8 wor?4 ,9 public affairs he treat$ himself z ?\gh he _h no "r to any?+ b ! mo/ inf]ior position1 & to h giv5 expression to 8 own op9ion be=e ev5 a small audi5ce w\ld1 9 8 own judgm5t1 h result$ fatally4 ,once1 "u great pressure1 he _h cons5t$ to pass ! collection plate at a *ur* s]vice1 b aft] gett+ on 8 feet1 ev]y?+ 0 a blur4 ,! boys at ! re> v[$ t he /umbl$ aga9/ e b5*-end b "o1 & t by ! "t he 0 half way d[n ! aisle he didn't "k :i* side ( ! plate %\ld be up4 ,9 replac+ ! plate on ! organ1 to ! great surprise ( ! organi/1 he unc]emoni\sly deposit$ mo/ ( ! (f]+ 9 h] lap1 & 0 too mu* ov]come ) emb>rassm5t to assi/ h] 9 replac+ x4 ,dur+ ! clos+ hymn he made 8 escape to a quiet spot 9 ! bu%1 :]e he c\ld wipe 8 pr(usely p]spir+ br[ & :]e he c\ld solemnly promise himself n to be entrapp$ aga94 ,b despite 8 retic5ce he 0 an exceptionally intellig5t man1 & :5 any individual c\ld get ,george to express himself on que/ions ( importance1 x 0 n long be=e ?is is :at ,george ,cl>ke ?9ks1 0 pass$ f m\? to m\? ?r\gh\t ! community4 ,all ?r\gh ! ye>s he _h resid$ 9 ! ,we/ he _h be5 absolutely upright 9 8 deal+s & conduct1 & ?\gh 8 retic5ce prev5t$ him f tak+ an aggressive "p 9 c]ta9 moral re=ms t 7 advocat$ f "t to "t1 yet !re 0 nev] a %ad[ ( a d\bt z to :i* side he w\ld be on4 ,! cynical individual :o /at$ t e man has 8 price1 0 compell$ to make an exception 9 ! case ( ,george ,cl>ke4 ,& s x w n be deem$ irrev]5t if we say t :5 ,george ,cl>ke said 9 8 he>t ,i w1 ,god knew he c\ld tru/ him4 ,v ?\ghtfully ,george pass$1 ) 8 wife1 f ! meet+ out into ! d>kness4 ,i'm go+ to look = ,bill ,bird1 ,m>y1 & if ,i get him ,i'll br+ him home--h[ w\ld x d if y g on ) ! ,fras]s8 ,! sugge/ion 0 all t ,mrs4 ,cl>ke ne$$1 & h] neighb\rs1 )\t any que/ion+1 *e]fully made room = h] 9 _! democrat4 ,george halt$ sev]al times on 8 way to ! hotel %$ :]e 8 horse & buggy _h be5 left--he 0 wond]+ h[ be/ to c>ry out 8 resolve4 ,t resolve 0 to d 8 utmo/ to help ,bill ,bird to a new life4 ,ye>s ago 9 ! ,ea/ he _h be5 on v fri5dly t]ms ) ! ,bird family1 & ?\gh he _h once or twice tri$ to %[ ,bill a k9dness1 yet he knew he _h n measur$ up to 8 opportunities & he felt condemn$4 ,quietly he walk$ d[n ! roadway to ! re> ( ! ,imp]ial ,hotel4 ,! %\ts & oa?s ( ! dr9k+ & ! drunk51 & ! clatt] ( glassw>e rea*$ 8 e>s z he pass$ along4 ,0 ,bill /ill inside1 & if s1 h[ c\ld he get hold ( him8 ,a side door op5$1 & ,george /epp$ back into ! deep %ad[ ( ! build+4 ,b]tois1 ! proprietor1 & "s man :om ,george did n "k1 came to ! /ep & /ood 9 ! light = a mom5t4 ,!n ! door 0 pull$ to1 & ! m5 /ood sil5t z if li/5+ to assure !mselves !y 7 alone4 ,"u ord9>y circum/ances ,george w\ld h spok5 to ,b]tois1 b ?is night he deem$ x wis] to rema9 unobs]v$4 ,! m5 conv]s$ 9 l[ tones at fir/1 b aft] a :ile ,b]tois' words rea*$ him3 ,don't play too swift a game = a />t3 give 'em pl5ty ( bait2 !y'll keep on bit+ till we l& 'em4 ,we c easily cle> five hundr$ f ^? ?ree suck]s if y wat* y\rself4 ,dick kn[s ! dr9ks to di% out4 ,"h's = luck6 ,come on4 ,re-ent]+ !y clos$ ! door quietly1 & ,george /ill wait$1 hop+ t ,sam w\ld come out1 & t ! old man might be p]suad$ to get ,bill ,bird into ! y>d4 ,_m times dur+ ! next fifte5 m9utes ! door op5$1 & ea* "t ,george ,cl>ke got1 9 "s =m or o!r1 in=mation ( ! hell t 0 inside4 ,! h\r 0 late1 yet he felt he mu/ rema9 long]4 ,bill ,bird 0 9 8 keep+1 = l ^? ne> ! bl9d begg> ( old1 ,george _h he>d ! call f ! ,great ,physician1 ,br+ him hi!r to ,me4 ,to face ! cr[d ( m5 he knew w\ld be inside ! hotel 0 m ?an he felt equal to1 & he knew t 9 all probability any attempt to get ,bill out "u su* circum/ances w\ld fail4 ,once m ! side door op5$--?is "t sl[ly & un/eadily4 ,a man lean$ aga9/ ! jamb = a few seconds z if ne$+ support4 ,!n "s "o f )9 slamm$ ! door aga9/ him1 & he slipp$ heavily d[n to ! n>r[ plat=m4 ,!re 0 a curse & a drunk5 hicc\gh1 & !n ! words ! mission] _h he>d 7 utt]$ aga91 ,by ,god1 ,i wi% ,i 0 dead4 ,george ,cl>ke did n imm$iately recognize ! voice1 b he did imm$iately /ep ne> to 8 ne$y bro!r-man1 & said sympa!tically1 ,:at's ! matt]1 mate8 ,tak5 by surprise ! man ask$1 ,:o 9 ! ---- are y8 ,george recogniz$ ! voice & ! =m & said1 ,i'm ,george ,cl>ke1 & ,i'm y\r fri5d1 ,bill ,bird4 ,8 h& 0 laid ^u ! %\ld] ( ! sick5$ man1 & 9 a k9dly voice he p]suad$ him to accompany him to 8 home4 ,! place "h is cr[d$1 & we've got lots ( room at our place & c give y a com=table bunk = ! night3 come along1 ,bill1 = old "t's sake4 ,l9k+ 8 arm 9 ,bill's1 he l$ ! /agg]+ man to ! drive-%$1 & aft] "s difficulty & a few argum5ts1 got him safely into 8 buggy1 & n a s\l 9 ! place 0 ! wis]4 ,mrs4 ,cl>ke 0 a wor?y helpmeet = ,george1 & ?\gh h] h\sehold c>es 7 _m1 %e grudg$ no extra lab\r t w\ld please h] husb& & help a fell[-be+4 ,& s ev]y?+ necess>y = ! com=t ( ! fall5 man _h be5 done4 ,a supp] _h be5 prep>$1 & ! gue/-room made ready4 ,bill ate z freely z 8 condition w\ld all[1 & !n v will+ly act$ on ! sugge/ion t he %\ld creep 94 ,george gave ! dirty1 tir$1 :iskey-soak$ man su* assi/ance z he felt w\ld be advisable4 ,once ,bill rais$ 8 heavy eyelids & appe>$ to be try+ to und]/& ! :y ( ?+s4 ,?is is no place = me1 ,george ,cl>ke--by ,god1 no6 ,! body wobbl$ we>ily1 & ,bill c\ld ?9k & talk no m4 ,& s ) mo/ ( 8 clo!s on1 fil?y f 8 /ay 9 ! snake-room1 ,bill ,bird 0 plac$ 9 ! be/ b$ 9 ! be/ room ( "o ( ! true/ homes ) :i* ! di/rict 0 bless$4 ,be=e retir+ himself1 ,george ,cl>ke w5t to a wick]-basket 9 ! p>l\r1 & se>*$ ?r\gh ! family collection ( photographs4 ,at la/ he f\nd ! "o he s\ght4 ,x 0 ( ! ,bird family1 & 0 tak5 %ortly be=e ! olde/ boys w5t ,we/4 ,george took x out to 8 wife1 :o 0 /ill work+ 9 ! kit*54 ,po9t+ to ! face ( a bright manly boy :o /ood ) h& ^u 8 "m's %\ld]1 he said to 8 wife1 ,if ,b]tois & 8 gang *ang$ a boy's face z t]ribly z ,bill's has be5 *ang$1 & did x 9 a few m9utes1 !y w\ld be s5t to ! 'p5' = five ye>s1 & yet we let t same gang take _! "t on ! job1 & d x 9 hundr$ lots1 & sc>cely raise s mu* z a f+] to /op x--& ,i'm z guilty z ! re/ ( !m4 ,poor ,bill6 he us$ to be z dec5t a little *ap z y c\ld f9d 9 ! ,c\nty ( ,add+ton4 ,! photograph 0 return$ to ! p>l\r1 & dropp$ some:at c>elessly ^u ! table1 b ! un?9k+1 & yet p]haps n unguid$ act 0 ! fir/ ( _m influ5ces t br\ght bett] days to ,bill ,bird4 ,long into ! morn+ ! occupant ( ! gue/-room slept on4 ,george ,cl>ke _h op5$ ! door quietly at breakfa/ "t1 b ! heavy brea?+ caus$ him to leave ! we>i$ man undi/urb$4 ,ab\t ! middle ( ! =5oon1 aft] mu* yawn+ & /ret*+1 ,bill's consci\sness sl[ly return$4 ,he pu%$ back ! :ite cov]lets & gaz$ ar\nd ! room4 ,_m times he _h awak5$ 9 a drive-%$1 twice 9 ! police cell1 m ?an once 9 ! snake-room4 ,b ?is morn+ ev]y?+ 0 diff]5t4 ,:at _h happ5$8 ,0 he dream+8 ,! room 0 ! mo/ attractively furni%$ ( any he _h slept 9 = ye>s1 & 8 soil$ clo!s on ! *air at ! b$side 7 /rangely out ( h>mony ) ! surr\nd+s4 ,he _h confus$ memories ( ev5ts s9ce he came out ( ! camp1 b he knew he _h sp5t 8 money 9 ! way mo/ ( 8 e>n+s _h gone = ! la/ few ye>s1 & he condemn$ himself = hav+ be5 a fool aga94 ,) a half-consci\sness ( "s "o be+ ne>1 he look$ to ! opposite side ( ! room4 ,! b$room door _h be5 quietly op5$ & a bright good-morn+ greet$ him4 ,!re ne$ be no hurry1 he 0 told1 b :5ev] he 0 ready he might j z well h a bite ( breakfa/4 ,no ^w 0 spok5 9 explanation ( 8 pres5ce1 nor 9 reg>d to ! tr\ble ,george _h _h 9 gett+ him away f ! ,imp]ial ! night be=e4 ,sl[ly & ) m+l$ feel+s ( emb>rassm5t & disgu/1 ,bill attempt$ to clean himself up a little4 ,he knew he 0 9 ,george ,cl>ke's home1 & 9 8 own words1 felt l a fool & look$ ! "p to p]fection4 ,x 0 n easy to face ^? he knew _h befri5d$ him1 = s9 _h n yet lo/ its %ame to ,bill ,bird4 ,8 b$room door op5$ into ! p>l\r1 & he /ood alone = a few seconds4 ,!n 8 eyes fell on ! old photograph4 ,8 h&s trembl$ z he held x & gaz$ into ! faces ( "m & bro!rs & si/]4 ,pictures ( ! old home & ( happy family relation%ips ( pa/ ye>s cr[d$ !mselves ^u 8 memory4 ,he rememb]$ h[ 8 wid[$ "m _h toil$ & /ruggl$ to br+ up h] six boys aright & give !m ! be/ equipm5t possible = ! battle ( life4 ,he recall$ 8 own sett+ out f home--f ! home to :i* he _h nev] return$1 & to :i* he _h r>ely writt54 ,! ,we/]n fev] _h gripp$ him 9 8 e>ly tw5ties1 & no?+ c\ld induce him to /ay on ! ,home/ead4 ,& s ere long ! prop]ty _h to pass into o!r h&s1 because !re 7 no boys left to "w ! place4 ,! "m's sorr[ ov] ! p>t+ ) h] ,willie _h re/$ v lightly on him ! morn+ he />t$ ,we/w>d4 ,yet to-day he view$ x 9 a diff]5t light1 & he liv$ ! p>t+ ov] aga9 ) v diff]5t feel+s4 ,! la/ breakfa/ _h be5 prep>$ 9 sil5ce by ! "o :o _h nev] ceas$ to love him4 ,m ?an once %e _h tri$ to speak1 b ! lump 9 ! ?roat prev5t$4 ,at la/ !y /ood 9 ! hall1 & h] words 7 utt]$ ) sobs z %e clung to h] baby boy4 ,good-bye1 my ,willie1 & rememb]1 t z long z y\r "m has brea? %e w pray e day = h] boy1 & ask ,god to take c>e ( him4 ,he _h assur$ h] he c\ld take c>e ( himself4 ,he rememb]$ ! la/ flutt] ( ! h&k]*ief z %e /ood on ! milk-/& wat*+ ! buggy disappe> f ! sid]oad on to ! gravel4 ,he _h tak5 c>e ( himself1 & a mighty poor job he _h made ( x1 & !re seem$ little *ance ( any improvem5t4 ,:ile he 0 9 ! mid/ ( su* ?\ghts1 ,george ,cl>ke ent]$4 ,bill 0 /ill hold+ ! photograph4 ,) moi/5$ eyes he look$ into ! face ( 8 hospitable fri5d4 ,george ,cl>ke1 he comm5c$1 x takes a man a long "t to own up t he has made a bot* ( ?+s2 x's too late n[ to make a fre% />t1 b ,i've be5 look+ at ?is picture1 & ,god kn[s ,i'd l to h z good a "* z ,i _h :5 t 0 tak54 ,t woman is z good a "m z any boys ev] _h1 & ,i hav5't %[n h] ! gratitude ( a dog4 ,to ?is day1 ,george ,cl>ke feels t he nev] made a poor] attempt at try+ to speak a helpful ^w to a disc\rag$ man ?an on ! morn+ :5 ,bill ,bird /ood 9 8 little p>l\r on ! old ran*4 ,"o result ( ! conv]sation1 h[ev]1 0 ! decision on ,bill's "p to accept ! invitation to rema9 at ! ,cl>ke ran* = at lea/ a few weeks1 & dur+ ^? weeks he saw demon/rat$ ! be/ type ( ,*ri/ian liv+ ) :i* he _h ev] come 9 contact4 ,on sev]al occasions he accompani$ ,george to ! hall 9 :i* ! special s]vices 7 be+ held4 ,r to ! surprise ( ! ,cl>kes1 he made no response to ! appeals f ! mission]1 :i* seem$ to !m s p[]ful4 ,"o ,sabba? ev5+1 h[ev]1 z !y sat ar\nd ! /ove1 ,bill express$ himself 9 su* a way z to br+ a ?rill ( joy to ! he>ts ( ^? :o 7 greatly conc]n$ 9 see+ him make ! ,*oice ( ! ,highe/4 ,george ,cl>ke1 said ,bill1 ,i hav5't tak5 mu* /ock 9 religion1 b if !re's a k9d t makes a man d :at y & y\r missus did = me :5 ,i wasn't fit company = a pig1 ,i guess ,i ought to g 9 = x4 ,!n 9 a l[] & subdu$ tone he add$1 ,= anybody to take an int]e/ 9 me is a /unn]1 ! dirty t\gh t ,i 04 ,x 0 ,bill's own op9ion t = him life 9 ! bu% 0 no long] safe1 & s1 until 8 future 0 fully decid$1 he agre$ to assi/ ! ,cl>kes ) ! "w on ! ran*4 ,:5 a few mon?s lat]1 ?r\gh ! dea? ( a bro!r 9 ! ,ea/1 ,george ,cl>ke decid$ to make 8 home 9 ,nova ,scotia1 ,bill ,bird said 9 effect1 ,:]e ?