1. A Young Miner before his dark and dingy3 cabin. 2. A Mine and Bunk4-house. 3. "They buried her half a mile from the camp." (see page 48).
1. A Young Miner before his dark and dingy cabin.
2. A Mine and Bunk-house.
3. "They buried her half a mile from the camp." (see page 48).
After the open-air meeting a number of men lounged around one of the shacks6 discussing the question of religion. When one of the preachers approached the group to invite them to the meeting in the Hall, "Smut" Ludlow at once began to air his grievances7 against the Church, and to inform the preacher that there were "more —— rascals8 in the Church than in any other organization on earth." Then Frank Stacy contributed his bit of condemnation9: "See here, preacher! The last time I was back East, I thought I'd see what sort of a show they was still running in yer House o' God, and so I went in. Just over the archway inside was a fine piece of writing, something about 'the rich and the poor meeting together, and going snooks.' I thought it sounded pretty good, so I made myself as comfortable as I could in one of them soft seats. After a while some dude started to play the organ, and folks dressed up fit to kill strutted10 into their seats and bobbed their heads down and pretended to say their prayers. Then I watched an old guy trying to get his overcoat off: I mind how his other coat well-nigh come off with it; he sure was scared when he saw his shirt sleeve, and he hustled11 both his coats on again like he'd been caught stealing. Just then somebody tapped me on the shoulder, and a coon with a silk tile in his hand told me to sit at the back where the seats weren't rented. I went back looking like a fool, but you bet I didn't stop for a back seat: I decided12 I'd take an outside berth13, and it'll be a few hundred years before this chicken gets caught again. Rich and poor meet together, and go snooks! It looked like it, didn't it? See here, preacher, ain't it about time you fellers stopped talking one thing and serving up another? The whole thing is tommy-rot, that's what I say."
1. Company Houses in a Mountain Mining Town. 2. He said he was "The only gentleman in the place" (see page 34). 3. An Open-air Meeting in British Columbia Mining Camp, between shifts. 4. Miners at entrance to a British Columbia Mine.
1. Company Houses in a Mountain Mining Town.
2. He said he was "The only gentleman in the place" (see page 34).
3. An Open-air Meeting in British Columbia Mining Camp, between shifts.
4. Miners at entrance to a British Columbia Mine.
Hal Rinnell was not antagonistic14, but objected to an illustration that the preacher had used. "Say, preacher, warn't that there story about the Bishop15 and the silver candlesticks a bit fishy16? You mind you said about the feller swiping 'em after the Bishop had give him a bed, and then he got away with 'em through the night; and when the p'liceman saw him with 'em next morning, and know'd they belonged to the Bishop, they jest nabbed him and brought him back. And you mind you said the Bishop told 'em the man didn't swipe the candlesticks, but got 'em from him as a present. Then when the p'lice was gone, the Bishop called the thief 'brother,' and made him keep his haul and promise to be square from that on. Now that ain't reasonable: it ain't human nature. I'd like to see the pumpkin-head what would swipe my candlesticks, if I had any, arter I'd give him a decent bed. He'd hev his next breakfast in Hades, you bet. Some o' you preachers ain't reasonable; you kinder get yer wires crossed."
The cross-firing ended by a proposition from "Smut." "There's going to be a hot old time to-morrow night at the Bonanza, preacher. I'll make a deal with you. You don't like our style; we don't like your hot air. You attend the ball at Bonanza, we'll attend your show, providing you start when we start, and leave when we leave, and get home as soon as we do. How's that, boys?" The "boys" trusted Smut's judgment17, and knew by his wink18 that the proposition was safe, hence their unanimity19 to make it a "go." None of them dreamed that the proposal would be accepted, but after a moment's conference with his fellow-worker the preacher agreed; and in order that there should be no misunderstanding, he repeated Smut's proposition.
The following evening the six-mile walk to the Bonanza was commenced, and the second party to the contract followed the leaders. The first mile of trail was familiar to the preacher, then the way led over rarely-travelled paths. Carefully he took his bearings when that was possible, for few landmarks20 existed. He observed the whisperings and smiles when the way was wide enough for two or three of the men to walk together, and surmised21 that he was the subject of the conversation.
At last the Bonanza was reached, and already the gaudily-decorated dining-room of the boarding-house resounded22 with laughter and shouting from well-nigh a hundred guests. From all corners of the district they had gathered, for where social opportunities are so rare the camp ball is a great event.
The "band" consisted of violin, cornet, and horn, accompanied by the rhythmic23 pounding of the performers' feet.
Women were scarce in the district, and most of the men desired to dance with every woman present, so that the periods of rest were few and short.
