The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1903-04-21
IN THE HOUSE OF THE PROPHET.
Copyright, 1902, by Daily story Pub. Co.,
By THOMAS BARGE.

In the background among the shad-
ows behind the desk--a man of medi-
UNI size with white, luxuriant silken
beard and name, thin of frame, albeit
somewhat wiry with white amaze
mic skin, a maryellously shaped
head, showing great intellectually
and dominant will power albeit
strangely uneven; light-blue eyes into
which shot now and again the light
ming flash Of the eagle and the shifty
uncertainty of the altogether
a most compelling personality. In the
foreground a woman bearing at once
the marks of refinement-those I'M
mistakable evidences of quality folk"
which never come except to those
possessed of birth and breeding; not
a strong face, however, the weak re-
treating chin and nervous mouth kill
ing the effect of the high forehead
which latter truth be told, was a
triAe too bullying. She was we'll
dressed and her entire aspect be-
spoke person well to do. Near the
door burly man with burning, fanat-
ical eyes, stout jaw and heavy beard,
standing with arms folded across his
brawny chest, grin md menacing.
This was the inner sactum OF Dow
furth, the self-announced Prophet and
reincarnation of the Deity according
to his own claims and those of his
followers.
Il win willingly give all that is
fairly mine to the cause" the woman
was saying in pleading tones. but
is it right to give up that which be
longs to the boy? | have the legal
power, l know, but is it right?"
"Oh, thou of little faith" replied
the Prophet in deep solemn tones, at
which the woman shuddered and
bowed her head contritely. chow long
must thou go on stumbling in the
darkness? How long before thou &C.
quirest faith and walk in the light
Then raising his voice into a men
acing key; Would the chosen of God
give false advice?"
"Oh, no, no" she replied passion
ately, Il do believe, l do, l do. But"
There are no butts to the true be- |
lever" the Prophet interrupted i'm
peratively. Il see that thou art not |
fit for communion with the elect. |
Deacon, see that the sister leaves
Elysium at once. Her presence here
can only contaminate the elect"
Verify, hear" replied the heavy
man near the door, grimly moving
a step iearer the woman.
the woman, paling, 81 will sign the
papers. | will do what you say. You
know what is for the best. Who am
to set my judgment against yours 2"
Very WELL" replied the Prophet,
permitting no sign of triumph to come
into his voice, and extending a pen
toward the woman at the same time.
But fear a long course Of training
will be necessary before you learn TO
submit your strong and obstinate
worldly will to come into subsection
to the Holy commands"
Weeping silently the woman signed
her name to the paper, relinquishing
all her right and title in
the property left her by a
nrovident and trusting husband
ior the maintenance of herself
and the curly-headed little boy who
bore the fathers name. Silently the
ourly figure near the door signed his
lame as witness and the woman was
dismissed looking, with silent and
pathetic appeal, but in vain Cor sign
If APPROVAL from the Prophet. His face
vas set and stern. When the door
closed on her retreating figure, the
Deacon relaxed just a trlfle to say:
Blessed is the name of the Lord"
responded the deacon piously 81
would speak with you about the wo.
nan-McClellan-who has abode with
is for the past two months. would