\ goe/1 ,i w g4 ,& x s happ5s t to-day1 d[n by ! ,ea/]n sea1 ! =m] lumb]jack is build+ a home1 a bus9ess & a "*4 ,he has n aga9 return$ ,we/1 b he has (t5 told intimate fri5ds t !re is a ran*]'s small home 9 ! di/ant prov9ce :i* he nev] =gets2 & he ?anks ,god = ^? :o valu$ a dirty1 wreck$1 b ,god-lov$ man m ?an furniture & c>pets1 & ^: hospitality & s]vice awak5$ desires t h trans=m$ a life4 ,b x 0 n to ,bill ,bird alone t an uplift came4 ,let ,george ,cl>ke speak = himself4 ,8 words 7 spok5 z he r5ew$ 8 acqua9tance ) ! mission] two ye>s lat]4 ,! audi5ce _h disp]s$1 & ,george & ! speak] walk$ d[n ! /reet ( ! little fi%+ village4 ,bill ,bird 0 ! ma9 subject ( _! conv]sation4 ,= a long "t !y /ood 9 ! d>kness z ,george n>rat$ all t _h transpir$ aft] ! mission]'s dep>ture f ! ,we/]n t[n4 ,:5 8 /ory 0 end$1 ! mission] clasp$ 8 h& & said1 ,god bless y1 ,cl>ke1 = :at y did 9 ,bill's behalf4 ,if only we c\ld multiply t k9d ( ef=t we c\ld r$eem ?is dom9ion4 ,george clung to ! ext5d$ h& z he said1 ,y are v good1 sir1 to say t to me1 b ,i tell y hone/ly1 :5 ,i tri$ to d t little bit = ,bill ,bird1 ,i did a deal m = ,george ,cl>ke4 ,i h _h my ups & d[ns z y "k4 ,s9ce ,i've be5 9 ! ,ea/ ,i've done pretty well on ! :ole1 b hone/ly1 sir1 ! palmie/ days ,i've ev] _h1 & ! be/ returns my bank-book ev] %[$1 are z no?+ 9 value comp>$ to ! satisfaction t came to me & my wife :5 we saw ,bill ,bird solidly on 8 feet z a ,*ri/ian man4 ,if y're go+ back by ! ,int]colonial1 try to /op ov] at ,c----4 ,bill w\ld be mighty glad to see y1 & y'll see :at ! ,"l c d ) a man :o has gone ev5 z f> z ! snake-room4 ,illu/ration3 #a4 ,"p ( a ,t[n ,site aft] be+ swept by ,bu% ,fires4 #b4 ,a ,bu% ,fire gett+ "u way4 ,illu/ration3 #a4 ,improvis$ ,dwell+s3 cov] di/ricts into :i* p h fl$ = safety4 #b4 ,! long l9e ( ,coke ,ov5s4 7,see page #ahc47 #c4 ,! ,fire rapidly approa*+4 ,,! ,,bu% ,,fire4 ,bu% fires are said to be rag+ ?r\gh\t ! vic9ity ( ,lundville4 ,?is bullet9 0 "o ( sev]al occupy+ ! bo>ds 9 front ( ,! ,j\rnal build+ 9 ,c>lton ,m9es--a ,briti% ,columbia m9+ t[n4 ,z ,lundville 0 ?irty miles s\?-we/1 no unusual anxiety 0 felt by ^? :o read ! brief ann\ncem5t ab\t noon-tide on an ,augu/ day4 ,! atmosph]e _h be5 heavy ) smoke = ! pa/ =ty-eight h\rs2 b t 0 n at all uncommon dur+ t mon?4 ,by nightfall1 h[ev]1 ! t[n 0 envelop$ 9 a d5se cl\d ( smoke2 & f ! ro(s ( high build+s on ! outskirts ! atmosph]e seem$ to be p5etrat$ by ! lurid gl[ ( ! rag+ fires :i* n[ ext5d$ = sev]al miles4 ,telephone communication ) ,lundville _h be5 impossible s9ce noon1 & f ,burnt ,riv]1 only fifte5 miles away1 ! la/ message receiv$ told ( ! :ole population be+ engag$ 9 a desp]ate ef=t to effectively *eck ! fire :i* ?reat5$ to wipe out ! village4 ,f ,burnt ,riv] to ,c>lton ,m9es !re 7 unbrok5 timb] l&s1 a fact :i* caus$ deep anxiety to _m ( ! inhabitants ( ! m9+ t[n4 ,n a few retir$ t night ) =ebod+s t made any?+ b fitful & tr\bl$ sleep impossible4 ,_m 7 ! f]v5t hopes t ere morn+ ! heav5s might op5 & s5d =? an abundance ( ra9 ^u ! sapless woods & )]$ grasses4 ,no?+ b a heavy d[np\r ( sev]al h\rs' duration w\ld p5etrate ! p>*$ e>? f> en\gh to qu5* ! fire :i* 0 well into ! root-fill$ soil4 ,fire rang]s1 assi/$ by _m citiz5s1 includ+ ne>ly a hundr$ m9]s1 sp5t ! night 9 ! woods at ! edge ( ! t[n1 cutt+ d[n z mu* bu% z 0 possible1 & cle>+ x away f su* po9ts z 7 consid]$ dang]\s connect+ l9ks ) ,c>lton ,m9es4 ,by dawn x 0 felt t ! night's h>d toil & ! precautions tak5 _h left ! t[n fairly secure4 ,%ortly aft] daylight1 h[ev]1 ! r\gh trail into ,c>lton ,m9es 0 dott$ = miles ) settl]s hurry+ di/ract$ly1 !y sc>cely knew :]e1 be=e ! cruel flames t _h driv5 !m f _! homes1 & t _h by ?is "t de/roy$ ^? homes & _m o!r results ( sev]al ye>s ( h>d lab\r4 ,all sorts ( vehicles1 f home-made toy wagons to dump-c>ts & ran*-wagons 7 load$ ) h\sehold effects1 "s ( :i* _h to be left beh9d1 :5 a few h\rs lat]1 all t mo/ p c\ld hope to save 0 life itself4 ,by six o'clock1 fire1 *ur*1 & s*ool-bells clang$ out _! g5]al al>m1 call+ e available citiz5 to ! fire-fight+1 t p]*ance unit$ ef=t might save ! t[n4 ,already huge sp>ks 7 ra9+ ^u ! s\?-we/ section1 b =tunately 9 t section ! %acks & build+s 7 few & f> betwe54 ,yet x 0 soon app>5t t ! fire-fight]s c\ld n hold _! position1 ev5 !re1 b w\ld h to take up a fre% /& ne>] ! t[n's c5tre4 ,e h\sehold 0 on gu>d2 tubs1 b>rels1 pails1 milkcans & kit*5 ut5sils 7 fill$ ) wat]1 & = a "t ! fall+ sp>ks 7 qu5*$ almo/ z quickly z !y fell4 ,/raddle-legg$ on ! ridge ( ! ro(s 9 ! fire zone1 boys & m5 ) damp5$ clo!s 7 kept busy ext+ui%+ ! sp>ks t w\ld s easily ignite %+les ^u :i* no ra9 _h fall5 = five weeks4 ,?r\gh\t ^! long anxi\s h\rs1 :5 m5 7 toil+ side by side = ! protection ( _! t[n & _! homes1 no man _h acquitt$ himself m wor?ily ?an ! /alw>t m9i/] ( ,/4 ,paul's ,*ur*4 ,until t night no "o knew h[ he c\ld make ! *ips fly f ! tree trunk1 & :5 ! mo/ ne$$ "w 0 ! turn+ ov] ( sods to arre/ ! fire runn+ ?r\gh ! dry grass1 no h&s 7 readi] ?an ^? ( ! ,rev]5d ,walt] ,ni*olson1 & :5 8 palms began to bli/] & to peel1 no "o knew ( x except himself4 ,:51 aft] ! g5]al al>m1 re9=cem5ts arriv$1 he felt he c\ld no long] leave 8 lov$ ones )\t "s ^w ( ! probable & imm$iate dang]4 ,/opp+ at only "o or two homes on ! way1 he ha/5$ to ! manse4 ,despite ! s]i\sness ( ! situation1 ,mrs4 ,ni*olson c\ld n re/ra9 h] laught]1 z h] husb& /ood1 coatless & ve/less1 at ! door ( ! d9+-room4 ,pieces ( co>se /r+ _h be5 sub/itut$ = c]ta9 important buttons :i* _h be5 lo/ 9 8 /r5u\s activity at ! fire-fight+4 ,! all-night's toil 9 ! dirt & ! smoke1 amid/ fall+ a%es1 _h trans=m$ ! immaculately clean husb& into a dirt-begrim$ lab\r]4 ,x looks z if ! t[n 0 doom$1 ,jess1 he comm5c$4 ,! brew]y's gone 7?\gh t's no p>ticul> loss71 & a numb] ( %acks are already burnt d[n4 ,i mu/ get "r back ) ! m51 b 9 ! meantime y'd bett] get :at y value mo/ into a c\ple ( valises4 ,y'll ne$ a few extra clo!s = ! y\ng/]s & y\rself4 ,put my m>g9al bible & my black suit 9 if y c4 ,x's ( no use try+ to take mu*1 z we may h to foot x = q a di/ance4 ,! ',ea/b\nd' hasn't come 9 yet1 & x's h>d to get any in=mation because ! wires are d[n1 b x looks z if "s ( ! bridges _h be5 burn$1 s !re isn't mu* hope ( gett+ out by rail4 ,y c c\nt on me be+ back 9 ab\t half an h\r4 ,mrs4 ,ni*olson1 z a bride1 _h br\ght to h] ,we/]n home ! h&iwork ( ?ree busy ye>s1 & :5 ! furni%+ _h be5 complet$ & h] extras ta/efully arrang$1 ! m9i/] & 8 "y wife _h look$ ) grateful pride ^u ! attractiv5ess ( ! manse4 ,dur+ ! t5 subsequ5t ye>s h] en?usiasm 9 keep+ t home ord]ly1 clean & cosy1 _h nev] fail$4 ,& n[ %e _h less ?an half an h\r 9 :i* to select :at %e mo/ desir$ f t home t _h become ende>$ by t5 ye>s ( ef=t to keep x1 z x _h be5 kept1 a radiant c5tre ( helpfulness--& t selection f _! entire e>?ly possessions mu/ fit ! n>r[ compass ( two valises4 ,! read] :o is able to imag9e ,mrs4 ,ni*olson's feel+s on t memorable n9ete5? day ( ,augu/ w readily believe t a few m9utes 7 lo/ 9 ! feel+ ( helplessness z to :at 0 be/ to select4 ,a glance ?r\gh ! w9d[ at ! smoke-fill$ /reet1 & occasional sp>ks1 put an end to h] hesitancy4 ,:atev] 0 to be done mu/ be done quickly4 ,h] husb&'s reque/ 0 fir/ compli$ )1 !n su* clo?+ z %e & ! *ildr5 might ne$ 0 includ$1 & a small supply ( food = imm$iate ne$s4 ,)9 a few m9utes %e _h ga!r$ toge!r ! few articles ( jewell]y %e possess$1 a package ( bus9ess pap]s1 a bit ( silv]w>e1 "o or two photographs1 & an encyclopdic scrapbook :i* conta9$1 among _m o!r int]e/+ items1 sev]al newspap] clipp+s ( ! "w & do+s ( ! ,rev4 ,w4 ,ni*olson4 ,f h] mu*-priz$ secret>y1 a ,*ri/mas gift f ! *ildr5 9 h] ,sunday ,s*ool class1 %e took a locket 9 :i* 0 a small curl ( hair--h] "m's hair4 ,9 h] hurri$ pack+ %e _h n =gott5 t at lea/ two ?+s mu/ be includ$ f h] box ( relics & s5tim5tal treasures 9 ! attic4 ,! fir/ pair ( baby %oes ev] worn 9 ! manse 7 among ,mrs4 ,ni*olson's mo/ valu$ rem9d]s ( ! happy days sp5t 9 c>+ = ,baby ,doro?y--n[ a bright girl ( eight ye>s4 ,:5ev] a visit _h be5 made to ! box 9 ! attic1 ! little %oes 7 always tak5 out & look$ ^u ) a lov+ smile4 ,!re 7 _m o!r articles ( mu* great] value ?an :at 0 ,mrs4 ,ni*olson's f9al selection1 b %e c\ld n leave de> little ,hugh's fav\rite toy4 ,h[ he _h lov$ t little horse6 ,ev5 aft] ! t]rible accid5t t _h left ! gee gee noseless1 no?+ c\ld ev] displace x 9 8 affections4 ,= at lea/ a ye> x _h %>$ 8 b$ )\t "o night's exception1 & ?\gh x 0 usually tak5 f 8 arms aft] ! little lad _h fall5 asleep1 x 0 always plac$ on ! *air at ! b$-side1 s t on awak5+ he might imm$iately f9d 8 valu$ wood5 fri5d4 ,& :51 dur+ 8 long & fatal illness1 he 0 unable to take an int]e/ 9 any o!r toys1 ! wa/$ h& w\ld re/ = h\rs across ! back ( ! brok5 toy-horse4 ,& s ! noseless little animal1 ) its /& m9us two :eels1 f\nd a place among ! mo/ valu$ ?+s t 7 *os5 f ! well-furni%$ manse :5 b a brief half-h\r 0 giv5 9 :i* to make a f9al *oice4 ,! ?irty m9utes _h n fully elaps$ :5 ,mr4 ,ni*olson came ru%+ 9 to say !re 0 n a mom5t to lose4 ,! w9d by ?is "t _h increas$ well-nigh to a hurricane1 & no =ce ( m5 c\ld h protect$ ! build+s f ! fi]y emb]s t 7 be+ hurl$ 9 l>ge quantities 9 all directions4 ,walt] ,ni*olson w5t =? ) ! two valises /rapp$ ov] 8 %\ld]s1 :ile on 8 left arm he c>ri$ 8 eighte5 mon?s old baby boy4 ,close beh9d him came 8 wife ) a few extra wraps ?r[n ov] "o arm1 & h] free h& clasp+ t ( ! trembl+ little ,doro?y4 ,?us ! ,ni*olson family dep>t$ f ! manse1 t twelve h\rs lat] 0 no?+ b a heap ( sm\ld]+ a%es4 ,! /reets 7 fill$ ) t]ror-/rick5 p lad5 ) su* ( _! worldly possessions z _! /r5g? w\ld all[4 ,! fi]ce w9d ha/5$ !m on 9 _! fr5zi$ race = life4 ,%\ts1 %rieks1 agoniz$ cries & pray]s greet$ ! e>s ( ! m9i/] & 8 wife z !y jo9$ ! homeless ?rong on ! /reets ( ,c>lton ,m9es4 ,e h\se 9 ,freeman's ,t]race is burn+4 ,! ,me?odi/ ,*ur* is ablaze4 ,! ,op]a ,h\se 0 on fire :5 we came by4 ,oh1 my ,god6 :at'll we all d8 ,!re won't be a h\se left 9 t[n4 ,god h m]cy on u6 ,su* 7 ! cries f scores ( voices 9 ! t]rifi$ cr[d4 ,"h & !re ag$ & sick folk 7 be+ borne 9 ! arms ( lov$ ones or neighb\rs1 al?\gh ea* "o r5d]+ su* will+ s]vice knew t ! delay involv$ 0 imp]ill+ 8 own life4 ,p]haps ! sadde/ sight 9 ! :ole sad procession 0 t ( a poor ,italian woman1 ^: little girl _h di$ ! previ\s morn+4 ,! fa!r 0 work+ 9 a con/ruction gang sev]al miles away1 & ! ^w ( ! *ild's dea? _h n yet rea*$ him4 ,:5 ! fire _h spread to ! humble dwell+1 ! di/ract$ & sorr[-/rick5 "m c\ld n endure ! ?\ght ( leav+ h] d>l+ to ! dev\r+ flames4 ,t5d]ly lift+ ! little "o f ! casket1 %e wrapp$ a %awl ar\nd ! lifeless =m & /ruggl$ ) h] burd5 alongside ( "s :o knew n :at %e c>ri$4 ,cries & pray]s 9 h] native tongue 7 int]m+l$ ) h] brok5 ,engli%4 ,walt] ,ni*olson _h =gott5 = ! mom5t t ! previ\s aft]noon he _h he>d ( ! poor woman's sorr[ & _h fully int5d$ to at lea/ call & (f] su* sympa?y & help z 0 possible4 ,b ! call to ! fire-fight+ _h caus$ ev]y?+ else to be put aside4 ,:51 h[ev]1 he he>d ! pa!tic wail1 ,oh1 ma ,annetta1 ma leetle ,annetta1 & glanc$ at ! /range-look+ bundle ! ,italian woman 0 c>ry+1 he at once surmis$ ! mean+ ( x all4 ,burd5$ & anxi\s ?\gh he 01 he walk$ alongside ( ! lonely "m t he might %>e h] burd5 also4 ,! sad-ey$ woman look$ into 8 face1 & 9 an appeal+ tone said1 ,please n mak' h] g f me--ma de> leetle ,annetta4 ,da fa!r1 he no come yet4 ,oh6 he mu/ come fir/6 ,walt] ,ni*olson hurri$ly readju/$ 8 baggage & !n held 8 baby boy s z to leave 8 "r arm free to give ! poor ,italian woman su* support z 0 possible4 ,! assi/ance giv5 0 only slight1 b 8 sympa!tic words & ! t\* ( 8 h& soo!d a little ! a*+ he>t ( "o :o felt t day ! lonel9ess ( a b]eav$ /rang] 9 a /range l&4 ,in=mation 0 pass$ ?r\gh ! flee+ cr[d t ! "w-tra9 0 tak+ ! p out ( dang] z rapidly z possible1 & t ! be/ c\rse to pursue 0 to make = ! railway /ation4 ,9 any case1 ! railway track ea/w>d w\ld be ! safe/ highway d[n ! ,pass1 z ! m\nta9 /ream two miles away might be rea*$ on foot if necess>y4 ,a place ( at lea/ tempor>y protection w\ld be f\nd !re4 ,be=e ! /ation-h\se 0 rea*$1 ano!r memb] 0 add$ to ! ,ni*olson p>ty4 ,a lad ( n m ?an five ye>s _h ei!r w&]$ away f 8 home be=e 8 fri5ds _h felt ! necessity to leave1 or _h become sep>at$ f !m on ! way4 ,at any rate1 he 0 do+ 8 v be/ to make ev]ybody acqua9t$ ) ! fact t he 0 lo/4 ,to attempt to locate 8 fri5ds 0 out ( ! "q4 ,mrs4 ,ni*olson b5t ov] him = a mom5t1 & h] words & looks produc$ a quiet+ effect on ! little lad1 :o at once did z he 0 bidd51 & clung to "o ( ! wraps on ! arm ( 8 newly-f\nd gu>dian4 ,by ! "t ! railway /ation 0 rea*$ ! fire _h made su* headway t x w\ld h be5 impossible to make a safe return z f> z ! manse1 :i* _h be5 left less ?an fifte5 m9utes be=e4 ,! frame build+s ( :i* mo/ ( ! t[n 0 compos$ made ! onru% ( ! flames ! m rapid4 ,! /ation plat=m 0 pack$ ) an impati5t cr[d await+ ! return ( ! "w-tra9 :i* _h already made two trips z f> z ! coke-ov5s at ,twy=d4 ,! l9e 0 s+le track1 & ! only roll+-/ock available consi/$ ( an antiquat$ eng9e & two d+y pass5g] c>s ) r\gh bo>d seats l5g?wise b5ea? ! w9d[s4 ,! morn+ ( ! fire !re _h be5 add$ to ^! c>s a few op5 coal trucks4 ,! old eng9e c\ld n make ! grades ) any?