Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-11-26

to Gwen. forbidding him TO return till
the church was finished, and visiting
him twice week The love bctWccn
the two was most beautiful, and when
ind my heart grow hard and unbe-
lieving In men and things ! let my
mind wander back 10 scene that !
came upon in front Of Owens house
These two were standing alone III the
clear moonlight. Fill with his hand
upon the Pilots shoulder and the Pilot
with his arm around Bills neck
"Dear old Bill" the Pilot was say
ing, dear old Bill and the voice was
breaking into sob. And Bill stand
ing stiff and straight. looked mp ct the
stars. coughcd and swallowed hnrd
for some moments, and said in a queer,
Croaky voice:
would blow up"
'Chinookf" laughed the Pilot. with
catch in his voice. You dear old
humbug." And he stood watching till
the lnnk form swayed down into the
canyon.
The day Of the church opening came,
MS all days. however long waited for,
will come, Il bright. beautiful Christ
mas day. The air was still and full OF
frosty light. as if arreS ed by a voice Of
command, waiting the word TO move.
The hills lay under their dazzling Gov
orlrtS asleep. Sack of all the great
peaks lifted their majestic heads out
of the dark forests and gaz"d with
calm. steadfast faces upon the white,
sunit world. Today, as the light filled
up tho cracks that wrinllcd their hard
aces. they seemed to smile. as if the
Christmas Joy had somehow moved
something I'm their old. stony hearts.
The people ware all there farmers.
ranchcrs. cowboys. wives and children
all happy. all proud Of their now
church. and now MI eXpectant, waiting
for the Pilot and the Cid Timer, who
were to drive down if the Pilot was fit
and We're to bring Gwen if the day was
fine. A. the time passed on Bill, as
master Of ceremonies. began to grow
uneasy. Ihcu Indian Joe appeared
and handed note to Bill. lie read il,
grew gray in the face and passed it to
me. Looking, saw in poor, wavcring
lines the words
the PISA 1-you know the one-and say a
prayer and. oh, come to rae quick. Bin.
YOUR PILOT.
Pill gradually pulled himself to-
gcthcr. announced in n strange voice,
The Pilot can't come" handed me the
psalm and said:
Make thcm sing"
1t WAS that grand psalm for all hill
peoples, Il 10 the hills will lift mine
eyes" and with wondering faces they
SANG thc strong. stcadving words.
After the psalm was over the people
sat and waited Bill looked al the
lion. Fred Ashley, then at Robbie
M!ir. then said 10 me in low voice:
kin you make Il prayer"
| shook my head. ashamed, as | did
so, of my cowardice.
Again Bill paused. then said:
THE Pilot says there's got 10 be a
PRAYER Kin any one make onp?"
Again dead. solemn silence.
Then Hi, who was near the back
said. coming 10 his partners hrlp:
WHAT'S the matter with YOU trying,
Yourself. Bil?"
The red began to come ND in Bilrs
white face.
faint in nv line, but the Pilot
SAYS there's got 10 he a prayer, and
I'm going TO STAY with the game"
Then. leaning on the pulpit. be said:
Lets pray" and began:
God Almighty. amt no good Mt
this. and Derhaps you'll understand if
| don't put things right" Then 81
some OF the women beginning to sob.
What | want to say" Bill went on.
ia we're mighty glad about this
church. which We know it's YOU and
the Pilot that's worked it.. And were
all glad to chip in"
Then again he paused, and, looking
M, | saw his hard. gray face working
and two tears stealing down his
cheeks. Then he started again:
"But about The Pilot don't want TO
persoom but if you don't mind we'd
like TO have him stay. In fact, don't
see no" we KIN 90 without nm. LOOK
NJ an inc boys mere, i' just He|-
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