Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-02

Brant hesitated. Should he attempt
to learn more about the young girl?
Instinctively he appreciated the fulfil
ity of endeavoring to extract informa-
ton from Murphy, and he experienced
degree of shame at thus seeking to
penetrate her secret. He glanced
about seeking some way Of recross-
ing the stream.
IF you require any new equipment,
he said tersely, I'VE can probably sup
ply you at the camp. How do you
manage to set across here?"
Murphy, walking stiffly. led the way
down the steep slope, and silently
pointed out log bridging the narrow
stream He stood watching while the
officer picked his steps across. but
made no responsive motion when the
site shore, his sallow face looking
grim and unpleasant.
The young officer marched down
the road, his mind busted with the
peculiar happenings OF the morning.
and that prospect for early active
SSlNlCc uiAtC0 az LII ShS OAASA ussSA
ances OF the old scout. Brant was
thorough soldier, born into the service
and deeply enamored Of It's dangers;
yet beyond this he remained man,
young man, swayed by those emotions
which when at full tide sweep aside
all else appertainins to life.
His had been a lonely life since
leaving West Point and joining his
regiment life passed largely among
rough men and upon the desolate
plains. For months at time he had
known nothing Of refinement, nor en-
ioyed social intercourse with the op-
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 shadowed
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.
II called at your camp" explained
Wynkoop, after the first words Of
greeting had been exchanged "as soon
as l learned you were here in COM
mand. but only to discover your abb
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 l may rely on your coopera-
ton"
Most certainly" was the cordial
response, and I 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 Isl much to encourage me,
but spiritual progress is slow, and
there are times when my faith falters
and 1 feel unworthy Of the service in
which am engaged"
"a mining camp is 80 intensely ma
terial seven days of the week that it
must present difficult field for the
awakening Of any religious senti-
ment," confessed Brant sympathetical-
ly. II have often wondered how you
consented to bury your talents in such
. place"
The other smiled but with trace
of sadness in his eyes. Il firmly be-
lieve that every minister should de-
vote 4 portion Of his life to the doing
of such a work as this. 1t is both a
religious and patriotic duty, and
there is rare Joy connected with it. !"
"Yet it WIS surely not Joy saw pic
tured within your face when we met;
you were certainly troubled over some
problem"
Wynkoop glanced up quickly, q
slight flush rising in his pale cheeks.
"Perplexing questions which must be
decided off-lland are constantly aris-
ing. And Just now I scarcely know
what action to take regarding certain
applications for church membership"
= Brant laughed. II hardly consider
myself competent ADVISER IN matters
Of church policy" he admitted, yet
have always been informed that all 80
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 peculiArities. The
applicants, us l learn from others, are
not leading lives above reproach. So
far as know, they have never even
attended church service until last Sum
day, and l have some reason to sus-
pect an Interior motive. am anxious
to put nothing In the way of any hon
estly seeking soul, yet confess thai
in these cases hesitate"
But your elders? Do not they share
the responsibility of passing upon
such applications"
The flush on Mr.. Wynkoops cheeks
deepened, and his eyes fell. "Ordi-
narily, yes but in this case l fear
they may prove unduly harsh. II
feel-that these applications came
through the special intercession of
certain young lady, and | am anxious
not to hurt her feelings in any way, or
to discourage her enthusiasm
"Oh, see! Would you mind telling
me the names of the two gentlemen