The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, December 31, 1902, Image 2

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THE ADVERTISER. Subscription Prlce-19 Months, $1.00 Payable In Advance. Kates for Advertising. Ordinary Ad vertisements, per square, one inser tion , $1.00; eaon subsequent Insertion, 60 cents. Liberal reduotlon made for largo Advertisements. W. W. Ball, Proorletor. LAU rems. 8. C, Dec- 81. 1902. Something Done. During the year now departing Tue Advertiser sent a couple of young sohool ohildren to the Charleston Ex position. It furnished a free scholarship to a young man to a flr?t class business col lege. It Instituted a series of prizes for composition writing by sohool children which has aroused great iuterest and is helping the schools. At the time of the primary elections it provided the people with the tele graphic' news. It was a foremost worker in the un successful effort to bring a college to Laurens. It had a part in successfully launch ing the movement for a new cotton mill. It is the special pride of The Ad VEUTISkr that whenever a progressive movement is commenced in Laurons, the assistance of The Advertiser Is UBually asked. The circulation of The Advertiser has inoreased during the year about 20 per cent. A first class job plant and job busi ness have been added to the paper. While the expenses of Thb Adver tiser have been far heavier than for many years, Its condition as a prop erty is stronger and better than it has been in the sevonteen and a half years of its life. What Is more pleasant than all else is the knowledge that all the people of Laurons have, as far as we can judge, klna feelings towards The Advertiser Political asperities have been buried. Thk Advertiser alms to help the peoplo of Laurons and we believe the appreciate it. In its political opinions it is an Independent newspaper, In fu ture as heretofore, It will express views that will exolte opposition but it is hoped that our friends will bear in mind that honest men must sometimes differ and that they can differ on pub lie matters without losing self-respect or respeot and regard for each other. Grateful for the support which the paper has received in 1902,we shall com mence 1903 with the promise to give to Laure.os County "just as good a news paper us the times will permit." ? ? * Concerning Christmas. This being Christmas week editorials Bre mostly out of order. The Adver tiser believes that most of its friends nave had a happier Christmas than us ual. The Advkutiser hopes that all of its host of friend? and subscribers are in a lovely frame of mind and keyed up to the point of wishing everybody well. * To D*. C. U. The Advertiskr wishes to you as happy a new year and as few troubles as you can reasonably expeot. You are "up against a hard proposition," the governorship of this State at a Mme when the treasury is in the tolls of a deficit. Besides, a great deal more is expeoted of you than has been of a governor In?well, why should we name the number of years? %* To M. B. McS. Oh, you about to get out, we wish you a rioh and luxurious New Year, with good digestion and plenty of money, for during four years you have made nobody ill and few angry. brewerton dots. Tho health of our section is excep tionally good at this writing?only a few cases of colds. Mr. Lewis 8. Martin is very sick, though ho is thought to be a little bet ter. Mr. Martin is in his eighty-third year. Rev. J. O. Martin has moved from Irby's to near Breworton on the place known as tho Berry Knight place. His address from now on is Honea Path R. F. D. No 4. The roads in this section are fearfully cut up owing to so much hauling to and from Wares Shoals. Mr. E. E. Pitts has moved back to his place where he formally lived. All welcome him back. Mr. Lewis Martin celebrated his eighty-third birthday today. A few visiting friends and his children en joyed tho occasion with him. The or der of the ro-union of the children on this occasion was prayer and praise service. They all report a happy time. "Uncle Lewis" as he is called, has al ways been very prominent and has al ways been looked up to. He has the best wishes of all Iiis friends and rela tives. May he be spared to us much longer. M. O. J. THE PRIDE OP HEROES. Many soldiers In the late war wrote to say that for Scratches, Bruises, Wounds, Cute, Corns, Sore Feet and Stiff Joints, Bucklen's Arnioa Salve is the best in the world, Same for Burns, Scalds, Bells, Ulcers, Skin Eruptions and Piles. It oures or no pay. Only 26 cents at Laurens Drug Co. and Pal metto Drug Co. Ask your lawyor about "Fewer gal lons; wears longer." Citizens' Ticket. FOR MAYOR: O. E. GRAY. ALDERMEN: 1st Ward?John Y. Gariington. 