The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1902-10-08

ped on their knees; Sandy; the Camp
bells and some others stood up. Old
man Nelson held his eyes steadily on
the minister.
Only once before had l seen that look
on human face. 4 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 that same look. I used to wake
up for many q night after in a sweat
Of horror, seeing the white face with
it's parting lips and its piteous, dumb
appeal and the black water slowly
sucking it 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
man with his last chance before him.
After the prayer Mr.. Craig invited
the men to Christmas dinner next
day in Black Rock. "And because you
are an Independent lot We'll charge you
half q dollar for dinner and the even
ing show" Then, leaving a bundle Of
magazines and illustrated papers on
the table, q godsend to the men, he
said goodby and went out
was to so with the minister, so 1
jumped into the sleigh first and waited
while he said goodby to Graeme, who
had been hard hit by the whole serV-
ice and seemed to want to say some
thing. I heard Mr.. Craig say cheerful
" and confidently: 'It's 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, I know. III 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 be reached the hill.
STEADY, you idiot"
This was to Dandy, who had taken
a sudden side spring into the deep
snow, almost upsetting US. A man
stepped. out from the shadow. It was
old man Nelson. He came straight to
the sleigh and, ignoring my presence
completely. said:
"31r. Craig. are you dead sure Of
this? Will it work?"
"Do you mean," said Craig, taking
him up promptly, "can Jesus Christ
save you from your sins and make
man Of you"
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"
"To me? To me? said the old man
eagerly.
y Listen. This, too, is his word: Him
that cometh unto me will in nowise
cast OUT That's for you, for here you
are coming"
'You don't know me, Mr.. Craig.
left my baby fifteen years ago be-
cause
."Stopw said the minister. Don't
tell meat least not tonight, perhaps
never. Tell him who knows it all now
and who never betrays secret. Have
it cut with him. Don't be afraid to
trust him."
Nelson looked at him, with his face
quivering, and said in a husky voice:
"If this is no good, it's hell for me-"
"If it's no good" replied Craig, al
most sternly, its hell for all Of u.s."
The old man Strengthened himself up,
looked up at the stars, then back at
Mr.. Craig, then at me and, drawing a
deep breath, said:
"I'll 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 I looked
back and saw what brought 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
I 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.