+ b a light tra91 s t x 0 se5 by _m h[ improbable x 0 t all ^? !n wait+ c\ld f9d transportation be=e ! build+s ar\nd !m w\ld be lick$ up by ! approa*+ fire4 ,surr\nd+ ro(s _h be5 saturat$ by ! /ation fire-hose1 b ! gauge-ball on ! wat]-tank 0 rapidly l[]+1 & ! eng9e] at ! pump-h\se _h be5 compell$ to leave 8 po/ half an h\r be=e1 s t at be/ _! protection by wat] 0 a matt] ( only an h\r or s4 ,yet x ne$$ no small am\nt ( c\rage to isolate oneself f ! ?rong & to pass out ( sight 9 t heavy cl\d ( smoke :i* prev5t$ "o see+ m ?an a %ort di/ance ahead4 ,! fire n[ seem$ to h ga9$ headway 9 o!r directions1 s t ev5 if !y w5t =? !y might soon f9d !mselves 9 a position :]e advance & retreat 7 alike impossible4 ,frequ5t explosions & l\dly crackl+ timb]s add$ to ! anxiety ( ^? :o await$ ! return ( ! "w-tra94 ,! ,rev4 ,walt] ,ni*olson 0 soon surr\nd$ by a gr\p ( ^? anxi\s to he> any sugge/ion he _h to make4 ,! ,/ation ,ag5t assur$ him t ev5 if ! track rema9$ cle>1 at lea/ two additional trips w\ld ne$ to be made be=e all on ! plat=m c\ld be remov$ to a place ( safety4 ,!n ! wires are dead1 ,mr4 ,ni*olson1 & we've no news ( any o!r tra9 be+ on ! way1 s !re isn't a m9ute to sp>e4 ,he expla9$ t ! /ation-y>d might be a comp>atively safe place = a :ile1 yet1 9 view ( ! ext5t ( ! fire1 ^? rema9+ might f9d !mselves hemm$ 9 & h difficulty 9 gett+ ov] ! burn$ & burn+ e>? = _m h\rs4 ,sev]al build+s we/ ( ! /ation _h already collaps$1 block+ c]ta9 portions ( ! road-b$4 ,a numb] decid$ to foll[ ! m9i/]'s lead & />t on ! j\rney along ! ea/w>d track4 ,mrs4 ,ni*olson refus$ to rema9 = ! tra91 pref]r+ to %>e ! =tunes or mis=tunes ( h] husb&1 :ile ! poor ,italian woman1 /ill cl++ to h] preci\s burd51 foll[$ e move h] sympa?iz] made4 ,w\ld %e n wait & try to get on ! tra98 ,oh1 no1 please me walk wid y4 ,i w be s /rong6 ,ev5 ! little lad refus$ to be transf]r$ to ! c>e ( o!rs1 & z none 7 p>ticul>ly anxi\s to add to _! responsibilities1 !re 0 no?+ = x b to take him along4 ,x 0 no easy task t ! ,ni*olsons _h und]tak54 ,! usual heat ( mid-,augu/ 0 int5sifi$ by _m miles ( burn+ bu%1 :ile ! smoke add$ greatly to ! discom=t4 ,!n ! poorly balla/$ track made walk+ exce$+ly tiresome4 ,yet no compla9ts 7 utt]$3 ev5 ! *ildr5 realiz$ t e ef=t mu/ be made to rea* ! /ream be=e ! resi/less enemy ov]took !m4 ,little m ?an half a mile _h be5 cov]$ :5 ! :i/le & rumble ( ! "w-tra9 ann\nc$ t x 0 return+ = its ?ird load ( pass5g]s4 ,a glance at ! c>s z ! tra9 pass$ 0 suffici5t to %[ t fire _h brok5 out fur!r ea/1 at "s po9t betwe5 ! p$e/rians & ,twy=d4 ,! old pa9t 0 cov]$ ) bli/]s1 & _m ( ! w9d[s 7 badly crack$ ?r\gh int5se heat4 ,a few m9utes lat] ! tra9 return$ ) e foot ( space occupi$1 ev5 to ! /eps ( c>s & eng9e4 ,a numb] ( pass5g]s tri$ to let _! sl[] fell[-travell]s "k t ! /ation-h\se 0 9 flames1 b ! noise f ! tra9 dr[n$ mo/ ( _! words4 ,! inhabitants ( ,c>lton ,m9es :o _h n driv5 or walk$ out e>li] 9 ! day or be5 convey$ on ! railway 7 n[ ha/5+ to ! limit ( _! p[]s 9 ! direction ( ,twy=d4 ,=tunately = ! almo/ exhau/$ pa/or1 ! la/ half-mile ( 8 j\rney 0 made a trifle easi] by ! volunt>y assi/ance ( a rugg$ ,galician girl :o _h be5 well kn[n at ! manse4 ,"o small co>se bag conta9$ h] few belong+s1 & accu/om$ z %e _h be5 to long walks & heavy loads :5 %e _h liv$ on ! ,saskat*ewan prairie1 ! c>ry+ ( ! baby boy w\ld make small diff]5ce to h]4 ,& s at la/ ! m\nta9 /ream 0 rea*$1 & aft] cross+ ! bridge ! we>i$ refugees laid d[n _! burd5s on ! pebbly b$ at ! wat]'s edge4 ,at t po9t ! wid? ( ! op5 space betwe5 ! /ream-divid$ bu% 0 only ab\t a hundr$ feet1 s t 9 case ! fire cont9u$ its c\rse ! dang] w\ld /ill be v great4 ,already !y _h se5 %[]s ( sp>ks c>ri$ mu* f>!r ?an ! %ort di/ance t sep>at$ ! banks betwe5 :i* !y /ood1 & !re 0 e probability t ! timb] on ea* side ( ! /ream w\ld be ablaze simultane\sly4 ,b to cont9ue _! flight ?r\gh ! ?ick bu% t l9$ bo? sides ( ! track = miles might be to place !mselves 9 a mu* worse plight4 ,:]e !y n[ /ood 0 an abundance ( wat]1 & =tunately x 0 %all[ en\gh to make x safe = all to /& 9 ! c5tre :5 t "t became necess>y4 ,x w\ld !n be a matt] ( endurance aga9/ ! /ifl+ heat4 ,)9 five m9utes ! numb] ( ^? seek+ refuge at ! /ream side 0 consid]ably ov] a hundr$4 ,! ,/ation ,ag5t 0 ! la/ "o to arrive1 & report$ t :5 ! ?ird tra9-load 0 leav+1 ! railway y>ds & ! /ation-h\se 0 se5 to be on fire1 ev]yone _h imm$iately set out on foot4 ,he _h kept 9 ! re> to be sure t no "o 0 miss+4 ,except = an attempt on ! "p ( "s to safegu>d c]ta9 belong+s by bury+ !m 9 ! gravel1 !re 0 no?+ to d b wait--& to _m ! mom5ts seem$ z h\rs4 ,x 0 a race betwe5 old ,dave ,m9ehan1 ! driv] on ! antiquat$ eng9e f ! ,ea/1 & ! dev\r+ elem5ts f ! s\?-we/4 ,:i* w\ld rea* !m fir/8 ,a few m5 act$ z s5t9els1 & pac$ ! track to discov] ! progress ( ! fire4 ,! w9d _h dropp$ a little1 b ! flames 7 /ill mak+ rapid headway1 & v soon no report 0 ne$$ f ! outpo/s--! fire's own voice c\ld be he>d only too pla9ly4 ,! ag5t figur$ out t ! "w-tra9 _h be5 due ov] t5 m9utes--some?+ mu/ h happ5$6 ,surely ! tra9-crew realiz$ ! ne$ ( ! c\rage\s ones :o _h volunt>ily walk$1 & ( ! o!rs = :om no accommodation 0 possible4 ,flames 7 n[ visible to all :o 7 close to ! bridge1 & ! scor*+ heat1 ! /ifl+ smoke1 & ! a%-lad5 w9d comb9$ to make wait+ almo/ un5durable4 ,br[s ( fa9t+ ones 7 be+ ba!d 9 ! m]ciful /ream1 & ! /ronge/ 7 becom+ fe>ful4 ,?ank ,god1 %e's com+6 ,! %\t 0 f ! ?roat ( ! ,/ation ,ag5t :o _h be5 d[n ! track li/5+ = ! return ( ! "w-tra94 ,! words _h sc>cely end$ :5 ! %rill :i/le f ! little eng9e confirm$ ! /atem5t4 ,:5 a few days lat] a numb] ( m5 7 discuss+ ! disa/]1 "o ( !m spoke = ea* individual at ! /ream :5 he said1 ,say6 ,i us$ to hate t bloom+ raspy :i/le1 b t day x 0 ! f9e/ bit ( music ,i ev] he>d4 ,dave ,m9ehan sl[$ up z he ne>$ ! bridge1 & ! ,ag5t signall$ him to /op1 & at once scrambl$ abo>d to let him "k t ev]ybody _h rea*$ ! bridge & t !re 0 no ne$ to try to g f>!r4 ,old ,dave 0 trembl+ ) excitem5t & irritation1 b j !n he _h no "t to tell ( ! fretful delay ov] a hot box1 & all ! tr\ble entail$ 9 putt+ 9 a new brass at ,twy=d--& nei!r !n nor lat] did he tell ( ! t]rible /ra9 t he _h endur$ 9 tak+ 8 tra9 ?r\gh a piece ( blaz+ bu% ?ree miles d[n4 ,! eag]1 fright5$ p 7 ru%+ up ! banks1 b ,dave kept 8 tra9 mov+ until x 0 ab\t midway on ! bridge4 ,f ! cab he %\t$ to !m to keep (f4 ,! mom5t he br\ght 8 tra9 to a /&/ill he leap$ f 8 eng9e & aga9 ?und]$ ! same prohibition4 ,%>ply he yell$ to ! m5 to l9e up & =m a bucket-brigade4 ,! fireman pass$ a doz5 buckets f ! t5d]1 & ,dave1 ) h>% & ha/y comm&s1 got ! m5 on _! job4 ,= ab\t five m9utes1 ) a rapidity t w\ld h done cr$it to a tra9$ brigade1 ! d\ble l9e pass$ ! buckets & old ,dave da%$ ! wat] ov] su* portions ( ! c>s z 9 8 judgm5t ne$$ ! protection4 ,9 ! meantime he _h ord]$ ! re/ ( ! m5 to soak a few camp blankets t he _h tak5 ! precaution to br+ along4 ,!re's "o bad spot :]e y'll maybe ne$ to cov] y\rselves a bit3 x'll be ra9+ fire by :5 we get back--bett] give y\r coats & hats a dip too1 boys6 ,get a move on6 ,x 0 no long] possible to rema9 on ! bridge4 ,! old eng9e] %\t$ ,all abo>d1 & hurri$ back to 8 eng9e4 ,! wom5 & *ildr5 7 ru%$ into ! pass5g] c>4 ,at "o end /ood ! ,ni*olsons1 :ile 9 ! corn] ! b]eav$ ,italian "m sat ) h] lifeless *ild4 ,m ?an once _h ! m9i/] felt t he mu/ insi/ on h] leav+ h] burd5 beh9d1 b ea* "t t he glanc$ at ! sad face & saw ! passionate plead+ ( h] eyes1 & obs]v$ ! t5d] clasp ( ! "m arms1 8 c\rage des]t$ him4 ,! la/ foot 0 sc>cely (f ! gr\nd :5 old ,dave rev]s$ ! lev] & op5$ ! ?rottle1 & ) a j]k ! tra9 />t$ once m4 ,let ! brakeman tell ! /ory ( ! return trip1 z we he>d x f 8 lips mon?s aft] 9 "o ( ! tempor>y build+s t _h aris5 among ! a%-heaps ( ,c>lton ,m9es4 ,yes1 siree1 y j bet x kept me fir+ t morn+4 ,! we/-b\nd express 0 away late1 or x c\ld h got ! :ole cr[d out 9 two trips4 ,i nev] ?\ght ,old #ih w\ld /& ! gait %e did t day4 ,on t la/ trip we hit a clip bo? ways t w\ld make y\r hair /&4 ,davie 0 b\nd to get !m p to ,twy=d4 ,we got a scor*+ on ! up-trip let me tell y4 ,go%6 x seem$ l we 0 runn+ ?r\gh ,nebu*adnezz>'s furnace4 ,i wond]$ if ,davie w\ld face ! return trip1 'cause ! blaze 0 gett+ worse e m9ute4 ,i mov$ ov] to him & ask$ him if he 0 go+ to try x4 ,:ew6 ,i wi% y c\ld h se5 him6 ,he hadn't cool$ (f f ! mad he _h on at ,twy=d4 ,we _h to put a 'brass' on ! front c>1 & :5 ! boys d[n !re c\ldn't f9d _! jackscrews1 ,davie got rip-te>+ mad1 'cause he knew :at ! re/ ( ! cr[d at ,c>lton 0 up aga9/1 & he 0 sc>$ he might be too late4 ,well1 sir1 he dump$ all ! bad language :at 0 9 8 sy/em on me4 ,x 0 ! k9d y don't put 9 "m's lett]4 ,he f9i%$ up ) ! sicklie/ k9d ( smile ,i ev] set eyes on1 & yell$1 ',y fool3 d y ?9k ,i'm up "h on a ,sunday ,s*ool picnic8' ,b ,davie knew :at 0 :at :5 we rea*$ ! bridge4 ,he l9$ up ! bosses & p>sons & ! re/ ( t cr[d l he 0 a ,briti% ,g5]al4 ,& he got 8 ord]s obey$ 9 d\ble-quick "t too4 ,b x 0 t la/ d[n-trip t ?is *ild won't ne$ a di>y to rememb] by6 ,gee6 y "k t curve ab\t a mile & a half bel[ ! bridge8 ,well1 we'd got mo/ all ! head on we c\ld c>ry1 & ,i 0 feel+ ab\t z safe z if ,i 0 hav+ a smoke on a c ( dynamite4 ,i 0 wat*+ = ,dave to sl[ up = ! curve1 b blame me if he didn't op5 ! ?rottle ano!r not*4 ,z ,billy ,s---- w\ld say1 ',religion isn't my long suit1' b ,i got ready to say my pray]s2 ,i back$ up a bit into ! coal-bunk]1 & gripp$ ! side ( ! t5d]1 & ,i told ! ,almighty ,i hadn't bo!r$ ,him mu* = a long "t1 b t if ,he'd keep ! c>s on ! track ar\nd ! curve ,i'd be mu* oblig$4 ,seem$ to me l "s ( !m c>s jump$ clean (f ! rails1 & ,i ?\ght we 7 on ! home /ret* to ,k+dom-come1 b ,davie br\ght u ?r\gh ,o4,k4 ,did we pass ?r\gh mu* fire8 ,well1 ,i %\ld say6 ,!re wasn't a rail or po/ = half a mile t wasn't burn+4 ,if x hadn't be5 = ! way ,davie s\s$ !m c>s1 & got ! fell[s to fix _! coats & ! blankets1 we'd nev] h made x4 ,did y see ! wat* !y gave ,davie8 ,get him to %[ x to y6 ,x's a d&y--solid gold--got a :ole lot ( writ+ on ! back--some?