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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Story of Chester Lawrence, by Nephi Anderson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Story of Chester Lawrence
+
+Author: Nephi Anderson
+
+Release Date: October 15, 2004 [EBook #13756]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORY OF CHESTER LAWRENCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Asad Razzaki and the PG Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Story of Chester Lawrence
+
+Being the Completed Account of One
+who Played an Important Part in
+"Piney Ridge Cottage"
+
+
+By NEPHI ANDERSON
+Author of "Added Upon," "The Castle Builder,"
+"Piney Ridge Cottage," etc.
+
+THE DESERET NEWS
+Salt Like City, Utah
+1913
+
+
+
+
+Books by Nephi Anderson.
+
+ADDED UPON, Fifth and Enlarged Edition. A story illustrating "Mormon"
+teachings regarding the past, the present, and the future states of
+existence.
+
+THE CASTLE BUILDER. The scenes and characters are from Norway, the Land
+of the Midnight Sun.
+
+MARCUS KING, MORMON, is the story of a convert to "Mormonism" who came
+to Utah in early pioneer days.
+
+PINEY RIDGE COTTAGE, the love story of a "Mormon" country girl.
+
+A YOUNG FOLKS' HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. The story of the "Mormon" Church
+is told in simple, interesting chapters.
+
+_All bound in beautiful cloth, with gold titles_,
+Price, 75 cents each.
+
+DESERET NEWS BOOK STORE,
+Salt Lake City, Utah.
+
+
+
+
+Story of Chester Lawrence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large
+crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting
+farewells to their friends on board. The departing passengers, most of
+them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and
+waved and shouted in return.
+
+The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up
+the gang-plank. The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and
+bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear. A tremor ran
+through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a
+strip of water between the pier and the ship. Then a tiny tug-boat came
+alongside, fastened itself to the steamer, and with calm assurance,
+guided its big brother safely into the harbor and down the bay. The
+people on shore merged into one dark object; the greetings became
+indistinct; the great city itself, back of the pier, melted into a gray
+mass as seen through the rain.
+
+Chester Lawrence stood on the deck of the departing vessel and watched
+the interesting scene. He stood as one apart from the crowd, having no
+portion with either those on board or those left behind. He was a
+spectator only. Not a soul in that mass of humanity on the pier, not one
+in the big city, knew Chester Lawrence or had a thought for him. No one
+cared whether his voyage would be pleasant or otherwise. There were no
+tears for him, or fears that he would not return in safety. Of the
+hundreds of waving handkerchiefs, none was meant for him; but as a last
+show of good-fellowship and as a farewell greeting to his native land,
+Chester waved once with the rest.
+
+The rain continued as the ship dropped down the bay and came safely into
+the open sea. Some of the passengers then hurried below, while others
+lingered on deck to see as long as possible the fast-receding land.
+Chester took his time. He had seen that his grips had been safely stowed
+away in his state room, so he had no worries, as others seemed to have,
+regarding his belongings. The ship hands (sailors they cannot now be
+called) were busy clearing the deck and getting things into their proper
+places. The vessel pointed fairly into the vast eastern sea. The land
+became a dark, fast-thinning line on the western horizon, and then even
+that was swallowed up in the mist of rain.
+
+"Well, good-by, old home, good-by thou goodly Land of Joseph," spoke
+Chester, half aloud, as he stood for one intense moment facing the west,
+then turned to go down into his room. The rain must at last have reached
+him for his eyes were so blurred that he bumped rather abruptly into an
+elderly man who was standing at his elbow.
+
+"Oh, I beg your pardon," said Chester.
+
+"It was nothing, sir. I, too, was just bidding farewell to the Land of
+Joseph, and I fear my sight was also rather dim."
+
+Chester paused and looked at the man who had heard and repeated his
+remark. No one but a Latter-day Saint would call America the Land of
+Joseph. He was a pleasant-looking man, with hair and beard tinged with
+gray, clear blue eyes, a firm mouth, about which at that moment there
+played a faint smile. Apparently, he wished to make further acquaintance
+with Chester, for he asked:
+
+"How far west were you looking just now?"
+
+The question went deeper than Chester thought possible. He colored a
+trifle, but there was no time to reply, for the other continued:
+
+"Mine was farther than that gray blot called New York, farther than the
+Alleghany mountains; in fact, it extended across the plains of the west
+to the Rocky Mountains--"
+
+"So was mine!" exclaimed the younger man. "Let's shake hands upon it. My
+name is Chester Lawrence, and I'm a Mormon."
+
+"My name is George Malby."
+
+"Elder George Malby?"
+
+"Yes; I am a Mormon elder going on a mission to Great Britain."
+
+"I'm mighty glad to meet you, Elder Malby. I thought there wasn't a soul
+on board this vessel that I could approach as a friend; now I have a
+brother."
+
+"Three of them," corrected the elder. "There are two more missionaries
+on board. Not a large party of us this time. Would you like to meet
+them?"
+
+There was no more land to be seen now. The sea stretched all around,
+with clouds above, and the rain. There was more comfort below, so the
+two newly-made friends went down. Chester met the other elders who were
+younger men, one destined for Scandinavia, the other for the
+Netherlands. It did not take long for the four men to become acquainted.
+Presently the dinner gong sounded, and all became interested in the
+first meal on ship-board.
+
+Practically every one sat down to that dinner, and did full justice to
+it. For many, that was the only meal eaten for days. Chester was not
+seated at the same table as his friends. At his right was a chatty old
+gentleman and at his left a demure lady who ate in silence. Strangeness,
+however, is soon worn off when a company of people must eat at the same
+table for a week; that is, if the dreaded sea-sickness does not
+interfere too much with the gathering together at meal-time.
+
+Towards evening the rain ceased. As the darkness came on, the clouds
+billowed across the vast upper expanse. Chester and his new-made friends
+paced the deck and watched the night settle on the water, and enclose
+the ship in its folds. They talked of the strange new experience on
+ship-board, then they told somewhat of each other's personal history.
+The sea was rough, and the ship pitched more and more as it met the
+swells of the Atlantic. The question of sea-sickness came up.
+
+"I have crossed the ocean three times," remarked Elder Malby, "and
+escaped the sickness each time. I hope for as good luck now."
+
+"It _is_ a matter of luck, I understand," said Chester. "Sea-sickness is
+no respecter of persons, times, or so-called preventatives. The weak
+sometimes escape, while the strong are laid low. _I_ feel all right
+yet."
+
+The two younger men were fighting bravely, but it was not long before
+they excused themselves hurriedly, and went below, and to bed. Chester
+and Elder Malby displayed splendid sea-legs, so they walked until they
+were tired, then took possession of some chairs in a sheltered corner,
+wrapping their coats well around them.
+
+"I wish I were going on a mission, as you are," Chester was saying. "My
+trip is somewhat aimless, I fear. For a year or more I have had a notion
+that I ought to see Europe. I have seen a good deal of America, both
+East and West. I lived for some time in Salt Lake City, though I became
+a Church member in Chicago. But about Europe," he continued as if he did
+not then wish to speak of his Western experiences, "you know, one must
+have seen somewhat of the Old World to have the proper 'culture,'--must
+have seen Europe's pictures, old castles, and historic places. I know
+little and care less about the culture, but I have always had a desire
+to see England, and some of France and Germany, and the Alps--yes, I
+want to see the Alps and compare them with our Rockies. Rome, and other
+Italian cities, are interesting, too, but I may not get to them this
+time. I do hope some good will come of all this--somehow I think it will
+not be wholly in vain."
+
+The older man let him talk without interruption. There was something
+uncommon in the life of this young man, but it would not do to show
+undue haste in wishing to know it. It was easily to be seen that Chester
+was helped in this opportunity to talk to a friend that could understand
+and be trusted. They sat late that night. The sea roared about them in
+the darkness. There was a fascination about this thing of seeming
+life--the ship--forcing itself against wind and wave into the darkness,
+and bearing safely with it in light and comfort a thousand precious
+souls.
+
+Chester slept fairly well, and was awake next morning at daylight.
+Though the ship was pitching and rocking, he felt no indications of
+sea-sickness. He gazed out of the port-hole at the racing waves. Some of
+them rose to his window, and he looked into a bank of green water. He
+got up and dressed. It was good to think he would not be sick. Very few
+were stirring. A number who were, like himself, immune, were briskly
+pacing the deck. Chester joined them and looked about. This surely must
+be a storm, thought he. He had often wished to witness one, from a safe
+position, of course, and here was one. As far as he could see in every
+direction, the ocean was one mass of rolling, seething water. At a
+distance it looked like a boiling pot, but nearer the waves rose higher,
+the ship's prow cutting them like a knife.
+
+"Quite a storm," said Chester to a man washing the deck.
+
+"Storm? Oh, no, sir; just a bit of a blow."
+
+No one seemed to have any concern regarding the safety of the ship, so
+Chester concluded that there was no danger, that this was no storm at
+all, which conclusion was right, as he had later to acknowledge. The sun
+came up through a wild sea into a wild sky, casting patches of shifting
+light on the waters to the east. Chester kept a lookout for his friends,
+the elders. When the breakfast gong sounded, Elder Malby appeared.
+
+"Where are the others?" asked Chester.
+
+"They'll not get up today; perhaps not tomorrow. I see you are all
+right. You're lucky. Come, let us go to breakfast."
+
+Most of the seats were vacant at the table that morning. A few smilingly
+looked around, secure in their superior strength. Others were bravely
+trying to do the right thing by sitting down to a morning meal; but a
+number of these failed, some leaving quietly and deliberately, others
+rushing away in unceremonial haste. Chester was quite alone on his side
+of the table. If there had been a trifle of "sinking emptiness" in him
+before, the meal braced him up wonderfully. In this he thought he had
+discovered a sure cure for sea-sickness. One day later he imparted this
+information to a lady voyager, who received it with the exclamation,
+"Oh, horrors!"
+
+All that day the wind was strong, and the sea rough. Even an officer
+acknowledged that if this weather kept up, the "blow" might grow into a
+storm. From the upper deck Chester and Elder Malby looked out on the
+sublime spectacle. Like great, green, white-crested hills, the waves
+raced along the vast expanse. Towards the afternoon the ship and the
+wind had shifted their course so that the waves dashed with thunderous
+roar against the iron sides of the vessel which only heaved and dipped
+and went steadily on its way.
+
+A number of ladies crowded on deck, and, aided by the stewards, were
+safely tucked into chairs in places protected from wind and spray. The
+deck stewards tempted them with broth, but they only sipped it
+indifferently. These same ladies, just the day before had carried their
+feather-tipped heads ever so stately. Now, alas, how had the mighty
+leveler laid them low! They did not now care how their gowns fitted, or
+whether their hats were on straight. Any common person, not afflicted
+with sea-sickness, could have criticised their attitude in the chairs.
+One became so indifferent to correct appearances that she slid from her
+chair on to the deck, where she undignifiedly sprawled. The deck steward
+had to tuck her shawls about her and assist her to a more lady-like
+position.
+
+"That's pretty tough," remarked Chester.
+
+"All the wits have tried their skill on the subject of sea-sickness,"
+said his companion; "but it's no joke to those who experience it."
+
+"Can't we help those ladies?" asked Chester.
+
+"Not very much. You will find the best thing to do is to let them alone.
+They'll not thank you, not now, for any suggestion or proffer of help.
+If you should be so foolish as to ask them what you could do for them,
+they would reply, if they replied at all, 'Stop the ship for five
+minutes.'"
+
+"Then I'll be wise," said Chester.
+
+The night came on, dark and stormy. The two friends kept up well. They
+ate the evening meal with appetite, then went on deck again.
+
+Night adds awfulness to the sublimity of a storm at sea. The world about
+the ship is in wild commotion. The sky seems to have dropped into the
+sea, and now joins the roaring waves as they rush along. The blackness
+of the night is impenetrable, save as the lights from the ship gleam for
+an instant into the moving mass of water. Now and then a wave, rearing
+its crested head higher than the rest, breaks in spray upon the deck.
+The wind seems eager to hurl every movable object from the vessel, but
+as everything is fast, it must be content to shriek in the rigging and
+to sweep out into the darkness, and lend its madness to the sea and sky.
+
+But let us leave this awe-inspiring uproar and go down into the saloon.
+Here we come into another world, a world of light and peace and
+contentment. The drawn curtains exclude the sight of the angry elements
+without, and save for the gentle rocking of the ship and the occasional
+splashing of water against its sides, we can easily imagine that we are
+a thousand miles from the sea. Passengers sit at the long tables,
+reading or chatting. Other groups are playing cards or chess. In the
+cushioned corners, young men and maidens are exchanging banter with
+words and glances. A young lady is playing the piano, and over all this
+scene of life, and light, and gaiety, the electric lamps gleam in steady
+splendor.
+
+Elder Malby soon retired. Chester remained in the saloon for a time,
+studying the various aspects of life about him; then he made a
+good-night visit to the deck. He looked into the men's smoking room,
+where a few yet sat with pipes and beer, playing cards. Among them were
+two men, fat-cheeked, smoothly shaven, who were dressed in priestly
+garb. There was an expressive American in the company, an Englishman and
+a quiet German. Before the American could carry into effect his
+intention of asking Chester to join them, the latter had passed by and
+out beyond the stench of the tobacco smoke.
+
+"This air, washed clean by a thousand miles of scouring waves, is good
+enough for me," thought he.
+
+The wind was not blowing so hard. The sky was nearly clear of clouds.
+The moon hung full and bright above the heaving horizon. Here was
+another aspect of the wonderful sea, and Chester lingered to get its
+full beauty. The steamer rolled heavily between the big waves. The young
+man leaned on the railing, and watched the ship's deck dip nearly to
+the water, then heave back until the iron sides were exposed nearly to
+the keel.
+
+Chester was about to turn in for the night when he heard a commotion,
+apparently among the third class passengers. He walked along to where he
+could look down on the forward main deck. A number of people were
+running about shouting excitedly. Chester ran down the steps to get a
+nearer view.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know. Someone overboard, I think."
+
+People were crowding to the rail at the extreme forward end of the ship.
+Someone with authority was trying to push them back, using the
+old-fashioned ship-board language to aid him. Chester drew near enough
+not to be in the way, but so that he could observe what was going on. By
+leaning well over the rail, he could see what appeared to be two persons
+clinging to the anchor, which hung on the ship's side, about half-way
+down to the water. One was a dark figure, the other appeared in the
+moonlight to be a woman dressed in white. Other ships-men now rushed up.
+
+"Clear way here! Where's the rope? Hang on, my man; we'll soon get
+you"--this down the side of the ship. There came some words in reply,
+but Chester did not hear them. A rope was lowered. "Slip the loop around
+the lady," was the order from above. The man on the anchor tried to
+obey. He moved as if cautiously and slowly. "Hurry, my man!" But there
+was no haste. Limbs and fingers made stiff by long exposure and cramped
+position, clinging desperately to prevent himself and his burden from
+falling into the sea, were not now likely to be nimble; but in a few
+minutes, which, however, seemed a long time, some words were spoken by
+the man on the anchor, the command to haul in was given, and slowly the
+nearly-unconscious form of a young woman was drawn up to safety.
+
+"Now, my man, your next," shouted the officer. The rope soon dangled
+down again, the man reached out a hand for it. The ship cut into a big
+wave, whose crest touched the man below. He grasped wildly for the rope,
+missed it, and fell with a cry into the sea. Chester tried to see him as
+the ship rushed on, but the commotion and the darkness prevented him.
+
+"Man overboard! stop the ship!" came from the excited passengers. "Man
+overboard!" What could be done! The man was gone. He had not one chance
+in a thousand to be rescued. Had he fallen overboard without much
+notice, the ship would have gone right on--Why should a world be stopped
+in its even course to save one soul?--but too many had seen this. Signal
+bells were rung, the engines slowed down, and then stopped. Lights
+flashed here and there, other officers of higher rank came on the scene;
+a boat fully manned was lowered. It bobbed up and down on the waves like
+a cork. Back into the track of the ship it went, and was soon lost to
+view.
+
+The search was continued for an hour, then given up. No trace of the
+man could be found. The small boat was raised to the deck, the engine
+moved again, and the big ship went on its way.
+
+Chester lingered among the steerage, passengers and listened to the
+story of the lost man who, it seems, had been one of those unfortunate
+ones who had failed to pass the health inspector at New York and had
+therefore been sent back to his native land, Ireland. He was known as
+Mike, what else, no one could tell. And the woman? Poor girl, she had
+wandered in her night dress to the ship's side, and in some unknown way
+had gotten overboard as far as the protruding piece of iron. How Mike
+had reached her, or how long they had occupied their perilous position,
+no one could tell. He was gone, and the woman was saved to her husband
+and her baby.
+
+The night was growing late; but there was no sleep for Chester. Many of
+the passengers, having been awakened by the stopping of the ship, were
+up, hurriedly dressed, and enquiring what the trouble was. Chester met
+Elder Malby in the companion-way.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked the Elder.
+
+"A man has been lost at sea," replied the other. "Come into the saloon,
+and I'll tell you about it."
+
+Chester was visibly affected as he related what he had seen. At the
+conclusion of his story he bowed his face into his hands for a moment.
+Then he looked into the Elder's face with a smile.
+
+"Well, it's too bad, too bad," said George Malby.
+
+"Do you think so?"
+
+"Well--why--isn't it a terrible thing to die like that?"
+
+"I hope not," replied Chester. "I think the dying part was easy enough,
+and the manner of it was glorious. He was a poor fellow who had failed
+to land. He had no doubt thought to make fame and fortune in the new
+world. Now he has gone to a new world indeed. He entered it
+triumphantly, I hope. As far as I know, he ought to be received as a
+hero in that world to which he has gone."
+
+Chester's eyes shone and his face was aglow. "Elder Malby," he
+continued, "I remember what you told me just yesterday,--To our immortal
+soul, nothing that others can do, matters much; a man's own actions is
+what counts. Neither does it matter much when or how a man leaves this
+life; the vital thing is what he has done and how he has done it up to
+the point of departure. The Lord will take care of the rest."
