The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1902-12-31

Only once before had 1 seen that look
on a human face. A young fellow had
broken through the ice on the river at
home, and as the black water was
dragging his fingers one by one from
the slippery edges there came over his
face hat same look. 1 used to wake
up for many a night after in a sweat
of. horror. seeing the white face with
it's parting lips and it's piteous, dumb
appeal and the black water slowly
sucking 1t down.
Nelson's face brought it all back, but
during the prayer the face changed
and seemed to settle into resolve Of
some sort, stern, almost gloomy, as Of
a man with his last chance before him.
After the prayer Mr.. Craig invited
the men to a Christmas dinner next
day in Black Rock. "And because you
are an independent lot well charge you
half G dollar for dinner and the even
ing show" Then, leaving q bundle Of
magazines and illustrated papers on
the table, q godsend to the men, he
said goodby and went out.
i was to go with the minister, 80 I
Jumped into the sleigh first and waited
while he said goodby to Graeme, who
had been hard hit by the whole serv-
thing. 1 heard Mr.. Craig say cheerful
ly and confidently: cts a true bill.
Try him."
Sandy, who had been steadying Dan
dy while that interesting broncho was
attempting with great success to bal
ance himself on his hind legs, came to
say goodby.
"Come and see me first thing, Sandy"
"Aye, 1 know. I'll see you, Mr..
Craig" said Sandy earnestly as Dandy
dashed Off at a full gallop across the
clearing and over the bridge, steadying
down when he reached the hill.
STEADY, you idiotP'
This was to Dandy, who had taken
n sudden side spring into the deep
snow, almost upsetting us. A man
stepped out from the shadow. 1t was
old man Nelson. BE came straight to
the sleigh and, ignoring my presence
completely, said:
"Mr. Craig, are you dead sure Of
this? Will 1t work."
do you mean." said Craig, taking
him up promptly, "can Jesus Christ
save you from your sins and make a
man Of your
The old man nodded, keeping his
hungry eyes ON the others face.
well, here's his message to you:
The Son Of Man is come to seek and to
save that which is LOST"
ITO mef To mef" said the old nan
eagerly.
Listen. This, too, is his word: Him
that cometh unto me I will in nowise
cast out That's for you, for here you
are, coming"
you don't know me, Mr.. Craig. I
left my baby fifteen years ago be-
cause
"Stop!" said the minister. Don't
tell meat least not tonight, perhaps
never. Tell him who knows 1t all now
and who never betrays a secret. Have
1t out with him. Don't be afraid to
trust him."
Nelson looked at him, with his face
quiyering, and said in n husky voice:
"If this Is no good, it's hell for me-"
"If it's no good" replied Craig, al
most sternly, ats hell for all of u.s."
The old man Strengthened himself up,
oohSh tp At IL StuIS, tncI DtCk Ut
MI. Craig, then at me and, drawing a
deep breath, said:
"Ill try him."
AS he was turning away the minister
touched him on the arm and said quiet
ly:
keep an eye on Sandy tomorrow"
Nelson nodded, and we went on, but
before we took the next turn 1 looked
back and saw what brought n lump in
to my throat. 1t was old man Nelson
on his knees In the snow, with his
hands spread upward to the stars, and
L wondered If there was any one above
the stars and nearer than the stars
who could see. And then the trees hid
him from my sight.
tTo DE Continued