+ ab\t 'a tribute to ,mr4 ,dave ,m9ehan's c\rage & skill 9 ! face ( grave dang] & difficulty4' ,he don't say mu*1 b he's z tickl$ ab\t x z ! fell[ :at got a ,*ri/mas-box ( sealsk9 und]clo!s4 ,davie's alright1 y bet4 ,i'd r fire = him on ',old #ih' ?an = any guy ,i "k on a big ,mogul4 ,he's a bit r\gh-l sometimes1 b if he c help anybody he's on ! job2 he'd break 8 neck to d somebody a good turn4 ,su* 0 ! brakeman's n>ration ( ,dave ,m9ehan's f9al race on ,old #ih1 on ! day t ,c>lton ,m9es 0 levell$ by ! bu% fire4 99 99 99 99 99 ,! %ad[s ( ev5+ _h fall5 ov] ,twy=d on :at is /ill reg>d$ 9 ,c>lton ,m9es z disa/] day4 ,! aft]noon _h be5 a busy "o = ! inhabitants ( ! almo/ v]dureless village t is kn[n *iefly = its long l9es ( coke-ov5s4 ,g5]\s he>ts _h made %acks & homes h an expansive hospitality t w\ld h seem$ incr$ible be=e ! homeless ?rong arriv$4 ,b aft] e available lodg+ device _h be5 resort$ to !re 7 _m p unprovid$ =4 ,& s ! coke-ov5s 7 ! be/ accommodation t c\ld be (f]$ ^? /ill unh\s$4 ,9 "o ( ^! unusual lodg+-h\ses a c&le ca/ its dim light ov] ! figures ( two m5 & a woman :o 7 kneel+ 9 ! attitude ( pray]4 ,9 "o corn] a black box re/$ on two backless *airs4 ,x _h be5 made an h\r or two be=e by ! local c>p5t]1 & cov]$ ) black clo? by ! k9dly h&s ( ,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,ni*olson4 ,little ,annette 0 to be laid away 9 ! e>ly morn+1 & ?is 0 ! be/ t lov+ he>ts c\ld devise 9 t place & "u ^? circum/ances4 ,! manse valises _h made _! contribution to ! f9al rob+ ( little ,annette1 & ! weep+ "m1 look+ ^u :at ,*ri/-l fri5ds _h done1 clasp$ & kiss$ ! h&s t _h dealt s k9dly ) h] & h] leetle ,annetta4 ,= ne>ly eight h\rs ! fa!r _h walk$ seek+ 8 wife1 & n[ !y 7 kneel+ toge!r 9 ! pres5ce ( _! dead *ild4 ,walt] ,ni*olson's voice 0 tremul\s ) sympa?y z he comm5d$ ! sorr[-/rick5 /rang]s to ! all-pity+ ,fa!r4 ,! m\rn]s did n und]/& all t 0 utt]$1 b !y und]/ood ! _s t 0 manife/$ & 7 deeply grateful4 ,a few words ( com=t 7 spok51 & ! m9i/] pass$ out into ! d>kness to ano!r ov5 9 :i* 8 own lov$ ones 7 await+ 8 return4 ,mrs4 ,ni*olson 0 sitt+ on a box ) ,doro?y on h] knee4 ,angus & ! five-ye>-old /rang] _h fall5 asleep on ! a%y floor4 ,no trace _h be5 discov]$ ( ! lad's fri5ds4 ,he c\ld give little in=mation beyond ! fact t 8 "n 0 ,hans ,kuyp]1 & t he 0 lo/$4 ,mrs4 ,ni*olson _h quiet$ ! wee *ap's fe>s1 by assur+ him t 8 "m w\ld come soon1 & ?\gh1 ) d>kness at h& & no sign ( "m1 a few te>s _h be5 %$1 x 0 n long be=e ! we>i$ & worn *ild 0 asleep4 ,! husb& & fa!r sat alongside ( 8 lov$ ones 9 sympa!tic sil5ce = a few m9utes4 ,! all-night's toil1 ! h\rs ( solicitude = o!rs1 ! heat ( ! day1 ! burd5s c>ri$1 ! sympa?y ext5d$ & ! discom=ts endur$1 _h comb9$ to produce a feel+ ( depression4 ,we h lo/ ev]y?+1 ,jess3 maybe ,i'll feel bett] by morn+1 b to-night ,i've lo/ my c\rage z well z ev]y?+ else1 & ,i c sc>cely be> to ?9k ( ! future4 ,little ,doro?y plac$ h]self betwe5 h] fa!r's knees1 & look+ lov+ly into eyes :]e ! unbidd5 te>s _h =c$ !mselves1 said quietly1 ,isn't x a good ?+1 daddy1 t y hav5't lo/ mamma & ,angus & me8 ,walt] ,ni*olson enfold$ ! *ild 9 8 big arms & kiss$ ! curl-encircl$ face4 ,yes6 ,god bless y1 little sunbeam1 t is a good ?+1 & maybe daddy 0 =gett+4 ,n[ let u say ! tw5ty-?ird ,psalm & h our good-night pray]4 ,) sometimes un/eady voices ! ?ree repeat$ ! ,psalm !y _h s (t5 jo9$ 9 at home "u su* diff]5t circum/ances4 ,!n fa!r1 "m & *ild knelt beside ! box1 & a pray] ( ?anksgiv+ & a cry = /r5g? came f a ?ankful b ne$y he>t4 ,walt] ,ni*olson's arm re/$ on ,doro?y's %\ld]1 & 8 voice quiv]$ aga9 z he ?\ght ( ! little black box 9 ! ne>-by ov52 & pray$ = ^? to :om ! pa/ h\rs _h br\ght a d\ble sorr[ t _h left !m homeless & *ildless4 ,z 0 h] cu/om1 ,doro?y (f]$ up h] own pray] at h] "m's knee4 ,a sweet confid5ce 9 religi\s matt]s _h always exi/$ betwe5 *ild & "m1 & !re 0 nev] any re/ra9t 9 ! expression ( ! little "o's ?\ght t[>d ,god4 ,tir$ ?\gh %e 01 h] poetry pray]s1 z %e call$ !m1 7 said 9 full1 & !n h] own additions foll[$4 ,?ank y = tak+ c>e ( u all1 & we are glad t papa & mamma & ,angus & ,doro?y are all "h4 ,help ! little boy's mamma to f9d him1 & please to take c>e ( ! poor ,italian woman n[ t h] little girl is gone to heav54 ,bless papa & mamma & ,angus1 & make me a good girl1 & please help u to get ano!r home soon1 = ,jesus' sake4 ,am54 ,! fire _h almo/ sp5t itself by nightfall1 & ) ! dawn ! long-wi%$-= ra9 began to fall4 ,by ! middle ( ! =5oon ! dang] ( any fur!r outbreak 0 pa/4 ,! con/ruction gang f ! ,ea/1 & a numb] ( section m5 f ! ,we/1 7 imm$iately put to "w at cle>+ ! track & repair+ culv]ts & bridges4 ,by ! middle ( ! aft]noon a numb] ( m5 :o _h fl$ f ! burn+ t[n 7 able to make ! return trip4 ,= f\r or five miles ! outlook f ! c>-w9d[s 0 a v dre>y "o4 ,! und]bru% _h be5 entirely burn$ up1 & ( ! /&+ timb] little b *>r$1 jagg$ remnants ( tree-trunks rema9$4 ,only "h & !re _h a telegraph pole escap$1 & ev5 ! protrud+ ends ( _m ( ! railway ties _h sm\ld]$ to ! balla/4 ,! entire bus9ess section ( ,c>lton ,m9es 0 de/roy$4 ,a few isolat$ build+s 9 ! resid5tial portion nor?-we/1 & a few 9 ! nor?-ea/ _h escap$1 b all ! re/ _h be5 r$uc$ to a%es4 ,:at c\ld be done "u su* circum/ances8 ,:o w\ld h ! c\rage to attempt a fre% />t & face all ! difficulties aris+ out ( su* a disa/]8 ,:o8 ,e man :o t aft]noon /ood gaz+ at ^? a%-heaps4 ,) t inext+ui%able optimism t has its headqu>t]s 9 ,we/]n ,canada1 !y began !n & !re to =mulate _! plans4 ,sev]al contracts = rebuild+ 7 sign$ be=e night1 & ere ! a%es 7 cold1 m5 />t$ to re> a new & bett] t[n4 ,! prea*]1 ) ! re/ ( ! impov]i%$ ones1 w5t back to 8 job4 ,n only did he assi/ 9 cle>+ away ! debris1 9 prep>ation = a new *ur* & manse1 b _m a lift did he give to o!rs :o 7 busily engag$ 9 gett+ a ro( ov] _! heads4 ,dur+ ! mon?s ( rebuild+ he prea*$ successfully 9 ! op5-air1 9 %ack-re/aurant1 sawmill1 hotel1 op]a-h\se1 & f9ally1 aft] _m disappo9tm5ts & disc\ragem5ts1 9 ! new *ur*4 ,among ! int]e/+ contributions receiv$ by ,mr4 ,ni*olson = ! ,build+ ,fund1 0 "o f ! "m ( ! boy :o 0 lo/$4 ,:5 on ! morn+ ( ! fire %e 0 compell$ to ha/ily leave h] dwell+1 %e felt q sure h] little lad 0 ) "s ( 8 playmates 9 a neighb\r's home4 ,on ! way %e discov]$ t h] fri5ds _h already dep>t$1 b %e 0 /ill hopeful t h] boy 0 9 _! c>e4 ,& s %e _h v gladly accept$ a ride 9 "o ( ! la/ vehicles leav+ ! t[n1 &1 aft] a r\gh & rapid drive1 _h rea*$ a m9+ camp a mile or two s\? ( ,twy=d4 ,h] fri5ds _h gone 9 a diff]5t direction1 & x 0 ov] tw5ty-f\r h\rs be=e %e f\nd !m4 ,!y c\ld give h] no news ( h] lo/ boy1 & %e began to fe> t he _h nev] left ! t[n4 ,two days lat]1 )\t hav+ receiv$ any ^w ( 8 :]eab\ts1 %e sudd5ly saw him1 rid+ pickaback ) arms tw9$ ar\nd ! neck ( ! ,rev4 ,walt] ,ni*olson4 ,mr4 ,ni*olson /ill delights to tell h[ ! "m & *ild 7 unexpect$ly br\ght face to face z he 0 turn+ ! corn] ( a build+4 ,he pr(esses to h confus$ memories ( c]ta9 details1 b /ates t be=e he _h a *ance to get ! lad f 8 %\ld]s or extricate himself1 he 0 ! c5tre ( ! mo/ vigor\s hugg+ & kiss+ imag9able4 ,:5 ! ov]joy$ "m le>n$ all t _h tak5 place1 h] gratitude to ^? :o _h befri5d$ h] boy 0 simply unb\nd$4 ,= "s mon?s aft] ! fire %e /ruggl$ along 9 a small %ack sev]al miles away f ,c>lton ,m9es4 ,! foll[+ lett] f h] to ,mr4 ,ni*olson is reproduc$ exactly z writt51 except = corrections 9 spell+3 ,,de> ,,sir1--,i %all ?ank y v mu* = :at y h done to me4 ,nev] w ,i n =get x4 ,x is sorry = me t ,i n c write mu* ,engli%4 ,de> ,sir1 ,i am well "h1 b ! "w is v /ill & s we n c get money4 ,i w5t to ! *ur* on all ! ,sunday4 ,i am glad to be a bett] woman4 ,i wi% y my bless+ & ,hans d x too4 ,aft] #be? ,i w s5d y #a4jj = y\r ano!r *ur*4--,g4 ,,kuyp]4 ,! "o doll> arriv$ 9 due "t1 & kn[+ ! sacrifice x involv$1 x 0 valu$ out ( all proportion to ! am\nt4 ,walt] ,ni*olson's c\rage 9 fac+ ! future did n fail4 ,he /ay$ at 8 po/ until 8 "w 0 complet$4 ,to prea* to a procession1 z ! "w 9 "s di/ricts has frequ5tly be5 describ$1 to face an appall+ indiff]5ce on ! "p ( "s1 & a cynical antagonism on ! "p ( o!rs1 & to /ruggle along ) an inadequate income1 con/itutes a task t only ! brave/ c face ye> aft] ye>1 yet 9 ! face ( all ?is he said *e]fully1 ,i've se5 a lot ( prea*]s come & g1 b ,i ?9k ,god wants me "h1 & ! ne$ is call en\gh = any man1 s "h ,i /ay z long z ,he wills4 ,i've _h _m rew>ds1 & ,i ?ank ,god ,i've _h ! *ance to d my bit 9 ?is great ,we/l&4 ,,ru? ,,& ,,! ,,prodigal ,,! ,,prodigal ,isn't he awful look+1 ,"m8 ,:y does daddy let him come 9 s mu*8 ,i don't l ! way ! /udy smells aft] he's be5 94 ,little ,ru?1 ( a village manse1 made _m o!r obs]vations1 & ask$ _m o!r que/ions z a poor1 wret*$-look+ man %uffl$ across ! lawn 9 ! e>ly ev5+ ( an autumn day4 ,! "m's smile *ang$ quickly to a look ( sadness1 & giv+ ! wee girl a kiss1 %e said1 ,"m w tell ,ru?ie all ab\t x at /ory-"t to-night4 ,f ! ,*ildr5's ,bible ,/ory ,book t night ! "m read ( ! ,prodigal ,son4 ,!re 7 a numb] ( int]ruptions f ! occupant ( ! little b$3 ,:y didn't he g home be=e he got s dreadful hungry1 ,"m8 ,:]e 0 8 "m8 ,:y did 8 fa!r run s f>8 ,aft] answ]+ _m que/ions ! "m cont9u$3 ,!re are lots & lots ( prodigal sons /ill liv+2 m5 :o h be5 bad1 & :o !n1 l "s little *ildr5 :o h be5 naughty1 run away f ^? :o love !m be/4 ,& all ! "t ^? :o love !m are wi%+ s mu* t !y w\ld come back1 & say !y are sorry & t !y w try to be bett]4 ,god is our ,fa!r1 & ,he loves ev]ybody2 y "k :at we (t5 say :5 daddy has pray]s3 ',= ,god s lov$ ! _w t ,he gave ,8 only begott5 ,son1 t :osoev] believe? on ,him %\ld n p]i%1 b h ev]la/+ life4' ,well1 d>l+1 y want$ to "k :y daddy let poor ,mr4 ,gage come 9 s (t58 ,he lets him come because ,god w\ld let him come4 ,! poor man ?9ks t ,god doesn't want him because he's be5 s bad1 & because he's gone1 oh6 s f> away1 & daddy is try+ to tell him t ,god does want him1 & t ,god w take c>e ( him if he w only love ,him & tru/ ,him1 l y tru/ daddy & "m to take c>e ( y4 ,mr4 ,gage is awful look+ because s9 is awful1 & he has let s9 be 8 ma/] in/ead ( ,god4 ,b "m's d>l+ w be nice & k9d to him1 because ,god loves him1 & we mu/ love ^? :om ,god loves4 ,p]haps "s day y w see him look z mu* diff]5t z ! ,prodigal ,son look$ aft] he came back home4 ,ru? did n altoge!r =get h] "m's words1 & :5 ! half-drunk5 man 0 br\ght to ! ,manse = a meal a little lat] on 9 ! week1 %e some:at timor\sly h&$ him two or ?ree a/]s t %e _h pick$ f ! g>d54 ,john ,gage look$ a little emb>rass$1 & at fir/ seem$ incl9$ to leave !m 9 ,ru?'s possession1 b ! little h& rema9$ out/ret*$1 & ) sweet w9som5ess ! *ild told him %e _h pick$ !m = him4 ,pick$ !m = me6 ,well1 well6 !n ,i guess ,i'll take !m4 ,?ank y4 ,on sev]al occasions1 z he saunt]$ ar\nd ! village1 8 att5tion 0 arre/$ by a *ildi% voice call+ him by "n1 s t he came to feel he _h a fri5d 9 ! m9i/]'s little girl4 ,!re 7 _m head-%ak+s among ! village wiseacres reg>d+ ! m9i/]'s int]e/ 9 ,john ,gage4 ,x 0 g5]ally agre$ t :ile ! prea*] 0 well mean+ en\gh1 8 k ( human nature 0 n v ke54 ,! village con/able knew ,john s well t he felt able to speak au?oritatively on ! matt]4 ',ta9't no use1 "y man1 he said to ! prea*]4 ,we wus talk+ ab\t him ! o!r day 9 ,cyrus ,haag's blacksmi? %op1 & e man says ! same z ,i d4 ,he's j a-ble$+ y1 t's all4 ,five ye>s' h>d lab\r is :at he ne$s2 s'long z y'll take c>e ( him :5 he's drunk1 & fe$ him :5 he's broke1 he'll j bum ar\nd4 ,don't ,i "k ! :ole bun*8 ,didn't me & ! c\nty con/able arre/ 8 fa!r :5 he pretty nigh murd]$ ,sam ,coll9s8 ,a9't 8 bro!r 9 ,k+/on ,p5it5ti>y ?is v m9ute8 ,! only way to improve !m fell]s is to hang 'em4 ,! au?oritative in=mation hav+ be5 giv5 ! prea*]1 !re 0 no fur!r ne$ ( sympa?y = him if he wilfully reject$ ! con/able's gratuit\s1 lab\r-&-money-sav+ c\nsel4 ,& ! pass+ ( ! weeks seem$ to confirm ! 'ta9't-no-use judgm5t4 ,p liv+ ne> ! ,manse report$ ev]y?