2nd Ward?E. W. Martin. 3rd Ward?Dr. T. O. Lucas. 4th Ward?Clarence Babb. 6th Ward?Dr. G. O. Albrlgot. 6th Ward?W. R. Richey. OAalTO RIA.. Bsanth? j) The Kind You Haw Alwart BotgH Signatar* I MARCONI TALKS ACROSSWATERS. Sends "Wireless" Tele gram Over the Ocean. GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. Communicates with the King of Italy. The Success of Great System of Tele graphy Without Wires Seems Folly Realized. Wireless messages sent in Italian by Mr. Maro nl. from Nova Scotia to Gen. Brusaldi, first aide-de-camp to the King of Italy, to the lady-in-waiting to the Queen Dowager Margherlta and to tho Italian minister of marine have been reoeived at Poldhu, Cornwall, by operators who have no knowledge of the Italian language. This is consid ered proof of the accuracy with whloh messages may be transmitted. The following message was sent to the di rectors of the Marconi Wireless Tele graph Company in London: "My best Christmas wishes to my co directors and their families sent for the first time by Trans-Atlantic wireless telegraph. Marconi." HAD MONEY IN PLENTY. Yet This Man wag Nearly Dead of Star vation. Last week William Bowie, a rioh merchant of Cleveland, Ohio, was found in a barn atSohagbtlooke, N. Y., half starved and nearly frozen, suffer ing from a rare disease known as am nesia. He at first refused to take food, as serting that efforts were being made to poison him. When found he was dressed in an ex pensive suit, and had nearly 9200 in is pocket. He wore a gold watch, a ohain and some diamonds. An unloaded re volver was found In one of his pockets, and a diary whleh showed that he in tended to commit suiolde. Bowie left Cleveland a few weeks ago for New York, and was returning home when he became suddenly in sane. How he got to Schagbtlcoke is a mystery. IN THE ^^^^^^^ Church of the Epiphany, Laurens, S. C, W. Edward Callender, Minister in charge. The following services are held in the above church every Sunday. 10:00 a. m. Sunday School; 11:00 a. m. Morning Prayer and Sermon; 4:00 p. m. Evening Prayer and Address. The first series of addresses will bo on the Prayer Book. A cordial Invita tion is extended. All seats free. First Methodist Episoopal Church, South, Rev. Watson B.Duncan, A. M., pastor. Preaohlng at 11 o'oelok a. m. and at 7.30 p. m. Prayer meeting on Thursday at 7.80 p. m. Sunday School, Hon. C. C. Feather stone, Superintendent, at 10 o'clock at a. m. Woman's Missionary Society, Mrs. S. D. Garllngton, President, meets on Tuesday after First Sunday, at 4.80 o'clock p. m. Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. J. F. Bolt, President, meets on Tuesday, after Third Sunday at 4 80 o'clock p. m. Church Conforence every Third Sun day after the morning service. First Presbyterian Church, Rev. Hobt. Adams, Pastor, services at 11 a. in. and 8:15 p. m., each Sabbath. All are welcome. Sunday School, C. W. Tune, Super intendant, Sunday Morning at 10 a. m. Todd Memorial Presbyterian Church, East End,-Pastor. Preach ing in Factory Hall every Appointments for North Laurkns i Circuit. Trinty, First Sunday, at 11 o'clock, a. m. Trinity, Third Sunday, at 3:30 o'clock, p. m. Shlloh, First Sunday, at 8:80 o'clock, p. m. Shiloh, Third Sunday, at 11 o'clock, a. m. Dials, Second Sunday, at 11 o'clock, a. m. Dials, Fourth Sunday, at 3:30 o'clock, p. m. Graycourt, 2d Sunday at 3.30 o'clock, p. m. Graycourt, 4th Sunday at 11 o'clock a. m. Sunday Schools at each appointment one hour before preaching. Prayer meeting Thursday nights at Graycourt, at 8 o'clock. All are alike invited to attend these services, for it is here, as it is in Heaven, "the rich and the poor meet together." J. K. McCain, Pastor. Langston's Church, Baptist, preach ing 11 a. m., Fourth Sundays, and Sat urday before, by Rev. E. C. Watson. Hurricane Church, Baptist, preaoh lng 11 a. ma, First Sundays and on Sat urday before by Rev. E. C. Watson. Dorroh Presbyterian ohurob, Gray Court, 8. C., T. B. Cralg, pastor. Preaohlng on 1st Sunday at 11 a. m. 3rd Sunday 4 p. m. Sabbath Sohool on 1st and 2nd San days at 10 a m., and on 3rd and 4th Sundays at 8 p. m. J. T. Pedkk, Supt. Lanford, Baptist preaohlng 11 a. m. Second Sundays by Rev. E. C. Watson; Preaching at Cedar Shoal Church on same day at 3 o'clock p. m. s Padgett's Creek, Baptist preaohlng at 11 a. m. on Third Sundays by E. C. Watson. Warrior Creek Baptist Church, Rev. O. L. Jones, supply. Service every 4th Sunday at 11 o'clock and Saturday be fore. Mt. Bethel, Second Sunday at 11 o'clock, a. m. Mt. Bethel, Fourth Sunday 'at. 3:30 o'olook, p. m. _S. W. Henry, Pastor. Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Rev. R. B. Vaughn, Pastor?Service on the 1st Sunday of each month at 11 o 'clock a. m. and on Saturday before at 2 o'clock p? m. Ii BLACK I illl Ralph ROC^KIi :;||| connor 1\ Wl?|5:: : gftftftgSg S S ftftftSffi ft ^ ft ft ftffiJf*Sft ft* * CHAPTER I. OHRISTMAS EVE IN A LUMUEIt CAM 1*. T was due to a mysterious dis pensation of Providence nud a good deal to Leslie Graeme that I found myself In tho heart of the Selklrks for my Christmas eve as thu year 1882 was dying. It had been my plan to spend my Christinas far away in Toronto with such bo bemlan and boon companions as could be found in that cosniopolltau nnd kindly city. But Leslie Graeme chang ed all that, for, discovering mo In the village of Black Rock, with my traps all packed, waiting for tho stage to ?tart for the Laudlug, thirty miles away, be bore down upon me with re sistless force, and I found myself re covering from my surprise only after we bad gone in his lumber sleigh some six miles on our way to his camp up in the mountains. I was surprised and much delighted, though I would not allow blm to think so, to find that his old time power over mo was still there. He could always In the old varsity days?dear, wild days?make mo do what be liked. He was so handsomo and so reckless, brilliant in his class work and tho prince of halfbacks on the Rugby field and with such power of fascination ns would "extract the heart out of o wheelbarrow," as Barney Lundy used to say. And thus It was that I fouud myself just three weeks later? I was to have spent two or three days? on the afternoon of the 24th of Decem ber, standing In Graeme's Lumber Camp No. 2, wondering nt myself. But I did not regret my changed plans, for in those three weeks I bad raided a cinnamon bear's den and had wakened up a grizzly. But I shall let the grizzly finish the tale. He probably sees more humor in It than I. The camp stood in a little clearing and consisted of a group of three long, low shanties, with smaller shacks near them, all built of heavy, unhewn logs, with door and window in each. The grub camp, with cook shed attached, stood In the middle of the clearing; nt a little distance was the sleeping camp with the office built against It, and about a hundred yords away on tho other side of tho clearing stood tho stables and near them tho smlddy. Tho mountains rose grandly on every side, throwing up their great peaks Into the sky. The clearing in which tho enmp stood was hewn out of a denso plno forest that filled tho valley and climbed half way up tho mountain sides and then frayed out in scattered and stunted trees. It was ono of those wonderful Cana dian winter days, bright and with a touch of sharpness In tho air that did not chill, but warmed the blood like drafts of wine. Tho men were up in the woods, and tho shrill scream of tho bluejay flashing ncross the open, the impudent chntter of the red squirrel from the top of the grub camp and tho pert chirp of the whisky jack hopping about on tbo rubbish heap, with tho long, lone cry of the wolf far down the valley, only made the silence felt tbo more. As I stood drinking in with nil my soul the glorious beauty and silenco of mountain and forest, with the Christ mas feeling stealing into me, Graeme came out from his office and, catchlug Sight of me, called out, "Glorious Christmas weather, old chap!" and then, coming nearer, "Must you go to morrow?" "I fear so," I replied, knowing well that the Christmas feeling was on him too. "I wish I were going with you," he ?aid quietly. I turned eagerly to persurdo him, but at tbe look of suffering in his face the words died on my Hps, for we both were thinking of the awful night of horror when all bis bright, brilliant life crashed down about him in black ruin and shame. I could only throw my arm over bis shoulder and stand silent beside him. A sudden jingle of bells roused blm and, giving himself a little ?hake, he exclaimed: "There are the boys coming home." Soon tbo camp was filled with men talking, laughing, chaffing, like light hearted boys. "They are a little wild tonight" said Graeme, "and tomorrow they'll paint BlacV P yk red." Before many minutes had gone the last teamster was "washed up" and all .were standing about waiting impa tiently for tbe cook's signal?tbo sup per tonight was to bo "something of a feed"?when the sound of bells drew their