+
+As the two men went slowly along the narrow passage way to their state
+rooms that night, the older man said to the other, "I guess you're
+right, my brother; yes; you are right. Good night, and pleasant sleep."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+The next morning the sky was clear and the sea was much smoother. The
+sun shone bright and warm; more people came on deck, rejoicing that they
+could live in the vigor of the open rather than in their stuffy state
+rooms. The two seasick elders thought it wiser to remain quietly in
+their berths for another day, so Chester and Elder Malby had the day to
+themselves. As the accident of the night before became known to the
+passengers, it was the topic of conversation for some time.
+
+That afternoon Chester and his companion found a cosy corner on deck
+away from the cigar smoke, and had a long heart to heart talk. The fact
+of the matter was that the young man found comfort in the society of his
+older brother. For the first time in nearly two years Chester could pour
+out his heart to sympathetic ears, and he found much joy in doing this.
+
+"Yes," said Chester to a question, "I should like to tell you about
+myself. When my story gets tiresome, call my attention to the porpoises,
+or declare that you can see a whale."
+
+"I promise," laughed the other.
+
+"Well, to begin at the very beginning, I was born in a suburb of
+Chicago, and lived in and near that city most of my life. My mother's
+name was Anna Lawrence. I never knew my father, not even his name. Yes,
+I can talk freely about it to you. The time was when I shunned even the
+thoughts of my earthly origin and my childhood days, but I have gotten
+over that. I have learned to face the world and all the truth it has for
+me.
+
+"When I was but a child, my mother married Hugh Elston. Shortly after,
+they both heard the gospel preached by a 'Mormon' elder, and they
+accepted it. I had been placed in the care of some of my relatives, and
+when my mother now wished to take me, they would not give me up. They
+were, of course, fearful that I, too, would become a 'Mormon.' Mr.
+Elston and my mother went west to Utah. I was sent to school, obtained a
+fairly good education, and while yet a young man, was conducting a
+successful business.
+
+"I had nearly forgotten that I had a parent at all, when one day, my
+mother, without announcement, came to Chicago. She had left her husband.
+Mother did not say much to any of us, but I took it for granted that she
+had been abused among the 'terrible Mormons.' After a time I took a trip
+out to Utah to see about it, meaning to find this Mr. Elston and compel
+him to do the right thing for my mother. Well, I went, I saw, and was
+conquered. Mr. Elston was a widower living in a spot of green called
+Piney Ridge Cottage amid the sage-brush desert,--living there alone with
+his daughter Julia. And this Julia--well--Do you see any porpoises,
+Brother Malby?"
+
+"Not yet. Go on."
+
+"Mr. Elston is a fine, good-hearted man,--a gentleman in very deed. He
+soon found out who I was and invited me to his home. Julia was mistress
+there. In the midst of the desert, these two had created a beautiful
+home. I went to their Sunday School and their meetings. I read Mormon
+books. My eyes were opened to the truth, and I was ready to accept it."
+
+"Thanks to Julia," suggested the listener with a sly glance at Chester.
+
+"Yes; thanks to Julia, Brother Malby; but not in the sense you hint at.
+I think I would have accepted the gospel, even had there been no Julia
+mixed up with the finding of it. But Julia helped. She was a living
+example of what 'Mormonism' can do for a person, and when I looked at
+her, learned her thoughts through her words, and saw her life by her
+every-day deeds, I said to myself, 'A system of religion that produces
+such a soul, cannot be bad.' Yes; she was a wonderful help; but I repeat
+that had the truth come to me by other means and other ways, I believe I
+should have accepted it."
+
+"Forgive me for the thoughtless remark," said Elder Malby.
+
+"O, I know how justifiable you are for it, so you are forgiven."
+
+"Did you join the Church in Utah?"
+
+"No; I went back to Chicago. Away from Utah, from Piney Ridge Cottage
+and its influence. I pondered and prayed. I found the elders there and
+was baptized. Then I went to Salt Lake City, where Julia had gone to
+attend school while her father was away on a mission to England."
+Chester paused, looking out on the sea. "You don't blame me for falling
+in love with Julia, do you?" asked he.
+
+"I don't blame you a bit."
+
+"But there was someone else, a young fellow who had grown up as a
+neighbor to her. He also went on a mission, and then I believe Julia
+discovered that she thought more of Glen Curtis than of me. I do not now
+blame Julia for that. She told me plainly her feelings. I persisted for
+a time, but in vain--then I went away, and have never been to Utah
+since."
+
+"And that's the end of your story?"
+
+"Oh, no; while I was roaming aimlessly about the country trying to mend
+a broken heart, mother, becoming uneasy about me, and thinking I was yet
+in Utah, journeyed out west to find me. The team on the stage-coach
+which took her out to Julia's home, ran away from the drunken driver,
+and just before they got to Piney Ridge Cottage the wagon upset on a
+dug-way, and mother was mortally hurt. She died under Julia's care, and
+now lies in Mr. Elston's private graveyard near Piney Ridge Cottage
+beside Mr. Elston's other wife. Let us walk a little."
+
+The older man linked his arm into Chester's as they paced the long reach
+of the promenade deck. They walked for a few minutes, then sat down
+again.
+
+"I hope you'll not think I'm a bore, to continue my personal history;
+but there is something in here," said Chester, striking his breast,
+"that finds relief in expression to one who understands."
+
+"Go on; tell me all."
+
+"Do you know, I was tempted to 'chuck it all' after I had failed with
+Julia. I even went so far as to play devilishly near to sin, but thank
+the Lord, I came to my senses before I was overcome, and I escaped that
+horror. Oh, but I was storm-tossed for a while--I thought of it
+yesterday when we had the rough sea--but in time I came out into the
+calm again, just as we are coming today on this voyage. But not until I
+had said more than once 'not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done,' and
+said it from my heart, did I get peace. Then I began to see that the
+girl had come into my life, not to be my wife, but to turn my life into
+new channels. I, with the rest of the world of which I was a part, had
+no definite views or high ideals of life, death, 'and that vast
+forever;' and something was needed to change my easy-going course. When
+I realized that Julia Elston had been the instrument of the Lord in
+doing that, I had to put away resentment and acknowledge the hand of God
+in it. I read in the parables of our Lord that a certain merchantman had
+to sell all he had in order to get the purchase money to buy the Pearl
+of Great Price. Why should it be given me without cost?"
+
+"We all have to pay for it."
+
+"And I who had made no sacrifice, railed against fate because I had been
+asked to pay a trifle--no it was not a trifle; but I have paid, and hope
+to continue to pay to the last call. Now, what do you say, brother?
+Tell me what you think."
+
+"Well, you have an interesting story, my brother, and I am glad you look
+on your experiences in the right light. To get the woman one thinks he
+ought to get, is, after all, not the whole of life. There are other
+blessings. To have one's life changed from darkness into light; to have
+one's journey turned from a downward course to one of eternal
+exaltation; to obtain a knowledge of the plan of salvation,--these are
+important. If one is on the right way, and keeps on that way to the end,
+He who rules the world and the destinies of men, will see to it that all
+is right. Sometime, somewhere, every man and every woman will come to
+his own, whether in life or death, in this world, or the next."
+
+"Thank you for saying that. Do you know, I am now glad that Julia did
+not yield to my entreaties, and marry me out of pity. Think how I would
+have felt when the realization of that had come to me. * * * * I found
+this expression of Stevenson the other day, purporting to be a test of a
+man's fortitude and delicacy: 'To renounce where that shall be
+necessary, and not to be embittered.' Thank the Lord, I am not
+embittered. Some time ago I chose this declaration of Paul for my motto:
+'But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and
+reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the
+mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'"
+
+The light of a soul of peace shone from the countenance of the young
+man. The smile on the lips added only beauty to the strength of the
+face. He arose, shook himself as if to get rid of all past
+unpleasantness and weakness, and faced the east as though he were
+meeting the world with new power. Then the smile changed to a merry
+laugh as he ran to the railing and cried:
+
+"See, sure enough, there _is_ a school of porpoises!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The ship was in mid-ocean. The rough weather had wholly ceased. The sea
+lay glinting like a vast jewel under the slant of the afternoon sun. It
+was a day of unflecked beauty. The decks were gay with people, some
+walking, some leaning idly on the rail, some sitting with books in their
+hands. A few were reading, but most sat with finger in closed book. Why
+bother to read _about_ life when it could be seen so full and
+interesting all around.
+
+A day on ship-board is longer than one on shore, and provision must be
+made to pass it pleasantly. If the weather is fair, this is quite a
+problem. Of course, there are the meals in the well-appointed dining
+saloon. They break pleasantly into the long monotony. Then there are the
+deck games; the watching for "whales" and passing vessels; the looking
+at the spinning log in the foaming water at the stern; the marking of
+the chart, which indicates the distance traversed during the twenty-four
+hours; the visit to the steerage and the "stoke hole," or boiler room in
+the depths of the ship; and last, but not least, the getting acquainted
+with one's fellow passengers. "Steamer friendships" are easily made, and
+in most cases, soon forgotten. The little world of people speeding
+across the deep from shore to shore, is bound together closely for a few
+days, and then, its inhabitants scatter.
+
+Chester Lawrence was enjoying every hour of the voyage. On that day
+practically all sea-sickness had gone. The vacant places at the tables
+were being filled and the company looked around at each other with
+pleasant contentment. The steamship company no longer saved on the
+provisions. The chatty old gentleman at Chester's right was back again
+after a short absence, and the power of speech had come to the demure
+lady on his left, with the return of her appetite.
+
+Two places opposite Chester were still vacant at the table. That day as
+the crowd hastily answered the dinner gong, Chester, being a little
+tardy, encountered an elderly man and what appeared to be his daughter
+making their way slowly down the companionway towards the dining room.
+Chester saw at a glance that neither of them was strong, but both tried
+to appear able and were bound to help each other. He smiled at their
+well-meaning endeavors, then without asking leave, took the man's free
+arm and helped him down the steps, saying,
+
+"You haven't quite got your sea-legs yet--Now then, steady, and we'll
+soon be there. Get a good dinner, and that will help."
+
+The steward showed them to the two seats opposite Chester which had been
+vacant so long.
+
+"Thank you very much," said the girl to Chester, with a smile, when the
+elderly man was well seated. Chester bowed without replying, then went
+around the table to his own seat.
+
+Somehow that gracious little smile had made Chester's heart flutter for
+an instant. As he realized it, he said to himself, "What's the matter
+with me? Am I getting foolish? It was, certainly a sweet smile, and the
+thanks were gracious, too; but what of it?" The first courses were being
+served. She was sitting opposite him, just a few feet away. He might
+take a good look at the girl to see if there was anything uncommon about
+her. He looked down the table, glancing just for an instant opposite.
+No; there was nothing striking, or to be disturbed about. The girl was
+still solicitous over her companion, meanwhile eating a little herself.
+"I musn't be rude, thought Chester, and then looked again across the
+table. The man was past middle age. His face was clean shaven, and he
+was dressed in the garb of a minister. He was a preacher, then. The girl
+had evidently suffered much from sea-sickness, because her face was pale
+and somewhat pinched, though there was a tinge of red in her cheeks.
+That's a pretty chin, and a lovely mouth--and, well, now, what _is_ the
+matter! Chester Lawrence, attend to your chicken."
+
+The minister and his daughter did not remain for the dessert. As they
+arose, he said:
+
+"Now, that's pretty good for the first time, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, father, it is," she replied. "You're getting on famously. Shall we
+try the deck for a while?"
+
+"Yes; it will do us both good to get into the air. Run along into your
+room for a wrap."
+
+Chester was tempted to leave his dinner to help them again; but he
+resisted the temptation. They walked quite firmly now, and as they
+entered the passageway, the girl glancing back into the room, met
+Chester's eyes and smiled once more. Again Chester's heart fluttered. It
+would have been a cold, hardened heart indeed not to have responded to
+such an appeal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+On the morning of the fourth day out, Chester Lawrence stood watching
+the antics of a young man, who, coatless and hatless, and made brave by
+too many visits to the bar, was running up the rope ladders of the mast
+to a dangerous height. He climbed up to where the ladder met the one on
+the other side, down which he scrambled with the agility of a monkey.
+The ladies in the group on deck gasped in fright at his reckless daring.
+The fellow jumped to the deck from the rail, and made a sweeping bow to
+the spectators:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "'tis nothing at all, I assure you. On
+shore I am a circus performer, an' I was just practicing a little. Have
+no fear. See--"
+
+He was about to make a second exhibition when a ship's officer seized
+him, threatening to lock him up if he did not desist.
+
+"O, certainly, if its against the rules," he replied meekly. His hat and
+coat were lying on a chair by some ladies. He put these on again, and
+then sat down and began talking to the one nearest him. Chester, who had
+followed the fellow's capers with some interest, gave a start when he
+saw that the lady with whom the man was trying to carry on a
+conversation was the minister's daughter. She was visibly annoyed, and
+looked about as if for help. Chester thought her eyes fell on him, and
+without hesitation he determined to assist her. He went up to them, and
+without appearing to see the girl, reached out his hand to the man,
+saying:
+
+"Halloo Jack! Didn't know you were on board till I saw your capers just
+now. I want to talk to you a moment. Come along and have a drink first."
+
+The fellow stared at Chester and was about to deny any acquaintanceship
+with him, when the insistent manner of the greeting changed his mind. He
+excused himself to the lady, arose and followed. Chester took his arm as
+they walked along.
+
+"Which is your state-room?" asked Chester.
+
+"It's 340; but what you want to know for? Aren't we going to have a
+drink?"
+
+"Not just now, my man. You're going to your room, and to bed. You got up
+too early. Listen,"--as the sobering man began to resent the
+interference,--"there's an officer looking at us. He will do nothing if
+you will go along quietly with me, but if you make a scene I'll hand you
+over to him."
+
+They found the man's room and he willingly went in and lay down. "Now,"
+said Chester to him, "remain below until you're sober. And don't bother
+that young lady again--do you hear. _Don't you do it_."
+
+Chester went on deck again, somewhat in wonder at his own conduct. He
+was not in the habit of interfering in other people's business, and
+never mixed with drunken affairs. But this surely was different. No man
+would have refused _that_ appeal for help. Yes; he was sure she had
+pleaded with her eyes. Perhaps he ought to go back and receive her
+thanks, but he resisted that impulse. He walked to the extreme rear of
+the boat and stood looking at the broad white path which the ship was
+making in the green sea. He stood gazing for some time, then turned, and
+there sitting on a coil of rope was the girl who had been in his mind.
+She saw his confusion and smiled at it.
+
+"I--I came to thank you," she said; "but I did not like to disturb your
+meditations, so I sat down to rest."
+
+"The sea has used you up quite badly, hasn't it?"
+
+"O no; I was dreadfully ill before I came aboard. This trip is to make
+me well, so papa says."
+
+"I hope so." There was a pause, during which Chester found a seat on a
+bit of ship furniture. This girl's voice was like an echo from far-away
+Utah and Piney Ridge Cottage. And there was something about the shapely
+head now framed in wind-blown hair and the face itself that reminded him
+of someone else. Just how the resemblance came in he could not tell, but
+there it was. Perhaps, after all, it was just the look in her eyes and
+the spirit that accompanied her actions and words that moved him.
+
+"Is that man a friend of yours?" she asked.
+
+"You mean that drunken fool? No; I've never met him before."
+
+"That was just a ruse then--that invitation to drink."
+
+"I had to do something, and that came first to me."
+
+"Then you didn't go and drink with him?"
+
+"Why no, of course not. I took him to his berth, and told him to stay
+there."
+
+"Do you think he will?"
+
+"Yes; until he sobers up."
+
+"Well, I don't like drunken men."
+
+"Neither do I."
+
+"We're agreed on one thing then, aren't we?"
+
+Chester laughed with her. Elder Malby was pacing the deck, awaiting the
+call for breakfast; but Chester did not join him.
+
+"The man bothered me yesterday," she said, "and again last night. He
+wished to get acquainted, he claimed."
+
+"You don't know him, then?"
+
+"I've never seen him before. Papa has had to remain very quiet, and I
+haven't been around much. That fellow made me afraid."
+
+"Well, he'll not bother you again. If he does, let me know."
+
+"Thank you very much--"
+
+The call for breakfast came to them faintly, then grew louder as the
+beaten gong came up from below to the deck.
+
+"I must get papa and take him to breakfast. Let me thank you again, and
+good morning."
+
+He might have accompanied her down, but he just stood there watching
+her. Elder Malby came up, and the two went down together.
+
+The minister and his daughter got into their places more actively that
+morning. Chester wished heartily that his seat was not opposite. She was
+at too close range to allow of any careful observation. He could not
+very well help looking across the table, neither could she, although she
+had her father to talk to. Chester was really glad when breakfast was
+over that morning, and they all filed up to the sun-lit deck again.
+
+Had Chester been a smoker, he would no doubt have taken consolation in a
+pipe with the majority of the men; but as it was, he withdrew as much as
+possible from others that he might think matters over and get to a
+proper footing; for truth to tell, he was in danger of falling in love
+again, and that, he said to himself, would never do. He avoided even
+Elder Malby that morning; but to do so he had to go down to the main
+deck forward out to the prow. He went to the extreme point, where from
+behind the closed railing he could stand as a look-out into the eastern
+sea. Gently and slowly the vessel rose and fell as it plowed through the
+long, gleaming undulations.
+
+"What am I coming to," said Chester half-aloud as if the sea might hear
+and answer him. "Here I am running away from one heart entanglement only
+to go plump into another. She is not Julia, of course, but she has
+Julia's twin soul. A perfect stranger, an acquaintance of two days! The
+daughter of a minister, a minister of the world!" What was he thinking
+of? Who were they? He did not even know her name. She was not a well
+girl, that he could see. The roses in her cheeks were not altogether
+natural and her face was pale; but those red lips, and that smile when
+turned to him! Well, the voyage was half over. Another four or five days
+and they would be in Liverpool, where they would go their different ways
+forever. He must keep away from her that long, seeing there was danger.
