The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1903-02-11

ohOA oOSN SNh0hOVtONs
T1HD CLEAN Of the great fire
Il through the windows of the
hFaSSFS1 great camp gave q kindly
E welcome as we drove into
the clearing in which the shanties
stood. Graeme was greatly touched
at his enthusiastic welcome by the
men. At the supper table he made a
little speech Of thanks for their faith
fulness during his absence, specially
commencing the care and efficiency
OF Mr.. Nelson, who had had charge of
the camp. The men cheered wildly,
Baptiste's shrili voice leading all. Mel.
son, being called upon, expressed In a
few words bis pleasure at seeing the
boss back and thanked the men for
their support while he had been in
charge.
The men were for making q night
OF 1t; but, fearing the effect upon
Graeme, I spoke to Nelson, who pass
ed the word, and in a short time
the camp was quiet. AS we saun-
tered from the grub camp to the Office,
where was our bed, we paused to take
in the beauty of the night. The moon
tOhO hsBh ONSl III UcuhS VI thC ulOuu-
tains, flooding the narrow valley with
mellow light. Under her magic the
rugged peaks softened their harsh lines
and seemed to lean lovingly toward us.
The dark pine masses stood silent, as
in breathless alteration. The dazzling
now lay like a garment over all the
open spaces In soft, waving folds and
crowded every stump with n quantity
shaped nightcap. Above the camps the
smoke curled up from the campfres,
standing like pillars of cloud that kept
watch while men slept, and high over
all the deep blue night sky, with its
star jewels, sprang like the roof Of a
great cathedral from range to range,
covering us in its kindly shelter. How
homelike and safe seemed the valley,
with its mountain sides, it's sentinel
trees and arching roof Of jeweled skyl
Even the night seemed kindly, and
friendly the stars. and the lone cry Of
the wolf from the deep forest seemed
like the voice Of a comrade.
How beautiful Toe beautiful said
Graeme, stretching out his arms. "a
night like this takes the heart out of
me-"
stood silent, drinking in Mt every
sense the night, with its wealth Of
loneliness.
What is 1t 1 wantT he went on.
"Why does the night make my heart
ache? There are things to see and
things to hear just beyond me. Lean
not get to them"
The gay. careless look was gone from
his face. His dark eyes were wistful
with y~earning.
II often wonder IL life has nothing
better for me-" he continued with his
heartache voice.
said no word, but put my arm with
in his. A light appeared In the stable.
Glad Of O diversion, 1 said:
"What is the light? Let us go and
see."
SANDY, taking a last look at his
team, like enough"
We walked slowly toward the, stable,
speaking no word. AS we neafed the
door we heard the sound Of n voice in
the monotone Of one reading. I stepped
forward and looked through a chink be-
tween the logs. Graeme was about to
open the door, but l held up my hand
and beckoned him to me. In n vacant
stall, where was q pile of straw, q
number of men were grouped. Sandy,
leaning against the tying post, upon
which the stable lantern hung, was
reading; Nelson was kneeling in front
Of him and gazing into the gloom be-
yond; Baptiste lay upon his stomach,
his chin in his hands and his upturned
eyes fastened upon Sandy's face;
Lachlan Campbell sat with his hands
clasped about his knees, and two other
men sat near him. Sandy was reading
the undying story of the prodigal, Mel
son now and then stopping him to
make q remark. 1t was q scene I have
never been able to forget. Today I
pause in my tale and see it as clearly
as when / looked through the chink
upon 1t years ago-the long, low stable,
with log walls and upright hitching
poles; the dim outlines of the horses in
the gloom of the background and the
little group OF rough, almost savage
looking, men. with faces wondering
and reyerent, lighted by the misty light
Of the stable lantern.
After the reading Sandy handed the
book to Nelson, who put 1t in his pock-
ct, saying:
That's for u.s., boys, amt itr'
AYE" said Lachlan. "It is often
that has been read In my hearing, but
I am afraid 1t will not be for me what
ever" And he swayed himself slightly
as he spoke, and his voice was full Of
pain.
1.-THE minister said I might come"
said old Nelson earnestly and hope
fully.
AYE, but you are not Lachlan Camp
bell, and you have not had his privi-
.lsges. My father was a godly elder in
the Free Church of Scotland, and new
err a night or morning but we took the
books"
Eyes, but bo said amy man," per-
sisted Nelson, putting his hand on
Lachlan's knee, but Lachlan shook his
head.
"Dat young %feller," said Baptiste-
''.wha's bees mem. hehf"
HE has no name. 1t is just a para
BILE" explained Sandy.
Hes got no nem2 He's just a par
omb!ef Das no young fellerT asked
Baptiete anxiously. "Das mean not
ingr'
Then Nelson took him In hand and
explained to him the meaning, while
Baptiste listened even more eagerly,
calculating softly: "Ah, yollai Ronl