attention to a light sleigh drawn by a buckskin broncho coming down the hillside at a great pace. "The preacher, I'll bet, by his driv ing," said one of tho men. "Bedad, and it's him has the folne nose for turkey," said Blaney, a good natured, jovial Irishman. "Yen, or for pay day, more like," ?aid Keefe, a black browed, villainous fellow countryman of Blaney's and, strange to say, bis great friend. Big Sandy McNaughton, a Canadian hlghlander from Glengarry, roso up in wrath. ''Bill Keefe," said he, with de liberate emphasis, "you'll just keep your dirty tongue off tbo minister, and, as for your pay, it's little he sees of St or any one else, except Mike Slavln, when you're too dry to wait for some one to treat you, or perhaps Father Ryan, when the'fear of hell iflro Is on to you." The men stood nmnzed nt Sandy's maiden nngcr nnd length of speech. "Bonl Dnt's good for you, my bully boy," said Baptlstc, a wiry little French Canadian, Sandy's sworn ally and de voted admirer ever since tho day when the big Scotsman, under great provo cation, bad knocked him clenn off the dnmp into tho river and thon jumped in for him. It was not till afterward I learned the causo of Sandy's suddon wrntb which urged him to such unwonted length of speech. It was not simply that the Presbyterian blood carried With it reverenco for tho minister nnd contempt for papists nnd Fenians, but that he had a vivid remembrance of bow, only a month ngo, the minister bad got him out of Mike 8levin's sa loon and out of the clutches of Keefe and Slavln nnd their gang of blood suckers. Keefe started up with a curse. Bap tlsto sprang to Sandy's side, slapped Mm on the back and called out: "You keel blm I I'll bit (eat) him up, me." It looked as if there might be a fight when a harsh voice Mid In a low, sav age ton?: / "Stop your row, you blunk fools! Settle It, If you want to, Bouiewherc else." 1 turned niul wns nranzed to seo old man Nelson, who was very seldom moved to speech. There was a look of scorn on his hard, Iron gray foco and of such set tled fierceness as made me quite be lieve the tales I had heard of bis dead ly tights In the mines at the coast. Be fore any reply coul 1 be made tho min ister drove up and called out In a cheery voice: "Merry Christmas, boys! Ilello, San dy! Comment ca vn, Baptlste? How do you do, Mr. Graeme?" "First rate. Lot me Introduce my friend, Mr. Connor, sometime medical student, now artist, hunter and tramp at large, but not a baa Bort." "A man to be envied," sold tho min ister, smiling. "I am glad to know any friend of Mr. Graeme's." I liked Mr. Crnlg from the first. Ho had good eyes that looked straight out at you, a clean cut, strong face, well set on his shoulders, and altogether an upstanding, manly bearing. lie In sisted on going with Sandy to the sta bles to see Dandy, his broncho, put up. "Decent fellow," said Graeme; "but, though he Is good enough to bis bron cho, it Is Sundy that's in his mind now." "Does he come out often? I mean nro you part of his parish bo to speak?" "I. have uo doubt ho. thinks so, and I'm blowed if ho docsu't make the Presbyterians of us think so too." And be added, after a pause: "A dandy lot of parishioners we are for any man. There's Sandy, now. ne would knock Keefo's head off as a kind of religious exercise, but tomorrow Keefo will bo sober, and Sandy will be drunk ns a lord, and the drunker he Is tho better Presbyterian he'll be, to tho preacher's disgust." Then, after another pause, he added bitterly: "But It Is not for me to throw rocks nt Sandy. I am not the same kind of fool, but I am a fool of several other sorts." Then the cook came out and bent a tattoo on the bottom of a disbpan. Baptlste answered with a yell; but, though keenly hungry, no man would demean himself to do other than walk with apparent reluctance to his place at tho table. At the farther end of the camp wns a big fireplace, and from the door to the fireplace extended tho long board tables, covered with platters of turkey not too scientifically carved, dishes of potatoes, bowls of npplo sauce, plates of butter, pics and smaller dishes distributed nt regular Intervals. Two lanterns hanging from tho roof and a row of candles stuck into the wall on either sldo by means of slit sticks cast a dim, weird light over the scene. There was a moment's silence, and, nt n nod from Graeme, Mr. Cralg rose and said: "I dou't know how you feel about it, men, but to me this looks good enough to be thankful for." "Fire ahead, sir," called out a voice quite respectfully, nnd the minister bent bis bend