+No more playing with the fire that burns so deep. And all this which he
+seemed to feel and fear, might be undreamed of by her and very likely
+was. A girl like that would not take seriously a "steamer friendship."
+She was only doing what all young people do on such trips, making
+pleasant acquaintances with whom to pass away the monotonous days.
+"Sure, sure," said he, as if to clinch the argument, but nevertheless,
+deep within his soul there was an undercurrent of protest against such
+final conclusions.
+
+Chester tried to seek refuge in Elder Malby, but as he was not to be
+found, he opened up a conversation with the missionary for Scandinavia.
+The missionary was but a boy, it seemed to Chester. The going from home
+and the sea-sickness had had their effects, and the young fellow was
+glad to have some one to talk to. He came from Arizona, he told Chester;
+had lived on a ranch all his life; had never been twenty miles away from
+home before,--and now all this at once! It was "tough."
+
+"But I'm feeling fine now," he said. "Do you know, I've had a peculiar
+experience. All the way across the United States from home, something
+seemed to say to me, 'You can't stand this. You'll go crazy. You'd
+better go back home.' Of course, I was terribly homesick, and I guess
+that was the trouble. The cowardly part of me was trying to scare the
+better part. But all the time I seemed to hear 'You'll go crazy' until
+once or twice I thought I would.
+
+"Well, it was the same in New York, and the same when we came aboard. I
+didn't care much one way or other while sea-sick, but when I got over
+it, there was the same taunting voice. At last I got downright angry and
+said, 'All right, I'm going right on and fill my mission, _and go
+crazy!_' From that moment I have ceased to be bothered, and am now
+feeling fine."
+
+"Good for you," said Chester. "You'll win out. I wish I was sure about
+myself." He went no further in explanation, however.
+
+Ship board etiquette does not require formal introductions before
+extended conversations may be carried on. The New England school ma'am
+and the German professor were in a deep discussion ten minutes after
+they had met for the first time. Many on the ship were going especially
+"to do Europe," so there were themes for conversation in common.
+
+As it happened, Chester was alone again that afternoon and he met the
+minister and his daughter on the promenade deck. They were taking their
+exercise moderately, pausing frequently to look at any trifling
+diversion. Chester tipped his cap at them as they passed. At the next
+meeting in the walk, the minister stopped and greeted the young man.
+
+"I wish to thank you for your act of kindness to my daughter," he said.
+"She has told me about it."
+
+"It was nothing, I assure you, sir," replied Chester. "I don't think the
+fellow will annoy her again."
+
+"I hope not. On these ocean voyages one is thrown so closely into all
+kinds of company. We, of course, must suppose all our fellow-passengers
+are respectable people, until we find out otherwise--but let us sit
+down. Where are our chairs, Lucy?"
+
+"They're on the other side, I believe, where we left them this morning."
+
+"It's a little too windy there."
+
+"I'll bring them around to you," said Chester. Lucy followed him,
+pointing out which of the chairs belonged to them.
+
+"May I not carry one?" she asked.
+
+"You do not appear strong enough to lift one."
+
+Chester carried the two chairs around to the side of the sheltered deck,
+then found a vacant chair for himself which he placed with the other
+two.
+
+"Thank you very much," said the minister, as they seated themselves.
+"The day is really fine, isn't it? After the sea-sickness, there is
+something glorious in a pleasant sea voyage. This is my third time
+across, but I don't remember just such a fine day as this. Are you a
+good sailor?" this to Chester.
+
+"I've not missed a meal yet, if that's any indication."
+
+"I envy you. I have often wished I could be on deck in a bit of real
+bad weather. We had a little blow the other day, I understand, when that
+poor fellow lost his life."
+
+"Yes; I saw the accident," replied Chester; whereupon he had to relate
+the details to them.
+
+"Well, such is life--and death," was the minister's only comment on the
+story.
+
+The minister did most of the talking. Perhaps that was because he was
+used to it, having, as he told Chester, been a preacher for twenty-five
+years. The daughter commented briefly now and then, prompting his memory
+where it seemed to be weak. Chester listened with great interest to the
+man's account of former trips to Europe and his description of famous
+places. The speaker's voice was pleasant and well-modulated. His
+clean-cut face lighted up under the inspiration of some vivid
+description. Chester found himself drawn to the man nearly as much as he
+had been to the daughter.
+
+"You're an American," announced the minister, turning to Chester.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"A western American, too."
+
+"Right again; how can you tell?"
+
+"Easily enough. How far west?"
+
+"My home is in Chicago."
+
+"Well, Lucy and I can beat you. We came from Kansas City. Ever been
+there?"
+
+"I've passed through twice."
+
+"Through the Union Depot only?" asked Lucy.
+
+"You must have received a very unpleasant impression of our city."
+
+"Well, happily I did get away from that depot. I took a ride on the cars
+out to Independence, and I saw a good part of the city besides. It's
+beautiful out towards Swope Park--"
+
+"There's where we live," exclaimed the girl. "I think the park's just
+grand. I live in it nearly all summer."
+
+At this point of the conversation, a party to windward, among whom were
+the two Catholic Fathers, lighted their pipes, and the smoke streamed
+like from so many chimneys into the faces of those sitting near. The
+minister looked sharply towards the puffing men, while Lucy tried to
+push the denser clouds away with her hands; but no notice was taken of
+such gentle remonstrances.
+
+"I'll speak to them," suggested Chester.
+
+"No; don't. It would only offend them," said the minister. "They think
+they are strictly within their rights, and it does not dawn on their
+nicotine poisoned wits that they are taking away other peoples'
+rights,--that of breathing the uncontaminated air. We'll just move our
+chairs a bit," which they did.
+
+"You don't smoke, I take it," continued the clergyman, addressing
+Chester.
+
+"No; I quit two years ago."
+
+"Good for you. It's a vile habit, and I sometimes think the worst effect
+smoking has on people is that it dulls the nice gentlemanlyness of a
+man's character. Now, those men over there, even the Catholic Fathers,
+are, no doubt gentlemen in all respects but one; it's a pity that the
+tobacco habit should make the one exception."
+
+Chester agreed in words, Lucy in looks.
+
+"You say you have passed through Kansas City," continued the father.
+"How far west have you been?"
+
+"To the Pacific Coast."
+
+"Lucy and I should have made this trip westward, but the doctor said we
+must not cross the mountains, because of her heart. So an ocean voyage
+was advised."
+
+"And I did want so much to see the Rockies," added the young woman. "I
+have always had a longing to see our own mountains as well as those of
+Switzerland. Next summer we'll take that western trip."
+
+"I hope so, daughter."
+
+"I assure you they are worth seeing," said Chester.
+
+"No doubt about it. Lucy and I have planned it all for some day. Were
+you ever in Utah?"
+
+"I lived for some time in Salt Lake City. Be sure to see that town on
+your trip."
+
+The minister looked somewhat queerly at Chester for a moment. Then his
+gaze swept out to the water again as if a momentary disturbing thought
+was gotten rid of. Lucy was interested.
+
+"Tell us about Salt Lake City, and, and the Mormons,'" pleaded she.
+
+"Never mind the 'Mormons,' Lucy," admonished her father.
+
+"It's difficult to speak of Utah and Salt Lake without mentioning the
+'Mormons,'" added Chester.
+
+"Then let's talk of something else, something more pleasant."
+
+Evidently this minister was like all others, Chester concluded; sane and
+intelligent on all subjects but one,--the "Mormons." Well, he would set
+himself right before these two people, and do it now.
+
+"I can say," said Chester, "that my experience among the 'Mormon' people
+has been among the most pleasant of my life. In fact, I don't know where
+I can go to find a more honest, God-fearing, virtuous people. I--"
+
+"Young man," interrupted the clergyman, looking keenly at him, "are you
+a 'Mormon'?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I have that honor."
+
+Lucy gave a cry, whether of alarm or gladness, the young man could not
+then tell. The minister arose slowly. "Lucy," he said, "let us walk a
+little more," and without another word the two resumed their promenade.
+
+But in Lucy's face there appeared concern. The tears, glittering in her
+eyes did not altogether hide the reassuring glance which she turned
+about to give Chester as he sat alone by the vacated chairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+The next day was Sunday. Even on ship-board there are some indications
+that the seventh day is different from the rest. There is always a
+little extra to the menu for dinner, and then religious services are
+also held; and are not these two things frequently all that distinguish
+the Sabbath on the land?
+
+That morning neither Lucy nor her father was at breakfast. Immediately
+after, Chester sought out the chief steward, and by insistency and the
+help of a small tip, he got his seat changed to the table occupied by
+Elder Malby and the two other missionaries. "No one shall be annoyed by
+my near presence, if I can help it," Chester said.
+
+At the noon meal, the minister and his daughter appeared as usual.
+Chester watched them unobserved from his changed position. They looked
+at the vacant place opposite, but as far as Chester could determine, his
+absence was not discussed.
+
+That afternoon services were held in three parts of the vessel at the
+same time. On the steerage deck a large company of Irish Catholics
+surrounded the two Fathers. One of the priests stood in the center of
+the group while the people kneeled on the deck. The priest read
+something in Latin, the others repeating after him. Then a glass of
+"holy water" was passed among them, the worshipers dipping their
+fingers in and devoutly crossing themselves. Chester watched the
+proceedings for a time, then he went to the second class deck where a
+revival meeting was in progress. The preacher was delivering the usual
+exhortation to "come to Jesus," while yet there was time. Presently,
+there came from the depths of the ship the sound of the dinner gong
+being slowly and solemnly beaten, no doubt to imitate, as nearly as
+possible, the peal of church bells. The steward who acted as bell ringer
+did his duty well, going into the halls and on to the decks, then
+disappearing again into the saloon. This was the official announcement
+to service. Chester and his friends followed. Quite a congregation had
+gathered. Two large pillows had been covered with a Union Jack to serve
+as a pulpit. A ship's officer then read the form prescribed for services
+on ship-board from the Church of England prayer book. It was all very
+dry and uninteresting, "Verily a form of godliness" and a lot of "vain
+repetition," said Elder Malby.
+
+Then the minister--Chester's minister--arose. He had been asked, he
+said, to add a few words to the regular service, and he was pleased to
+do so. He called attention to the accident which had happened on their
+voyage, and felt to say something on the providence of God, and His
+watch-care over His children. The preacher's voice was pleasant, the
+ministerial tone not being so pronounced as to make his speech
+unnatural. Chester listened attentively, as also did Lucy who, Chester
+observed, was sitting well up towards the front.
+
+"God is the source of the being of all men," said the preacher. "He has
+brought us all into existence, and made us in His own likeness, and is a
+Father to us in fact and in feeling. He owns us and owns His
+responsibility for us. He cares for us and overrules all things for our
+good. He is worthy of our love and confidence. Since we are His
+children, God desires us to be such in very deed--in fellowship and
+character, and is satisfied with us only as we are giving ourselves to
+the filial life. This relationship which we bear to God cannot be fully
+explained. There is a mystery in it beyond the understanding of finite
+minds; but of this we are sure that the God of Creation has brought us
+all forth into being, and He will take care of us if we will let Him. We
+cannot reasonably and reverently think otherwise of Him.
+
+"Is it not a comfort to think that we cannot get away from the
+ever-present watchfulness of God? As the Psalmist puts it: 'Whither
+shall I go from thy spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
+If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell,
+behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in
+the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and
+thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover
+me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not
+from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light
+are both alike to thee.' Yes, yes, my friends, 'God is our refuge and
+strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear--'"
+
+Somehow, what the minister said after that came very indistinctly to
+Chester Lawrence. He heard the words, but was aware only of a peculiar
+feeling, a dim perception of where he was and what he was hearing. There
+seemed to him to be a genuine feeling in the voice that uttered those
+beautiful words of scripture. They clung to his heart, and the minister
+himself became transfigured for an instant into some other being,--stern
+of countenance, yet loveliness in the depths of his soul, spiritually
+far away, yet heart yearning with nearness of love. Chester came fully
+to himself only when Elder Malby took his arm and together they paced a
+few turns around the deck.
+
+That same Sunday evening as Chester stood alone on the promenade deck
+watching the moonlight lay as a golden coverlet on the placid sea, his
+attention was attracted to the figure of a girl mounting the steps
+leading to the deck where he stood. She paused half way as if to rest,
+then came slowly up to where he was standing. Her breath came heavily,
+and she looked around to find a place to rest. Chester instinctively
+took her arm and led her to a deck chair.
+
+"O thank you," said Lucy, "I--my heart bothered me pretty badly that
+time. I am forbidden to climb stairs, but I couldn't find you on the
+lower deck."
+
+"Did you wish to see me?" asked Chester.
+
+"Yes; I--you'll not think me over bold, will you, but I had to find
+you--won't you sit down here--I can't talk very loudly tonight."
+
+Chester drew a chair close to hers. A light wrap clung about her and the
+moonlight streamed on head and face. The young man, in the most
+matter-of-course-way adjusted the wrap to the girl's shoulders as he
+said:
+
+"You are not well, tonight."
+
+"Oh, I'm as well as usual--thank you." She smiled faintly. "Will you
+forgive us?"
+
+He was about to reply, "Forgive you for what?" but he checked himself.
+Somehow, he could not feign ignorance as to what she meant, neither
+could he use meaningless words to her.
+
+"We were very rude to you yesterday, both father and I; and I wanted to
+make some explanations to you, so you would understand. I am so sorry."
+
+"You and your father are already forgiven. If there were a grain of
+ill-feeling against him this afternoon, it all completely vanished when
+I heard him talk at the services."
+
+"You were there?"
+
+"Yes. Now don't you worry." He was nearly to say "Little Sister;" but
+again he checked himself. "I am a 'Mormon,'" he continued. "I am not
+ashamed of it, because I know what it means. Only those who don't know
+despise the word."
+
+"Neither am I ashamed of it," she said as she looked him fairly in the
+face. "I know a little--a very little--about the 'Mormons,' but that
+which I know is good."
+
+"What do you know?"
+
+"I'll tell you. One evening, in Kansas City I stopped to listen to two
+young men preaching on the street. They were just boys, and they did not
+have the appearance of preachers. You must know that I have always been
+interested in religion, and religious problems. Perhaps that is natural,
+seeing my father is a minister. I read his books, and many are the
+discussions I have had with him over points of doctrine,--and we don't
+always agree, either. He, however, usually took my little objections
+good naturedly until one day he asked me where I had obtained a certain
+notion regarding baptism. In reply I handed him the booklet I had
+received at the 'Mormon' street meeting. He looked at it curiously for a
+moment, wanted to know where I had obtained it, then locked it up in his
+desk. He was really angry; as that was something he had never been
+before over any religious question, I was surprised and impressed. I
+had, however, read carefully the booklet. Not only that, but I had been
+secretly to one of the 'Mormon' services. I there learned that an
+acquaintance of mine belonged to the 'Mormon' Church, and depend upon
+it, I had her tell me what she knew."
+
+"And your father?"
+
+"He objected, of course. At first, I told him everything. He had always
+let me go to any and all religious gatherings without objection. He
+even laughingly told me I could don the Salvation lassie's bonnet and
+beat a drum in the street, if I wanted to; but when it came to the
+'Mormons,' O, he was angry, and forbade me from ever going to their
+meetings or reading their literature. I thought it strange."
+
+"It's not strange at all,--when you understand," remarked Chester, who
+was intensely interested in her story. "I suppose you obeyed your
+father."
+
+"Well, now, you want me to tell you the truth, of course--I--I wasn't
+curious--"
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"You're laughing at me. But I wasn't, I tell you. I was interested.
+There is something in 'Mormonism' that draws me to it. I don't know much
+about it, to be sure, for it seems that the subject always widens out to
+such immensity. I want you to tell me more about Joseph Smith, the Book
+of Mormon and the new revelations."
+
+"But your father will object. What would he say if he knew you were
+sitting here in this beautiful moonlight talking to a 'Mormon'?"
+
+"I'm of age, I guess. I'm doing nothing wrong, I hope."
+
+"I hope not. Far be it for me to harm you--or any living soul. But I
+don't know much about the gospel as we call it--for you must know it is
+the simple gospel of Jesus Christ revealed anew. There are three other
+'Mormons' on board, missionaries going to Europe. One of them at least
+could tell you much."
+
+"But I'd be pleased to hear you tell me--is, is that father? I wonder if
+he is looking for me."
+
+Chester looked in the direction indicated. A man came up, then passed
+on; it was not the minister. The girl crouched into the shadow, and as
+she did so her shoulder pressed against Chester's. Then she sprang up.
+
+"Well, I was foolish," she exclaimed, "to be afraid of dear old daddy!"
+
+Chester also arose, and the two walked to the railing. They stood there
+in the moonlight. Great clouds of black smoke poured from the ship's
+funnels, and streamed on to windward, casting a shadow on the white
+deck. They looked out to the water, stretching in every direction into
+the darkness. Then as if impelled by a common impulse, they looked at
+each other, then blushed, and lowered their eyes. The girl's hands lay
+on the railing. Chester saw their soft shapeliness, and noted also that
+there were no rings on them.
+
+"I'm glad I've met you," said Chester honestly.
+
+"And I'm glad, too," she breathed. "Some other time you must tell me so
+much. I've so many questions to ask. You'll do that, won't you?"
+
+"Why do you ask?"
+
+"Now I must go to father. He may be uneasy." She held out her hand.
+"Good night--what _do_ you think of me? Am I a rude girl?"
+
+"I heard your father call you Lucy. That's your name, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And I may call you that, may I not? You know these ship-board
+acquaintances don't wait on ceremony."
+
+"But I don't know your name, either. Think of it, how we have been
+really confidential and we don't even know each other's name."
+
+"I know yours."
+
+"Only half of it. I've two more. How many have you?"
+
+"Only two."
+
+"And they are?"
+
+"Chester Lawrence."
+
+"Well, mine is Lucy May Strong--and now, goodnight."
