Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-12-02

This here church is open. Ercuse me-"
up the cracks that wrinkled their hard
faces. they seemed 10 smile. as IL the
Christmas JOY had somehow moved
something in their old. stony hearts.
The people were all there-farmers.
rauchers. cowboys. wives and children
all happy. all proud OF their new
church. ami now all expectant. waiting
for the Pilot and the Old Timer. who
were to drive down il the Pilot was lit
and were TO bring Gwen II the day was
fine. As the time passed on Bill. as
master Of ceremonies began 20 grow
uneasy Then Indian Joe appeared
and handed a note TO Bill. He read If.
grew gray in the face and passed il 20
me. Looking. l saw i'm poor. watering
lines the words:
Dear Bill-Go on with the openinr Sing
the psalm-you know the ono-and say a
prayer. and. oh. come 90 mo quick. Bm
YOUR PILOT.
Bill gradually pulled himself 10.
gether, announced in strange voice.
The Pilot can't come" handed M. the
| psalm and said:
Make them sing"
1t was that grand psalm for all hill
/ peoples, Il 10 the hills Will lift mine
eyes, and with wondering faces they
sang the strong. Steadying words.
After the psalm was over the people
sat and waited. Bill looked at the
Hon Fred Ashley, then at Robbie
Muir, then said TO me in low voice:
Kin you make prayer"
l shook my head. ashamed, as did
so. OF my cowardice.
Again Bill paused. then said:
The Pilot says there's got TO be a
prayer Kin any one make onef"
Again dead, solemn silence.
Then HI, who was near the back.
said, coming 70 his partners help:
What's the matter with you trying.
yourself. BnlT'
The red began 10 come up in Bills
white face
'Tain't in my line. but the Pilot
says there's got 10 be a prayer. and
I'm going To stay with the game"
Then, leaning on the pulpit. he said:
Let's pray" and began:
God Almighty, l amt no good at
this, and perhaps you'n understand II
1 don't put things right" Then a
pause followed, during which l heard
some of the women beginning 10 sob.
What l want 10 say" Bill went on.
lis We're mighty glad about this
church, which we know it's YOU and
the Pilot that's worked H. And were
all glad 10 chip in"
Then again he paused. and. looking
up. / 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
ike TO have him stay. In fact, don't
see how we kin do without him. Look
at all the boys here. He's Just get
ting his work in and is bringing 'em
right along, and. God Almighty. II
you take him away II might be a good
thing for himself. but for us-O God"
The voice Quivered and was silent.
Amen
Then some one. ! think IL must have
been the Lady Charlotte. began Our
Father" and all Joined that could Join
10 the end. For Il few moments Bill
stood up, looking at them silently
Then. as II remembering his duty, he
said:
This here church is open. Excuse
me-"
He stood at the door. gave a word Of
direction 10 Hi, who had followed him
ou;. and leaping on his bronco shook
him out into 4 hard gallop.
The Swan Creek church was opened
The form OF service may not have been
correct. but II great love counts fer
anything, and appealing faith. then all
that was necessary was done.
CHAPTER NNIII.
THE PILoT's LAST PORT.
mNN the old times funeral was
III regarded in the Swan Creek
ISsS<SS country aS a kind OF solemn
S=exsJ festivity. In those days. for
the most part. men died in their boots
and were planted with much honor
and loyal libatiOn. There was often
neither shroud nor coffin. and in the
far west many n poor fellow lies aS he