and said: "For Christ tho Lord, who came to Bave us, for all the love and goodness we have known nnd for these thy gifts to us this Chrlstmns night, our Father, make us thankful. Amen." "Bon! Dat's fuss rate," said Bap tlste; "seems lak dat's make me hit more better for sure." And then no word was spoken for a quarter of an hour. Tho occasion was for too solemn nnd moments too pre cious for anything so empty ns words, but when the white piles of bread nnd the brown piles of turkey had for a second time vanished nnd after the last pie had disappeared there came a pause nnd n bush of expectancy, whereupon the cook nnd cookee, each bearing aloft a huge, blazing pudding, came forth. "Hooray!" yelled Blaney. "Up wld ye!" And, grabbing tho cook by the shoulders from behind, be faced him about. Mr. Craig was the first to respond and, seizing the cookee In the same way, called out: "Squad, fall In! Quick march!" In a moment every man was in the procession. "Striko up, Batchees, ye little angci 1" shouted Blaney, the appellation ft con cession to tho minister's presence, and away went Baptlste In n rollicking French song with tho English chorus: "Then blow, ye winds, In the morning'. Plow, yo winds, ay oh I Blow, yo winds, In tho morning*, Blow, blow, blow I" And nt each "blow" every boot came down with a thump on the plank floor that shock the solid roof. After the second round Mr. Crolg Jumped upon tho bench and called out: "Thrco cheers for Billy the cook!" In tho silence following the cheers Baptlste was heard to say: "Bon! Dat's mak mo feel lak hit dnt puddin' all hup mcsclf, me." "Hear till tbo little baste!" said Bla ney In disgust. "Batchees," remonstrated nnndy gravely, "you've more Btomacb than manners." "Fu sure, but do more stomach dat's more better for dls puddin'," replied tho llttlo Frenchman cheerfully. After a tlmo tho tables wero cleared and pushed back to tho wall, and pipes wero produced. In nil attitudes sug gestive of comfort the men disposed themselves In a wldo circle about the uro, which now roorcd and crackled up , the great wooden chimney hanging from tho roof. Tho lumberman's hour of bliss bad arrived. Even old man Nelson looked a shad ; less melancholy than usijtl ns he snt clone, well away from the fire, smoking steadily and si lently. When tho second pipes were well n-goii:g, ono of tho nu'tj took down a violin from tho wall and banded ft to Lachten Campbell. There wero two brothers Campbell Just out from Argyll, typical hlgblanders? Lachlnn, dark, si lent, melancholy, with (ho faco of a mystic, and Angus, red haired, quick, Impulsive nnd dovoted to his brother, a devotion ho thought proper to cover under biting, sarcastic speech. Lachlnn after much protestation, jh> tersperscd with gibes from his brother, took tho violin and, in response to the call from all sides, struck up "Lord Macdonald's Reel." In a moment the floor was filled with dancers, whoop ing and cracking their fingers In the wildest manner. Then Baptlste did tho "Red River Jig," a most Intricate and dim colt series of steps, the men keeping tlmo to the music with hands and feet When the Jig was finished, Sandy called for "Lochaber No More," but Campbell said: "No, no; I Ct? mot play that tonight Mr. Cralg will play." Cralg tool; tho violin, nnd nt tho tirut note I knew he was no ordinary play er. I did not recognlzo tho music, but It wns soft and thrilliug and got in by tho heart till every ouo was thinking his tendorest and saddest thoughts. After he bad played two or three ex quisite bits be gavo Cumpbell his vio lin, sayiug, "Now, 'Lochaber,' Lach-* Ian." Without a word Lnchlan began, not "Lochaber"?bo was not ready for that yet?but "Tbe Flowers o' the Forest" and from thnt wandered through "Auld liobin Gray" and "Tho Land o' the Leal," and so got at last to that most soul subduing of Scottish la ments, "Lochaber No More." At tbe first strain his brother, who had thrown himself ou some blankets behind the fire, turned over on his face, felKuing sleep. Sundy McNaughton took his plpo out of his mouth nnd sat up straight and stiff, staring into vacancy, and Graeme, beyond tho fire, drew a short, sharp breath. We had often sat Graemo and I, in our student days, in the drawing room at home, listening to his father walling out "Lochaber" upon tho pipes, and I well knew that the awful minor strains were now eat ing their way Into his soul. 6\i?r and over again the highbinder I played his lament lie hud long sluco forgotten us nnd was celng visions of the hills aud leciis and glens of his far away native land