+
+He took her arm and helped her down the steps, gently, for she seemed
+such a frail being, one who needed just such stout arms as Chester's to
+lean upon. He risked the danger of meeting the father by helping her
+down the second flight of steps to the state-room deck.
+
+"Good night, Lucy."
+
+"Good night--Brother Lawrence."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+All Monday forenoon, Chester sat on deck reading a book which he had
+obtained from the ship's library. It was a most interesting story, and
+yet the world of gray-green water and changing clouds drew his attention
+from the printed page. He was beginning to realize what the fascination
+for the sea was which took hold of men. It would have been difficult for
+him to analyze or explain this feeling, but it was there; and it seemed
+to him that he would have been content to live out his life on that
+boundless ocean which presented a symbol of eternity continually before
+his eyes.
+
+"Good morning."
+
+Chester started, then turned. It was Lucy's father who found a chair and
+drew it up to Chester's.
+
+"Is the book interesting?" inquired the minister.
+
+"Not so interesting as this wonderful sea and sky," was the reply.
+
+"You are right," said the other, following the young man's gaze out to
+the distance. "Our universe is now but water and air, and we are but
+specks floating between the two layers."
+
+"But we know that ocean and air are not all. We know there are plains
+and mountains, forests and growing fields; so after all our universe
+must include not only all we can see with our eyes, but all that comes
+within view of our comprehension. Do you know," resumed Chester after a
+pause, "I have come to this conclusion, that our universe is limited
+only within the bounds of our faith. As we believe, and strive to
+convert that belief into a living faith, so shall we know and realize."
+
+The preacher looked keenly at the "Mormon," as if he would see the
+fountain of these thoughts. Chester continued:
+
+"But you, as a minister of the gospel, understand all these things.
+However, I like to think about them and express them to those who will
+listen"--and as the minister was listening, the young man went on:
+
+"I reason it out this way: The Spirit of God--that is, His presence in
+influence and knowledge and power, as you so beautifully put it
+yesterday at the services, is everywhere in the universe. There is no
+place in heaven or hell, or in the uttermost bounds of space but God is
+there. As you also stated, we may not fully understand this infinite
+magnificence of God, but this has been done to help us: the Father has
+revealed Himself to us through his Son. The Son we can comprehend, for
+He was one of us. We learn from scripture that this Son had all power
+both in heaven and earth given him; that He was, in fact, 'heir of all
+things.' Now, when that fact is fixed in my mind, I connect this other
+with it, that we, God's children also, are joint heirs with Christ; and
+in fact, if we continue on in the way He trod, we shall be like Him.
+Now, then, what does this chain of argument lead us to? That we may
+follow in the footsteps of God, and where He has gone, or shall go, we
+may go. Think of it--no, we can't. Only for an instant can our minds
+dwell upon it, then we drop to the common level again, and here we are,
+a speck on the surface of the deep."
+
+"What is that book you are reading?" asked the minister. He had
+evidently also dropped to the "common level;" or perhaps he had not
+soared with his companion.
+
+"This? O, this is Kipling's 'Plain Tales from the Hills.' I like
+Kipling, but I wish he hadn't written some very untruthful things about
+my people."
+
+"Has he?"
+
+"Yes. It seems he made a flying visit through Salt Lake City, and took
+for gospel truth the lurid stories hack drivers tell to tourists so that
+they may get their money's worth."
+
+"Well, I don't know;--but that brings me to the point of my errand. I
+sought you out especially today to ask you not to talk religion to my
+daughter. I understand she and you had a discussion on 'Mormonism' last
+evening, and she slept very little all night as a result."
+
+"You are mistaken, sir; I said nothing to her about 'Mormonism.' She
+told me a little about--"
+
+"Well, whatever it was, she was and is still ill over it. Let me tell
+you,--and I am sure you will believe me,--my little girl is all I have.
+She has been ailing for years, heart trouble mostly, with complications.
+A comfortable voyage with no over-excitement might help, the doctors
+said; and that's the main reason for this trip. She has always been
+interested in religious questions, which I naturally encouraged her in;
+but when she got mixed up somewhat with the 'Mormons,' that was quite
+another matter."
+
+"Why, may I ask?"
+
+"Well, it excited her. It brought her in contact with undesirable
+people, people not of her class and standing--"
+
+"Like me, for instance."
+
+"I did not say that."
+
+"You inferred it. But pardon me. I would not, for the world, do anything
+that would unfavorably affect your daughter."
+
+"I knew you would look at the matter sensibly. Perhaps it would be for
+the best if you did not meet her oftener than possible. I know it is
+difficult on ship-board, but for her sake you might try."
+
+"For her sake, why certainly, I'll do anything--for I want to tell you,
+Mr. Strong, you have a good, sweet daughter."
+
+"I'm glad you think so."
+
+"And I think a whole lot of her, I may just as well tell you. We have
+met but a few times, but some souls soon understand each other."
+
+"What! You don't mean--!"
+
+"That we have been making love to each other," laughed Chester. "O, no;
+not that I know; but there is such a thing as true affinity of souls,
+nevertheless, the affinity which draws by the Spirit of God. And so I
+say again plainly, that you may understand, I regard your daughter
+highly."
+
+"Young man, I thank you for your open manner and speech, but I beseech
+of you not to encourage any deeper feeling towards my daughter. She can
+never marry. She lives, as it were, on the brink of the grave. Now, I
+have been plain also with you."
+
+"I appreciate it, sir; believe me; I am profoundly sorry for her and for
+you; but, let me say this, seeing we are speaking plainly, if I loved
+your daughter, and we all knew she would die tomorrow, or next month,
+that knowledge would make only this difference, that my love would
+become all the holier. If she returned that love, we would be happy in
+knowing that in the life beyond we would go on and bring that love to a
+perfect consummation."
+
+The minister looked closely again at the young man. Then, giving voice
+to his thoughts, asked: "Have you studied for the ministry? Are you now
+a 'Mormon' missionary?"
+
+"I am not an authorized 'Mormon' missionary. My studying has been no
+more than is expected of every 'Mormon.' Every member of our Church is
+supposed to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within
+him,--and I think I can do that."
+
+"Do you live in Utah?"
+
+"No, sir; my home is in Chicago."
+
+"Chicago!--well, I--are there 'Mormons' in Chicago?"
+
+"A few, as I suppose there are a few in Kansas City. I joined the
+'Mormon' Church in Chicago, but I was converted in Utah."
+
+"You have been to Utah, then?"
+
+"O, yes; I spent some time there and got very well acquainted with the
+people; and they are a good people, I tell you, sir. I know--"
+
+"Yes, well, Mr.----, Lucy did tell me your name, but I have forgotten
+it."
+
+"My name is Lawrence--Chester Lawrence."
+
+The minister had arisen as if about to go, but he now sat down again.
+Chester did not understand the strange twitching of the minister's lips
+or the pallor of his face. What had he said or done to agitate the man
+so much?
+
+"Chester Lawrence!" repeated Mr. Strong under his breath.
+
+"You have never met me before, have you? Perhaps--"
+
+"No; I have never met you before. No, no; of course not. There was just
+something come over me. I'm not very well, and I suppose I--"
+
+He stopped, as if he lacked words.
+
+"May I get you anything, a drink of water?" suggested Chester.
+
+"No, no; it was nothing. Sit down again"--for Chester also had
+arisen--"and tell me some more about yourself. I am interested."
+
+"Well, my life has been very uneventful, and yet in a way, I have lived.
+As a boy in Chicago, I suppose, my young days passed as others; but it
+was when I went out west and met the 'Mormons' that things happened to
+me."
+
+"Yes, yes."
+
+"I don't mean that I had any adventures or narrow escapes in a physical
+way. I lived in the mountains as a miner for a time, but there are no
+wild animals or Indians there now, so my adventures were those of the
+spirit, if I may use that expression,--and of the heart. Isn't that your
+daughter coming this way?"
+
+Sure enough, Lucy had found them, and came up to them beaming. Chester
+failed to see in her any symptoms for the worse, as her father had
+indicated. In fact, there certainly was a spring to her step which he
+had not seen before.
+
+"Well, I've found you at last, you run-away papa. Good morning," she
+nodded to Chester, who returned the greeting. "Don't you know, papa, you
+have kept me waiting for half an hour or more to finish our game."
+
+"I'll go right now with you," said the father, rising.
+
+"Well, I don't care so much now, whether it's finished or not. I believe
+someone else has it anyway."
+
+"Oh, we'll go and finish the game," persisted Mr. Strong.
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Lawrence will come along," suggested the girl, as it seemed
+very proper to do.
+
+"Not now, thank you," replied Chester. "I must finish my book before the
+lunch gong sounds."
+
+The minister took his daughter's arm and they went along the deck to
+where a group was laughing merrily over the defeat and victory in the
+games. Chester watched them mingle with the company, then he opened his
+book again; but he did not complete his story at the time he had
+appointed.
+
+To those who can possess their souls in peace, life on ship-board in
+pleasant weather is restful, and may be thoroughly enjoyed. A little
+world is here compactly put together, and human nature may be studied at
+close range. From the elegant apartments of the saloon to the
+ill-smelling quarters of the steerage, there is variety enough.
+Representatives are here from nearly "every nation under heaven:" every
+creed, every color; every grade of intelligence and worldly position,
+from the prince who occupies exclusively the finest suite of rooms, to
+the begrimed half-naked stoker in the furnace room in the depths of the
+vessel; every occupation; every disposition. And yet, even in this
+compact city in a shell of steel, one may seclude himself from his
+fellows and commune solely with his own thoughts or his books.
+
+The three "Mormon" elders, reticent and quiet, had made few
+acquaintances. The Rev. Mr. Strong and his daughter, not being very
+well, had not been active in the social proceedings of the ship's
+company.
+
+Chester Lawrence had formed an acquaintance which seemed to him to fill
+all requirements, so that he cared not whether he learned to know any
+more of his fellow travelers. And now further association with this
+pleasant acquaintance must stop. Well, once again he said to himself, he
+would be glad at sight of Liverpool, and again some deeply hidden voice
+protested.
+
+Chester tried to keep his word with Mr. Strong. He made no efforts to
+see Lucy or talk with her, and he even evaded her as much as possible.
+This he could not wholly do without acting unmannerly. All were on deck
+during those beautiful days, and twice on Tuesday Lucy and Chester and
+the elders had played deck quoits, the father joining in one of them.
+Lucy beamed on Chester in her quiet way until she noted the change in
+his conduct towards her. The pained expression on the girl's face when
+she realized this change, went to Chester's heart and he could have
+cried out in explanation.
+
+That evening Lucy found Chester in a corner of the library pretending to
+read. There was no escape for him as she approached. What a sweet
+creature she was, open-hearted and unafraid! His heart met her half way.
+
+"What is the matter with you, Brother Lawrence?" she asked.
+
+"There is nothing the matter with me."
+
+"Then what have _I_ done?" She seated herself, and Chester laid his book
+on the table. He would be plain and open with this girl. In the end
+nothing is gained by mystery and silence. He told her plainly what had
+taken place between himself and her father. She listened quietly, the
+tears welling in her eyes as he progressed. Then for a moment she hid
+her face in her hands while she cried softly.
+
+"I shall not ask you to break your promise," she said at last, "but I
+did so want to learn more of the gospel--the true restored gospel. It
+isn't true that a discussion of these things affects me unfavorably. I
+am never so well as when I am hearing about and thinking of them.
+Perhaps father thinks so, however; I shall not misjudge him."
+
+"So I shall keep my word," said he, "and if I keep it strictly, I should
+not now prolong my talk with you. But I have a way out of your trouble.
+You know Elder Malby. He is a wise man and knows the gospel much better
+than I. He will gladly talk to you."
+
+"Thank you. That's a good suggestion; but you--"
+
+"I shall have to be content to look from afar off, or perchance to
+listen in silence. Good night."
+
+And so it happened that the very next morning when the passengers were
+looking eagerly to the near approach to Queenstown, Lucy and Elder Malby
+were seen sitting on deck in earnest conversation. Chester promenaded at
+a distance with some envy in his heart; but he kept away. For fully an
+hour the girl and the elderly missionary talked. Then the minister,
+coming on deck saw them. He, no doubt, thought she was well out of
+harm's way in such company, for he did not know Elder Malby. When he
+caught sight of Chester he went up to him, took him by the arm and fell
+into his stride.
+
+Their conversation began with the common ship-board topics. Then the
+minister asked his companion more about himself and his life. It seemed
+to Chester that he purposely led up to his personal affairs, and he
+wondered why. There were some parts of his history that he did not
+desire to talk about. What did this man wish to know?
+
+"How long did you live in Utah?" asked the minister, after receiving
+little information about Chester's birth and parentage.
+
+"Altogether, about a year."
+
+"And you liked it out there?"
+
+"Very much. The mountain air is fine; and that is truly the land of
+opportunity."
+
+The two swung around the deck, keeping in step. Chester pressed his
+companion's arm close. They reached in their orbit the point nearest to
+Lucy and Elder Malby, then without stopping went on around.
+
+"I knew a man once by the name of Lawrence," said the minister. "I
+wonder if he could be related to you."
+
+Chester did not reply.
+
+"I don't know whether or not he ever went to Utah."
+
+"My parents were not with me in Utah. I went alone, after I was a grown
+man. My mother had lived there many years before, but had left. She
+lived in Chicago the latter part of her life; but she made a trip to
+Utah when she was old and feeble,--and she died there. * * * * Her grave
+is there now."
+
+The minister now was silent. His lips twitched again. Chester once more
+wondered why such things should affect him. The man's arm clung to
+Chester firmly as if he wished support; and Chester's heart warmed to
+him. Was he not Lucy's father? Should he not know all he desired to know
+about the man who had expressed deep regard for his daughter?
+
+"I think you are tired," said Chester. "Let's sit here and rest."
+
+"Yes; all right."
+
+"The man Lawrence whom you knew was not my father," continued Chester.
+"That was my mother's maiden name. I don't know--I never knew my father;
+and shall I say, I have no wish to know a man who could treat my mother
+and his child the way he did. No; much as I have longed to know a
+father's love and care, I cannot but despise a man who becomes a father,
+then shirks from the responsibility which follows--who leaves the burden
+and the disgrace which follow parenthood outside the marriage relation
+to the poor woman alone. Such baseness, such cowardice, such despicable
+littleness of soul!--do you wonder why I don't want to know my father?"
+
+Well, he had done it. Lucy's father knew the truth of his dishonorable
+beginning. This highly cultured Christian minister was no doubt shocked
+into silence by his outburst of confidence. But he must know also that
+this occurred among a Christian community, long before either of the
+parties concerned knew of or were connected with the "Mormons." So
+Chester explained this to the man at his side, who sat as if deaf to
+what was being said. His gaze was fixed far out to sea. His lips did not
+now quiver, but the lines in his face were rigid.
+
+Chester beckoned to the daughter, and when she came, he said:
+
+"I think your father is not well. Perhaps he ought to go below and
+rest."
+
+"Father," cried the somewhat frightened girl, "what is it? Are you ill?"
+
+The father shook himself as if to be freed from some binding power,
+looked at Chester and then at Lucy, smiled faintly, and said:
+
+"Oh, I'm all right now, but perhaps I ought to rest a bit. Will you go
+down with me, Lucy?"
+
+The daughter took his arm and was about to lead him away. He stopped and
+turned again to Chester.
+
+"Excuse me," he said, "but what was your mother's full name?"
+
+"Anna Lawrence."
+
+"Thank you. All right, Lucy. Let's be going."
+
+Chester watched them disappear down the companionway, then looked out to
+sea at the black smoke made by a steamer crawling along the horizon,
+from Liverpool outward bound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+A number of men and women were sitting on the promenade deck forward
+engaged in an earnest discussion. Just as Chester Lawrence came up and
+paused to listen, for it seemed to be a public, free-for-all affair, he
+noticed that Elder Malby was talking, directing his remarks to a young
+man in the group.
+
+"What is your objective point?" the Elder asked. "What do you live and
+work for? What is your philosophy of life by which you are guided and
+from which you draw courage, hope, and strength?"
+
+"Oh, I take the world as it comes to me day by day, trusting to luck, or
+to the Lord, perhaps I had better say, for the future," replied the
+young fellow.
+
+"What would you think of a captain of a vessel not knowing nor caring to
+know from what port he sailed or what port was his destination? Who did
+not know the object of the voyage, knew nothing of how to meet the
+storms, the fog, the darkness of the sea?"
+
+"Well, I'm not the captain of a ship."
+
+"Yes, you are. You are the captain of your own soul, at least; and you
+may not know how many more souls are depending upon you for guidance in
+this voyage of life which we are all taking."
+
+"That's right--true," agreed a number of by-standers.
+
+"Say, mister," suggested one, "tell us what you think of the
+propositions. You seem able to, all right."
+
+"Well," responded the elder, "I don't want to preach a sermon that will
+bore you; but if the ladies and gentlemen here are interested I shall be
+pleased to give my views."
+
+"Sure--go on," came from others.
+
+One or two found seats, as if they would rather sit through the ordeal,
+others following their example. "Yes; it's more comfortable," agreed
+Elder Malby, as they drew their chairs in a circle. Two people left, but
+two others came and took their places.
+
+"I hope we are all Christians," began the speaker, "at least so far that
+we believe the Scriptures; otherwise my arguments will not appeal to
+you."
+
+A number acknowledged themselves to be Christians.
+
+"Then I may begin by saying that the purpose of this life-voyage of ours
+is that we might obtain the life eternal. 'This is life eternal' that we
+might know God and His Son Jesus Christ who was sent to us. If we know
+the Son we know the Father, for we are told that the Father has revealed
+Himself through the Son. This Son we know as Jesus Christ who was born
+into the world as we were. He had a body of flesh. He was like us, His
+brethren; yet this Being, the Scriptures tell us, was in the 'form of
+God;' that He was the 'image of the invisible God;' that He was 'in the
+express image of His Father's person.' When Jesus lived on the earth,
+one of His disciples asked Him, 'Show us the Father.' 'He that hath seen
+me, hath seen the Father,' was the reply. 'I am the way, the truth, and
+the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me.'"
