Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-14

all sorts of personal remarks ABOUT tue
In no way disconnected by their remarks,
as soon as the song was finished she kneit
with her followers and offered up an ear
nest prayer for those who were SCORING at
her. The leader then began to exhort
them.
Come an follow Jesus. an you'll never
know WEAKNESS again. Oh, know. my
friends, l know, for / was the worst ana
weariest of sinners.
''Oh, if any one is tired of wickedness an
wants to find rest an live for Jesus lie;
stands ready to receive you an. heal your
Souls. Come [ say; come and He will re-
ceive you" The drum sounded and the III
tie army marched away.
A few stragglers, mostly children, .oi-
lowed them, but among the men was re-
markably handsome young man, whose I'M
steady footsteps indicated that ne Was IN
toxicated
Hi. there, Jimmy; see de SWELL. pipe "a
an urchin to his companion, and pointed TO
Bernard Leman-for 1t was he.
Swell, nothin'!' returned Jimmy, scorn-
fully. Look at de shoes an de pants on
de bloke. He's no swel1!'
Sure enough Demands trousers were
frayed and threadbare, and his toes were
peeping through his torn shoes His Jour
ney westward had been made under many
difficulties Part of the distance he had
travelled by rail, and part on his wheel, PICK
ing up living as he could by the waysi1e.
But he had several accomplishments by
which he had been able to turn penny ~
and before he reached the city, ne nao
been a traveller in sleeping car, picy-
cler and a tramp. In one town, nndins
himself without penny, he had dressed IN
a bear-skin and danced at the end of
rope held by a confederate. lie was sue
cessful in deceiving the women ana cnli-
dren who followed them about the streets
all day. and the two soon Iouna themselves
with their pockets full of pennies. -
When they attempted to carry out the
same program in the evening, after Watch-
ing them some time, an onlooker Grew re-
yolyer and declared his intention OF snoot-
ing the bear. Then Bernard and his COM
panion took to their heels in truly human
fashion, amid the laughter OF the oystano-
ers Aided by his wits, he had SUCCEEDED IN
establishing himself in a hotel in the city
and there he met companions from Whom
he learned to drink, for with all ms Iauils
hitherto he had resisted that temptation.
1t was while intoxicated that he wan
dered into that mean street, and being at
tracted by the singing, stopped to listen 10
it, A confused idea that some one was
promising him to do him good II ne woulo
follow, caused him to stagger after the
little band, who day after day, ana nlgnt
after night, sought to upraise their fellow
men from the hopeless misery OF their sur
roundings and lead them to higher HE.
Even the street gamins Strengthened their
shoulders and fell in step to the beating
of the drum. Bernard attempted to do ike
wise and succeeded for few yards. Then
he lurched to one side and brought himseE1
up with a jerk, so that the sturdy boys
shouted in derision, and one holder than
the others took hold of his coat, as II to
balance him on that side. Bernard, usually
so affable and light of nature, was trans
formed when under the influence OF liquor,
especially when, as now, the eHectS OF II
were beginning to pass away.
Enraged he struck fiercely at his tor
mentor. His aim was true, the blow telling
the child to the ground. Ihough no naroer
than received every day from it's parents.
it's comrades set up howl that would have
collected crowd in a minute had not those
members of the army In the rear stepped
backward few PAGES, surrounded bernard
and marched off with him in their midst,
after leaving one of their number to as
certain If the boy were hurt.
The event sobered him, and when they
guides to lead him into the hall and up to
one Of the front benches, there undergoing
an experience that he would never have be-
lieved possible. Many times had he stood
army; crying. Bravo and ENCORE to
the songs that had brought comfort to
many pinched soul in distress.
Now that he was in trouble he trembled
violently, and looked at the door every time
it opened to see if an officer were coming
to arrest him for striking the child; for all
he knew, he might have killed It,
He tried to slip away. to escape possible
capture, but the man who knelt beside him
praying loudly for mercy for the sinner
laid OBTAINING hands upon him. At last the
prayer ceased, but he made no sign that
he had even heard it. The man sat down
and clasped Bernard's hand in his while
some one exhorted the audience. Still he
betrayed no emotion.
Then a gentle-voiced woman glided to his
side. What is the matter, my dear young
MANI" she asked sympathetically. The
handsome face dropped into his hands.
''Oh! Why will no one tell me if l killed
the boy! How can 1 listen to you while
am in such suspense?"
Did they not tell your she replied.
"They should have done so. The child's in
juries were slight
Thank God.' cried he, springing to his
feet.
CALCULATED the woman.
Repent, repent!' cried the leader and
Bernard was persuaded to go to the plat
form and pour out the history of his mis-
spent life
When he left the hall that night the army
rejoiced over the salvation Of brother and
the meeting broke up singing: There were
ninety and nine that safely lay"
Bernard found himself in a strange part
of the city as he emerged from the build
ing. Some members Of the army walked
with him a few blocks, exhorting him to
hold fast to his new faith and to meet with
them every night-even to become a men,
Der of their band.
After they separated he walked along in
a dream of peace such as he had never
known before. The sudden sound Of the
trolley's bell reminded him that it was late
and he would better go home. A north
bound car was approaching and as that
was the one he wished to board he ran out
to hail 1t. Not noticing a swiftly approach
rectly in front Of it. The car struck him
with terrible force and threw him quite to
the other side of the street.
The hospital physicians who examined
him shook their heads. Its only a mat
ter Of a few hours-perhaps day. He may
recover consciousness, and he may not"