nnd making us, too, see strange things out of the dim past I glanced at old man Nelson and was startled at the eager, almost piteous, look In his eyes, and I wished Camp bell would stop. Mr. Cralg caught my eye. nud, stepping over to Campbell, held out his hand for the vlollu. Lln gerlngly and lovingly tho Highlander drew out the last strain and silently gave the minister his Instrument. Without a moment's pause and while the spell of "Lochaber" was still upon us the minister, with exquisite skill, fell into the refrain of that simple nnd beautiful camp meeting hymn, "Tho Sweet By and By." After playing tho verse through once he sang softly the refrain. After the first verse the men Joined In the chorus, at first timidly, but by the time the third verse was reached they wero shouting with throats full open, "We shnll meet on that beautiful shore." When I looked at Nelson, the eager light had gone out of his eyes, and in Its place was a kind of determined hopelessness, as if In this new music be bad no port. After the voices bad ceased Mr. Cralg played ognln the refrain, more and more softly nnd slowly. Then, laying the violin on Campbell's knees, he drew from his pocket bis little Biblo and said: "Men, with Mr. Graeme's permission, I want to read you something this Christinas eve. You will all have heard It before, but you will like it none the less for that." His voice was soft, but clear and pen etrating ns lie rend the eternal story of the nngcls nnd tho shepherds nnd the Rnbe, and ns be read a slight motion of the hand or n glance of an eye mudo us see, ns he was seeing, that whole radiant drama. Tbo wonder, tho timid ; Joy, the tenderness, the mystery of it all, wero borne in upon us with over powering effect. He closed the book and in the same low, clear voice wont on to tell us how, lu Ids home years ago, he used to stand on Christinas ovo listening in thrilling delight to his mother telling him the story, nnd how she used to make hi in see the shepherds and hear the sheep bleating near by, and how the sudden burst of glory used to make his heart jump. "I used to bo a little afraid of the angels, because a boy told mo they were ghosts, but my mother told mo better, nnd I didn't fear them nny more. And tho Baby, the dear little Baby?we all love a baby." There was a quick, dry sob. It was from Nelson. "I used to peek through under to see the little one In the straw nnd wonder what things swaddling clothes were. Oh, It was all so real and beautiful!" He paused, and I could hear the men breathing. "But one Christinas eve," he went on In a lower, sweeter tone, "there was no one to tell mo the story, and I grew to forget It and went away to college and leurned to think that It was only a child's tale and was not for men. Then bad days came to me, and worse, and I began to lose my grip of myself, of lifo, of hope, of goodness, till one black Christinas, in tho slums of a far away city," when I had given up nil nnd the devil's arms wero about ine, I heard tho story again, and as I listen ed, with a bitter ache in my heart, for I had put it all behind me, I suddenly found myself peeking under the shep herd's arms with a child's wonder at tho Baby in the straw. Then it came over mo Hko great waves thnt his name wns Jesus, becauso It was ho that should save men from their ship. Save! Sovo! Tho waves !:ept beating upon my cars, and before I know I had called out, 'Oh, can ho save me?' It was In n llttlo mission meeting on one of tho side streets, and they seem ed to bo used to thnt sort of thing there, for no ono was surprised, and a young fellow leoned across the olslo to me and sold, 'Why, you Just bet ho con!' Ills surprise that I should doubt, his bright face and confident tone, gavo mo hopo that perhaps It might bo so. I held to that hopo with all my soul, nnd," stretching up bis arms nnd with a quiek glow In his faco and a little break In his voice, "ho hasn't failed me yet, not once, not once!" He stopped short, nnd I felt a good deal like making a fool of myself, for In thoso'dnys I had not made up my mind about theso things. Graeme, poor old chap, was gazing nt blm with a sad yearning In his dark eyes; big Snndy was sitting very stiff nnd stnrlng hard er than over Into tbo flro; Bnptlsto wna trembling with excitement; Blancy was openly wiping the tears away. But tho face that held my eyes was that of old man Nelson. It wns white, fierce, iron* gry looking, his sunken eyes burning, bis lips pnrted ns if to cry. Tho minister went on. "I didn't mean to tell you this, men. It all came