+
+At this point the Rev. Mr. Strong and his daughter came sauntering along
+the deck. They paused to listen, then accepted the chairs which Chester
+hurriedly found for them.
+
+"I am not stating where in the Scriptures these quotations can be
+found," continued the elder, "though I shall be pleased to do so to any
+who wish to know. Well then, here we have a glorious truth: if we wish
+to know God, we are to study the Son. Jesus is the great Example, the
+Revealer of the Father. He is the Father's representative in form and in
+action. If Jesus, the Son, is meek and lowly, so also is the Father; if
+He is wise and good and forgiving, so is the Father; if the Son is
+long-suffering and slow to anger, yet not afraid to denounce sin and
+call to account the wicked, so likewise may we represent the Father. All
+the noble attributes which we find in the Son exist in perfectness in
+the Father.
+
+"Picture this noble Son, the risen Redeemer, my friends, after His
+battle with death and His victory over the grave! In the splendid glory
+of His divine manhood, all power both in heaven and earth in His hand,
+He stands as _the_ shining figure of the ages. Why? Because He is 'God
+With Us.'"
+
+There was perfect stillness in the group of listeners.
+
+"Thus the Father has shown Himself to us. There is no need for any of us
+to plead ignorance of our Divine Parent. The way is marked out, the
+path, though at times difficult, is plain. The Son does the will of the
+Father. 'My Father worketh hitherto, and I work,' said Jesus. 'The Son
+can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do; for what
+things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.' We, then,
+are to follow Christ, as He follows the Father. Isn't that plain?"
+
+"Do I understand," asked one, "that you believe God to be in the form of
+man?"
+
+"Rather that man is in the form of God, for 'God created man in His own
+image.'"
+
+"In His moral image only. God is a spirit. He is everywhere present, and
+therefore cannot have a body, such as you claim," objected one.
+
+"I claim nothing, my friend. I am only telling you what the Scriptures
+teach. They say nothing about a 'moral image.' What is a moral image?
+Can it have an existence outside and apart from a personality of form?"
+
+There was no immediate response to this. Some looked at the minister as
+if he ought to speak, but that person remained silent.
+
+"The attributes of God, as far as we know them, are easily put into
+words; but try to think of goodness and mercy and love and
+long-suffering and wisdom outside and apart from a conscious
+personality, an individual, if you please. Try it."
+
+Some appeared to be trying.
+
+"Pagan philosophers have largely taken from the world our true
+conception of God, and given to us one 'without body, parts, or
+passions.' The Father has been robbed of His glorious personality in the
+minds of men. Christ also has been spiritualized into an unthinkable
+nothingness. And so, to be consistent some have concluded that man also
+is non-existent; and it naturally follows that God and Christ and man,
+with the whole material universe, are relegated to the emptyness of a
+dream."
+
+"If God is in the form of man He cannot be everywhere," suggested one of
+the ladies. "And that's not a pleasant thought."
+
+"Our friend here," continued the speaker, nodding to Mr. Strong, "quoted
+a passage in his splendid sermon last Sunday which explains how God may
+be and is present in all His creations. Certainly God the Father cannot
+personally be in two places at the same time any more than God the Son
+could or can." The elder took a Bible from his pocket.
+
+"I had better read the passage. It is found in the 139th Psalm. David
+exclaims, 'Whither shall I go from thy _spirit_, or whither shall I flee
+from thy presence?' You will recall the rest of the passage. Is it not
+plain that the Lord is present by His Spirit always and everywhere. His
+Spirit sustains and controls and blesses all things throughout the
+immensity of space. Fear not, my friend, that that Spirit cannot be
+with you and bless you on sea or on land. We cannot get outside its
+working power any more than we can escape the Spirit of Christ now and
+here, even if His glorified body of flesh and bones now sits on the
+right hand of His Father in heaven where Stephen saw it."
+
+As is usual in all such discussions as this, some soon retire, others
+linger, eager not to miss a word. Lucy, you may be sure, was among those
+who remained. Her father also, sitting near to Chester, listened with
+deep interest.
+
+"Just one more thought," continued the "Mormon" elder, "in regard to
+this lady's fear that God may not be able to take care of all His
+children always and everywhere. God is essentially a Father--our Father.
+The fathering of God gives me great comfort. By fathering I mean that He
+has not only brought us into existence, but He has sent us forth,
+provides for us, watches over us. In our darkness He gives us light, in
+our weakness He lends us strength. He rebukes our wrong actions, and
+chastens us for our good. In fact, He fathers us to the end. Is it not a
+great comfort?"
+
+"It certainly is," said Lucy, unconscious to all else but the spirit of
+the Elder's words.
+
+"In this world," said the Elder, "the God-given power of creation is
+exercised unthoughtfully, unwisely, and often wickedly. A
+good-for-nothing scamp may become a father in name; but he who attains
+to that holy title in fact, must do as God does,--must love, cherish,
+sustain and make sacrifices for his child until his offspring becomes
+old enough and strong enough to stand for himself,--Don't you think so,
+Mr. Strong?"
+
+All eyes were turned to the minister who was appealed to so directly.
+Had the reverend gentleman been listening, or had his thoughts been with
+his eyes, out to sea? His face was a study. But that was not to be
+wondered at. Was he not a dispenser of the Word himself, and had he not
+been listening to strange doctrine? However, he soon shifted his gaze
+from the horizon to his questioner.
+
+"Certainly, I agree with you," he replied. "Father and fathering are
+distinct things. Happy the man who combines them in his life--happy,
+indeed."
+
+The afternoon was growing to a close. The sun sank into the western sea.
+The Elder, carried along by the awakened missionary spirit, continued
+his talk. He explained that the Father had by means of the Son pointed
+out the way of life, called the plan of salvation, or gospel of Jesus
+Christ. He spoke of faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of
+sins; for, said the Elder to himself, even the minister has need of
+these things.
+
+Lucy drank eagerly the words of life. Her father sat unmoved, making no
+comment or objection. He had never been one to wrangle over religion;
+had prided himself, in fact, on being liberal and broad-minded; so he
+would not dispute even though he could not altogether agree. The Elder's
+words came to him in a strange way. Had he heard all this before? If so,
+it had been in some long-forgotten past; and this man's discourse only
+awakened a faint remembrance as of a distant bell tolling across the
+hills. Away back in his youth, he must have heard something like this;
+or was it an echo of some pre-existent world--he had heard of such
+things before. Perhaps it was the man's tone of voice, his mannerism
+that recalled, in some way, some past impression.
+
+The Elder stopped. Lucy touched her father's arm.
+
+"Father," she said, "I believe you are cold. I had better get your
+coat."
+
+The minister arose, as if stiffened in the joints by long sitting. He
+reached out his hand to the Elder. "I have enjoyed your gospel talk," he
+said. "May I ask your name, and to what Church you belong, for evidently
+you are a preacher."
+
+"My name is George Malby, and I am an elder of the Church of Jesus
+Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as 'Mormons.'"
+
+"A 'Mormon!'" a number of voices chorused.
+
+Some confusion followed, and the party broke up. Lucy, her father, and
+Chester, still lingered.
+
+"Father," said Lucy, "I had intended to introduce you to Elder Malby,
+but I wanted you to hear, unprejudiced, what he had to say. What he has
+been teaching is 'Mormonism,' and you'll admit now that it is not at all
+bad. You never would listen nor read."
+
+"Lucy--that will do. Good evening, gentlemen. Come Lucy."
+
+Later that same evening when most of the passengers had retired, the
+Rev. Mr. Strong came up on deck again. He took off his cap so that the
+breeze might blow unhindered through the thin, gray locks. He paced
+slowly the length of the promenade deck with hands behind his back and
+eyes alternatingly looking into the dark sky and to the deck at his
+feet. The old man's usual erect form was bent a little as he walked, his
+step broke occasionally from the rhythmatical tread. There was war in
+the minister's soul. Conflicting emotions fought desperately for
+ascendency. Memories of the past mingled with the scenes of the present,
+and these became confused with the future. As a minister of the gospel
+for half a lifetime, he had never had quite such a wildly disordered
+mind. He wiped the perspiration from his brow. He groaned in spirit so
+that moans escaped from his lips. The sea was beautifully still, but
+rather would he have had it as wild and as boisterous as that which was
+within his heart.
+
+The man paused now and then at the rail. The Irish coast was not far
+away, and the lights of ships could be seen, westward bound. The
+minister tried to follow in his mind these little floating worlds; but
+they were too slow. Like the lightning he crossed the Atlantic and then
+with the same speed flew half way across the American continent to a
+big, black, busy city roaring with the traffic of men. Then out a few
+miles to the college, where he as a young divinity student had spent
+some years of his early manhood--and there and then he had met
+her--Also, years later, the woman whom he had married--and at each big
+milestone in his journey of life there had been "Mormons" and
+"Mormonism."
+
+"'Mormonism,' 'Mormonism,'" the man whispered hoarsely.
+"Anna--Clara--Lucy--Chester--and now--and now what! O, my God!"
+
+It was nearly midnight when Lucy, becoming alarmed at her father's long
+absence from his state room, came slowly on deck, stopping now and then
+to rest. She saw him by the rail, went up to him, took him by the arm
+and with a few coaxing words led him down into his room. As he kissed
+her good-night with uncommon fervor, he looked into her upturned face
+and said:
+
+"Are you going to love this young man--Chester Lawrence?"
+
+"Father," she cried, "what do you mean?"
+
+"Just what I say. I am not blind. I made him promise not to seek your
+company or talk religion to you. Tomorrow I shall relieve him from that
+promise."
+
+"O, father!"
+
+"There now, child,--and Lucy, he may talk of religion and love all he
+wants. I think those two things, when they are of the right kind and
+properly blended, are good for the heart, don't you?"
+
+"Yes, thank you, dear daddy--we are so near England now that I may call
+you daddy."
+
+"Then good-night, my girl;" and he kissed her again in the doorway.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+But next morning there was no time to talk of either love or religion
+for Chester and Lucy.
+
+The coast of Ireland had been sighted earlier than had been expected,
+and there was the usual straining of eyes landward. Chester was among
+the first to see the dark points on the horizon which the seamen said
+was the Irish coast, and which as the vessel approached, expanded to
+green hills, dotted with whitened houses. This then was Europe, old,
+historic Europe, land of our forefathers, land of the stories and the
+songs that have come down to us from the distant past.
+
+"Good morning. What do you think of Ireland?" Lucy touched his arm.
+
+"Oh, good morning. You are up early."
+
+"I am feeling so fine this morning that I had to get up and join in the
+cry of 'Land ho.' No matter how pleasant an ocean voyage has been, we
+are always pleased to see the land. Besides, we get off at Queenstown."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Chester. "I thought you were bound for Liverpool?"
+
+"Yes, later; but we are to visit some of our people in Ireland first.
+Papa has a brother in Cork. We intend to remain there a few days, then
+go on to Dublin, Liverpool, London, Paris, etc., etc.," laughed the
+girl.
+
+Chester's heart sank. The separation was coming sooner than he had
+thought. Only a few more hours, and this little sun-kissed voyage would
+end. He looked at the girl by him; that action was not under embargo.
+Yes; she was uncommonly sweet that morning. Perhaps it was the Irish
+blood in her quickening at the nearness of the land of her forefathers.
+Cheeks and lips and ears were rosy red, and the breeze played with the
+somewhat disheveled hair. There was a press of people along the rail
+which caused Lucy's shoulders to snuggle closely to his side. Chester
+was silent.
+
+"Yes;" she went on, "there's dear old Ireland. You see, this is my
+second visit, and it's like coming home. You go on to Liverpool, I
+understand."
+
+"I have a ticket to Liverpool," he said; "but I suppose they would let
+me off at Queenstown, wouldn't they?"
+
+"Why, certainly--how fast we are nearing land. I'll have to go down now
+and awaken father. We haven't much time to get ready."
+
+He would have held her, had he dared. She was gone, and there were a
+hundred and one questions to ask her. She must not get away from him
+like this. He must know where they were going--get addresses by which to
+find them. He had no plans but what could be easily changed. Seeing
+Europe without Lucy Strong would be a dull, profitless excursion.
+Chester's thoughts ran along this line, when Lucy appeared again. The
+color had left her face.
+
+"Father is very sick," she said to Chester. "He seems in a stupor. I
+can't wake him. Will you find the doctor?"
+
+"I'll get him," he said. "Don't worry. We'll be down immediately."
+
+Chester and the doctor found Lucy rubbing her father's hands and
+forehead, pleading softly for him to speak to her. The doctor after a
+hurried examination, said there was nothing serious. A nervous
+break-down of some kind only--no organic trouble--would be all right
+again shortly.
+
+"But doctor, we get off at Queenstown," explained Lucy.
+
+"Well, I think you can manage it. By the time you are ready to leave, he
+will be strong enough. This young man seems able to carry him ashore, if
+need be. Are you landing also," he asked of Chester.
+
+"Well--yes."
+
+Lucy looked at the young man, but said nothing. The doctor promised to
+bring some medicine, then left.
+
+"But Mr. Lawrence--" began Lucy.
+
+"I'll listen to no objections," interrupted he. "I couldn't think for a
+moment of leaving you two in this condition. You're hardly able to lift
+a glass of water, and now you father's ill also. No; I am going with
+you, to be your body guard, your servant. Listen! I'm out to see the old
+world. I should very much like to begin with Queenstown and Cork."
+
+The father moved, opened his eyes, then sat up He passed his hand over
+his face, then looked at the two young people. "It's all right," he
+muttered, then lay down again on the pillow. The doctor came with his
+medicine. There were now heard the noise of trunks being hoisted from
+the hold and the bustle of getting ready to leave the ship.
+
+"Father," said Lucy. "We must soon get ready to leave. Will you be
+able?"
+
+"Yes, yes, child"--it seemed difficult for the old man to speak.
+
+"And Chester--Mr. Lawrence--here is to go with us and help us."
+
+"Yes." He nodded as if it was easier to give assent in that way.
+
+"We'll make all things ready, daddy. Don't you worry. Rest as long as
+you can. It will be some time yet before you will need to get up."
+
+The sick man nodded again.
+
+"I'll remain here while you get ready," said Chester. "Then you may
+attend while I do what little is necessary. I'll let my trunk go right
+on to Liverpool.
+
+Lucy hurried away and Chester sat down by the bed. As he smoothed out
+the coverlet, the minister reached out and took Chester's hand which he
+held in his own as if to get strength from it. There came into the old
+man's face an expression of contentment, but he did not try to talk.
+
+Lucy returned, and Chester hurried to his own room where he soon packed
+his few belongings and was ready. He found the elders on deck watching
+the approach to Queenstown, and explained to them what had happened to
+change somewhat his plans. "I'll surely hunt you up," he said to Elder
+Malby, "and visit with you;" and the Elder wished him God-speed and gave
+him his blessing.
+
+Slowly the big ship sailed into Queenstown harbor, and then stopped. The
+anchor chains rattled, the big iron grasped the bottom, and the vessel
+was still. What a sensation to be once more at rest! Now out from the
+shore came a tender to take Queenstown passengers ashore. Small boats
+came alongside from which came shrill cries to those far above on deck.
+A small rope was thrown up which was caught and hauled in by the
+interested spectators. At the end of the small rope there dangled a
+heavier one, and at the end of that there was a loop into which a
+good-sized Irish woman slipped. "Pull away," came from below, and half a
+dozen men responded. Up came the woman, her feet climbing the sides of
+the steamer. With great good-nature the men pulled until the woman was
+on deck. Then she immediately let down the lighter rope to her companion
+in the small boat, where a basket was fastened and drawn up. From the
+basket came apples, or "real Irish lace," or sticks of peculiar Irish
+woods, all of which found a ready sale among the passengers.
+
+From one of the lower decks of the steamer, a gang-way was pushed on to
+the raised deck platform of the tender, and even then the incline was
+quite steep. This bridge was well fastened by ropes, and then the
+passengers began to descend, while their heavier baggage was piled on
+the decks of the tender.
+
+Lucy and her father soon appeared. Chester met them below and helped the
+sick man up, along the deck, and down the gang-way to the tender, where
+he found a seat. Lucy followed, stewards carrying their hand baggage.
+From their new position they looked up to the steamer. How big it was!
+
+The day was beautifully warm. Well wrapped in his coat, the father
+rested easily, watching with some interest the busy scene around him. He
+being among the last to leave the liner, they were soon ready to be off.
+The gang-way was drawn in again, and the tender steamed away towards the
+inner harbor. The big ship weighed its anchor, then proceeded on its
+course to Liverpool, carrying away its little world of a week's
+acquaintance, to which Chester and Lucy waved farewell.
+
+Queenstown, in terraced ranks, now rose before them. The pier was soon
+reached, from which most of the travelers continued their journey by
+rail. The minister and his party, however, took passage again on a small
+boat for Cork. Everything being new to Chester, and the father being
+quite unable to do anything, the initiative, at least, rested on Lucy.
+With Chester's help, she managed quite well.
+
+For an hour they sailed on the placid waters of the harbor and up into
+the river Lee. The wooded hills, on either hand, dotted with
+farm-houses and villas, presented a pleasing picture. The boat drew up
+to a landing at St. Patrick's Bridge, where Uncle Gilbert met them,
+greatly surprised and alarmed at his brother's condition.
+
+Carriages were waiting. Chester was introduced by Lucy in a way which
+led to the inference that he was a particular friend of the family
+picked up, perhaps, in their time of need. Bag and baggage was piled in
+besides them and they drove away through the streets of Cork and into
+the suburbs. Slowly the horse climbed the hill, but in a short time they
+were at Uncle Gilbert's home, one of the beautiful ones situated among
+the green of rolling hillside and the deeper green of trees.
+
+There was another warm welcome by Aunt Sarah, who took immediate and
+personal charge of the sick man.
