The record-union., 1898-10-30

breathing the strange odor of the light n
ming, and hearing the horse gather h, n
self after a moment of stupor and rush
away through q darkness into which
the overthrown torches sent no light
The tree was shattered.
AT last the rain gushed down; the
people who had fallen began raising
themselves to their elbows. and those
who had been less stunned went about
among the others, sheltering burning
matches between their hands and bend
ing anxiously over still, white faces
which showed no sign of life.
Bother Millikin was the last to omen
his eyes. His lips moved, but only a
whisper came from them. He tried
again. struggling to a sitting posture
in alarm. Still he could not speak. and
a look Of awed comprehension came into
his face. He lifted a shaking hand.
pointing high into the darkness, and
then let it fall upon his lips. The
shocked faces of his people bent close
above him.
Il can never preach again" he whis-
pered; sob shook him, and he closed
his eyes.
Wiley Sides pressed up to the minis
thy. STOPPING down, he put a hand on
Brother Millikin's arm. Say" he be-
gan, Il can yell a heap louder'n you
uns ever could. an I'd been yellin' un-
der this tree long before you-uns ever
started. You can JUS speak low in my
ear what you wanter say. an I'll bet l
can make it heard"
1t was a sincere offer, made in all
confidence and kindliness of heart
Brother Millikin recoiled at first. and
some one was about to pull Wiley out
of the way. when the minister leaned
toward him and whispered sharply il
his ear: Repent
Wiley drew back as if shot, and rhen
a foolish smile spread over his face.
He did not dare 70 meet the ridicuIe of
refusing to listen to Brother Millikin
when he had invited him to speak
That's a good beginnn'." he said COM
placently; shall j say that out, er do
you wanter tell me some mo-. sc'st 1
can git 1t all off at onct?"
Brother Millikin beckoned him near
er; the people gathered. watching their
faces. Brother Millikin's eyes shone
with an intense fervor, and he seemed
to be breathing his very soul into
Wiley's ear. but Wiley's big face was
blank, except for the smile that lurked
around his half opened mouth. After
while the smile vanished. and a
frightened look came in its place This
was the first time he had listened to a
sermon.
Swiftly as the rain rushed down out
OF the black sky. the holy warnings and
promises poured in Wileys conscious
ness until a thrill of fear went through
him; he forgot the people who were
watching him, and felt himself alone
with Brother Millikin's insistent whis-
perfng and the awful God of night and
storm He was as frightened as a child
In the dark, and all his terror broke
out IN groan.
Then Brother Millikin's face changed
to tenderness, and he whispered OF
hope and pity, and of the open door
through which all who lay their sins
aside may pass. He told of the un-
changing love that forgives more than
seventy times seven. and of the Joy of
hearts at peace with God.
One by one the people who could hear
nothing and see little had slipped away.
but those who were still watching saw
Wiley's expression change as if it were
rejecting the light in Brother Millikin's
eyes. 1t would have been hard to tell
how much the big man understood. and
how much he had become the tool -
Brother Millikins fervor, but no one
questioned his entrance into grace
The wind rustled through the leaves
and branches of the shattered tree. and
people felt their hearts stirring in an
swer to the look upon the two pale
faces in the center of the light At last
Brother Millikin rose TREMENDOUSLY and
stretched out his hands calling the at
tention of those near by He bowed his
head and his lips moved, but only
Wiley could catch the sound of his
words.
Say it aloud to them for me-" whis-
pered Brother Millikin to him.
II don't want to-" Wiley stam-
mered
You must" Brother Millikin said
Wiley Strengthened himself and bowed
his head, and his voice rolled out into
wind and rain. The great words
seemed to resound against the glisten-
ing curtain of raindrops and then to
spread en- into the vast black night.
And now may the blessing of the
Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost be with us all. for evermore.
Amen. Mary Tracy Earle, in Wash
ington Saturday Evening Post
Half the sorrows of women would be
averted if they could repress the
speech they know to be useless-nay,
the speech they have resolved not to