over mo with n rush. But It Is truo, every word, and not a word will I toko back. And, what's more, I can tell you this? what he did for mo ho con do for any pian, and It doesn't make any differ ence what's behind hlin, nnd," leaning slightly forward and with a llttlo thrill of pathos vibrating In his volco, "oh, boys, why don't you glvo blm a chanco nt you? Without him you'll never be the men you want to he, nnd you'll never get the better of that that's keep ing some of you now from going back home. You know you'll never go back till you'ro tbo men you wont to bo." Then, lifting up his face and throwing back his head, he said, as If to himself, "Jesus?ho shall savo his pcoplo from their sins," nnd then, "Lot us pray." Graemo leaned forward with his face In his hands; Baptlsto nnd Blancy drop ped on their kneos; Snndy, tho Camp bells and somo others-stood up. Old man Nelson held bis *eyes steadily on the minister. J Only ouco before hud I seen that look on a human face. A young fellow had broken through the Ice on the river at home, and as the black water wan dragging bis fingers ono by one from the slippery edge* there come over his faco that same look. I used to wake up for many a night after in a sweat of. horror, seeing the white face with its parting lips and its piteous, dumb appeal and the black water slowly sucking it down. Nelson's faco brought It all back, but during tho prayer the face changed and seemed to settle into resolve of some sort, stern, almost gloomy, as of a man with bis last chance before him. After tho prayer Mr. Cralg invited tho men to a Christmas dinner next day in Black Rock. "And because you aro an Independent lot we'll charge yon half n dollar for dinner and the even ing show." Then, leaving a bundle of magazines and illustrated papers on the table, a godsend to the men, he said goodby and went out. I was to go with the minister, so I Jumped into tho sleigh first and waited whllo ho said goodby to Graeme, who had been hard hit by the wholo serv ice and seemed to want to say some thing. I heard Mr. Cralg say cheerful ly and confidently: "It's a true bill. Try him." Bandy, who had been steadying Dan dy while that interesting broncho was attempting with great success to bal ance himself on Ids hind legs, came to say goodby. "Coine and see me first thing, Sandy." "Aye, I know. I'll see you, Mr. Crolg," said Sandy earnestly ns Dandy dashed off at a full gallop across the clearing and over tho bridge, steadying down when he reached the hill. "Steady, you idlotl" This was to Dandy, who had taken a sudden sldo spring into the deep snow, almost upsetting us. A man stepped out from the shadow. It was old man Nelson. Ho came straight to tho sleigh and, ignoring my presence completely, said: "Mr. Crnlg, nro you dead sure of this? Will it work?" "Do you mean," said Crnlg, taking him up promptly, "can Jesus Christ save you from your sins and make a man of you?" The old man nodded, keeping his hungry eyes on the other's face. "Well, here's his message to you: 'The Son of Man Is como to seek and to save that which Is lost.' " "To me? To* me?" said the old man eagerly. "Listen. This, too, is his word: 'Him that cometh unto mo I will in nowlso cast out.' That's for you, for here you nrc, coming." "You don't know me, Mr. Craig. I left my baby fifteen years ago be cause"? "Stop!" said the minister. "Don't tell inc?at least not tonight, perhaps never. Tell him who knows it all now nnd who never betrays a secret Have It out with him. Don't bo afraid to trust him." Nelson looked at him, with his face quivering, and said in a husky volco: "If this Is no good, it's hell for me." "If It's no good," replied Crnlg, al most sternly, "It's hell for all of us." The old man straightened himself up, looked up at tho stars, then bnck nt Mr. Cralg, then at mo nnd, drawing a deep breath, said: "I'll try him." As he was turning away tho minister touched him on tho arm nnd said quiet ly: "Keep an eye on Sandy tomorrow." Nelson nodded, and we went on, but before we took the next turn I looked back nnd saw what brought a lump In to my throat. It was old man Nelson on his knees In the snow, with his hands spread upward to the stars, nnd I wondered If there was any ono above the stars nnd nearer than the stars who could see. And then the trees hid him from my sight. [to he continued.] Pains in the Back Are symptoms of a weak, torpid or Stagnant condition of the kidneys or liver, and are a warning it is extremely hazardous to neglect, so important is a healthy action of these organs. They are commonly