+
+"It's a break-down through overwork," she declared. "You Americans live
+at such fever heat that it is no wonder you have no nerves. They're
+burned out of you. But it's rest only he wants, poor man; and here's
+where he'll get it. Don't you worry, Lucy."
+
+Aunt Sarah's masterful treatment of cases such as these took much care
+and anxiety from them all. Away from the bustle and roar of hurrying
+humanity and traffic, resting amid the soothing green, and breathing the
+mild air of the country; the minister ought surely to get well again
+soon.
+
+He would not go to bed, but chose to sit in a big chair with a pillow
+under his head, looking out of the upstairs window which afforded a view
+of the town. The sun came in rather strongly during the afternoon and
+the father motioned Lucy to partly draw the blind. She did so, then drew
+a stool to his chair and seated herself near him. He placed his hands on
+her head, patted it caressingly, smiled at her, but said nothing. It was
+still difficult for him to speak.
+
+Presently, there came a light tap at the door. Lucy arose. It was
+Chester.
+
+"Excuse me," he said, "but the people below are somewhat confused over
+the trunks. I came to inquire."
+
+"Come in," said Lucy. "Let the 'confusion' continue for a little while.
+Come in to where there is peace. Father is feeling better, I am sure."
+
+The invalid turned towards the speakers, then with a movement of his
+head told them to come near. Lucy took her former position, while
+Chester drew up a chair. Yes; he did seem better, there being some color
+in his face to add life to his faint smile.
+
+"Chester," he whispered with effort, as he reached out and took the young
+man's hand, "Chester--my boy--I--am--so--glad--you--came--with--us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+While the father was resting quietly at Kildare Villa, as Uncle
+Gilbert's home was called, Chester and Lucy spent a few days in looking
+about.
+
+"Are there any sights worth seeing around here?" asked Chester of Lucy.
+
+"Are there?" she replied in surprise. "Did you ever hear of the Blarney
+Stone?"
+
+Yes; he had.
+
+"Well, that's not far away; and those were the Shandon bells you heard
+last evening,
+
+      'The bells of Shandon,
+      That sound so grand on
+    The pleasant waters of the river Lee,'"
+
+she quoted.
+
+The fact of the matter was that Chester was quite content to remain
+quietly with Lucy and her father and the other good people of the place.
+Traveling around the country would, without doubt, separate them, and
+that disaster would come soon enough, he thought; but when Lucy
+announced that she was ready for a "personally conducted tour to all
+points of interest," he readily agreed to be "conducted." She was well
+enough to do so, she said; and in fact it did look as if health were
+coming to her again.
+
+The morning of the second day at Kildare Villa Chester and Lucy set out
+to see the town, riding in Aunt Sarah's car behind the pony. There had
+been a sprinkle of rain during the night, so the roads were pleasant.
+Lucy pointed out the places of interest, consulting occasionally a guide
+book.
+
+"While viewing the scenery, it is highly educational to get the proper
+information," said Lucy as she opened her book. "It states here that
+Cork is a city of 76,000 people. According to one authority it had a
+beginning in the seventh century. Think of that now, and compare its
+growth with that of Kansas City, for instance."
+
+"I have always associated this city with the small article used as
+stoppers for bottles," said Chester.
+
+"You thought perhaps the British needed a cork to stop up their harbor,"
+said Lucy, gravely; "but you are entirely mistaken. The book says the
+name is a corruption of Corcach, meaning a marsh. The town has, however,
+long since overflowed the water, and now occupies not only a large
+island in the river, but reaches up the high banks on each side."
+
+They were evidently in Ireland.
+
+"A most noticeable peculiarity of Cork is its absolute want of
+uniformity, and the striking contrasts in the colors of the houses. The
+stone of which the houses in the northern suburb is built is of reddish
+brown, that on the south, of a cold gray tint. Some are constructed of
+red brick, some are sheathed in slate, some whitewashed; some reddened,
+some yellowed. Patrick may surely do as he likes with his own house. The
+most conspicuous steeple in the place, that of St. Ann, Shandon's, is
+actually red two sides and white the others,
+
+    'Parti-colored, like the people,
+    Red and white stands Shandon steeple.'
+
+and there it is before us," said Lucy.
+
+The tower loomed from a low, unpretentious church. The two visitors
+drove up the hill, stopped the horse while they looked at the tower and
+heard the bells strike the hour.
+
+"What Father Prout could see in such commonplace things to inspire him
+to write his fine poem, I can not understand," said Lucy. "There is a
+peculiar jingle in his lines which stays with one. Listen:
+
+    "'With deep affectation and recollection
+      I often think of the Shandon bells,
+    Whose sounds so wild would, in days of childhood
+      Fling round my cradle their magic spells--
+    On this I ponder, where'er I wander,
+      And thus grow fonder, sweet Cork of thee
+        With thy bells of Shandon,
+        That sound so grand on
+      The pleasant waters of the river Lee.'"
+
+Lucy read the four stanzas.
+
+"It's fine," agreed Chester; "and I think I can answer your question of
+a moment ago. Father Prout, as he says, listened to these bells in
+childhood days, those days when 'heaven lies about us' and glorifies
+even the most common places, and the impressions he then received
+remained with him."
+
+Lucy "guessed" he was right.
+
+Then they drove by St. Fin Barre's cathedral, considered the most
+noteworthy and imposing building in Cork. "'It is thought probable the
+poet Spenser was married in the church which formerly stood on the
+site,'" Lucy read. "'His bride was a Cork lady, but of the country, not
+of the city. Spenser provokingly asks:
+
+    "'Tell me, ye merchants' daughters, did ye see
+    So fayre a creature in your town before?
+    Her goodlie eyes, like sapphyres shining bright;
+    Her forehead, ivory white,
+    Her lips like cherries charming men to byte.'"
+
+"Well," remarked Chester as they drove homeward, and he thought he was
+brave in doing so. "I don't know about the merchants' daughters of Cork,
+but I know a minister's daughter of Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A., who
+tallies exactly with Spenser's description."
+
+"Why, Mr. Lawrence!"
+
+"I might say more," he persisted, "were it not for some foolish promises
+I made that same minister a few days ago--but here we are. Where shall
+we go after lunch?"
+
+"I thought we were to go to Blarney Castle."
+
+"Sure. I had forgotten. That's where the Blarney Stone is?"
+
+"Sure," repeated the girl mischievously.
+
+So that afternoon they set out. It was but a short distance by train
+through an interesting country. Lucy was the guide again.
+
+"Do you have an Irish language?" asked Chester. "I heard some natives
+talking something I couldn't understand."
+
+"Of course there's an Irish language," explained his fair instructor.
+"Anciently the Irish spoke the Gaelic, a branch of the Celtic. In this
+reign of Queen Elizabeth, the Irish language was forbidden. The English
+is now universal, but many still speak the Gaelic. In recent years there
+has been an awakening of interest in the old tongue. 'One who knows
+Irish well,' an Irish historian claims, 'will readily master Latin,
+French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian;' and he adds that to the
+Irish-speaking people, the Irish language is 'rich, elegant,
+soul-stirring, and expressive.'"
+
+"I can well believe the latter statement when I remember the actions of
+those using it," said Chester.
+
+"Here we are," announced Lucy, as they alighted and walked to the
+entrance of the park. "It will cost us six pence to get in."
+
+Chester paid the man at the gate a shilling. The castle loomed high on
+the side of a hill, its big, square tower being about all that now
+remains of the ancient structure. A woman was in charge of the castle
+proper.
+
+"The stone that you kiss is away up to the top," explained Lucy. "You
+will have to go up alone, as I dare not climb the stairs. I'll wait
+here. But stop a minute; the impressions will be more lasting if you get
+the proper information first. Here, we'll sit on this bench while I tell
+you about the castle."
+
+Chester readily agreed to this.
+
+"To sentimental people," began the girl, as she looked straight at the
+high walls in front, "Blarney Castle is the greatest object of interest
+in Southern Ireland; and, of course, the Blarney Stone is the center of
+attraction. It was built by Cormack McCarthy about 1446. Of the siege of
+the castle by Cromwell's forces, under Irton, we have the following
+picturesque account in verse, which, I must say, has a Kipling-like
+ring."
+
+She opened her book and read:
+
+    "'It was now the poor boys of the castle looked over the
+        wall,
+    And they saw that ruffian, ould Cromwell, a-feeding on
+        powder and ball,
+    And the fellow that married his daughter, a-chawing
+        grape-shot in his jaw,
+    'Twas bowld I-ray-ton they called him, and he was his
+        brother-in-law.'
+
+"The word 'Blarney' means pleasant, deludin' talk, said to have
+originated at the court of Queen Elizabeth. McCarthy, the then chieftain
+over the clan of that name who resided at Blarney, was repeatedly asked
+to come in from 'off his keeping.' He was always promising with fair
+words and soft speech to do what was desired, but never could be got to
+come to the sticking point. The queen, it is told, when one of his
+speeches was brought to her, said: 'This is all Blarney; what he says,
+he never means.'
+
+"Now, this is the reason for kissing the stone up there in the tower.
+Listen:
+
+    "'There is a stone there, whoever kisses,
+      Oh! he never misses to grow eloquent;
+    'Tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber,
+      Or become a Member of Parliament.
+    A clever spouter, he'll sure turn out, or
+      An "out--an'--outer" to be let alone;
+    Don't hope to hinder him, or to bewilder him,
+      Sure, he's a pilgrim from the Blarney Stone.'
+
+"Now, then, these are the facts in the case," concluded Lucy. "Proceed
+to do."
+
+Chester climbed the long stairs to the top. From the western edge, he
+looked down and waved at Lucy, then hurriedly scanned the beautiful
+prospect about him. The wonderful stone then drew his attention. It is
+set in the parapet wall, being one of the under stones in the middle of
+the tower. This parapet does not form part of the wall, but is detached
+from it, being built out about two feet and supported by a sort of
+scaffolding brace of masonry. This leaves a space between the battlement
+and the wall, which in olden times, enabled the defenders to drop stones
+and other trifles on to the heads of assailants one hundred twenty feet
+below. Two iron bands now reach around the famous stone, spanning the
+open space, and fastened to the wall. The aspirant who wishes to kiss
+the stone, must grasp these irons, one in each hand, and hang on for
+dear life. As the stone is underneath the parapet, the feat of kissing
+it is not easy. In the first place, one must lie on one's back, then
+with head extended over the wall, the head must be bent down and back
+far enough to touch the lips to the stone. To perform the feat safely,
+there must be assistants at hand who must hold one's legs in steady
+grip, and others who must sit on the lower part of the body to assure
+the proper equilibrium.
+
+Being entirely alone, it is needless to say, Chester did not kiss the
+Blarney Stone. He was satisfied with reaching under and touching it with
+his hand. Then he returned to Lucy.
+
+"You did not kiss the stone," she immediately declared.
+
+"You know, don't you, that it takes two to kiss--the Blarney Stone?"
+
+"I've heard it so stated. I've never been up to it."
+
+The park around the castle is very inviting, especially on a fine, warm
+afternoon. There are big trees, grass, and neatly kept walks. Chester
+and Lucy sauntered under the trees. A tiny brook gurgled near by, the
+birds were singing. Lucy chattered merrily along, but Chester was not so
+talkative. She noticed his mood and asked why he was so silent.
+
+"I was thinking of that promise. I fear I am not doing right."
+
+"O, that reminds me--Father, of course could not--"
+
+"Could not what?"
+
+"Well, the night before he became so ill on the boat he told me he was
+going to release you from any promise not to meet me and talk religion
+to me."
+
+"Did he say that?" They paused in their walk.
+
+"Yes; and he meant it--he means it now, if he could but say as much."
+
+"I thank you for telling me * * * Let us sit down here on this rustic
+seat. Do you know, I believe your father has gotten over his first
+dislike for me."
+
+"O, yes, he has. I think he likes you very much."
+
+"I was not surprised at his actions when I told him I was a 'Mormon.' He
+can hardly be blamed, in view of the life-long training he has had. And
+then, knowing that you have been in danger from that source before made
+him over-sensitive on the point. I marvel now that he treats me so
+well."
+
+Lucy looked her happiness, rather than expressed it. The guide book lay
+open on her lap. Chester picked it up, looked at a picture of Blarney
+Castle, and then read aloud:
+
+    "'There's gravel walk there,
+      For speculation,
+      And conversation
+    In sweet solitude.
+    'Tis there the lover
+      May hear the dove, or
+    The gentle plover
+      In the afternoon.'
+
+"Lucy," said Chester, as he closed the book, "I'm going to call you
+Lucy--I can't call you Miss Strong in such a lovely place as this. We
+have an hour or two before we must return, and I want to talk over a few
+matters while we have the chance. In the first place, I want you to tell
+me where you are going when you leave Ireland. I want to keep track of
+you--I don't want to lose you. If your father would not object, I should
+like to travel along with you."
+
+"Father may remain here a long time, so long that we may not get to see
+much of Europe, and of course, you can't wait here for us."
+
+"Now listen, Lucy. _You_ are Europe to me. I believe you are the whole
+world."
+
+She did not turn from him, though she looked down to the grass where the
+point of her sunshade now rested. Her face was diffused with color.
+
+"Forgive me for saying so much," he continued, "for I realize I am quite
+a stranger to you."
+
+"A stranger?" she asked.
+
+"Yes; we have not known each other long. You don't know much about me."
+
+"I seem to have known you a long time," she said, looking up. "I often
+think I have met you before. Sometimes I imagine you look like the
+young missionary whom I first heard on the streets of Kansas City; but
+of course, that can't be."
+
+"No; I never was on a mission. But I'm glad you think of me as you do,
+for then you'll let me come and see you in London, in Paris and wherever
+you go. I assure you, it would be rather uninteresting sight-seeing
+without your presence, if not always in person, then in spirit. After
+all, much depends on the condition of the eyes with which one looks on
+an object whether it is interesting or not."
+
+Then the talk led to personal matters. He spoke of his experiences in
+Utah--some of them--and she fold him her simple life's story. Her mother
+had died many years ago; she had no very distinct recollection of her.
+She and her father had lived with housekeepers for many years. What with
+school and home, the one trip before to Europe, a number of excursions
+to various parts of her own country, her life had passed very smoothly
+and very quietly among her friends and books. As Chester listened to her
+he thought how like in some respects her story was to that of Julia
+Elston's. And as she sat there under the trees, she again looked like
+Julia, yet with a difference. Somehow the first girl had vanished but
+she had left behind in his heart a susceptibility to a form and face
+like this one beside him. Julia had come into his heart, not to dwell
+there, but to purify it, adorn it, and to make it ready for someone
+else;--and that other person had come. She filled the sanctuary of his
+heart. Peace and love beyond the telling were inmates with her. Had he
+not come to his own at last.
+
+That afternoon, as he sat with Lucy under the trees at Blarney,
+listening to her story, told in simplicity with eyes alternating between
+smiles and tears, he felt so near heaven that his prayers went easily
+ahead of him to the throne of mercy and love, bearing a message of
+praise and gratitude to the Giver of all good.
+
+These two were quite alone that afternoon. Even the care-taker went
+within the thick walls of the castle, remembering, perhaps, that she
+also had been young once. Birds may have eyes to see and ears to hear,
+but they tell nothing to humans.
+
+On the way back to Cork there was only one other passenger in the
+car,--an Irish girl carrying a basket in which were two white kittens.
+About half way to the city, the train stopped, and much to the
+travelers' surprise, a company of about two hundred Gordon Highlanders
+boarded the train, filling the cars completely.
+
+"What," asked Chester. "Have the Scotch invaded Ireland?"
+
+"I suppose it's a company just out for a bit of exercise," suggested
+Lucy.
+
+Their bare, brown legs, kilts and equipment were matters of much
+interest to Chester. When the train arrived in Cork, the soldiers
+formed, and with bagpipes squeeling their loudest, they marched into St.
+Patrick's street. Chester and Lucy and the girl with the basket
+followed.
+
+"This is quite an honor," remarked Chester, "to have a company of
+soldiers come to meet us, and to be escorted into town by music like
+this. How did _they_ know?"
+
+"Know what?" escaped from Lucy before she discerned his meaning.
+
+"Why, you silly man," she replied, "the honor is for the kittens!"
+
+Uncle Gilbert met them at the door. "Your father is sleeping--getting
+along fine," he explained. "Now then, young man, did you kiss the
+Blarney Stone?"
+
+"Why--no--I--"
+
+"You didn't! You missed the greatest opportunity in your life."
+
+"Oh, no, I didn't." replied Chester. "Far from it."
+
+Lucy, rosy red, fled past her teasing uncle into the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+A warm, gentle rain was falling. No regrets or complaints were heard at
+Kildare Villa, for, as Uncle Gilbert said, the farmers needed it, he and
+his people were comfortably housed, and the excursionists--meaning
+Chester and Lucy--would do well to remain quiet for a day.
+
+The minister had so far recovered that he walked unaided into the large
+living room, where a fire in the grate shed a genial warmth. Chester and
+Lucy were already there, she at the piano and he singing softly. At
+sight of her father, Lucy ran to him, helped him to a seat, then kissed
+him good morning.
+
+"How much better you are!" she said.
+
+"Yes; I am glad I am nearly myself again--thanks to Aunt Sarah," he
+said, as that good woman entered the room with pillows and footrest for
+the invalid, who was made quite comfortable. Then the aunt delivered him
+to the care of the two young people, with an admonition against drafts
+and loud noises.
+
+"All right, daddy; now what can we do for you?" asked Lucy.
+
+"You were singing--when I came in. * * * Sing the song again."
+
+"But loud noises, you know."
+
+"Sing--softly," he replied.
+
+The two went back to the piano. Lucy played and both sang in well
+modulated, subdued voices,
+
+    "Jesus, I my cross have taken
+      All to leave and follow Thee;
+    Naked, poor, despised, forsaken,
+      Thou, from hence my all shall be.
+    Perish every fond ambition,
+      All I've sought, or hoped, or known,
+    Yet how rich is my condition,
+      God and heaven are still my own."
