Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1903-12-09
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
TIE: SKY PILOT
RALPH CONNOR
Author Of
The Man From Giens>ry"
''Ciensauy School Days" and Black Rock" .
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IN.
lay the Pilot. stately and beautiful I'M
der the magic touch OF death. And as
l stood and looked down upon the
quiet face saw why Gwen shed no
tear, but carried look OF serene tri-
umph- She had read the face Alright.
The lines or WEAKNESS that had been
growing so painfully clear the last few
months were smoothed out. the look
or care was gone and In place OF wea-
riness and care was the proud smile OF
victory and peace. He had met his
foe and was surprised TO find his terror
gone
The service was beautiful I'm its sim
plicity. The minister. the Pilots chief.
hao come out from town to take
charge. He was rather a little man,
but sturdy and well set His face was
burned and scared with the suns and
frosts he had braved for years. Still
In the prime of his manhood. his hair
and beard were grizzled and his face
deep lined. for the tolls and cares of n
pioneer missionary's life are neither
few nor light But out of his kindly
blue eye looked the heart OF hero.
ana as he spoke to us we felt the
prophets touch and caught a CLEAN OF
the prophets fire.
Il have fought the fight" he read.
The ring I'm his voice lifted up all our
heads. and as he pictured to us the life
Of that battered hero who had written
these words l saw Bills eyes begin 10
CLEAN and his lank figure straighten
out its lazy angles. Then he turned the
leaves quickly and read again: LET not
your heart be troubled In nv
Fathers house are many mansions"
His voice took a lower, sweeter tone.
he looked over our heads. and for n few
moments spoke OF the eternal hope.
Then he came back TO us and. looking
round into the faces turned so eagerly
10 him, talked to us OF the Pilot-bow
at first he had sent him to us with fear
and trembling-he was so yOung-but
how he had come to trust I'm him and 10
rejoice in his work and to hope much
from his life. Now it was all over; but
he felt sure his young friend had not
given his life in vain. He paused as
he looked from one TO the other till his
eyes rested on Owens face. was
startled. as believe he was. too. at the
smile that parted her lips. so evidently
saying, Yes. but how much better I
know than YOU"
Yes" he went on. after pause. an
swering her smile. you all know better
than l that his work among you will
not pass away with his removal. but
endure while you live" and the smile
on Ovens face grew brighter. And
IL.
ward and his rest and his
home" And Bill. noddlng his head slow
ly. said under his breath. That's so"
Then they sang that hymn OF the
dawning glory Of Immanuers land.
Lady Charlotte playing the organ and
the Duke leading with clear. steady
voice verse after verse. When they
came 10 the last verse the minister
made a sign. and while they waited he
read the words:
I've wrestled on toward heaven
'Gainst storm and wind and tide"
And so on TO that last victorious cry
u hail the glory dawning
In lmmanuel's land"
For n moment IL looked as II tho
singing could not 20 on, for tears were
on the minister's face and the women
were beginning 10 sob. but the Dukes
clear, quiet voice caught up the song
and steadied them all TO the end.
After the prayer they all went in
and looked at the Pilots face and
passed out. leaving behind only THOSE
that knew MN best. The Duke and
the Hon. Fred stood looking down up
on the quiet face.
Duke" said the Hon. Fred. The Duke
bowed silently. Then Lady Charlotte
came and gazed a moment
Dear Pilot" she whispered, her
tears falling fast. Dear. dear Pilot.
Thank God for you, You have done
much for me-" Then she stopped and
kissed him on his cold lips and on his
forehead
Then Gwen seemed TO suddenly
waken as from a dream. She turned
and. looking up in frightened way.
said TO Bill hurriedly:
Il want TO see him again. Carry
me-"
And Bill gathered her up in his arms
and took her in. AS they looked down
upon the dead face with its look OF
proud peace and touched with the
stateliness of death Ovens fear pass
ed away, but when the Duke made TO
cover the face Gwen drew Il sharp
breath and, clinging TO Bill. said. with
Il sudden gasp:
"Oh. Bill, 1 can't bear it alone, I'm
afraid alone"
She was thinking of the long, weary
days of pain before her that she must
face now without the Pilots touch and
smile and voice.
ME. too" said Bill, thinking Of the
days before him. He could have said
nothing better. Gwen looked in his
face moment, then said, wen help
each other" and Bill, swallowing hard.
could only nod his head in reply. Once
more they looked upon the Pilot. lean
Ing down and lingering over him, and
then Gwen said quietly:
"Take me away, Bill"
And Bill carried her into the outer
room. Turning back. caught look
on the Dukes face so full OF grief that
| could not help showing my amaze
ment. lie noticed and said:
THE best man ever knew. Connor.
He has done something for me toe.
I'd give the world TO die like
that"
Then he covered the face
We sat at Ovens window, Bill, with
Gwen in his arms, and l watching
Down the sloping. snow covered hill