Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-04-11
The Call of
Culpepper Hazard
copyright, 1911, by the Newspaper En-
4 terDrise Association
Z BY CLINTON DANGERFIELD

copyright, 1914, by the Newspaper En-
H terprise AssociatIOnl
The new preacher, busy mailing VI
several notices for the edification Of
the Wolf Passites. gave himself al
impatient hitch as he stepped on tn,
edge of his long and flowing robes
and then yanked two feet OF them ar
through the leather holster belt he
had buckled around his waist.
After last touch on a corner tack
the minister descended sedately by
the steps and went his way, totally
ignoring the stares OF dOzer
loungers.
The tallest of the oilers, Crandal
Felock headed for the notice as sOOu
as the preacher was out of sight.
lie read the feW lines, and then
slowly and thoughtfully eiaeulat 81;
"Belli'
IVY you not read him about %
Quavered old Hasenstab.
.'Spit it out" urged an impatient
chorus behind Hasenstab.
Z Notice is hereby given read
crandall. that the church for select
Christians viii open in the Warren
building tomorrow The gallery will
be for scrubs. the first two floor lines
In the rear for old people. all the rest
is for select Christians only.
The common herd win be adj
niitted to any seat seat tomorrow
for the first and last time. After
that. a man viii either prove up r
rise to the gallery. unless he is old
enough to sit in the back lines.
1rull explanations given on sun
day morning next. from my pulpit ut
II O'clock.
81 fSianedl
ttiCULP HAZARD. d. D.
The listeners stared at each other
Then Crandall said fercely: What
the devil does he mean by provin' up?
And what makes him think he can
jam anybody up in his internal scrub
gallery? Explain, l reckon he had
better!''
This last sentence voiced the unan-
imous opinion of Wolf Pass. They
decided in a body, much to the dis
gust of Al Lester. the saloonkeeper,
that, merely TO understand the situa
ton thoroughly, they would attend
church en- masse.
my hearers" he began in round,
resonant tone or do not say friends,
BECAUSE a stranger don't know which
are to be his friends at firsD, you
probably expect me to remark that
I am glad to see you here. But
Amt going to say that either. For
I amt got you assorted out yet and
reckon there's some amongst you
that will never get no gladness con-
nected with EN-"
sgAThere was a time" pursued the
speaker, with rich, confidential in
tonation, when | was just a plain,
ordinary sinner. Some was even so
unkind as to put extra before the
ordinary. Then had a call. an illu-
niinatin' call, Dustin full of joy and
fight. 1 was revivified, and IL be-
came my duty to revivify others
fF"Before dom that had to belong
10 some church. A preacher that
doesn't belong to no church is no
Better than measly Maverick. So
I3consulted Justice of the peace
tF.I want something which stands
the test of time. / think I'll be
'Piscopalion.
~ High or low? says he.
fFCertain qualifications" continued
the preacher. lis expected of them as
go into public service. We are mighty
particular about our public servants,
WI when it comes to the service of
the Lord--any old thing will do.
Jewell, | let you know this church
ID goin' to run on a mighty different
plan.
gas soon as the doxology is sung,
and the people dismissed, we will
meet outside. Every man what can
exemplify that he IS able to hold his
ground agin me while l wrastle with
the glory of the Cause will have made
a good beginin' toward q excellent
standin'."
eXemplify-standin' n" NUT
tered the bewildered Crandall, uncon-
sciousiy rubbing a hand over his own
iron muscles. I'll show him
But half an hour later, Mr.. Fee
lock. having ascertained the very
possible brilliancy of stars In broad
daylight, lay fiat on his back, gazing
up with q stunned expression at the
minister standing over him.
~If | KANT wrastlc you down,
preacher | reckon | kin shoot some!"
Tomorrow. SON." said the minis
ter, kindly. "Tomorrow'll be soon
enough for your muttered the exas-
perated Texan as he turned away
from the scene of his humiliation.
An eager crowd assembled to watch
the shooting, and a very fancy exhi-
bition took place, given by the Texan.
VINO then turned a challenging eye
on his attentive antagonist.
t"Not bad" approved Hazard
quietly. But now you've done
tnarkin round inannymate things |
want you to silhouette me-"
The preacher stalked dramatically
to screen of pine boards and set
his back against ii. give us a good
outline, son, and put your bullets
close together"
Feioek raised his revolver. met the
calmy smiling eye fastened on him
From Hazards composed face--and
let the pistol fall to his side.
Il can't he said briefly, I'D hit
you sure I'm skeered'
"Then If you" the preached ndi-
Gated his desire with a gesture, and
Crandall coolly took his place
There followed an exhibition of
Rkiil which outlined Mr. Felocks
head and shoulders with a COM
pleteness which was flawless, that
gentleman sustaining his rather try
Ing position with admirable nerve.
Wolf Pass increased in population
apd prosperity The fame of its
unique church spread far and wide.
Cowboys. miners ana passing tourists
songht its confines merely TO try and
obtain admittance into the temple Of
Muscular Christianity.
II CHANGED that one evening the
Reverend Culp Hazard sat alone in
his bachelor quarters refiectivey
drinking his coffee His deep. daunt-
less eyes went rowing over the
original decora tions on his robes
hanging opposite. He was still star
ing at them as ne yelled Come inn'
10 cold, steady knock outside.
When he turned TO greet the man