+
+They sang the three stanzas. The two voices blended beautifully. The
+father asked them to sing the song again, which they did. Then they sang
+others, some of which were not familiar to the listener.
+
+    "Oh, how lovely was the morning,
+    Brightly beamed the sun above."
+
+"What was that last song?" inquired the father.
+
+The two singers looked at each other as if they had been caught in some
+forbidden act.
+
+"Why"--hesitated Lucy, "that's a Sunday School song."
+
+"A 'Mormon' song?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Sing--it again," he said as he lay back on his pillows, closed his eyes
+and listened.
+
+"Do you know any more--'Mormon' songs?"
+
+Lucy, of course, did not know many. Chester managed "O, my Father," and
+one or two more. Then Lucy closed the piano and went back to her father,
+where she stood smoothing gently his gray hair. Thus they talked and
+read and sang a little more, while the rain fell gently without.
+
+"This is a beautiful country," said Chester, looking out of the window.
+"I do not blame people who have money, desiring to live here." Lucy came
+to the window also, and they stood looking out on the rain-washed green.
+The father lay still in his chair, and presently he went to sleep.
+Chester and Lucy then retired to a corner, and carried on their
+conversation in low tones. Faint noises from other parts of the house
+came to them. From without, only the occasional shrill whistle of a
+locomotive disturbed the silence. The fire burned low in the grate.
+
+Suddenly, the father awoke with a start. "I tell you he is my son," he
+said aloud. "I am his father, and I ought to father him--my heart goes
+out--my son--"
+
+"What is it, father?" cried Lucy, running to him, and putting her arm
+around his shoulders.
+
+The father looked about, fully awakened.
+
+"I was only dreaming," he explained. "Did I talk in my sleep?"
+
+Just then Uncle Gilbert came in. He announced that tomorrow he would of
+necessity have to leave for Liverpool. It would be a short trip only; he
+would be back in two or three days, during which all of them should
+continue to make themselves comfortable.
+
+"George, here, is getting along famously," he declared. "A few more days
+of absolute rest, and you'll be all right, eh, brother?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+Aunt Sarah now announced luncheon, and they all filed out of the room.
+
+That evening the two brothers were alone. "I want to talk to you," the
+visitor had said; and his brother was willing that he should. Evidently,
+something weighed heavily on his mind, some imaginary trouble, brought
+on by his weakened physical condition.
+
+"Now, what is it, brother," said Gilbert as they sat comfortably in
+their room.
+
+"You know that in my younger days I had a little trouble"--began the
+minister, now speaking quite freely.
+
+"I don't recall what you mean."
+
+"When I was studying for the ministry--a woman, you--"
+
+"O, yes; I remember; but what of it? That's past and forgotten long
+ago."
+
+"Past, but not forgotten. I have tried to forget, the Lord knows, by
+long years of service in the ministry. I hope the Lord has forgiven--but
+I forgotten, Oh, no."
+
+"Look here, brother, you are over-sensitive just now because of your
+physical condition. You have nothing to worry over. That little
+youthful indiscretion--"
+
+"But there was a child, Gilbert, a boy."
+
+"Well, what of it?"
+
+"That was my boy. I am his father. What has become of him? Where is he
+now? Flesh of my flesh, is he handicapped by the stigma I placed upon
+him? Is he, perchance, groveling in the gutter, because I cast him
+off--had no thought or care for him--"
+
+"Now, look here--"
+
+"Listen. I became a father, then shirked the responsibility of
+fatherhood. A new word rings in my ears, 'FATHERING.' I can see its
+mighty import. I who have spoken the words of the great Father for these
+many years, have not followed His example. Listen, brother: if that son
+of mine is alive, and I believe he is, I am going to find and claim
+him--and not once more do I preach until I do."
+
+The brother was somewhat alarmed, showing it in his countenance.
+
+"You may think I am out of my head; but I never was saner in my life. My
+thoughts are as clear as a bell, and now that I have said what I wanted
+to, I feel better. That's all--don't you worry about me. Now go to bed.
+You are to be off in the morning, you know. Good night."
+
+As Gilbert walked out, his mind not altogether clear about his brother,
+Lucy was at the door waiting to bid her father good night.
+
+"May I come in?" she asked.
+
+"Yes; come along."
+
+"I wanted just to say good night."
+
+"That's right, my girl; and where is Chester?"
+
+"He--I don't know. I think he's retired."
+
+"You're looking so well, these days. Are you happy?"
+
+"Yes, daddy; so happy--and so much better, I believe."
+
+"All right--there now, good night. If Chester is without, tell him to
+come in a moment."
+
+She kissed him again, then slipped out. Presently, Chester entered.
+
+"Did you wish to see me, Mr. Strong?"
+
+"Yes--that is, just to say good night--and to tell you that I am
+better--and also to thank you for taking such good care of Lucy."
+
+"Why, I assure you--"
+
+"Wait a moment. Stand right where you are, there in that light--you'll
+excuse a sick man's humors, I know; but someone told me today that we
+two look very much alike. I was just wondering whether it was a fancy
+only--but I can't tell, nor you can't tell. It always takes a third
+person to say."
+
+"Yes; I suppose it does," laughed Chester. "But I don't object to the
+resemblance."
+
+"Nor I, my boy. Come here. Continue to take good care of Lucy. She's a
+good, sweet girl." The man arose, as if to be off to bed. Chester put
+his arm around him.
+
+"Let me help you," said the young man. "You are not very strong yet."
+
+"Thank you." He put his arm about Chester's neck so that the stronger
+man could nearly carry the weaker. As they walked slowly across the room
+under the lamps anyone could see a striking resemblance between the two
+men. As they said good night and parted at the father's door, the older
+man's hand patted softly the young man's cheek. Chester felt the touch,
+so strange that it thrilled him. "That was for Lucy's sake," he said to
+himself as he sought the quietness of his own room.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There were no apparent reasons why Chester Lawrence should not accompany
+Uncle Gilbert to Liverpool, so neither Chester nor Lucy tried to find
+any. Plans for meeting in London and on the continent were fully matured
+and understood. The separation would be for a week or fortnight at most.
+Lucy and Aunt Sarah waved their goodbyes as the train drew out of Cork
+for Dublin.
+
+Chester now understood why Ireland was called the Emerald Isle. Green,
+green, everywhere--fields and hedges, trees and bushes, bogs and
+hills--everything was green. Uncle Gilbert gave him full information on
+all points of interest.
+
+At Dublin they had a few hours to wait for the boat, so they looked
+around the city, not forgetting the beautiful Phoenix Park. It was
+evening when they went on board the steamer and to bed. Next morning,
+they were awakened by the rattling of cables and chains as they slid
+into a dock at Liverpool.
+
+Chester and Gilbert Strong parted company at Liverpool, the latter to
+attend to the business which had brought him there, the former to seek a
+place of lodging. First he found 42 Islington, the headquarters of the
+mission, introduced himself to the elders in charge, and asked them to
+direct him to some cheap, but respectable lodgings. He was shown to a
+nearby hotel where the missionaries usually put up, where he obtained a
+room. Then he went to the steamship company's office at the pier,
+obtained his trunk, and had it taken to his lodgings. After a bath, a
+general clean-up and change of clothing, he was ready for the town, or
+all England for that matter.
+
+He went back to "42" for further information. He noticed that the slum
+district of the town pressed closely on to the office quarters, and he
+saw some sights even that first afternoon which shocked him: dirty,
+ragged children, playing in the gutters; boys and girls and women going
+in to dram shops and bringing out mugs of beer; men and women drunken.
+One sight specially horrified him: a woman, dirty, naked shoulders and
+arms; feet and legs bare; a filthy skirt and bodice open at the breast;
+hair matted and wild; reeling along the pavement, crying out in drunken
+exclamations and mutterings. It was the most sickening sight the young
+man had ever seen, and with perhaps the exception of a fight he
+witnessed some days later between two such characters, the worst
+spectacle of his life.
+
+All this sordid life so strange and new, drew the attention of the young
+westerner. Especially did 42 Islington interest him; for this was an
+historic spot for "Mormonism." From here the early missionaries had sent
+forth the message of salvation to Great Britain, in fact, to the whole
+of Europe. Here within these dingy rooms had trod the strong, sturdy
+characters of the pioneer days of the Church. Perhaps in some of these
+rooms Orson Pratt had written his masterly presentation of the gospel.
+In those days, very likely, there were not so many noises of traffic and
+restless humanity. Perhaps such men could take with them the peace and
+sublime solitude of their home in the Western Mountains into the
+confusing din of the big city, and remain undisturbed. And these were
+happy, even as the present elders were, laboring, with a clear
+conscience for the salvation of souls. There came to Chester, as he
+thought of these things, an expression he had read: "Outside things
+cannot make you happy, unless they fit with something inside; and they
+are so few and so common that the smallest room can hold them."
+
+That same evening there was a meeting of the Saints which Chester
+attended. The congregation was small, much smaller even than those of
+Chicago. Most of the people present appeared to be of the humbler,
+working classes; but there was the same light in their faces as that
+which shone in faces on the other side of the world, when enlightened by
+the Spirit of God. Everywhere, Chester noticed, this Spirit was the
+same, giving to rich and poor, learned and unlearned alike, the joy of
+its presence.
+
+"Come around tomorrow, and we'll take a look about the city," said one
+of the elders to Chester. "Sitting cramped over a desk day after day,
+makes it necessary for me to get out once in a while."
+
+The afternoon of the following day, Chester called for his friend in the
+office, and they set out. "I want you to get rid of the first
+impressions of Liverpool," explained the elder. "I want you to get away
+from the noise and dirt to the green and quiet and beauty of the town."
+
+First they took a car to the Botanical Gardens, looked at the flower
+beds and inspected the palm-house. Then they walked across the open to
+the farther side, followed a short street or two into the big, open
+grass-covered Wavertree Playground. Thence it was a short walk to Sefton
+Park with its varied and extensive beauties. They watched the children
+sail their toy crafts on the lake. There were some men even, trying out
+model boats. The bird cage was interesting. The grotto, as usual, was
+hard to find. The palm-house took a good part of their time, for the
+beautiful statue of Burn's Highland Mary, gleaming white from a bed of
+green, took Chester's attention, as also the historical figures
+surrounding the house. One of these was of Columbus with an inscription
+claiming that he had very much to do with the making of Liverpool,
+which is no doubt true.
+
+The weather was fine, the air was balmy; many people were out. Chester
+and his companion strolled about the walks and across the velvety
+stretches of grass. They watched for a time, a "gentlemanly game of
+cricket," but it was too slow altogether for the Americans.
+
+It was well towards sundown when the two young men took a car back to
+Islington. "Another day we'll see Newsham Park, and the country around
+Knotty Ash way. Then again, there is some beautiful country up the
+Mersey and across to Birkenhead." The visitor was grateful for these
+offers.
+
+That evening Chester addressed some post-cards to his few friends in
+Chicago, one to Hugh Elston, one to Elder Malby in London, and one to
+Lucy May Strong, Kildare Villa, Cork, Ireland. He lingered somewhat over
+this latter, lost somewhat in wonder at recent events. Was not this
+ocean trip and the Irish experience a dream? The noise and smoke about
+him were surely that of Chicago, and he was sitting in his room there in
+his normal condition of homelessness and friendlessness? Had he not that
+day been out with an elder from the Chicago Church office to Lincoln
+Park and the lakeside? Surely Lucy and the minister, and Kildare Villa
+and Blarney were figments of a pleasant dream! Chester walked back and
+forth in the small room. He stopped before a dingy map of Great Britain
+on the wall. His finger touched Ireland, moved southward, and stopped
+at Cork. Yes; there _was_ such a place, any way, so there must be
+Shandon Bells and the Blarney Stone, and a rustic seat under the trees
+at Blarney Castle. Well, if all else under the sun were imaginary, that
+hour of bliss at Blarney when Chester told Lucy he loved her, and Lucy
+told Chester the same sweet words--that was real. He would live in that
+reality, for it far surpassed his dreams.
+
+Chester looked again at the post-card he had addressed to Kildare Villa,
+placed it aside, and wrote in its place a long letter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+Twenty miles out of London. The sun is shining, and the train glides
+along by green fields, hedges of hawthorn, and blossoming trees. England
+looks to be the huge, well-cared-for farm of a very rich man. This may
+be explained by the fact that England is an old country, having been
+plowed and planted and harrowed for close on to a thousand years before
+America was discovered. This long period of cultivation gives the
+country-side a mellowness and well-groomed look. The vaporous sunlight
+softens all the outlines, hides the harsh features, and gives the
+landscape its dreamy, far-away, misty loveliness. There seems to be no
+angles in the scene; field melts into field, and hedge into hedge, with
+here and there a ribbon of a road which seems to join them rather than
+to separate them. The houses are of brick or of stone, many partly
+hidden under the climbing ivy or roses.
+
+Chester Lawrence is accompanying Elder Malby eastward from London
+through Kent to Margate and Ramsgate on the coast. Elder Malby is to
+attend to some Church duties, and Chester, by invitation, was glad to
+accompany him. It was the young man's policy to keep in touch as much as
+possible with the elders and their work, and he was getting somewhat of
+the missionary spirit himself. He was greatly enjoying this ride
+through the beautiful country.
+
+"It's really wonderful," said Chester, looking out of the car window,
+"this coming from London into the country. Where are all the people? Are
+they all in town? Some cows are browsing in the pastures, and sheep
+scurry about as the train flies by, but where are the people who have
+made this great garden?"
+
+"You must remember," explained Chester's companion, "all this has not
+been done hurriedly by many people within a short time. What the
+Englishman doesn't do today he can do tomorrow; and so centuries of work
+by a few men has produced what we see."
+
+"Well, I do occasionally see a few slow-moving men and women, somberly
+clad in grays and browns. These, I suppose, are the sturdy supporters of
+their country."
+
+"Here is something I clipped from an American magazine," said Elder
+Malby, "which impressed me with its peculiar truth." He read:
+
+"'England is London says one, England is Parliament says another,
+England is the Empire says still another; but if I be not much mistaken,
+this stretch of green fields, these hills and valleys, these hedges and
+fruit trees, this soft landscape, is the England men love. In India and
+Canada, in their ships at sea, in their knots of soldiery all over the
+world, Englishmen must close their eyes at times, and when they do, they
+see these fields green and brown, these hedges dusted with the soft
+snow of blossoms, these houses hung with roses and ivy, and when the
+eyes open, they are moist with these memories. The pioneer, the sailor,
+the soldier, the colonist may fight, and struggle and suffer, and
+proclaim his pride in his new home and possessions, but these are the
+love of a wife, of children, of friends; that other is the love, with
+its touch of adoration, that is not less nor more, but still different,
+that mysterious mingling of care for, and awe of, the one who brought
+you into the world.
+
+"'This is the England, I take it, that makes one feel his duty to be his
+religion, and the England that every American comes to as to a shrine.
+When this is sunk in the sea, or trampled over by a host of invading
+Germans, or mauled into bankruptcy by pandering politicians and sour
+socialists, one of the most delightful spots in the whole world will
+have been lost, and no artist ever be able to paint such a picture
+again, for nowhere else is there just this texture of canvas, just this
+quality if pigment, just these fifteen centuries of atmosphere.' I think
+this sums it up nicely," commented Elder Malby.
+
+"Ireland is a pretty fine country, too," said Chester, with far-away
+tone, still gazing out of the window.
+
+Elder Malby laughed heartily, in which his companion joined. Chester had
+told him his Irish experiences.
+
+Ramsgate is a pretty town on the east coast. It being Sunday, the shops
+were closed and the streets quiet. After some enquiries and searching,
+the local elder was found in the outskirts of the town. The two visitors
+were warmly received. A good old-fashioned English dinner was served,
+after which the few Saints living in the vicinity gathered for meeting.
+Never before had Chester Lawrence experienced the comforting Spirit of
+the Lord as in that service when he partook with those simple,
+open-minded people the sacrament, and listened to their testimonies, in
+which he mingled his own.
+
+After the services, there was the usual lingering to shake hands and
+exchange good words. In the midst of the confusion of voices and
+laughter, a large man appeared in the open doorway, and immediately
+there was a hush. It was the parish priest, round and sleek, yet stern
+of countenance. He looked about the room and found a good many of his
+neighbors present.
+
+"Well, good people," said he, "what are you doing here?"
+
+The local elder explained civilly the purpose of the gathering.
+
+"But these men who are holding these services are 'Mormons,' and I come
+to warn you that they are wolves in sheep's clothing. Beware of them,
+let them alone," said the priest in rising accents.
+
+The people stood about the room, quietly listening. Elder Malby and
+Chester were yet by the table which had served as a pulpit, and to them
+the priest advanced.
+
+"Are you the 'Mormon' elders?" he demanded.
+
+"We have that honor," serenely replied Elder Malby.
+
+"You ought to be ashamed to come here to a Christian community with your
+vile doctrine. I warn you to keep away."
+
+"Will you be seated, sir?" asked Elder Malby, who took charge of the
+situation. A number of people, who had evidently followed the priest to
+see the "fun," came in and gathered round.
+
+"I'll not sit down. I'll deliver my message to you all," he declared as
+he turned to the people. "You may not believe what I say about these
+men, that they are not what they pretend; but let me read to you from an
+American paper--printed in their own land. Listen:
+
+"'So fully apparent is the pernicious activity of "Mormonism" of late,
+that a general campaign of opposition is being urged against them in
+various parts of the country. It has been conclusively shown, by
+students of the question, that the "Mormon" Church is simply a great
+secret society, engaging in criminal practices under the cloak of their
+religion--"
+
+There was a hum of protest in the room. Elder Malby raised a hand of
+warning to let the intruder proceed.
+
+"'The attitude of "Mormonism" towards moral questions and its disregard
+for the laws, have been shown again and again. "Mormon" missionaries are
+now making a systematic canvas of every state in the Union, as well as
+in Great Britain and other foreign countries. Every home, especially of
+the poor and uneducated is to be visited. It would therefore be the part
+of wisdom to give a timely word of warning. This is a time to cry aloud
+and spare not, lest many be led astray by these pernicious teachings.'"
