Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-06
TIE SAGE BRUSH PARSON
BY A. B. WARD.
Copyright. 1895. By Little. Brown COMPANY,

and perplexed than at any time since his
coming to Eureka
The boy who rang the bell for services at
the church. and swept out occasionally
could not understand why the parson was
so anxious to be rid of him that night He
hung around the corner to watch and when
he saw forty men--he was sure there were
forty. for he counted-iie solemnly in, each
with Bible in his hand. he determined to
slip In behind them and see what was IN =
To his chagrin the Parson quickly closed
and locked the door. II was OF no use TO
apply his eye to the keyhole--the KEY was
In the lock. And, listen as he might he
heard only the usual reverent tones of
prayer and Scripture reading. So he stole
away.
Within, there was hushed and curious
company. Nearly every one Vaughan knew
was there. Shed Wellman and Dick. Poole
and Pitcher, 10 the miner and his mates;
Barker very prominent In a front seat Ad-
olson, sober for once: Mat Kyle awed but
full of confidence in the Parson, and Jack
watchful old dog.
Arthur Sinclair was not present. but Ned
wilkins was there. So was Penrose. the
editor Of the Eureka Sentinel, anG-Vaugh-
an started as he recognized him-Eugene
Winsow.
The chapter was not lacking In dignity or
impressfveness as Vaughan read 1t. II con-
tanned words not used in polite society but
II Is safe TO assert every one present had
heard them, knew what they meant. Never
theless. the reader assumed ignorance on
the part of his listeners and explained. as
he would explain any other unfa miliar COM
position, the harsh utterances, their super
f1cial meaning and their deep Significance
Then he closed the book and made his per-
sonal application
1t was personal He called each man by
name laid bare his hidden sin. gave facts.
dates even. 1t was a bold thing to do; but
no one seemed to resent Ii. Each culprit
as MS turn came, wriggled on his seat
btushed, laughed like a school boy caught
jad 10 ai,.lr
no great afrair-it was something at which
men laugh, of which few are ashamed.
some even proud. Yet In spite of them
selves, they were ashamed The relish for
the unlawful had been taken away.
Winsiow watched them with a bitter
smile Ii he had had such experiences-but
ne never had; no one had ever seen him
enter dance hall or q den no one had
ever seen him speak to the women of the
underworld. but IL they had, no beggariy
Methodist parson should call IL to his re-
membrance.
Suddenly the long brown forefinger of the
young preacher was pointed directly at him.
AH these are venial SINS he was saving
compared with the sin of him who takes
an innocent young girl
In fash Wfnsow was on his feet re-
yolver drawn
another word and I'll blow your brains
out! he shouted
instantly Dick, 10 the miner and half a
dozen others had covered him The room
was in confusion; men were leaning over
him" "
In the midst of the uproar Jack Perry's
voice rang out, clear and steady as a
trumpet call, 'Tll take care of this. gem
tiemeni Keep your sittin'! Give me tina I
shootln iron Winslow, or I'll pump We as
iull OF lead as lead miner
Whfte and shaking like an aspen, Wins
low reiinquished his weapon. '.Ye're a
DIRTY dog, IL ye are Eugene Winslow,"
Jack growled in a low undertone as he
received it. ''e
He's no gentleman" clustered Winaow
mere isn't man alive who will allow
iady's name to be brought into a dis
cusslon of this kind
He didn't name any names - returned
JACK he warn't dealin' with any one
but you; and you agreed. like the rest of
u.s. to fall in and take you medicine. Set
down"
Winslow sat down.
Go ahead, Parson.' said Jack But the
parson. like every one else in the room, felt
that there was nothing more to be said
Just them The fire had been kindled A
spirit had been aroused which could be left
TO do It's work
He uttered brief prayer for guidance
and support. and strength, unlocked the
door and let them go.
Go be continued tomorrow