attended by loss of energy, lack of courage, and some times by gloomy foreboding and de spondency. "I had oalns in my b;>.ek, could not sleep and when I got cp In the morning felt worse than the ni^ht before. I began tak ln? Hood's SarsapnrlUn and now i can sleep nnd K"t up feeling rested and able to do my work. I attribute my cure entirely to Hood's SnrsaparlUa." Mas. J. N. PKaay, care IL S. Copelnnd, l'ike Head, Ala. Hood's Sarsaparilla and Pills Cure kidney nnd liver troubles, relieve the back, and build up tho whole system. Thimble, THIMBLE! Who got The Thimble? Do you hold a Draft on us for a THIMBLE? If you do call and we will be glad to explain how you can get a Sterling Silver Thimble Free* Ask to see our Art Portfolio. For Four Cents you can get a beautiful picture. Visit our store and we will be pleased. Palmetto Drug Co. Look for sign with the Tree. OABTORXA. Btnuathe lha Kind^You Have Alwafl OoqzM Signatur* Tho Kind You Have Always Bought, aud which 1ms been iu uso for over 30 years, has homo tho signatnro of and has heen mado under his pcr ffout jf?-- sonal supervision since its infancy. ^&4C"U#i Allow no ono to deceive you in this. All Counterfeits, Imitations and " Just-as-good" arc but experiments that trifle with and endanger tho health of Infants and Children?Experience against Experiment. What is CASTORIA Castoria is a harmless substitute for Castor Oil, Pnrc goric, l>rops and Soothing Syrups. It is Pleasant. It contains neither Opium, Morphine nor other Narcotic substance. Its ago is its guarantee. It destroys Worms and allays Feverishuess. It cures Diarrhoea and Wind Colic. It relieves Teething Troubles, cures Constipation and Flatulency. It assimilates the Food, regulates tho Stomach and Bowels, giving healthy and natural sleep. The Children's Panacea?Tho Mother's Friend. GENUINE CASTORIA ALWAY! Bears the Signature of The Kind You toe Always Bought In Use For Over SO Years. THC OKNTAUR COM.ANV, TT MUAI1AV .TMCCT, HIW VOHK CITY. wsammmmmmmmmmammmmmn\\ \ im ni'i Only a Few MORE DAYS! The end of the Season is fast approaching and our big stock of Merchandise must be turned into CASH ; and while you want Che goods is the time to move them. We arc determined to sell the Goods, and you are determined to buy them where your money goes tho farthest, so let tts pull together. Everything in Dress Goods at 25 to 33 per cent reduction. Everything in Millinery goes at same price. Nothing must be carried over. Big lot Boy's Clothing at actual 3?T COST. 3? The biggest values in Ladies' and Misses' Shoes in the oil}'. Ladies' Fleeced Undervests 15 to 45 cents; Lot North Carolina Wool Blankets at a sacrifice, $4 00 values at $2.98 ; vv6.jo values at #4.98. Get into line and make straight for our store. THE HUB. R. P. riilam & Co. We offer to our Farmers the chance to buy goods, especially Groceries, at? CLOSE PRICES .We sell all Supplies, the best kinds, at. L/OW FIGURES, and make your dollars go furthest by trading here. Try us and see for yourselves. Our Undertaker's Stock is Complete. We cany a well selected stock of everything from the cheapest Coffin to the best Me talic Cases ; in cloth goods we carry the best?among them embossed white plush goods ; also black, full draped in cloth. A First-class Hearse when wanted. We can furnish white ro black horses when desired. At night or Sunday 'Phone R. P. Milam's residence or call on I. Mills Hunter at J. A. Copeland's residence. Respectfully, H. P. MILAN & CO. H. B. GRAY. j c SHEA LY Gray & Shealy. A WORD ON SHINGLES ought to interest fjtho man whosa roof has a holo in it. Also tho man vho has no roof, but intends to build one. Our Long Leaf unblcd Pine Shin gles are tho best offered in this city. Mado from a fine grade wood and right in overy particular. And those figures ought to provo that prices aro right, too. Gfay & Si?ealy. A NEW LAW FIRM. Tho undersigned have this day en tered Into a partnership for the practice of law in the Courts of this State, under the name of Simpson & Cooper and w ill promptly attend to all business en trusted to them. CASTOR IA The Kind You Have Always Bought H. Y.Simpson, R. A. Coopkr. For Infants and Children. Bears the (JJgAAtUIO of _ ????i Ton Cents Cotton. Wo are prepared to take rare of a quantity of ootton ou storago and ad? vanoo money on samo. Now la tho time to store your cotton for a profit. Don't soil too fast, or it will give out too quick. J. Waok Andkkson, 6m President and Manager. J. N. LEAK, Auctioneer, I Offers his services to the peo ple of Laurens County. I Address: Gray Court, S. C.