Only once was there anything approaching a fight. "Nell" Webster, a notorious character, who was once well known in the crime colony of an American city because of her more than ordinary attractiveness, had passed through many degrading experiences, and had eventually taken up her abode26 at the Bonanza. Excessive use of drugs and liquor had wrecked27 her attractiveness, but a dance was considered incomplete without her, and when excited by intoxicants she could "hold the floor with any of them." It was through one miner attempting to monopolize28 Nell's dances that the quarrel arose. Heated words, then curses and threats, created an ugly situation, until a few of the more sober managed to separate the angered ones. It was the last night they would quarrel over Nell. Her mad race was ended. The girl of beauty had let sin become her taskmaster, and now for years her cup of pleasure had contained only the dregs. Step by step the progress had been downward. Once, "respectable" men with refined brutality29 had made her think she was their valued companion, and then, like an orange from which the sweetness had been extracted, they had cast her off. For a time she gained notoriety by being the wife of Len Walsh, counterfeiter30, burglar, confidence-man, and all-round crook31. At that time she was known as "Len Walsh's woman," but when Len lapsed32 from clever crime to simple drunkenness, she left him and took another name. And now for years her associates had been drunks and crooks33.
Once during the revelry, as an opportunity presented itself, the preacher spoke34 a few words to her about her terrible mode of living. He thought there was a shadow of remorse35 as, with a forced smile, she replied, "I don't give a d—— now; better try it on somebody younger."
Two days later the preacher was asked to return to the Bonanza and "make a last prayer over Nell." They had found her lifeless body the morning following the camp ball. Her grimy shack5 was littered with bottles and glasses, and there were evidences of a fracas—sin-marred, sin-mauled Nell lay on the filthy36 floor in the dress she had worn at the dance. They buried her half a mile from the camp, and one of the boys crudely carved the word "Nell" on a cedar37 post, and placed it at the head of the solitary38 grave amid the lonely mountains. Few sadder moments has the preacher ever spent than the ones occupied in the burial of Nell. Again and again were her last words to him recalled—words that have since become an appeal in behalf of the wandering: "I don't give a d—— now; better try it on somebody younger."
But to return to the dance. It was long past midnight when the "Banner" contingent39 started for home. There was something of interest that Smut had to confidentially40 communicate to each man. Then there was a hurried shout, "All right, boys," and the crowd immediately disappeared in the darkness. Thus far the preacher had kept his part in the agreement, but Smut Ludlow was planning that on the homeward journey the rest of the contract must be made impossible.
The miners struck a furious pace, and the preacher was for a few minutes unable to see the winding41 way, but he stumbled along as rapidly as the hindmost of his fellow-travellers. Very soon he realized that many of the men could not maintain that pace for long, and so, refraining from conversation, he held himself well in reserve, being content to take his pace from the slowest in the line. For half an hour no change in position took place. The foremost men were chuckling42 to themselves over "shaking" the preacher, and were wondering how far back on the trail he was, and whether he would spend the next few hours in the woods waiting for daylight. But their mirth was short-lived. The preacher decided that it was his move next. He could hear the panting of the men immediately ahead of him, and at a favourable43 opportunity he increased the length and speed of his stride, and passed two of the boys. At each widening of the trail he performed the same feat44, until only Smut remained ahead.
Smut was mightily45 amazed when he discovered who was his nearest fellow-traveller, and an oath escaped him. With vigorously swinging arms he made every effort to keep the lead, trying for a while to do a "jog-trot," but his feet began to drag heavily, and once or twice he stumbled. No word was exchanged, for Smut was being pressed to the utmost expenditure46 of his strength, and the other contestant47 had never more longed for victory. More than once he had received the cheers of the thousands when he was the favourite on McGill's field-day, but somehow he felt to-night larger issues were at stake than the athletic48 glory of a college. He was still comparatively fresh, for he had been only an onlooker49 at the dance, and had no alcohol in his system. Narrating50 his final contest to his fellow-worker, he said, "If ever I prayed Samson's prayer with all my heart it was right then: 'Strengthen me, I pray Thee, only this once, O God.'"
At last the two men were side by side, but only for a few seconds. With the enthusiasm of a victor the preacher quickly lengthened51 the distance, and managed to spare enough breath to call back, "Come on, boys; it's no use hanging around here all night." At the first winding of the trail he broke into a run, and kept it up until he reached the bunk-house. With all possible speed he unlaced his boots, threw off his coat, made himself as comfortable as possible, and when the boys filed in he was sitting alongside of the dining-table with his feet on a box and a book in his hand, looking as though he had been having a quiet night of reading.