+ t happ5$1 & a good deal t did n happ51 9 connection ) ! visits ( ,john ,gage & o!rs ( 8 type1 = x 0 g5]ally kn[n t ! prea*] 0 easy4 ,b ! prea*] w5t on ) 8 "w1 & :atev] ! results ( 8 ef=ts might be1 nobody ev] d\bt$ 8 belief 9 ! ,gospel he prea*$4 ,e ,sabba? ev5+1 9 "s =m or o!r1 he dealt ) ! ,fact ( ,s9 & its ,s\l-de/roy+ p[]4 ,he knew t s9 & puni%m5t g ?r\gh ! _w ) _! heads ti$ toge!r1 b he knew also1 & he prea*$ x z a fact t = him 0 beyond all controv]sy1 t by imm$iate act ( ,god salvation might come1 & _h come1 deliv]+ ! life f ! gripp+1 enslav+1 murd]\s p[] ( s94 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ye> 0 draw+ to its close4 ,! little village _h its %>e ( ,*ri/mas fe/ivities1 & family reunions 7 tak+ place4 ,!re 7 m5 f ! ,ea/1 & m5 f ! ,we/1 back 9 ! old haunts = ! holiday season4 ,wond]ful /ories ( mat]ial success 7 told z ! boys f ! ,we/ exp\nd$ ! opportunities ( ! prairie prov9ces4 ,z is too (t5 ! case1 ! b>-room 0 ! ma9 social c5tre ( week-day life 9 ! village1 & ,john ,gage 0 always ready to fall into l9e :5 ! prosp]\s ones gave ! all-inclusive invitation1 ,come on1 boys4 ,& s long z ,john help$ to swell ! receipts1 8 drunk5 pres5ce 0 tol]at$ ar\nd ! b>4 ,scores ( times did he jo9 9 ! greet+ ,a ,m]ry ,*ri/mas1 & ! m]ri] x seem$ to be to ! frequ5t]s ( ! ,d]by ,h\se b>1 ! sadd] x really 0 to ! homes f :i* !y came4 ,,! ,,prodigal',s ,,delirium ,weeks ( dr9k+1 foll[$ by ! revelry ( ,*ri/mas1 br\ght ,john to su* a condition t :5 ! b>-room clos$ on ,saturday night he 0 turn$ out ( ! h\se1 & a little lat] dragg$ out ( a corn] ( ! drive-%$1 & told to get clean away f ! premises4 ,!re 0 a /range look ab\t ! man on ?is p>ticul> ,saturday night--a wild1 almo/ savage appe>ance4 ,he /ood a mom5t on ! sidewalk z if unc]ta9 ( 8 :]eab\ts1 & !n turn$ & walk$ 9 ! direction ( ! ,manse4 ,! m9i/] answ]$ ! door-bell1 & )\t a ^w ,john walk$ "r 9 & ?r\gh ! hall to ! /udy4 ,at la/ he spoke4 ,y--told--me--to--come--any--"t4 ,i--want--to--/ay--"h--to-night4 ,!n1 ) body b5t1 & z if 9 pa91 ) arms cross$1 he rock$ himself to & fro4 ,oh1 ,god6 b ,i'm sick2 ?ree days no?+ b :iskey3 ,i've got x to-night = sure4 ,aft] mu* p]suad+ ! m9i/] _h ! man 9 b$4 ,! mi/ress ( ! ,manse _h prep>$ /rong c(fee z fa/ z h] trembl+ body w\ld let h]4 ,once be=e %e _h pass$ ?r\gh a night su* z %e fe>$ ?is w\ld be1 & ! prospect might well make h] timor\s4 ,b ! ,manse & its furniture _h ?ree ye>s ago be5 pl$g$ to ,8 s]vice1 & %e murmur$ n4 ,! doctor _h be5 s5t =1 b he 0 on a c\ntry call1 & 0 n expect$ back until elev54 ,at "o end ( ! b$room ! m9i/] sat wat*+ ,john ,gage4 ,9 "s way ! dr9k-inflam$ man _h plac$ "u 8 pill[ an old revolv] & a %ort /iletto4 ,aft] a "t ! h&s clasp$ ^! ) a vice-l grip4 ,sudd5ly /&+ out on ! c>pet he look$ at ! prea*]1 & said1 ,:y 9 ! devil don't y g home8 ,d'y want a fight8 ,say6 ,i c\ld rip y s's !y'd h to pick y up 9 baskets4 ,a little lat] he imag9$ he 0 once m on ! ,s\? ,african battle-field4 ,) a sick5+ %udd] he po9t$ to :]e 8 delud$ eyes saw aga9 ! w\nd$ & ble$+4 ,my ,god6 see t poor devil ) 8 leg ne>ly (f6 ,look6 a9't t awful4 ,see t "o squirm+6--him yond] ) 8 head half op56 ,!n /raight5+ himself1 he said1 z if address+ "s audi5ce1 ,fri5ds1 ,i say1 & ,i "k1 w> is hell6 ,f "t to "t1 "u p]suasion1 he w\ld return to 8 b$4 ,once he imag9$ he 0 driv+ d[n ! old concession road ne> 8 gr&fa!r's f>m z 9 boyhood days4 ,! %eets 7 j]k$ & h&l$ z if re9s4 ,well1 n[1 ?is is a sl[ horse4 ,x w1 ladies & g5tlem51 be q appropriate to s+ we won't get home till morn+4' ,i tell y :at ,i'll d--,i'll put ! horse 9 ! rig1 & ,i'll get 9 ! %afts1 & !n !re'll be a horse 9 ! buggy & an ass 9 ! %afts1 b we'll make bett] "t4 ,!n foll[$ a weird bur/ ( laught]4 ,! doctor arriv$ ab\t midnight4 ,= a c\ple ( h\rs he wat*$ ! effect ( 8 treatm5t1 b re/ w\ld n come to ! occupant ( ! gue/-room4 ,! eyes w\ld appe> to be clos+ 9 sleep1 & !n w\ld sudd5ly op5 wide z if _! own] 7 9 t]ror ( "s imp5d+ disa/]4 ,!n ! dang] spot seem$ to h be5 locat$1 & ) a s]ies ( j]ks ! head 0 rais$ high] & high] until ,john 0 sitt+ up 9 b$4 ,nev] once did ! gaze leave ! corn] ( ! room4 ,) ! utmo/ /eal?1 fir/ "o foot & !n ! o!r 0 pu%$ f "u ! b$clo!s to ! floor4 ,v sl[ly & noiselessly1 ) knife /ill gripp$1 ! demon-possess$ man glid$ t[>d ! corn]4 ,) great caution1 z if measur+ ! di/ance1 he b5t ! left knee1 & at ! same "t lift$ ! "r h& ready to /rike4 ,!n ) blasphem\s exclamations he /abb$ ! imag9>y mon/rosities4 ,aga9 & aga9 he seem$ hurl$ back z by "s real enemy 9 ! fight4 ,at la/ ! knife w5t deep into ! floor1 & he seem$ to h conqu]$4 ,nev] once tak+ 8 gaze f :]e ! knife /ood he back$ sl[ly t[>d ! b$4 ,ah6 ,i got him t "t6 ,see him6 see him6 ,!n foll[$ a blood-*ill+ bur/ ( pr(anity at ! wriggl+ object ( 8 delirium4 ,b he c't get up6 ,no6 no6 no6 x's ?r\gh 8 neck4 ,& s ! long night wore on1 & ! we>i$ prea*]1 look+ ^u :at dr9k c\ld d ) ,god's ,ma/]piece1 v[$ anew to fight ! curs$ traffic 9 intoxicants z long z life la/$1 & nev] kn[+ly to h 8 home defil$ by su* a life-bla/+ bev]age4 ,x 0 ne>ly sev5 o'clock on ,sabba? morn+ :5 ,john ,gage fell asleep4 ,at t5 o'clock ! bell ( ! adjo9+ *ur* awak5$ him4 ,! m9i/] _h anticipat$ ! awak5+1 & 0 at ! b$side4 ,john seem$ daz$ = a "t1 b 9 a little :ile conv]s$ ) ! "o :o _h befri5d$ him4 ,he 0 urg$ to rema9 quietly 9 b$1 & aft] a few words ! m9i/] clasp$ ! h& ( ! outca/ man1 & kneel+ at ! b$side1 laid ! burd5 ( 8 he>t ^u ! ,"o :o is mighty to save4 ,z ! ,am5 0 utt]$ ,ru? approa*$ ! door4 ,alright1 little "o1 come & see y\r fri5d ,john1 7 h] fa!r's words4 ,ru? 0 ready = *ur*1 & ) g>m5ts & face alike attractive1 laid h] little h& 9 ! big h& ( ! s9-wreck$ man4 ,:o c und]/& ! p[] ( ! t\* ( a *ild's h&8 ,clos+ 8 f+]s ov] ! da9ty1 wee h&1 ,john ,gage turn$ 8 face to ! wall & sobb$ al\d4 ,little ,ru? h>dly knew :at to d4 ,g5tly %e plac$ ! o!r h& on ! dirty1 un%av5 *eek1 & m]ely said sympa!tically1 ,don't cry4 ,john turn$ 8 head back aga9 long en\gh to say brok5ly1 ,god bless y1 little gal4 ,illu/ration3 #a4 ,briti% ,columbia ,m9]s (f %ift4 #b4 ,wreck$ ?r\gh a wa%-out4 #c4 ,a section ( a ,m\nta9 ,m9+ ,t[n4 ,lead+ ,ru? out ! room1 ! m9i/] ga!r$ up 8 books & w5t to ! morn+ s]vice4 ,:5 he return$ ,john ,gage _h dep>t$4 ,e>ly ,monday morn+ ,allan ,%ort1 a ne>-by f>m]1 call$ to tell him t ,john 0 out at 8 place cutt+ away at ! w9t]'s wood-pile4 ,allan promis$ to d :at he c\ld = ,john1 b incid5tally rem>k$ t he did n see :y a man c\ldn't take a glass ( be] )\t mak+ a fool ( himself4 ,illu/ration3 #a4 ,an ,exhau/$ ,prospector4 #b4 ,a ,m9]'s ,wa%+ ,day4 #c4 ,ready to />t = ! hills to inspect a m9e4 #d4 ,m9]s (f to _! daily toil4 ,a day or two lat] ! m9i/] drove by ! ,%ort home/ead1 presumably to make a call at ! ,me5's f>m1 :]e he _h sev]al fai?ful *ur*-go]s4 ,z he pass$1 he recognis$ ,john at ! saw-horse1 & wav$ a greet+ z to a fri5d4 ,on 8 return he drove up ! road to ! ,%ort ,f>m1 & ,john at once came =w>d1 ) ! cu/om>y ,canadian c\rtesy1 to tie up or unhit* ! horse1 accord+ to ! visitor's wi%4 ,aft] a few pleasantries ! m9i/] w5t to ! h\se & made a call on su* memb]s ( ! ,%ort family z 7 home1 & !n return$ to :]e 8 horse 0 ti$4 ,hesitat+ a mom5t1 he turn$ & walk$ to ! wood-pile1 & aft] complim5t+ ,john on 8 ability to sw+ ! axe1 spoke a few enc\rag+ words4 ,= a mom5t ! h& re/$ on ,john's %\ld] z he said1 ,y w be "o ( ,god's good m5 yet1 ,john4 ,i "k x's a t]rible fight1 b ,god kn[s all ab\t x1 & ) ,him y c conqu]4 ,come & see u any "t y are 91 b = ! life ( y don't loit] ar\nd ! village1 & d keep cle> ( ! m5 :o w\ld be likely to make x easy = y to get :at y "k is ru9\s to y4 ,& don't =get we are y\r fri5ds always1 always4 ,z he turn$ ! corn] ( ! side road1 he met ,allan ,%ort return+ f a trip to ! village4 ,ref]r+ to ,john ,gage ! f>m] said1 ,he's be5 z /raight z a ,briti% ,columbia p9e s9ce he came out2 b1 say6 x's k9d o' pitiful1 aft] all1 ! way he craves = :iskey4 ,me & ! ,missus wat*$ him ye/]day4 ,%e's be5 keep+ h] eyes op54 ,well6 ,john 0 tak+ a brea?+ spell1 aft] he _h done a f9e lot ( splitt+ 7& he's no gre5horn ) ! axe1 let me tell y671 :5 all ( a sudd5 he w5t to ! f5ce-po/ :]e 8 coat 0 hang+1 & putt+ x on z he walk$1 he made d[n ! road4 ,he got ab\t t5 rod & !n /opp$ l z if he'd =gott5 some?+1 & !n he />t$ back1 took (f 8 coat1 & pit*$ into t wood-pile z if x 0 sure dea? if he didn't get x f9i%$ by night4 ,! missus says he's done ! same ?+ ?ree times to h] k1 & once he w5t s f> %e 0 sure he 0 gone = good4 ,b %e says he sure did 'lamba/e' !m blocks :5 he got back4 ,,ru?',s ,,illness ,! foll[+ ,sunday morn+ little ,ru? 0 miss+ f ! ,manse pew1 & h] abs5ce f t s]vice 0 s unusual z to cause _m inquiries4 ,no?+ s]i\s1 said ! "m4 ,j a little ?roat tr\ble1 & z %e seem$ some:at fev]i% we ?\ght we _h bett] leave h] at home4 ,lizzie is tak+ c>e ( h]4 ,b on ,monday morn+ ! doctor look$ v anxi\s aft] an exam9ation ( ,ru?'s ?roat1 & 9 dep>t+ advis$ ! m9i/] to keep out ( ! *ild's room until an exam9ation a few h\rs lat]4 ,on ,tuesday morn+ x 0 a bit ( village news t 0 pass$ f m\? to m\?1 t ! m9i/]'s little girl _h diph!ria1 & t ! h\se 0 plac>d$4 ,! occupants ( ! ,manse 7 deeply t\*$ dur+ ! foll[+ days by t spontane\s expression ( practical sympa?y t is *>act]i/ic ( village life4 ,b p]haps no "o /irr$ ! deepe/ emotions z did ,john ,gage4 ,d>kness _h fall5 ov] ! village on ,tuesday be=e he _h he>d ( ,ru?'s sickness4 ,!re 0 "s look ( solicitation on ,mrs4 ,%ort's face :5 ,john guess$ he w\ld /roll to ! village4 ,he answ]$ ! look by say+ almo/ curtly1 ,i'm go+ to ! ,manse4 ,! little pati5t's symptoms %[$ sev]e infection1 & a second doctor 0 9 consultation :5 ! m9i/] he>d a v g5tle rap on ! door4 ,sorry ,i c't ask y 91 ,john1 he said1 z he saw ,john /&+ on ! v]&ah4 ,h[ is %e8 ask$ ! call]1 9 a tone t reveal$ a great conc]n4 ,%e is a v sick little girl1 ,john4 ,dr4 ,dodds is ) ,dr4 ,burnett j n[4 ,we c only give h] ! be/ c>e possible1 & hope & pray4 ,x is good ( y to call1 & :5 ! wee girl is bett] %e w be pleas$ to "k y came4 ,! poor little s\l has be5 re/less & fev]i% all ! aft]noon4 ,poor little gal6 ,tell h] ,john hopes %e'll soon be alright4 ,i a9't mu* ( a fri5d1 ,god kn[s1 b all ! same ,i've be5 t lonesome l1 s9ce ,i he>d %e 0 sick1 ,i don't feel z if ,i want to d any?+1 b j wait ar\nd4 ,if !re's any job ,i c d to help1 ,i give y my ^w ,i'll be 9 trim to d x z long z ! little gal ne$s me4 ,= two weeks ,john's little gal caus$ anxi\s days & nights--"s ( !m days & nights :5 te>ful pray]s 7 sobb$ out 9 ! solit>9ess ( /udy or b$room--times :5 ! physicians f\nd no hopeful signs1 & ! little life seem$ to be pass+ beyond human rea*4 ,x 0 on "o su* night t ,john br\ght a few delicacies f ! f>m = ! m9i/]'s h\sehold1 & wait$ = ! report f ! sick-room4 ,! doctor has be5 ) h] an h\r1 ,john1 & ! wee girl is alive1 & t's all we c say4 ,! voice broke into a sob z ! la/ words 7 spok54 ,! two m5 /ood 9 sil5t sympa?y = a few m9utes1 & !n ,john broke ! sil5ce4 ,%e 0 fri5dly to me1 sir1 & ,i'll nev] =get x4 ,lots ( folks :at ?9ks !y're big toads 9 ! puddle treats me z if ,i 0 dirt1 b ! little gal is ! bigge/ ,*ri/ian ( ! lot1 & %e's done me m good ?an ! :ole gang ( 'em4 ,say6 ! way %e put h] little h& on my face t ,sunday morn+ 0 bett]'n any s]mon ,i ev] he>d4 ,que]1 a9't x1 b x broke me all up4 ,!n 9 response to a reque/ f ! m9i/] ,john cont9u$1 ,i'm afe>$ x w\ldn't c\nt mu* if ,i tri$ to pray1 sir2 b !re a9't any?+ ,i w\ldn't try my h& at = h]4 ,! foll[+ day !re 0 bett] news1 & two days lat] ! little suff]] 0 able to smile 9 response to ! tok5s ( love t 7 %[]$ ^u h]4 ,! physicians' faces relax$1 & !y 7 delight$ t pr(essionally !y 7 w9n+ ! battle1 & ! big-he>t$ s5ior physician rejoic$ = o!r reasons4 ,by ! way1 he said t night 9 ! ,manse /udy1 ,i h met t fell[ ,john ,gage sev]al times lately1 & 8 int]e/ 9 ,ru?ie is really rem>kable4 ,i didn't ?9k x 0 9 ! man to c>e = anybody4 ,& /rang] /ill1 he 0 sob] ea* "t4 ,! little girl may yet be ! salvation ( ! poor *ap1 & d :at no "o else has be5 able to d4 ,%ortly be=e ,/4 ,val5t9e's ,day ! ,manse 0 ?or\ghly fumigat$1 & ! plac>d remov$4 ,ru? 0 amus+ h]self cutt+ out ! k9d]g>t5 sugge/ions = ,val5t9es1 & s5d+ !m to select$ fri5ds4 ,on a crudely %ap$ he>t 9 poorly fa%ion$ lett]s t %e _h le>n$ to pr9t1 7 ! words1 ,ru? loves ,john4 ,on ,febru>y ! #ad?1 ,john ,gage receiv$ ! t9y envelope conta9+ 8 ,val5t9e4 ,no?