The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-07-21
Copyright 1905 by w. W. Jacobs,

u
vanities In silver and gold.'" uSA
But suppose" said the jeweller, finding \.
voice by great effort. suppose victory j. Ss
given unto YOU"
1T won't make any difference" REPLIED bio a
itor. Brother Clark promised that it shma'S
If you fall, Brother he says well help Won M
again. When you are tired of sin come back y
us-theres always welcome"
But" began the dismayed ieweller
1--WE can only do our best" said Brother Bu,,.
1.-The rest we must leave ! ave girded my oSf
for the fray and taken much spiritual suCtop
ance on the way down from this little bymN
book"
Mr. Higgs paid no heed. He sat marye,D
over the fatuousness Of Brother Clark and tryDN
to think OF ways and means out of the dilemuN
into which that gentleman's perverted enthusiast
had placed him. He wondered whether it wOuN
be possible to induce Brother Burge to seep all
where by Offering to bear his hotel expenses and
at last, after some hesitation, preached the ShN
ject.
What" exclaimed the other pushing his pas
from him and regarding him with great SEVERITY
Go and sleep at hotel? After Brother Csh
has been and took all this trouble? Why
wouldn't think of doing such a thing"
Brother Clark has no right to expose you
such trial." said Mr.. Higgs with great warmth
Il wonder what he'd say II he card you" re
marked Mr. Burge sternly. after his going and
making all these arrangements, for you to try
and go and upset 'em. To ask me to shun the
fight like coward; to ask me to go and hide
the rear-ranks in hotel with everything locked
up, or Golfer Pallis with nothing to steal"
II should sleep far more comfortably if knew
that you were not undergoing this tremendous
strain" said the unhappy Mr.. Higgs, land besides
that, II you did give way, 1t would be a serious.
business for me-thats what want you to OOl%
at am afraid that tiff unhappily you did fall
couldn't prevent you"
'Tm sure you couldn't" said the other cordially
That's the beauty of it; that's when the Ev (
Ones whispers get louder and louder Why, 4
could choke you between my finger and thumb
II unfortunately my fallen nature should be tOI
strong for me, don't interfere whatever you dol
| mightn't be myself"
Mr.. Higgs rose and faced him gasping "NdI
even-call for-the police-I suppose" he erEa
out
That would be interfering" said Brother BURG
coldly.
The jeweller tried to think. 1t was past eleva
Inc housekeeper had gone to spend the night VIII
an ailing sister, and furtive glance at Broths
Burgess small shifty eyes and fat unwholesO@
face was sufficient to deter him from leaving him
alone with his property while he went to ask ne
police to give an eye to his house for the night
Besides, 1t was more than probable that Mr. BugeI
would decline to allow such a proceeding WIN
a growing sense of his peril he resolved to Try
fattery.
1T was great thing for the Brethren to 81
cure man like you," he said.
Il never thought they'd ha' done it," said Nh
Burge frankly. give 'ad all sorts trying to cory
vert me; crying over me and praying over me
remember the first dear good man that cale
me lost lamb. He didn't say anything else 10
a month"
so upset." hazarded the jeweller
Il broke his jor, pore feller," said BrotS
Burge, sad but withal indulgent smile lighus
up his face at the vagaries of his former career
what time do you go to bed, Brother"
ANY time" said the other reluctantly. 81 sup
pose you are tired with your Journey" IL
Mr.. Burge assented and rising from his cnsa
yawned loudly and stretched himself In u1
small room with his huge arms raised he ooNeI
colossal
i suppose" said the jeweler, still seeking
re,assure himself, 81 suppose dear Brother Cla
1elt pretty certain of you, else he wouldnt ia I
sent you here?"
Brother Clark said What is jewellers sh
compared with uman soul. priceless 'um
soul?' replied Mr.. Burge what is few ge
gaws TO decorate them that perish and make me
vain. when you come to consider the opportunI
OF such trial, and the good it'll do and the dra
TN Def do win-and testify to the concrep