Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1921-05-19
COPYRIGHT t0 20
IRVING BAcHELLER
CHAPTER THREE-continued.

Tears began to stream down the
cheeks of the unfortunate man, who
now covered his eyes with big, rough
hand.
IF you will make an honest effort,
I'll stand by you. I'll be your friend
through thick and thin," the minister
added. There's something good in
you or you wouldn't be having dream
like that
Nobody has ever talked to me this
way" poor Blenkinsop sobbed. "No-
body but you has ever treated me as
if l was human"
81 know-I know. It's a hard old
world, but at last you've found man
who is willing to be brother to you
if you really want one"
The poor man rose from the table and
went to the. minister's side and held
out his hand.
Il do want a brother, sir, an I'll do
anything at ALL" he said in broken
voice.
"Then come with me-" the minister
commanded. First, I'm going to i'm
prove the outside of you."
When they were ready to leave the
house, Blenkinsop and his dog had a
bath and the former was shaved and
in clean and respectable garments
from top to toe.
you look like a new man." said
Mr.. Singleton.
Seems like, / felt more like a
proper human bein'," Blenkinsop an
swered.
Christmas was scampering up and
down the hall as if he felt like new
dog. Suddenly he discovered the
stags head again and skunk into a
dark corner growing.
"a bath is good sort of baptism" "
the ministe: remarked. Here's an
overcoat that l haven't worn for a
year. It's fairly. warm, too. Now if
your Old Self should happen to come
in sight of you, maybe he'd move back
into his home. remember once that
we had canary bird that got away
We hung his cage in one of the trees
out in the yard with some food in it.
By and by, we found him singing on
the perch in his little home. Now, If
we put some good food in the cage
maybe your bird will come back. Our
work has only just begun"
They went out of the door and
crossed the street and entered the big
stone Co lgregational church and sal
down together in a pew. A soft light
came through the great jeweled win.
dows above the altar, and in the clear
story, and over the organ loft. They
were the gift of Mr.. Bing. 1t was Il
quiet, restful, beautiful place.
Il used to stand in the pulpit there
and look down upon a crowd of hand
somely dressed people," said Mr.
Singleton in a low voice. There is
something wrong about this 1 thought
There's too much responsibility here
There are no flannel shirts and ging
ham dresses in the place. 1 can not
see half dozen poor people. l wish
there was some ragged clothing down
there in the pews. There isn't an out.
and-out sinner in the crowd. Have we
set up a little private god of our OWL
that cares only for the rich and re-
spectacle? asked myself. This is the
place for Hiram Blenkinsop and old
Bill Lange and poor Lizzie Quesnelle
if they only knew it. Those are the
kind of people that Jesus cared most
about They're beginning to come to
us now and we are glad of it. | want
to see you here every Sunday after
this. want you to think of this place
as your home. If you really wish tc
be my brother. come with me-"
Blenkinsop trembled with strange
excitement as he went with Mr.. Single
ton down the broad aisle, the dog
Christmas following meekly. Man and
minister knelt before the altar. Christ
mas sat down by his masters side, In
a prayerful attitude, as If he, too, were
seeking help and forgiveness.
81 feel better inside and outside
said Blenkinsep as they were leaving
the church.
when you are tempted, there are
three words which may be useful tc
you. They are these, God help me,'
the minister told him. "They are
quickly said and I have often found
them a source of strength in time OF
trouble. / am going to find work fol
you and there's room over my gar
age with a stove in it which will
and Christmas"
That evening, as the dog and his
master were sitting comfortably by
the stove in their new home, there
came rap at the door. In moment
Judge Crooker Entered the room.
"Mr. Blenkinsop," said the Judge as
he held out his hand, Il have heard
of your new plans and l want you II
know that am very glad. Every one
will be glad"
When the judge had gone, Blenkin
sop put his hand on the dogs hesC
and asked with little laugh: "DiC
ye hear what he said, Christmas? HI
called me Mister. Never done that be
| fore, no sir!"
Mr.. Blenkinsop sat with his heat
upon his hand listening to the wint
that whistled mournfully in the chin
ney. Suddenly he shouted: "Comt
in!"
The door opened and there on tn,
threshold stood his Old Self.
1t was not at all the kind of a Sell
enc would have expected to see. 1
was, indeed very youthful and hand
some Self-the figure of a clear-eyed
gentle-faced boy of about sixteen will
curly, dark hair above his brows.
Mr.. Blenkinsop covered his face ant
groaned. Then he held out his hands
with an imploring gesture.
Il know you," he whispered.
please come in
"Not yet" the young man answered
and his voice was like the wind in tn,
chimney. But have come to tell yol
| that I tOO am glad