The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-08-19
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His had been a lonely life since
leaving West Point and joining his
regiment7a life passed largely among
rough men and upon the desolate
plains. For months at a time he had
known nothing of refinement, nor en-
5oyed social intercourse with the OPP
posite sex. Yet, beneath his mask of
impassibility, the heart continued to
beat with fierce desire, biding the time
when it should enjoy its own sweet
way. Perhaps that hour had already
dawned; certainly something new.
something inspiring, had now come to
awaken an interest unfelt before, and
leave him idly dreaming of Swallowed
eyes and flushed, rounded cheeks
He was in this mood when he over
took the Rev. Howard Wynkoop and
marked the thoughtful look upon his
pale face.
81 called at your camp" explained
Wynkoop, after the first words OF
greeting had been exchanged, "as soon
as 1 learned you were here in COM
mand, but only to discove your alb
sence The sergeant, however, was
very courteous, and assured me there
would be no difficulty in arranging a
religious service for the men, unless
sudden orders should arrive. No
doubt 1 may rely on your coopera-
ton"
Most certainly" was the cordial
and 1 shall also permit
those desiring to attend your regular
Sunday services so long as we are sta
toned here. How is your work pros
pering?"
There is much to encourage me,
but spiritual ogr is slow, and
there are times when my faith falters
and 1 feel unworthy of the service in
which I am engaged"
"a mining ann is so intensely ma
terial seven days of the week that it
must present a difficult field for the
awakening of any religious senti-
ment," confessed Brant sympathetica1-
ly. 81 have often wondered how you
consented to bury your talents in sue
q place"
The other smiled, but with a trace
of sadness in his eyes. 81 firmly be-
lieVe that every minister should de-
vote a portion of his life to the doing
of such a work as this. 1t is both a
religious and a patriotic duty, and
there is a rare joy connected with it."
yet it was surely not joy L saw pic
tured within your face when we met;
you we're certainly troubled over some
problem"
Wynkoop glanced up quickly, a
slight flush rising in his pale cheeks.
"Perplexing questions which must be
decided off-hand are constantly aris-
ing. And just now l scarcely know
what action to tax regarding cert2ia
applications for church membership"
Brant laughed. q hardly consider
myself a competent a adviser in matters
of church policy" he admitted, yet I
have always been Informed that all so
desiring are to be made welcome in
religious fellowship"
Theoretically, yes" And the min
lister stopped still in the road, facing
his companion. But this special case
presents certain p~eculiarities. The
applicants, as 1 learn from others, are
not leading lives above reproach. So
far as 1 know, they have never even
attended church service until last sun
day, and l have some reason to SUE
pect an Interior motive. I am anxious
20 put nothing in the way OF any hor-
estly seeking soul, yet l confess that
In these cases | hesitate"
"Bu your elders? Do not they share
the responsibility of passing upon
such applications?"
The lush on Mr.. Wynkoop's cheeks
deepened, and his eyes fell. "Ordi-
narily, yes; but in this "a l fear
they may prove unduly harsh. Il
feel-that these applications came
through the special intercession of a
- -. .--soxrC
not to hurt her feelings in any way, Oh
to discourage her enthusiasm"
"Oh, I seei Would you mind telling
nj the names of the two gentlemen"
Mr.. John Moffat and Mr.. William
Mcneil. Unfortunately, 1 know neither
personally"
And the young LADY,"
"a Miss Phoebe Spencer; she has
but lately arrived from the east to
AXE charge of our new schooi-a o
interesting N charming young wom-
an, and she is proving of great assist
ance to me in church work"
The lieutenant cleared his throat
and emitted a sigh of sudde4ly awak-
ened memory. 81 fear l can offer you
no advice, for If, as l begin to suspect,
though she sought most bravely to
4E0l0 lae ISSUE anu QlSpdlC me upOu
q false trail,1she prove to be that
same fascinating young person 1 met
thi morning. my entire sympathies
are with the gentlemen concerned. I
might eve be strongly tempted to do
likewise at her solicitation"
"You7 Why, you arrived only this
morning. and do you mean to say you
have met already?'
st at least suspect as much, for
there can scarcely exist two in this
town who viii fill the description. My
memory holds the vision of a fair
young face. vivacious, ever changing
I'm les expression. yet constantly both
piquant and innocent; a perfect wealth
of hair. a pair of serious eyes hiding
mysteries within their depths, and lips