The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-10


he said tersely, I'VE can probably sup
ply you at the camp. How do you
manage to get across Eere?"
Murphy. walking stif1y, 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
other waved his hand from the oppo-
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
service limited at in the brief utter
ances of the old scout. Brant was &
thorough soldier, born into the service
and deeply enamored Of its dangers;
yet beyond this he remained a man, a
young man, swayed by those emotions
which when at full tide sweep aside
all else appertaining to life.
His had been a lonely life since
leaving West Point and joining his
regiment-a life passed largely among
rough men and upon the desolate
plains. For months at time he had
known nothing of refinement, nor en-
jOyed 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 it's 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.
Il called at your camp" explained
Wynkoop, after the first words Of
greeting had been exchanged, as soon
as | learned you were here in com
mand, but only to discover 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 I may rely on your coopera-
ton"
Most certainly" was the cordial
response, and | 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 progress is slow, and
there are times when my faith falters
and l feel unworthy of the service in
which | am engaged"
"A mining camp 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 sympathetical-
ly. 81 have often wondered how you
consented to bury your talents in such
a place"
The other smiled but with a trace
of sadness in his eyes. Il 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 II was surely not JOY | saw pic
tured within your face when we met;
you were 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 arts
ing. And just now l scarcely know
what action to take regarding certain
applications for church membership"
Brant laughed Il hardly consider
myself a competent adviser in matters
Of church policy" he admitted, yet
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 peculiarities. The
applicants. as learn from others, are
not leading lives above reproach So
far as I know, they have never even
attended church service until hast sun
day, and | have some reason to sag
pect an Interior motive. am anxious
TO put nothing in the way of any hon,
estly seeking soul, yet l confess that
in these cases | hesitate"
"But your elders? Do not they share
the responsibility of passing upon
such applications"
The flush on Mr.. Wynkoop's 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 a
certain young lady, and I am anxious
not to hurt her feelings in any way. or
to discourage her enthusiasm"
ooh, l see Would you mind telling
me the names of the two gentlemen? ?"
Mr.. John Moffat and Mr.. William
Mcneil. Unfortunately, l know neither
personally"
And the young Lady,"
"a Miss Phoebe Spencer; she has
but lately arrived from the east to
take charge of our new school-a most
interesting and charming young WON