+ he _h receiv$ 9 ye>s pleas$ him q s mu*4 ,n[1 a9't t great1 he confid$ to ,mrs4 ,%ort1 'ta9't wor? a c5t1 ,i suppose1 b j ?is v m9ute !y're a9't en\gh money 9 ! :ole village to buy x4 ,,! ,,prep>atory ,,s]vice ,! qu>t]ly communion s]vice 0 ab\t to be conduct$ 9 ,/4 ,&rew's ,*ur*4 ,! usual invitations _h be5 giv5 f ! pulpit1 & a few _h call$ at ! ,manse to discuss ! "q ( memb]%ip4 ,x 0 always a "t ( pray]ful conc]n on ! "p ( ! m9i/] le/ any %\ld take ! /ep )\t realiz+ its obligations & privileges4 ,at ! m9i/]'s invitation1 ,john ,gage _h sp5t ov] an h\r 9 ! /udy4 ,no?+ less ?an an out & out surr5d] w d1 ,john4 ,y h _h y\r way1 & ! devil has _h 8 way1 n[ y mu/ be will+ to let ,god h full control4 ,!re mu/ be an entire break+ away f pa/ associations1 & y mu/ take ! /ep t c nev] mean retreat4 ,unless y d t ! pa? back to ! old ways w be too attractive1 & too easy4 ,once aga9 ! two m5 read passages f well-?umb$ pages 9 ! /udy ,bible1 & aga9 ! %eph]d ( s\ls call$ on ! ,"o :o is ,mighty to ,save1 & !n ,john pray$1 & z ! long sil5ce 0 brok5 & a w&]] 9 a f> c\ntry turn$ 8 face to 8 ,fa!r & utt]$ p5it5t words1 ! m9i/]'s te>s ( joy c\ld no long] be re/ra9$4 ,z !y rose f _! knees1 h&s 7 clasp$1 & ^? feel+s1 too deep = words1 f\nd expression 9 ! pressure ( a protect+ & a tru/+ h&4 ,9 ! eyes ( ! majority ( ! ,kirk ,session1 !re 0 little risk 9 receiv+ into memb]%ip ! well-to-d respectable s9n]1 b :5 ! m9i/] n>rat$ ! conv]sations he _h _h ) ,john ,gage1 & sugge/$ 8 "n z a c&idate = memb]%ip1 eyebr[s 7 rais$ & heads %ook om9\sly4 ,wad x no' be bett] to put him (f = a few mon?s to see :e!r he c\ld /an' alone fir/8 0 ! "q ( ,john ,mc,nair1 ! s5ior eld]4 ,colonel ,montei?1 :o 0 greatly burd5$ ) ! responsibility = ma9ta9+ ! dignity ( ! ,presbyt]ian ,*ur*1 wond]$ :e!r ?is r disreputable man ,gage w\ld n f9d m cong5ial associates d[n 9 ! ,free ,me?odi/ ,hall4 ,tom ,roll9s didn't "k h[ ! p w\ld take x4 ,murray ,meiklejohn1 *>act]iz$ by 8 retic5ce & good common s5se1 mov$ t ,john ,gage be receiv$1 & /amm]+ly add$ t s f> z leav+ ,john to /& alone 0 conc]n$1 he guess$ !y _h be5 do+ t ev] s9ce he came to t[n1 t5 ye>s ago4 ,& s ) "s misgiv+s1 & ) "s w\nd$ pride1 ! ,session includ$ ,john ,gage 9 its reception li/4 ,on ,friday night1 an h\r be=e ! "t = prep>atory s]vice1 ,john call$ at ! ,manse4 ,i'm a-trembl+ all ?r\gh1 he said to ! m9i/]1 & ,i 0 half-m9d$ n to come4 ,if x hadn't be5 = :at y said ab\t ! hospital be+ a place = sick folks1 ,i w\ldn't _h ! c\rage to face x4 ,! prep>atory s]vice ( t night is /ill spok5 ( 9 ! quiet village4 ,p]haps ! atmosph]e 0 creat$ by "o :o _h pray$ mu* t day t ! congregation might receive a new vision ( ! ,r$eem]1 ?r\gh ! words ( "o = :om n an individual 9 ! entire congregation _h any hope six weeks be=e4 ,! s]mon ov]1 ! m9i/] & eld]s ext5d$ ! "r h& ( fell[%ip to ! little company occupy+ ! front seats4 ,to-night1 said ! m9i/]1 z he return$ to ! plat=m1 ,i h ask$ my fri5d ,mr4 ,john ,gage to say a few words4 ,! lecture-hall _h probably nev] kn[n /ill] mom5ts ?an ^? imm$iately foll[+ ! ann\ncem5t4 ,john ,gage1 pale & trembl+1 n d>+ to look at 8 audi5ce1 /ood fac+ ! plat=m4 ,9 a l[ voice he said1 ,well1 fri5ds1 ,i h be5 a bad man--t's no news to anybody1 b ,god help+ me ,i'm go+ to be bett]4 ,seems l a miracle1 don't x1 t ,john ,gage has be5 sob] = five weeks8 ,z he sat d[n1 ! ,let u pray ( ! m9i/] prec$$ a petition = our bro!r1 t made mo/ he>ts t5d] & pray]ful4 ,x's a new day = ,/4 ,&rew's1 said ,murray ,meiklejohn1 z he %ook ! h& ( ! m9i/] aft] ! b5$iction4 ,no?+ l to-night's meet+ 9 my memory4 ,looks z if we 7 go+ to /op s++ ',rescue ! ,p]i%+' & get on ! job4 ,x is no easy task = ! av]age ,presbyt]ian eld] to utt] a f]v5t ,god bless y1 b t night he>ts 7 /irr$ & tongues 7 loos5$1 & ,john ,gage felt t aft] all ! _w 0 n s unfri5dly z he _h imag9$4 ,h& aft] h& 0 ext5d$ 9 g5u9e welcome4 ,b ! f9e/ ?+ ( all1 z ! m9i/] said a little lat]1 0 ! way ! ,colonel w>m$ up to ,john4 ,he _h nev] be5 se5 to manife/ ! same cordiality 9 ! ,*ur* be=e4 ,a manly /ep to take1 sir--a manly /ep--ne$s c\rage to fight t k9d ( a battle4 ,p]sonally ,i am glad to welcome y to ,/4 ,&rew's4 ,:5 /ory-"t came at ! ,manse on ! foll[+ ev5+1 ,ru? 0 all att5tion z h] "m told ( ! homecom+ ( ano!r prodigal1 & ( all x might mean4 ,ru?'s pray] _h two additional words t night4 ,! clos+ "p 0 utt]$ m delib]ately ?an usual1 z if 9 anticipation ( ! s]i\sness ( ! add$ petition4 ,bless daddy & mamma1 &--all--!--fri5ds--,i--love--& ,john1 = ,jesus' sake4 ,am54 ,,! ,,temptation ,john ,gage secur$ tempor>y "w 9 ! village deliv]+ freight = a local c>t]4 ,:5ev] opportunity af=d$1 ! habitus ( ! b>-rooms did n sp>e him _! sne]s & je]s4 ,folks say y're a hell ( a good prea*]1 ,john4 ,:5 are y go+ to we> ! />*$ dog-coll>1 ,john8 ,call+ him to a little gr\p on ! sidewalk1 "o ( 8 =m] *ums said1 ) mock solemnity1 ,let u pray4 ,a ro> ( laught] foll[$1 z ,john1 crimson-fac$1 walk$ away4 ,!re 7 days :5 ! /+ 9 "s ( ! taunts 0 h>d to be>--days :5 only ,"o kn[s ! conflict 9 t w t _h become enfeebl$ by s94 ,b ,john ,gage 0 /eadily ga9+ ! victory1 & ! visits to ! ,manse & ! new fri5ds ar\nd ! *ur* 7 displac+ ! =m] associations4 ,signs ( a mat]ial prosp]ity t ,john _h nev] be=e kn[n 7 gradually appe>+4 ,! village tailor took p>ticul> pride "o morn+ 9 %[+ ! m9i/] a piece ( blue s]ge1 z f9e a bit ( goods z is import$4 ,i'm cutt+ a suit out ( x = ,john ,gage1 & x w be z good z ,i c make x4 ,did y ev] ?9k h[ mu* ! tailor c co-op]ate ) ,god 9 fix+ a man up8 ,b n all ! villag]s 7 desir\s ( co-op]at+ ) ,god 9 ! re=mation ( ,john ,gage4 ,a little cr[d _h ga!r$ "o night 9 ,mc,kee's b>b] %op1 & ! m9i/] ( ,/4 ,&rew's 0 be+ h>%ly criticiz$ = 8 frequ5t attacks on ! liquor traffic4 ,! proprietor ( ! pool-room1 :o att5d$ ,/4 ,&rew's at ! "t ( ! ,lodge annual p>ade1 ann\nc$ 8 int5tion ( abs5t+ himself unless ! m9i/] m9d$ 8 own bus9ess4 ,o!rs made simil> ?reats1 :i* 9 ! aggregate might br+ ! m9i/] to ! prop] frame ( m9d :i* became "o :o receiv$ 8 bread & butt] f "s ( ! v p he _h be5 abus+4 ,!n ! case ( ,john ,gage 0 discuss$1 & uncomplim5t>y t]ms 7 freely appli$4 ,mc,kee ?\ght x w\ld be a d----d good joke on ! ,presbyt]ian prea*] if ,john c\ld be made z full z a goat1 & !n s5t to ! ,manse4 ,to ! la/+ disgrace ( ! b>b]1 he attempt$ to p]petrate ! joke4 ,bud ,j5ks 0 a will+ tool ( anybody :o w\ld rew>d him ) a :iskey1 & :5 ,mc,kee (f]$ him all he c\ld take at "o /&+ if he got ,gage to take a dr9k1 he 0 ready to at lea/ make ! attempt4 ,& s on a day :5 ,john _h %ovell$ coal f c> to waggon & waggon to cell> = eight h\rs1 & 0 w>m1 tir$ & ?ir/y1 ,bud appe>$ ) a little pail1 z if com+ f ! t[n pump4 ,john 0 at ! grat+ tramp+ ! coal fur!r into ! cell>1 & 8 head 0 ab\t on a level ) ! sidewalk4 ,good-day1 ,bud1 he call$ up z ,bud /ood = a mom5t4 ,good-day1 ,john2 w>m job1 eh8 ,y bet x's w>m1 0 ! reply1 z ! coal-begrim$ br[ 0 wip$4 ,take a dr9k o' wat]8 ask$ ,bud4 ,sure ,i w1 & ?ank y1 answ]$ ! ?ir/y toil] ) h& ext5d$ to ! pail1 :i* 0 plac$ on ! sidewalk4 ,quickly ,bud remov$ ! lid1 & gave ! pail a tilt z ! rim came ne> ,john's face4 ,j a t\* ( fro? f ! lag] be] 0 c>ri$ to ,john's lips1 b in/antly he pu%$ back ! pail ) an exclamation almo/ ( pa94 ,at ! same mom5t he slid fur!r into ! cell>1 & kneel+ on ! coal1 ) h&s clasp$ aga9/ ! wall1 cri$ out aga9 & aga91 ,oh1 my ,god1 help me1 help me1 help me6 ,bud pe]$ into ! d>kness & call$ sev]al times to ,john4 ,at la/ ,john approa*$ ! grat+ aga94 ,bud1 he said quietly1 = ,god's sake g away & leave me alone2 ,i'd r drop dead ?an put ano!r drop ( t to my lips4 ,bud did n imm$iately dep>t1 despite ! plead+ ( ! man 9 ! cell>1 & n until a pass]-by _h ent]$ into conv]sation ) him1 & ! two _h mov$ (f toge!r1 did ,john pull himself to ! sidewalk & drive away4 ,oh1 ! smell ( x ne> drove me mad = a few m9utes1 he said1 z he confid$ ! occurr5ce to 8 fri5ds at ! ,manse4 ,if x wasn't = ! little gal1 & com+ up "h1 ,i'd get f> en\gh away f ?is place1 s's ,i w\ldn't h ! same temptations4 ,temptation is n a matt] ( locality1 ,john1 & y w\ld n escape x by cross+ a cont95t1 & besides1 we ne$ y "r "h4 ,if y w9 out & give ,god ! glory1 y w d m to prove ,8 p[] ?an a ye> ( s]mons c\ld4 ,,! ,,colonel',s ,,outbreak ,bully = ,colonel ,montei?6 ,he's a brick1 by j9ks he is6 ,! words 7 utt]$ 9 an excit$ voice by ! "y m9i/] on 8 return f "o ( 8 daily trips to ! ,po/ ,(fice4 ,:y1 daddy1 exclaim$ ! wife1 ,i'll report y to ! ,session = us+ bad language4 ,b :at has happ5$ anyway8 ,x 0 sev]al m9utes be=e ! cause ( ! bad language c\ld be satisfactorily n>rat$4 ,! conv]sation 9 ,mc,kee's b>b] %op 0 relat$1 & ! indignation ( ! mi/ress ( ! ,manse 0 all t c\ld be desir$4 ,well1 cont9u$ ! m9i/]1 somebody :o he>d x happ5$ casually to tell ,colonel ,montei?4 ,)9 half an h\r1 ! ,colonel 0 9 ! %op4 ,mc,kee 0 la!r+ ,lawy] ,taskey1 b t didn't seem an important matt] to ! ,colonel1 = )\t wait+ until he 0 ?r\gh he at once fac$ him ) :at he _h he>d1 & ask$ if x 0 true4 ,at fir/ ,mc,kee tri$ to evade ! "q1 b ! ,colonel press$ = an answ]4 ',well1 suppose ,i did4 ,is x any ( y\r bus9ess8' repli$ ,mc,kee4 ,!n ) a sne] he add$1 ',& anyh[1 ,i didn't "k t y & ,mi/] ,john ,gage 7 su* bosom fri5ds4' ',look "h1 ,mc,kee1' & ! voice ( ! ,colonel trembl$ ) emotion1 ',i hold no brief = ?is man ,gage any m ?an ,i d = any o!r man 9 ! village1 b :5 a fell[ puts up a fight l he has = ! la/ two mon?s--a fell[1 z y "k v well1 ) ve9s full ( bad blood--x is 9 ! highe/ degree repreh5sible = any man to be ev5 a p>ty to su* a devili% s*eme z y tri$ to "w out by mak+ a poor sot l ,bud ,j5ks y\r catspaw4 ,& nobody1 sir--,i say1 sir1 nobody b a contemptible cur w\ld attempt su* a da/>dly act4' ,& !n ! b>b] got impud5t & told ! dignifi$ eld] to g on a long trip4 ,mov+ ne>] to him ! ,colonel said1 ',be=e ,i g !re1 ,mc,kee1 !re's a place ,i wi% to accompany y1' & quick z a fla% he grabb$ ,mc,kee & tri$ to drag him to ! back ( ! %op4 ,mc,kee didn't "k :at 0 go+ to happ51 & naturally object$ "s1 b ,jim ,morton1 :o saw x1 says ! ,colonel 0 'mad f ! toes up1' & aft] lam+ a few *airs1 & damag+ a mirror 9 ! scuffle1 he got ! re> door op5 & pull$ ,mc,kee aft] him d[n ! bank to ! creek4 ,! b>b] likely surmis$ :at 0 ! next item on ! programme1 & n c>+ = cold ba?s 9 ,m>*1 he did "s furi\s scuffl+1 b ?\gh ! ,colonel's hat & a few buttons _h disappe>$1 he 0 able to report progress4 ,jim says ! language ( ,mc,kee z he got ne> ! wat] has nev] be5 surpass$ 9 ,emsdale4 ,lawy] ,taskey felt l go+ to ,mc,kee's rescue1 z he d\btless e>ne/ly desir$ to h 8 %ave f9i%$1 b :5 he got 8 hat on & />t$ d[n ! bank ! ,colonel ?und]$ some?