The log cabin Democrat., 1909-05-31
HIS CHANCE
 TO BE A MAN

Pickert pulled his slouch hat still further down over his eyes, and looked stealthily at the store as he shuff1ed past. But in that glance he had seen all that he needed to finish his report He had walked this way before.
 The Captain was a strict man, and if report did not please him, Pickert well knew that he was not the one to show any leniency in his dealings with the offender. But he was confident that his report this time could not fail to please his superior
 It was not infrequently that Pickert wished that he could leave it all. The desire to be honest again would al most master him at times, but when he had about made up his mind, the thought would come to him that there was no other place for him in life.
 Who would give employment to man wearing such rags as he was obliged to wear and on whose face the deeds of the last two years had not failed to leave their marks?
 No, it was no use to try to be decent once more He got enough from the spells to keep body and soul together, and though that was about all, it was better than not being able to have even a crust and shelter.
 The Captain dressed well-almost elegantly. He did not take an active part in the affairs which his men car ried on in the night. He only su- perintended the business-it was by far the safer way-yet to him fell the maximum share of the ill-gotten gains
 Once Pickert had been honored and respected, but that was before he had left his home for the west Not finding the gold which had lured him there, he had drifted back to an east ern city, and had fallen in with bad company, and eventually, not having tain's band.
 Since that time he had tried to thrust all thoughts of his old home from his mind, but despite his efforts it was impossible.
 Pickert hated the small, dingy room
 
 obliged to call home. and to-day he dreaded more than ever to return to it. Just now he could not help think ing of the home of his boyhood days and his mother who had loved and trusted him. He had left her with the assurance that some day he would return with gold enough to give her everything that heart could wish,
 And how well he remembered her answer Never mind the gold, Jim All l ask is that my boy shall be good and an honest man" And he had told her that he would be all that she wished. And now
 Pickert's rough hand stole up to his eyes and he murmured something un- der his breath
 As he was passing small church in the most disreputable part of the city-near his home-he was arrested by the sound of singing. Just now was great revival season, and noon services were being held in most of the churches.
 A feeling which he could not throw off impelled him to enter and he sneaked into a seat by the door He was too wicked to be here, he nut tered to himself-in minute he would be moving on-but he would wait until they had finished singing
 His eyes grew moist as he listened to the hymn. How many times in his boyhood he had heard his mother sing The Ninety and Nine" Then he had ben good and honorable What would she say if she could see him now? It would break her heart
 The tears fell now upon the ragged coat, and at that moment Pickert reg istered a VOW in his heart. 'I'll be a man again-its not too late"
 Then swiftly the though came, What will the Captain say if you back out?"
 Then as quickly the answer Tt won't make no difference what he says or what he does. I'm tired of doing wrong
 He started to leave the church, but he stopped suddenly petrified with amazement The Captain stood by the l..