Poor Smut! If ever a man had it rubbed in, it was Smut Ludlow. Even before the camp was reached the attack commenced. "Smut, you're a —— fool, and you've made —— fools of every —— man in the camp," started Frank Stacey.
But with characteristic Western fair-play the preacher's stock went up rapidly. "That sky pilot ain't no slouch." "Gee52! whiz! you should have seen him give Smut the go-by when he was plunging53 around like a whale in shallow water, and puffing54 like the 'dummy55' when she's trying to make the grade with too big a haul." Many similar expressions went the round the next day, and the preacher was no longer regarded as the under-dog.
"Say, pilot," said Frank at the noon hour, "where d'you learn that gait you struck last night?" With a smile came the quiet reply, "I was brought up on the farm, and used to drive the calves56 to the water." As Frank walked away he remarked, "Yer guv'nor must have raised blamed good calves."
The most annoying result of the whole incident, so far as the men were concerned, lay in the fact that they were in honour bound to attend the evangelistic meeting. To some it was so exasperating57 that they suggested the violation58 of the contract. But that was not to be thought of in the opinion of the majority. "We was licked, and we'll take our medicine, though it's —— hard to swaller," said Hal Rinnell.
For the meeting that night the hand-printed signs gave the information that a series of lantern slides would be exhibited at the commencement of the service.
A few minutes after the opening, and while a popular Gospel hymn59 was being sung, about a dozen men availed themselves of the mercifulness of the semi-darkness, and slipped into back seats. By the time the lights were turned up they had become accustomed to their surroundings, and bore with fair grace the suggestive glances that were directed towards them.
The appeal was based on the words: "I find no fault in this Man." All the controversial weaknesses of the Church were dismissed, and the great problems of heart and life were dealt with in a manly60, sympathetic manner, and men's thoughts were directed to that One whose name still occupies its splendid solitary pre-eminence. Before any person left the building, the speaker was in his accustomed place at the door to speak a personal word and give a handshake. Frank Stacey clasped the proffered61 hand with genuine cordiality, and in a voice that was heard by all, said, "You're playing a bully62 good game, preacher. You hit as good a pace to-night as last night, and if you keep it up you'll lick us to a finish before your innings is out."
Smut Ludlow was not in good humour, and as the boys sat around the bunk-house stove having their last smoke for the day, he was clearly disgusted and maddened at the changed attitude of the camp toward the preacher. Once he expressed himself after Frank had praised the preacher for his "grit63." "You're a —— lot of turncoats; things are in a —— of a mess if you fellows can be bamboozled64 by one of these —— parasites65."
"Well! we ain't the only ones what were bamboozled, Smut. He sure put it all over you last night, and if you had enough brains to fill a thimble you'd keep your fool mouth shut." Never in their long acquaintance had Frank opposed Smut to the extent of this deliverance, but there was no question but that the preacher had overcome Frank's opposition66 and aroused his admiration67. "Anyhow," he continued, "that chap's a different brand to most of 'em, and I kinder think he can put up the genuine goods."
Frank threw his clothes over the line and clambered into his untidy bunk, and long after the heavy breathing of wearied men had become general he lay with strangely new thoughts. He agreed with the preacher that it wasn't a square deal to "find no fault in this Man," and then to deliver Him to be crucified. And that night the preacher had, by numerous illustrations, compelled the worst of men to pay their tribute to Him who was the highest that humanity has known; and yet were they any "squarer" to Him than Pilate was? Had they not much more evidence than Pilate had, and yet, in the face of an absolutely unanimous verdict of "not guilty," they pronounced what was equal to the death penalty. Again and again Frank said to himself "That ain't square."
There was not a seat to spare in the dance-hall during the subsequent nights. Frank Stacey missed no service, and when, at the mission's close, a meeting was called of those interested in the organization of a Church and the erection of a building, he was one of the little company.
When six months later they were ready to occupy the new church, Frank was insistent68 that Mr. ——, "the man who showed Smut where to get off," should be the preacher for the day. "Impossible," said a number; "it would cost over thirty dollars for railway fare alone." "Impossible nothing!" was Frank's response; and twenty-four hours later he handed fifty dollars to the Treasurer69 for railway fare and pulpit supply, and after two weeks of correspondence the announcement was made that the desired speaker was coming.
No one enjoyed the day of the opening more than Frank. The building of the church had absorbed all his interest, and now the effort was crowned with success. For several nights a dozen Welsh and English miners had practised the hymns70 "to give the thing a good send-off." They sat in the corner near the reading-desk, and led the music with increasing confidence as the day's services progressed.
"I guess the devil over-reached himself when he tried to make a fool of the preacher the night of the dance," said Frank, as a group stood outside at the close of the afternoon's Communion service. "'Tain't often he gets as hard hit in the neck by his friends as he was that night."