+ at him t caus$ him to decide x w\ld be pleasant] to rema9 9 ! %op4 ,un=tunately ! ,colonel c\ld n "p company ) ,mc,kee at ! critical mom5t1 & ! two ( !m fell into ! wat] toge!r4 ,! ,colonel /ood ! %ock well en\gh to h suffici5t pres5ce ( m9d to imm$iately grab ! b>b] & duck him ?or\ghly1 & !n ! two ( !m scrambl$ out1 & ! air is /ill blue ar\nd ,mc,kee's place2 b tak+ a conjunct view ( ! entire affair1 ! ,colonel appe>$ satisfi$4 ,jim says t ! ,colonel's language 0 n :at w\ld be expect$ f an eld]1 & t :5 !re 0 ! f9al scuffle at ! edge ( ! creek1 he he>d him call ,mc,kee 'a blaw/$ skunk4' ,i suppose t's t]rible 9 a memb] ( ,/4 ,&rew's ,session1 b ,i'm s9n] en\gh to be glad t ,mc,kee got a small p]c5tage ( 8 des]ts1 & my backbone feels /iff] & ,i %all c>ry my head a little high] because ,colonel ,montei?'s on my ,session4 ,! m9i/] jump$ to 8 feet1 & sw++ 8 arm 9 a circle above 8 head %\t$1 ,bully = ,colonel ,montei?1 ! man :o turn$ ,mc,kee's 'joke' into a boom]ang4 ,! eyes ( ! m9i/]'s wife _h sp>kl$ ) int]e/ z %e li/5$ to :at _h happ5$ to ,mc,kee1 & ! m9i/] 0 satisfi$ :5 at ! conclusion ( ! incid5t %e said quietly1 ,i am s sorry ,colonel ,montei? fell 9 ! creek4 ,ask him up = d9n] to-morr[1 or "s day soon4 ,i'll d my v be/ to %[ my appreciation ( 8 well-mean+ def5ce ( our ,john4 ,,! ,,val5t9e ,"s weeks lat] ,john procur$ a position 9 a di/ant city4 ,ru? & h] fa!r w5t to ! /ation to bid him f>ewell1 ! latt] assur+ him ( ! unfail+ int]e/ ( 8 fri5ds at ! ,manse1 & utt]+ a few words ( c\nsel1 n[ t di/ance w\ld prev5t ! frequ5t visits ( ! pa/4 ,= a :ile all w5t well1 & enc\rag+ reports rea*$ ! village ,manse4 ,sometimes ! lett] 0 address$ to ! ,m9i/]1 b (t5] to ,ru?1 & all ( !m reveal$ ! /rong hold ! little "o _h ^u ! re=m+ man4 ,!n came ^w ( dull times & sc>city ( "w & lonel9ess4 ,x 0 aft] a lett] t reveal$ unusual despond5cy1 t an urg5t invitation 0 s5t = ,john to return to ! village & sp5d a few weeks at ! ,manse until lab\r conditions improv$4 ,no answ] came to ?is invitation1 b two weeks lat] a lett] came f ,john's bo>d+-h\se1 :i* read z foll[s3-- ,de> ,sir1--,i take ! lib]ty ( writ+ y1 because !re is a ,mr4 ,gage bo>d+ at my place1 & he is real sick & don't seem to h no fri5ds ne> "h1 & ,i c't take c>e ( him no long]4 ,he says y are 8 be/ fri5d1 & s ,i ?\ght y w\ld tell me :at to d1 z he hasn't got no money1 & ,i am a h>d-work+ woman & c't af=d to d )\t x4 ,he ought to g to ! ,hospital1 ,i guess1 b he don't take to ! notion4 ,please d some?+ "r away4--,mrs4 ,,john ,mc,c,a,u,l1 #ad1 ,/4 ,lawr5ce ,lane4 ,! foll[+ morn+ ! m9i/] />t$ = ! city1 & late t aft]noon /ood at ! door ( ,no4 #ad1 ,/4 ,lawr5ce ,lane4 ,! lane consi/$ ( a long1 monoton\s r[ ( d+y little h\ses on ! "o side1 & a miscellane\s gr\p ( /ables & %$s on ! o!r4 ,factory build+s1 ) _! insol5t t[]s t sprawl to ! sky1 ov]t[]$ ! :ole1 %utt+ out mu* light1 & p\r+ =? f _! imm5se *imneys ! smoke t usually hung l a pall ov] ! n>r[ lane4 ,mrs4 ,mc,caul 0 greatly reliev$ by ! pres5ce ( ! m9i/]1 & z !y sat 9 ! v5tilation-pro( p>l\r %e told him ( ,john's h>d luck1 int]sp]s+ mo/ ( h] family hi/ory 9 ! n>ration4 ,he's t]rible disc\rag$1 %e add$1 & ! doctor says he'd ought] be 9 "s m *e]full] place1 al?\gh ,i'm do+ ! be/ ,i c4 ,x 0 a poorly furni%$ d>k b$room into :i* ! m9i/] 0 u%]$1 & ! surr\nd+s ( ! :ole place rem9d$ him ( a popul> description ( c]ta9 ,am]ican city bo>d+-h\ses1 :i* are said to furni% all ! facilities = dy+4 ,john clasp$ ! ext5d$ h& ) gratitude1 & ! visitor's pres5ce did mu* t m$ic9e _h fail$ to d4 ,z he /ood talk+ to ! sick man1 8 eyes re/$ a mom5t on a little r$ ,val5t9e t _h be5 ins]t$ betwe5 ! glass & ! frame ( ! t9sell$ mirror4 ,i see y're look+ at me ,val5t9e1 said ,john4 ,yes6 ,i did notice x4 ,well1 sir1 _m a day ! la/ few weeks ,i've wond]$ :e!r ,i c\ld hold out4 ,:5 a fell[ a9't got a job1 & money & fri5ds is sc>ce1 x seems l x's easi] = ! devil to get ?' inside track4 ,!re 0 "s days :5 x seem$ z if all ! devils 9 hell 0 aft] me a-try+ to get me back to ! old life1 & ,i us$ to come up "h & look at me ,val5t9e4 ,i've /ood be=e t !re glass a good _m times lately1 & look$ at ! r$ he>t :at ,ru?ie cut out1 & said1 ',god help me to be fai?ful to ! little gal4' ,aft] a good deal ( p]suasion ,john cons5t$ to g to ! hospital1 s t he might receive prop] c>e4 ,= sev5 weeks ! disease1 :i* 0 a "p ( ! wages ( s91 held sway4 ,once ,john ?\ght ! end 0 ne>1 & t probably1 ere _m days1 he mu/ pass away4 ,he express$ 8 fe>s 9 a brok5 voice to ! nurse1 & !n ask$ = ! ,val5t9e4 ,te>s fill$ 8 eyes z he gaz$ at ! trifl+ tok5 ( a *ild's love4 ,) an ef=t he controll$ 8 voice & said huskily3 ,if any?+ happ5s1 nurse1 ,i want to h t ,val5t9e ) me4 ,y "k :at ,i mean1 don't y8 ,! nurse nodd$ h] head4 ,y see1 nurse1 x 0 s5t me by a little gal--! m9i/]'s little gal4 ,i 0 pretty f> gone a ye> ago1 & if ev] ,god s5t an angel into ?is _w to help lift up a poor wret* ( a man1 x 0 :5 t little gal />t$ to be my fri5d4 ,& :5 !m little h&s cut out ! he>t = my ,val5t9e & s5t x to me1 & ,i read ',ru? loves ,john1' ,i felt z good z if ,i'd be5 s5t a =tune4 ,! news ( ,john's sickness _h its effect on ,ru?'s nightly pray]3 ,please1 ,god1 make ,john bett]1 because he's v sick4 ,= ,jesus' sake4 ,am54 ,john's sickness 0 n unto dea?4 ,sl[ly he rega9$ heal? & c\rage1 & z soon z he 0 able to "w he secur$ a position 9 a city factory4 ,mu* ( 8 leisure is be+ giv5 to ,city ,mission ,"w4 ,he has (t5 be5 se5 on a /reet corn] jo9+ 9 an op5-air s]vice4 ,n long ago he 0 tell+ a cr[d ( m5 :at ! ,gospel _h done = him4 ,say1 fell[s1 :5 ,i ?9k ( x--?9k ( :at ,i 0--,i j "k ,he's able = any?+4 ,i'm a%am$ ( myself1 b ,i'm pr\d ( ,him4 ,z he f9i%$ 8 te/imony a workman 9 ! same factory1 :o 0 /&+ at ! re> ( ! cr[d1 call$ out1 ,yes1 & ,john's ! dec5te/ fell] 9 ! factory1 s he is4 ,! r$ he>t has fad$ almo/ to a br[n4 ,x no long] occupies its place on ! mirror4 ,a /rang] pick+ up ,john ,gage's ,bible might wond] :y a soil$ & worn bit ( pap] 9 ! %ape ( a he>t %\ld be pa/$ on ! front inside page2 b (t5 a tir$ workman1 read+ 8 v]ses = ! night1 turns fir/ ( all to ! front inside page1 & reads ?ree words t light & "t & dirt h almo/ effac$--,ru? loves ,john4 ,sometimes ! gaze is long1 & sometimes ! fad+ words are /ill fur!r dimm$ by te>s1 b ! fad$ ,val5t9e is fragrant ) preci\s memories ( a *ild's love t result$ 9 ! homecom+ ( ! prodigal4 ,,! ,,cord ,,( ,,love ,a transcont95tal express 0 spe$+ across ! prairies to its ,pacific ,coa/ t]m9us4 ,two h\rs be=e x %riek$ its approa* to a foo?ill city1 ! local police receiv$ a message :i*1 be+ int]pret$1 read3 ,deta9 ,lav9a ,b]son1 travell+ on ,no4 #if2 age ab\t fifte51 black hair1 v attractive4 ,travell+ 9 company ( two m5 :5 tra9 left ,b----4 ,:5 ,no4 #if pull$ into ! dept1 two pla9-clo!s (fic]s bo>d$ ! tra9 & soon locat$ ! girl want$4 ,at fir/ ! fla%+ black eyes look$ defiantly into ! face ( ,/aff-,inspector ,k5ney z he reque/$ h] to accompany him4 ,b ! law mu/ be obey$1 & on be+ %[n a detective's badge ! little runaway pass$ ) h] escort comp>atively unnotic$ into ! city /reet4 ,at ! police-/ation %e sat 9 ! ante-room ) ! matron1 :ile ! inspector1 ! /aff-inspector & ! pla9-clo!s detective discuss$ ! case4 ,! girl's y\?fulness & attractiv5ess appeal$ to _! sympa?ies4 ,x's too blam$ bad to s5d a pretty y\ng/] l t to ! cells1 said "o4 ,:y n s5d h] to t new ,rescue ,home till we get m p>ticul>s8 ,!y'll take c>e ( h]4 ,!re's a woman !re t kn[s h] job alright4 ,& s to ! ,r$emptive ,home ,lav9a 0 s5t1 ! au?orities giv+ ! usual in/ructions gov]n+ su* a case4 ,= a few h\rs ! new-com] 0 sil5t1 b few girls c\ld long be sil5t 9 ! pres5ce ( ! big-he>t$1 w9some ,sup]9t5d5t ( t ,home4 ,x 0 a new exp]i5ce = ,lav9a2 ! only k9dness %e _h kn[n 0 ! traitor\s type1 & x 0 h>d = h] to believe t !re 0 su* a ?+ z unselfi% love4 ,=ty-eight h\rs f ! "t %e cross$ ! ?re%old ( ! ,home1 ! h& t 0 almo/ ready to /rike any "o :o seem$ to h co-op]at$ 9 *eck+ h] reckless c>e] 0 slipp$ along ! =e>m ( ! ,sup]9t5d5t4 ,ev]ybody ?9ks ,i'm bad1 & ,i guess ,i am1 b ,i believe if ,i _h liv$ ) y ,i might h want$ to be good4 ,! words did n come easily1 b :5 ! ,sup]9t5d5t /rok$ ! black hair & put an arm ar\nd ! w&]]1 draw+ ! head to h] %\ld]1 %e realiz$ t love _h won its fir/ battle 9 t misguid$ life4 ,! foll[+ morn+ a "y man rang ! door-bell ( ! ,home 9 an impati5t mann]4 ,:5 ! ,sup]9t5d5t appe>$ he said1 ,is ?is :]e ,lav9a ,b]son is8 ,yes1 0 ! reply4 ,well1 ,i want h]1 & ,i want h] d----d quick4 ,%e's a d----d nuisance4 ,%e's nev] be5 any good4 ,nobody c d any?+ ) h]4 ,!n1 draw+ a rope f 8 pocket1 he said1 ,i'll b9d ! little devil ) ?is1 & if t won't d ,i've some?+ else 9 "h 7putt+ 8 h& ov] 8 hip-pocket7 t w settle h]4 ,8 face 0 r$ ) passion1 & 8 eyes fla%$ ) ang]4 ,oh6 y ne$n't tell me1 he cont9u$4 ,i "k all ab\t h]2 ,i'm h] bro!r4 ,i'm sick ( gett+ h] out ( difficulties4 ,i say %e's a d----d nuisance1 & ,i a9't go+ to let h] =get ?is trip ,i've _h to take1 n on y\r bottom doll> ,i a9't4 ,i've got some?+ else to d ?an to be *as+ ov] ! c\ntry aft] h]4 ,y _c get possession ( y\r si/] to-day1 answ]$ ! ,sup]9t5d5t4 ,ev5 if ,i 7 n "u obligation to ! au?orities to deta9 h]1 p5d+ _! in/ructions1 ,i c\ld n let h] g ) y j n[4 ,%e is a fri5d ( m9e1 & ,i love h]4 ,%e has told me h] /ory2 %e is only j sixte54 ,ropes & pi/ols & policem5 are n ! rem$y1 sir2 %e ne$s a bro!r--a real bro!r4 ,if y call 9 ! morn+ ,i %all be glad to h a quiet talk ) y4 ,t5 days lat]1 9 h] own t[n1 ! c\rt-room 0 cr[d$ :5 ! case ( ,lav9a ,b]son 0 call$4 ,! trial result$ 9 a mass ( evid5ce to %[ t %e 0 bad4 ,!re seem$ no o!r c\rse op5 to ! ,judge b to s5d h] to a re=matory4 ,%e _h associat$ ) ! fa/e/ boys & girls1 & ) ! mo/ lawless m5 & wom5 h] t[n _h kn[n4 ,! policeman1 giv+ evid5ce1 made x cle> t ! t[n w\ld be well rid ( h]4 ,n "o witness1 ev5 to ! girl's "m1 _h any hopeful ^w to speak4 ,9 ! face ( su* evid5ce !re seem$ only "o c\rse op54 ,:5 ! ^w re=matory rea*$ ! girl's e> %e broke into a passion ( weep+1 s t ! ,judge hesitat$ a mom5t4 ,!n !re 0 "s movem5t & :isp]+ ne> ! witness-box4 ,! ,sup]9t5d5t m5tion$ _h j\rney$ ,ea/w>d to be pres5t at ! trial1 & %e 0 n[ conf]r+ ) ! ,morality ,inspector4 ,! weep+ girl look$ appeal+ly ?r\gh h] te>s at ! "o :o _h befri5d$ h]4 ,oh1 please1 %e :isp]$1 9 a voice brok5 ) sobs1 don't let !m s5d me to t awful place4 ,x'll only make me worse2 take me ) y4 ,i'll d any?+ y tell me2 please1 oh6 please1 ,miss ,m(fatt4 ,turn+ to ! ,judge ! ,sup]9t5d5t said1 ,y\r ,hon\r1 ,i am a /rang] to y1 b z a repres5tative ( ! ,wom5's ,c\ncil ( ! ---- ,*ur* 9 ,canada may ,i say a few words8 ,! ,judge nodd$ ass5t1 & ) a he>t full ( love = ! wayw>d1 ,miss ,m(fatt made "o ( ! mo/ impassion$ appeals conceivable4 ,9 clos+1 %e said1 ,i ask y\r ,hon\r to give ?is girl into my *>ge = "o ye>4 ,9 view ( ! evid5ce giv51 may ,i be all[$ to say t %e has be5 brutally s9n$ aga9/4 ,no man :o has spok5 has ref]r$ to h] p>tn]s 9 s91 nor has any man sugge/$ t ! /rong] sex has any responsibility to be a bro!r & protector ( girls4 ,! evid5ce reveals ! fact t pl5ty ( m5 co-op]at$ 9 h] d[nfall2 app>5tly n "o made any ef=t to uplift4 ,"s ( h] betray]s are /ill c\nt$ z respectable m51 :ile %e receives all ! blame & ! %ame4 ,"o rem$y does n seem to h be5 tri$1 & 9 ! "n ( ! ,"o :o long ago said1 ',nei!r d ,i condemn !e2 g1 & s9 no m1' ,i ask y to be graci\s en\gh to all[ me to try a corrective :i* ,i believe w be m effective ?an :at has be5 sugge/$4 ,! ,judge caught ! light 9 ^? eyes1 & ) manife/ emotion address$ ! accus$3 ,lav9a1 y h f\nd a fri5d2 s long z y are true to h] y w n aga9 be call$ to appe> be=e ?is ,c\rt4 ,may ,heav5's bless+ re/ ^u su* wom5 z ! "o :o has spok5 9 y\r behalf6 ,! case is dismiss$4 ,once aga9 ,lav9a j\rney$ ,we/w>d4 ,once aga9 %e 0 on ,no4 #if1 b no long] ) betray]s4 ,by h] side 0 ! ,sup]9t5d5t ) h] sweet1 %elt]+ influ5ce4 ,& s life began aga9 = ,lav9a 9 ! ,r$emptive ,home4 ,9 view ( h] pa/ life1 x 0 wor? cross+ a cont95t to see ! gladness 9 h] eyes :5 "o day ,miss ,m(fatt put h] h& ^u h] %\ld] & said playfully1 ,lav9a is my "r-h& girl2 ,i ?9k %e'll soon be ,assi/ant ,sup]9t5d5t4 ,z "o ( ! work]s 0 pass+ along ! hallway up/airs "s mon?s lat] %e 0 arre/$ by ! s\nd ( a plead+ voice--"s "o 0 (f]+ a pray]4 ,noiselessly %e drew ne> ! room f :i* ! voice came4 ,! la/ petition 0 be+ utt]$1 ,o ,god1 please help ! o!r girls to be good l ,y help$ me1 = ,jesus' sake4 ,am54 ,! little d>k-ey$ girl 0 kneel+ by ! b$side ) arm ar\nd ! %\ld] ( a "y ,hung>ian maid5 :o _h be5 rescu$ f a life ( %ame4 ,x develop$ lat] t ^! two rescu$ ones 7 daily pray+ = o!rs :o 7 be+ %elt]$ 9 ! ,home4 ,h[ x all rem9ds "o ( t f>-away sc5e6 ,no man c\ld b9d him2 no1 n ) *a9s2 because t he _h be5 (t5 b\nd ) fett]s & *a9s1 & ! *a9s _h be5 pluck$ asund] by him1 & ! fett]s brok5 9 pieces3 nei!r c\ld any man tame him4444 ,jesus said unto him1 ,come out ( ! man1 ?\ unclean _s4 ,& ! mod]n evil _s & its rebuke is l unto t4 ,nobody c d any?+ ) h]2 ,i've got ?is rope to b9d ! little devil )4 ,& !n ?is3 ,o ,god1 please help ! o!r girls to be good l ,y help$ me1 = ,jesus' sake4 ,am54 ,on ! heels ( ! failure ( all o!rs ,jesus comes & reveals ,himself to-day1 z ( old1 z ! ma/] ( demons4 ,:at ! future days hold = ,lav9a ,b]son we "k n1 b ! height ( h] ambition to-day is t %e be accept$ = tra9+1 s t "s day %e may "w among ^? ( ! class to :i* %e once belong$4 ,,nell',s ,,home-,,go+ ,/4 ,&rew's ,*ur* 0 los+ its respectability4 ,x 0 "o ( ! olde/ 9 ! ,prov9ce1 & ! t[n 9 :i* x 0 situat$ _h = "s ye>s prid$ itself 9 be+ a ,society t[n4 ,! select few :o _h = s long be5 undi/urb$ by ! common p 7 hav+ to endure ! pres5ce1 9 ne>-by pews1 ( "s :o _h no entrance into ! be/ social circles--& ! %ock+ "p ( x 0 t ! new m9i/]1 :o 0 report$ to h come f "o ( ! be/ families 9 ,montreal1 r glori$ 9 ?is condition ( affairs4 ,two families _h already )drawn f ! memb]%ip ( ,/4 ,&rew's--two ( ! weal?ie/ & gaye/--& t )9 six mon?s ( ! m9i/]'s induction4 ,! )drawal ( ! ,f>sees & ,%unums happ5$ on ?is wise4 ,a few ,sabba? ev5+s previ\s to ! int]view t ,mrs4 ,f>see _h _h ) ! m9i/]1 a "y woman ( unsavory reputation _h d>$ to ent] ,/4 ,&rew's4 ,p]haps ! m9i/] 0 n aw>e ( :at he did1 b !re 0 no d5y+ ! fact t he %ook h&s ) ! said "y woman1 & hop$ %e w\ld always feel welcome at ,/4 ,&rew's4 ,aft] see+1 ) h] own eyes1 a second & a ?ird visit1 & a second & a ?ird welcome1 ,mrs4 ,f>see1 ) ! moral back+ ( ,mrs4 ,%unum1 _h h] n[ mu*-talk$-( int]view ) ! ,rev4 ,?omas ,fe>non4 ,mr4 ,fe>non1 %e comm5c$ 9 an agitat$ tone1 !re is a matt] t s greatly affects our *ur* t1 al?\gh x is r a delicate subject1 ,i felt ,i mu/ be frank en\gh to speak ) y ab\t x4 ,d y "k--b ( c\rse y don't "k--! "* ( ! "y woman :o has be5 sitt+ 9 ,mrs4 ,grea!>t's seat = ! pa/ ?ree ,sunday ev5+s1 & to :om y h giv5 ?ree di/9ct welcomes to ,/4 ,&rew's8 ,yes1 0 ! reply1 ,i ?9k ,i "k some?+ ( h] "* & pa/1 & x is v sad4 ,b1 ,mr4 ,fe>non1 exclaim$ ,mrs4 ,f>see1 y surely _c sanction h] att5dance at our *ur*6 ,:at w p say8 ,mrs4 ,f>see1 0 ! quiet rejo9d]1 ,i wond] :at my ,ma/] w\ld say if ,i did n sanction ! pres5ce ( any = :om ,he di$4 ,= :om are our s]vices1 if n = ! s9ful8 ,yes1 b1 ,mr4 ,fe>non1 t k9d ( p]son %\ld g to "s o!r place--= in/ance1 !re's ! ,salvation ,army4 ,?ank ,god !re is ! ,salvation ,army1 b s long z ,?omas ,fe>non is pa/or ( ?is *ur*1 yond] doors %all nev] be too n>r[ to admit ! s9-burd5$4 ,?omas ,fe>non's voice ?rill$ ) emotion z he utt]$ ^! words4 ,well1 ,i suppose x's no use say+ any?+ m1 said ,mrs4 ,f>see ) an injur$ air1 b x's h>d to he> p sne] at "o's *ur*1 & twice lately ,i've he>d p--& prom95t society p too--say t our *ur* 0 gett+ to be a ',h\se ( ,refuge1' & ,i tell y t k9d ( ?+ goes h>d ) p :o h tak5 ! pride we h 9 ,/4 ,&rew's ,*ur*4 ,to me1 said ,mr4 ,fe>non1 t report is enc\rag+1 & ,i covet t int5d$ sne] z a p]man5t tribute to any *ur* ( :i* ,i may be pa/or--a ,h\se ( ,refuge is :at ,i want ,/4 ,&rew's to be4 ,surely ! "y woman y h nam$ ne$s a place ( refuge8 ,!n ,i und]/& y w /ill all[ h] to att5d our *ur*1 despite ! wi%es ( two ( ! mo/ loyal & be/-giv+ families y h1 ,mr4 ,fe>non8 ,mrs4 ,f>see plac$ an unmi/akable emphasis on be/ giv+4 ,y\r und]/&+ is q correct1 ,mrs4 ,f>see1 & if ev] ,/4 ,&rew's ,*ur* closes its doors on any man or woman1 9 l circum/ances to ! "o y ref] to1 ,i c>e n h[ s9worn & wret*$1 x closes !m at ! same "t on ,?omas ,fe>non--we g out toge!r4 ,if t is y\r decision1 repli$ ,mrs4 ,f>see haughtily1 please remove ! names ( ,mr4 & ,mrs4 ,m4 ,t4 ,f>see & ,miss ,lucy ,f>see f ! memb]%ip roll1 & ,i am also au?oriz$ by ,mrs4 ,%unum to tell y t all ! ,%unums )draw f ! *ur* = ! same reason4 ,?omas ,fe>non retir$ t night sad at he>t--n t ! loss ( ^! two families f ! memb]%ip roll gave him mu* conc]n1 = to tell ! tru? he 0 m conc]n$ to "k h[ !y ev] came to be put on ! roll1 b he 0 conc]n$ to f9d t k9d ( _s among ! memb]%ip ( ! congregation to :i* he _h come ) su* high hopes1 fre% f college4 ,s f> z los+ memb]s 0 conc]n$1 he rem9d$ himself t1 9 ,god's ari?metic1 subtraction (t5 produc$ an increase4 ,p]haps ( 8 congregation ! words ( ,scripture 7 true1 ,! p are yet too _m4 ,nev]!less1 ! (f5d$ families ne$$ ,8 ,savi\r & ! m9i/ry ( ! *ur* z mu* z1 p]haps m1 ?an ! poor creature ^: v pres5ce !y ?\ght defil$ _! h]et(ore select congregation4 ,! foll[+ ,sabba? morn+ ! text 0 ,luke xix4 #aj1 ,= ! ,son ( ,man is come to seek & to save t :i* 0 lo/4 ,^? :o _h att5d$ ,mrs4 ,f>see's aft]noon bridge on ! prec$+ ,?ursday knew t ! s]mon 0 ! outgr[? ( ! int]view4 ,none ( !m us$ _! fav\rite adjective lovely ( ,?omas ,fe>non's s]mon t morn+2 ! mission ( ! ,ma/] & ! consequ5t mission ( ,8 *ur* 0 pres5t$ ) a cle>ness & an e>ne/ness t made n a few decid$ly uncom=table4 ,i *>ge y1 my fell[ work]s1 he plead$1 nev] to deg5]ate into dilettante *ur* p>l\r trifl]s1 b /rike out = ,god 9 h>d "w to recov] ! lo/4 ,!re are ^? ^: life's roses are turn$ to a%es1 ^? :o h almo/ =gott5 h[ to smile1 ^? f ^: he>ts all music has fl$4 ,:at an incomp>able joy to tell !m (1 & seek to lead !m to1 ! ,"o :o ) div9e delicacy said1 ',nei!r d ,i condemn !e2 g1 & s9 no m4' ,t welcom+ ,savi\r w\ld speak ?r\gh u to ^? :om too (t5 we1 pr(ess$ly ,8 foll[]s1 w\ld ca/ out4 ,if e individual 9 ?is _w treat$ ! fall5 z y d1 my fri5d1 w\ld x be easy or h>d = t "o to get into ! ,k+dom ( ,god8 ,:]e %all ! w&]]s be welcome if n 9 ! ,fa!r's ,h\se8 ,:]e %all ^? :om ,he creat$ & = :om ,he di$ f9d fri5d%ip & help1 if n 9 t company ( wor%ipp]s :o cry ',our ,fa!r'8 ,to n a few ! message ( t morn+ seem$ int5sely p]sonal4 ,9 t inn] judgm5t hall1 :]e ! prison] & ! judge are "o1 "s v]dicts 7 arriv$ at1 & ! v]dicts 7 guilty4 ,if e individual 9 ?is _w treat$ ! fall5 z y d1 w\ld x be easy or h>d = t "o to get into ! ,k+dom ( ,god8 ,?omas ,fe>non _h ask$ t "q ) an int5sity ( feel+ t reveal$ itself 9 ! :isp]$ words1 & t produc$ a pr(\nd sil5ce ?r\gh\t ! sanctu>y4 ,& x 0 n 9 va9 t he _h put 8 be/ into pray] & prep>ation = t morn+'s message4 ,at lea/ "o 9 ! congregation ask$ to be =giv5 = pass+ by1 l prie/ & ,levite1 ne$y ones to :om !re %\ld & c\ld h be5 a m9i/ry ( m]cy4 ,jessie ,bu*anan saw ! vision spl5did t morn+1 & no long] c\ld %e be satisfi$ ) h] life ( elegant ease4 ,f t v h\r h] life & all ! trapp+s ( life 7 promis$ fully to h] rightful ,"l--no long] w\ld %e hope to h ,him z ,savi\r b reject ,him z ,"l4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a peaceful ,sabba? day's s]vices _h clos$1 & 9 ! quiet ( h] beautiful & cosy little d5 ,jessie ,bu*anan sat talk+ to a fri5d be=e ! flick]+ emb]s 9 ! fireplace4 ,?ree mon?s _h pass$ away s9ce ,?omas ,fe>non's s]mon on ,luke xix4 #aj3 ?ree mon?s ( sometimes p]plex+ b always joy\s s]vice to ,jessie ,bu*anan4 ,already sev]al lives _h be5 gladd5$ & help$ by ! radiat+ influ5ce ( h] consecrat$ life4 ,! ,bu*anan home on ! hillcre/ _h gladly op5$ its doors dur+ ^! ?ree mon?s to "s :o _h nev] expect$ to cross its ?re%old4 ,& s to-night1 = ! ?ird "t1 ! "y woman :o _h unkn[+ly caus$ ! dep>ture ( two families f ,/4 ,&rew's ,*ur*1 sat 9 ! fire-light ) h] new-f\nd fri5d4 ,wisely & uno/5tati\sly ,jessie ,bu*anan _h made h] acqua9tance1 & _! meet+s _h be5 inv>iably away f ! public eye4 ,b into ! brok5 life 0 com+ ! conqu]+ p[] ( an unselfi% love4 ,to-night1 z ! flames dim9i%$1 ! "y woman unfold$ a little ( h] life4 ,please don't hate me = x--,i _h to tell "s "o4 ,oh6 if only "s "o l y _h help$ me :5 ,i fir/ w5t to ! city2 b x 0 my own fault4 ,/ill1 if y d wrong1 !re seem s _m m to help y to keep on 9 ! same way ?an !re are to help y back4 ,= "s m9utes %e talk$ on1 & !n ,jessie ,bu*anan mov$ h] *air a little clos] & laid a h& sympa!tically ^u ! girl's %\ld]4 ,y ?9k my "n is ,flossie1 don't y1 ,miss ,bu*anan8 ! girl ask$ sl[ly4 ,well1 x isn't4 ,nobody "h kn[s ei!r ( my "r names1 b ,i'm go+ to tell y3 my "r "n is ,nellie ,gill>d2 & ,miss ,bu*anan1 ,i want to be good aga91 & maybe get back home soon--only1 ,i am afraid1 = ,i hav5't ev5 writt5 = ne>ly a ye>4 ,te>s 7 wip$ away z ! memory ( ! old home 0 reviv$ 9 ! light ( new desires4 99 99 99 99 99 ,ano!r week 0 ne>+ its close1 & ,jessie ,bu*anan 0 z usual mak+ h] plans = a hospitable ,sunday4 ,glanc+ d[n ! driveway1 %e 0 surpris$ to see ,nellie ,gill>d approa*+ ! h\se4 ,?is 0 ! fir/ daylight visit ,nellie _h made1 & ,saturday morn+ 0 s unusual a "t t ,jessie ,bu*anan 0 at ! door be=e ! bell-h&le c\ld be pull$4 ,a cordial greet+ & ,nellie 0 accompani$ to ! n[ famili> d54 ,z ! door clos$ ! visitor at once made kn[n ! purpose ( h] visit4 ,miss ,bu*anan1 ,i'd l to g home1 b ,i _c--,i d>e n g alone4 ,oh6 ,i'm s glad y h decid$4 ,h[ soon d y wi% to g1 de>8 ,jessie ,bu*anan's voice & face reveal$ h] joy & ?ankfulness4 ,i'd l to g "r away 0 ! reply4 ,)9 a few h\rs ,nellie & h] new-f\nd fri5d 7 on _! way to ! railway /ation4 ,! local 0 ne>ly ?ree h\rs late :5 almo/ at midnight x pull$ into a little flag /ation 9 ,nor?-,we/]n ,ont>io4 ,x 0 ov] two miles to ! ,gill>ds' home1 & ,jessie ,bu*anan sugge/$ ! desirability ( gett+ ! /ation ag5t to assi/ !m 9 procur+ a vehicle & driv]4 ,! night 0 cle> & bright1 & ,nellie urg$ t if x 0 n too tir+ = h] companion %e w\ld mu* r walk4 ,i "k e /ep ( ! way1 &--&--well y are ! only "o ,i want ) me j n[4 ,9 ! moonlight ( t e>ly ,octob] night two "y wom5 might h be5 se5 walk+ along ! fif? concession4 ,at a turn ( ! road ,nellie po9t$ to a little build+3 ,!re is ! s*oolh\se ,i att5d$4 ,:5 a *ur* spire /ood out cle> aga9/ ! sky1 !re 0 a sob 9 ! voice1 ,i us$ to tea* 9 t ,sunday ,s*ool & s+ 9 ! *oir4 ,! gate ( ! old home/ead 0 rea*$ at la/4 ,! w&]]'s h& clung = a mom5t to ! top rail & ! head re/$ on h] =e>m4 ,i wond]--,i wond] if ,fa!r w let me 92 ,i don't des]ve x1 b ,i believe he w4 ,& %e 0 n mi/ak54 ,at ! side ( ! old r\ghca/ dwell+1 two b$room w9d[s _h be5 rais$ a few in*es4 ,b5ea? ^! ! only daught] ( ! home call$ out 9 a trembl+ voice1 ,fa!r4 ,!re 0 no response4 ,c\ld any?+ h happ5$8 ,a second "t on ! sil5t night ! voice anxi\sly utt]$ ! same ^w4 ,imm$iately !reaft] !y he>d a movem5t & a man's head appe>$ at ! w9d[4 ,fa!r6 x's ,nell3 ,i want to be y\r ,nell aga94 ,w y let me come home8 ,let y come home8 ,y bet ,i w1 ,nell--y bet ,i w4 ,! la/ words 7 re-utt]$ aft] ! head _h disappe>$4 ,! only o!r words !y he>d 71 ,ma6 ,ma6 utt]$ 9 a voice trembl+ ) joy4 ,no p5 c adequately describe t home-com+4 ,jessie ,bu*anan 0 =gott5 = ! mom5t1 b z %e saw ! daught]'s head re/+ fir/ on fa!r's & !n on "m's %\ld]1 & he>d ! old man say aga9 & aga91 ,my ,nell3 oh6 my ,nell1 h] cup ( joy 0 full4 ,x 0 n :at "o c\ld call a pray+ home1 b on t e>ly ,sabba? morn+ f\r p knelt 9 ! little sitt+-room1 & ,jessie ,bu*anan's fir/ audible pray] 0 (f]$ 9 ?anksgiv+ = ! home-com+ ( ! w&]]4 ,& to-day1 9 ! little *ur* 9 ! grove1 "o ( ! regul> wor%ipp]s is ,nellie ,gill>d4