The Church at the "Banner" has had its ups and downs during the past three years. One of the mines has closed, and many shacks are now unoccupied. Frank Stacey has gone over to Vancouver Island, and some of the "charter members" have ceased their earthly labours; but each Sabbath-day a few faithful ones, "the salt of the earth," gather for worship in the Church that Smut Ludlow unwittingly caused to be built.
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1
hop
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| n.单脚跳，跳跃；vi.单脚跳，跳跃；着手做某事；vt.跳跃，跃过 | |
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2
bonanza
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| n.富矿带，幸运，带来好运的事 | |
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dingy
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| adj.昏暗的，肮脏的 | |
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4
bunk
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| n.(车、船等倚壁而设的)铺位；废话 | |
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5
shack
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| adj.简陋的小屋，窝棚 | |
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6
shacks
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| n.窝棚，简陋的小屋( shack的名词复数 ) | |
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7
grievances
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| n.委屈( grievance的名词复数 )；苦衷；不满；牢骚 | |
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8
rascals
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| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
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9
condemnation
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| n.谴责; 定罪 | |
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10
strutted
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| 趾高气扬地走，高视阔步( strut的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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11
hustled
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| 催促（hustle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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12
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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13
berth
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| n.卧铺，停泊地，锚位；v.使停泊 | |
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14
antagonistic
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| adj.敌对的 | |
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15
bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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16
fishy
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| adj. 值得怀疑的 | |
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17
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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18
wink
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| n.眨眼，使眼色，瞬间；v.眨眼，使眼色，闪烁 | |
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19
unanimity
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| n.全体一致，一致同意 | |
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20
landmarks
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| n.陆标( landmark的名词复数 )；目标；（标志重要阶段的）里程碑 ~ (in sth)；有历史意义的建筑物（或遗址） | |
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21
surmised
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| v.臆测，推断( surmise的过去式和过去分词 )；揣测；猜想 | |
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22
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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23
rhythmic
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| adj.有节奏的，有韵律的 | |
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24
dispensed
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| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
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25
hilarious
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| adj.充满笑声的，欢闹的；[反]depressed | |
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26
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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27
wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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28
monopolize
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| v.垄断，独占，专营 | |
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29
brutality
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| n.野蛮的行为，残忍，野蛮 | |
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30
counterfeiter
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| n.伪造者 | |
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31
crook
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| v.使弯曲；n.小偷，骗子，贼；弯曲(处) | |
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32
lapsed
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| adj.流失的，堕落的v.退步( lapse的过去式和过去分词 )；陷入；倒退；丧失 | |
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33
crooks
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| n.骗子( crook的名词复数 )；罪犯；弯曲部分；（牧羊人或主教用的）弯拐杖v.弯成钩形( crook的第三人称单数 ) | |
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34
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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35
remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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36
filthy
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| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
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37
cedar
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| n.雪松，香柏(木) | |
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38
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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39
contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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40
confidentially
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| ad.秘密地，悄悄地 | |
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41
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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42
chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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43
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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44
feat
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| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
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45
mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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46
expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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47
contestant
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| n.竞争者，参加竞赛者 | |
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48
athletic
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| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
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49
onlooker
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| n.旁观者，观众 | |
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50
narrating
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| v.故事( narrate的现在分词 ) | |
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51
lengthened
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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52
gee
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| n.马；int.向右！前进！，惊讶时所发声音；v.向右转 | |
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53
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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54
puffing
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| v.使喷出( puff的现在分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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55
dummy
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| n.假的东西；(哄婴儿的)橡皮奶头 | |
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56
calves
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| n.(calf的复数)笨拙的男子，腓；腿肚子( calf的名词复数 )；牛犊；腓；小腿肚v.生小牛( calve的第三人称单数 )；（冰川）崩解；生（小牛等），产（犊）；使（冰川）崩解 | |
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57
exasperating
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| adj. 激怒的 动词exasperate的现在分词形式 | |
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58
violation
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| n.违反(行为)，违背(行为)，侵犯 | |
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59
hymn
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌 | |
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60
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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62
bully
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| n.恃强欺弱者，小流氓；vt.威胁，欺侮 | |
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63
grit
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| n.沙粒，决心，勇气；v.下定决心，咬紧牙关 | |
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64
bamboozled
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| v.欺骗，使迷惑( bamboozle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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65
parasites
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| 寄生物( parasite的名词复数 )； 靠他人为生的人； 诸虫 | |
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66
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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67
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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68
insistent
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| adj.迫切的，坚持的 | |
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69
treasurer
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| n.司库，财务主管 | |
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70
hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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