+
+The minister followed up this reading by a stream of personal abuse
+against "Mormons" in general and Elder Malby--whose name he knew--in
+particular. Chester watched with keen interest the proceedings. Elder
+Malby's face was a study. The angry priest paused, then stopped.
+
+"Are you through, sir?" asked Elder Malby quietly. There was no reply,
+so he continued. "If you are, I wish to say a word. You are entirely
+mistaken, my dear sir. I have not come here to mislead or to teach any
+such doctrine as you claim. True, I am now an American citizen, but I
+was born an Englishman. This is my native country, and I have as much
+right to be here as you have; and, thank God, this country provides for
+free speech and allows every man to worship God according to the
+dictates of his conscience. I love this, my native land--I love these,
+my people. That's why I am here to preach to them the gospel of Jesus
+Christ."
+
+"You're a farmer, and not a minister," sneered the priest.
+
+"Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a tent-maker," replied the Elder
+calmly. "I suppose, sir, that if either of these men came here to
+preach, you would look upon their occupation as a reproach."
+
+There was no reply, so the "Mormon" continued. "It is true I am a
+farmer. Some of my friends here know that, because sometimes I assist
+them in the fields. And I have given them some helpful American hints
+too, have I not, Brother Naylor?"
+
+"Aye, that you have."
+
+"Religion is not a thing apart from daily life," said Elder Malby,
+speaking more to the listening people than to the priest. "A truly
+religious person works with hands and brains as well as prays with lips
+and heart. Let me tell you, good people, the 'Mormons' have shown to the
+world that heart and hand, faith and works must go together. A religion
+which withdraws itself apart from the common people into seclusions of
+prayer and contemplation alone is of no value in this world. The
+activities of this life and this world is the proper field for religion,
+for it is here that we prepare for a future life. The "Mormon" minister
+can plow, if he is a farmer, as well as preach. He digs canals, makes
+roads through the wilderness, provides work and play for those who look
+to him for guidance. Again, let me call your attention to something the
+"_Mormon_" preacher does: he preaches for the love of the souls of men,
+and not for a salary."
+
+"You're a tramp," said the priest.
+
+"Not exactly, my friend," replied the Elder, looking into the priest's
+face. "I pay my way, from money earned at home on my farm. Most of the
+people here know me, but some are strangers. Let me tell you, briefly,
+my story."
+
+"Go on," some one near the door shouted.
+
+"I was born a few miles from here. My parents were very poor, but honest
+and respectable. I had a longing to go to America, so by dint of long,
+hard work and saving, I obtained the passage money. On the way I became
+acquainted with the Mormons.' I knew they were the people of God, and I
+went with them to the West, which was a new country then. I was a
+pioneer. I took up wild, unbroken land, built me a cabin and made me a
+farm. It was hard work, but, the exhilaration of working for one's self
+gives courage and strength. Now I have a good farm, and a good house. I
+am not rich in worldly wealth. We must still economize carefully.
+Here--would you like to see my home in America?"
+
+He took from his pocket a photograph and handed it to the nearest
+person, who passed it on. "That house I built with my own hands, most of
+it. Those trees I planted. I made the fence and dug the water ditch.
+That's my wife standing by the gate--yes, the only one I have, or ever
+had--that's my youngest child on the porch, the only one at home now.
+The others have married and have homes of their own. Here, I remember, I
+received a letter from my wife yesterday. Would you like to read it,
+sir?" addressing the priest who was now preparing to leave.
+
+"The letter will prove that I am not a tramp, sir. Read it aloud to
+these people." The Elder held the letter in his extended hand.
+
+"I'll have nothing further to do with you. I don't want to read your
+letter," retorted the priest.
+
+"Read it, read it," came from a number; but the priest, unheedingly
+passed out of the door and down the path. The gate clicked.
+
+"I'll read it," volunteered a man, one of the strangers who had come in
+later. He took the letter, and read so that all might hear, which was
+not difficult in that quieted room:
+
+"'Dear George: By this time I suppose you are in Old England again, and
+have fairly started in your missionary work. We received your card from
+Chicago and your letter from New York. I hope you had a pleasant voyage
+across the ocean, and were not seasick.
+
+"'We are all well at home, only a bit lonesome, of course. Janie misses
+you very much. She hardly knows what to do with herself in the evening.
+I was over to George's last night, and when I came in the door the baby
+cried "grandpa" before she saw who it was. The little thing looks all
+around and can't understand why you don't come. Lizzie's baby has the
+measles, but is getting along nicely.
+
+"I drove around by the field from meeting last Sunday. The wheat is
+growing fine. The Bishop said it was the finest stand he had ever seen.
+George and Henry are now working on the ditch, and they said they'd work
+out your assessment while they were about it. We have had a good deal of
+rain lately.
+
+"'I spoke to Brother Jenson about those two steers. He said prices were
+low at present and advised me to wait a little while before selling
+them. If you need the money very soon, of course I'll tell him to take
+them next time he calls. My eggs and butter help us out wonderfully, as
+we two don't require much. The Sunday eggs, you know, go towards the
+meeting house fund, and Janie claims the "Saturday crop." She needs a
+new school dress which Lizzie has promised to make.
+
+"'Now, that's about all the news. I hope your health will continue good
+and that you are enjoying your mission. Don't worry about us. The Lord
+will provide. We want to do our part in sending the gospel to those who
+have it not. Our faith and prayers are always with you.
+
+"'Your loving wife,
+"'JANE MALBY.
+
+"'P.S. I forgot to tell you that the Jersey cow you bought from Brother
+Jones has had twin calves, both heifers. Isn't that fine? J.M.'"
+
+The reader folded the letter and handed it back to its owner. The
+postscript saved the situation, for the wet eyes found relief in the
+merry laugh which it brought forth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+On Chester's return to London, he found the following note from Lucy:
+
+"We're all coming--father and Uncle Gilbert and I. What do you think of
+that? Father is well enough to travel, and he has prevailed upon his
+brother to accompany us. In fact, I think that Uncle imagines we are two
+invalids and need his care--I'm glad he does. I'm so busy packing, I
+haven't time to write more. Will tell you all about it when I see you.
+Meet us at St. Pancras station Thursday, at 6 p.m.
+
+"With love from
+
+"LUCY."
+
+Elder Malby accompanied Chester to the station to meet his friends from
+Ireland. The two brothers were fairly well acquainted with London, so
+they had no trouble in finding a hotel in a quiet part of the city.
+Lucy's father seemed himself again. He walked with a cane, which,
+however, may have been his regular European custom. Lucy was uncommonly
+well, declaring that the long journey had not tired her a bit.
+
+Plans were discussed in the hotel that evening, and it was finally
+decided to go to Paris by way of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels. The
+stages would have to be easy for the sake of the "two invalids," as
+Uncle Gilbert put it, to which Chester heartily agreed.
+
+Late the next morning, for the travelers needed the rest, Chester called
+for them, and the party of four saw a little of London from the top of a
+'bus. The weather continued fair, and as the summer was well advanced,
+the air was warm. The sightseers had a simple luncheon at a small cafe
+which Uncle Gilbert knew near the British Museum, and then they
+continued their rambles until the close of the afternoon, when Chester
+put them down at the "Mormon" mission headquarters.
+
+Elder Malby received them warmly, provided easy seats for Lucy and her
+father, and took hats and wraps under protestations that they were not
+going to stay. A number of missionaries came in and they were
+introduced. Lucy beamed with delight, her father unreservedly told the
+young men they were from America,--and western America at that; but
+Uncle Gilbert was not quite at his ease among the new company. He knew,
+of course, that these people were "Mormons," and his knowledge of
+"Mormons" and their ways, although somewhat vague, was not reassuring.
+
+When the good-natured English housekeeper announced that supper was
+ready, it seemed impossible to do otherwise than to follow her and Elder
+Malby down to the large basement room. In fact, Lucy, without any ifs or
+ands took her father's arm and led him along. Uncle Gilbert thought he
+had never seen her in such a bold frame of mind.
+
+Certainly, Chester, Elder Malby, and the housekeeper must have plotted
+to bring about that little supper party. The dining room was severely
+bare, but scrupulously clean. That evening the threadbare table cloth
+had been replaced by a new one. The usual menu of bread, milk, and jam
+was augmented by slices of cold meat, a dish of fruit, and a cake. Two
+small bouquets adorned the ends of the long table.
+
+"Visitors," whispered one of the elders to another.
+
+"Extraordinary visitors," replied the other. "Just like home when Uncle
+John came to see us."
+
+The housekeeper even furnished tea for the Rev. Mr. Strong and his
+brother. Lucy said she liked milk better, so she filled her glass along
+with Chester's and the other "Mormons." She chatted freely with the
+young elder near her, learned that he was from Idaho, that he had been
+away six months, that he had not been home-sick, and that he was not
+married. The elders were to hold street meetings that evening after
+supper.
+
+"I should like to go with you," she said; but Chester, overhearing the
+conversation, told her that for various reasons, such a course would not
+be wise.
+
+Afterwards, there was some singing in the office-parlor, then Chester
+went with the party to their hotel.
+
+"I believe papa is being favorably impressed," said Lucy to Chester
+before they parted. "I wish he could see as I do."
+
+"That would indeed be something to be thankful for," agreed Chester.
+
+The following afternoon the continental party took the train to Harwich,
+then boat for the Hook of Holland, where they arrived next morning. A
+short ride by rail brought them to Rotterdam.
+
+Uncle Gilbert had seen the city before, but the quaint town interested
+the others for the first time. "Everything is clean in Holland but the
+canals," some one has said. In Rotterdam, the ancient windmills, with
+huge spreading arms, stand in the midst of modern shops, and the
+contrast is strange.
+
+Uncle Gilbert directed the party to the Delftshaven church, explaining
+that in this ancient building the Pilgrim Fathers worshiped before they
+set sail for the New World. Then the sight-seers took train for The
+Hague, ten miles away. They visited the House of the Woods, where the
+Peace Congresses are held, observed Queen Wilhelmina's residence from
+without, looked at some of the famous paintings in the art gallery, then
+shuddered over the instruments of torture on exhibition in the "Torture
+Chamber" found in the old prison. There were some gruesome articles
+here.
+
+"All in the name of religion," remarked the minister, shaking his head.
+"It seems to me that in those days men taxed their ingenuity to find new
+and more terrible means of inflicting pain. And men suffered in those
+days because of religious belief."
+
+Someone had expressed himself on the subject in these lines, which they
+read from a card:
+
+    "By my soul's hope of rest,
+    I'd rather have been born, ere man was blessed
+    With the pure dawn of revelation's light;
+    Yea; rather plunge me back into pagan night
+    And take my chances with Socrates for bliss,
+    Than be a Christian of a faith like this."
+
+Out from the depressing gloom of the prison, they took the electric car
+to Scheveningen, the famous sea-side resort. The season was hardly begun
+yet, so there were but few visitors. However, the sands dotted with
+their peculiar wicker shelters and the beautiful blue North Sea were
+there. Out on the water could be seen the little "pinken"--the fishing
+boats, their sails red and taut or white and wing-like, speeding before
+the wind. The waves swept in long straight lines, and broke on the sands
+in muffled sound. The scene was restful, so the party was served with
+something to eat and drink on a table within sound and sight of the open
+sea.
+
+That evening, back in Rotterdam, Chester and Lucy, while the two
+brothers took their ease "at home," found the Mission headquarters,
+introduced themselves to the elders, and spent a few hours very
+pleasantly with them. They learned from the missionaries that the Dutch
+were for the most part, an honest, God-fearing people, quite susceptible
+to the gospel. There were no meetings that evening, but in lieu
+thereof, the presiding elder took them out and introduced them to some
+of the Saints. Then, when they came back to the office, the housekeeper
+served them with cool milk, white bread, sweet butter, and whiter
+cheese.
+
+The next day the tourists went on to Brussels, stopping a few hours only
+at Antwerp, which city was a surprise. As Chester said, "I remember
+seeing such a place on the map, but I had no idea it was such a fine,
+large city.
+
+They saw many wide streets lined with the most unique houses, many of
+them having "terraced gables" facing the street.
+
+"This is certainly the town for fancy 'gingerbread' decorations,"
+commented Chester, as they observed the net-work of cornices and forest
+of pinnacles. There was even a full-sized mounted charger on the topmost
+point of a seven-story building. The Cathedral, with its tall sculptured
+tower, was no doubt an architectural marvel. A brief visit was made to
+the art gallery, "full of Ruben's fat women," as Uncle Gilbert expressed
+it.
+
+"'Anvers,'" read the minister from a post-card. "I thought this was
+Antwerp?"
+
+"Antwerp is the English of it," explained Uncle Gilbert.
+
+"Well, I think names--names of cities and countries, at least, should be
+the same in all languages. At any rate, they could be spelled alike. If
+this town is Anvers, why not call it that?"
+
+Sunday evening brought the party to Brussels, or Bruxelles, in the
+original. The life and gaity of the city were in full swing, and most of
+the shops were doing their usual business. Uncle Gilbert did not want to
+remain long, but Lucy said she wished to visit the battle-field of
+Waterloo, and one or two points of interest in the city. So the evening
+and the next day were consumed. The battle-field is reached by train
+from the city. From the Waterloo station, there is a mile or two of
+walking or riding in carriages to the immediate field of battle. A great
+pyramid of earth covered with grass to its summit marks the spot where
+the conflict raged the fiercest. From the top of this monument a fine
+view is had. What was once a bloody battle-field was that day decked
+with growing fields, dotted with feeding kine. Lucy had again to be
+denied the pleasure of the view from the top. She sat in the wagon below
+and got what she could from the man who had been left with the horses.
+It was all very interesting, but Lucy was so tired when they got back to
+the hotel that she could not see more of Brussels.
+
+Next morning they went on to Paris. All but Chester had been in this gay
+city before. The weather was getting quite warm, so the two brothers did
+not care to follow the strenuous pace set by Chester in his sight
+seeing. During the heat of the day they kept quietly within their rooms
+or strolled leisurely along the shaded boulevards. Chester, by promising
+to take the utmost care of Lucy, was permitted to take her with him to
+visit some of the sights. She knew enough French to make herself fairly
+well understood, and that was a great help.
+
+So these two rode and rambled about Paris for nearly a week, sometimes
+with the father, sometimes with Uncle Gilbert, but more often by
+themselves. The days were fine. The parks and boulevards were gay with
+people. They made purchases in the shops along Rue de Rivoli and at the
+Bon Marche, the great department store which Lucy declared they could
+equal in Kansas City. They gazed for hours in the Louvre Art Gallery,
+coming back time and again to look once more at some picture. The Venus
+de Milo had a fascination about it which drew them into the long
+gallery, where at the extreme end, the classic marble figure stands
+alone.
+
+They rode on the Seine, wondering at its clear waters. They walked about
+the open squares and gardens all of them of historic significance. They
+promenaded, very quietly, it is true, along the Champs Elysees. They
+lingered about the Petit Palais, one of the most beautiful of Paris
+buildings because of its newness, its clean, chaste finish, and the
+artistic combination of marble, pictures, and flowers. Was it any wonder
+that amid all this interesting beauty Chester's and Lucy's eyes and
+hands frequently met to express what words failed to do?
+
+The four sight-seers were at Napoleon's Tomb, admiring the wonderful
+light effect.
+
+"Every time I visit this place," said Uncle Gilbert, "I like to read a
+summary of Napoleon's career which I found and clipped. Would you like
+to hear it?"
+
+The others said they would, so Uncle Gilbert read:
+
+"Egyptian sands and Russian snows alike invaded; a revolution quelled,
+an empire created; his own brethren seated on thrones of vassal
+kingdoms; a complete code of jurisprudence formed for France from the
+wrecks of mediæval misrule; the most profound strategist of the ages;
+denounced by nations as the 'disturber of the peace of the world;'
+violating the marriage law of God and man; himself a dwarf in height,
+and lowering the physical stature of a generation of his countrymen
+through the frightful carnage of wars undertaken largely for his
+personal aggrandizement; succumbing in the moment of final victory to
+insidious disease; twice expatriated, dying in exile across the seas,
+after twenty years; in life, the idol of a race and the detestation of
+the rest of the continent; and now, a handful of dust, his spirit in the
+presence of its Maker.'"
+
+This reading furnished a text for the minister, who talked rather more
+freely than he had recently done. Notre Dame lay in their route that
+afternoon, so naturally enough, they went in, Uncle Gilbert remarking
+that this was a fit place for the minister to conclude his sermon.
+
+"What a dark, musty place," said Lucy.
+
+"It fits in very well with their religion," suggested Chester. "A lot of
+outward show, but within, dark and dead."
+
+Uncle Gilbert, though living in Ireland, was not a Catholic, so he took
+no offense at this remark.
+
+Then while they were "doing" churches, they visited that of St. Sulpice,
+a very large edifice, in the floor of which is a brass line which marks
+the Meridian of Paris. At the left of the entrance sits St. Peter in
+life-sized bronze, in possession of the Keys. The naked big toe of this
+figure is easily reached by the worshipers.
+
+"I have heard of people kissing images of the Saints," said Chester,
+"but I have never seen anything of the kind. Let us rest here a while,
+to see if anything happens."
+
+Lucy was glad of the suggestion as she was more tired than she wished to
+acknowledge. The big church was cool and quiet. Worshipers singly and in
+twos were coming and going. Presently, a woman, and presumably her
+daughter, came in, and as they passed St. Peter they leaned forward and
+kissed the shining, metal toe. They passed on to a confessional where
+the priest could be seen and faintly heard behind the latticed window.
+
+All this was exceedingly interesting to the young people. The two
+brothers were absorbed more in the building itself than what was going
+on within; even to what their two young people were doing. Chester,
+surely was prompted by a spirit of sacriledge when he took from an inner
+pocket a picture post-card he had bought in Ireland.
+
+"The kissing of the toe reminded me of it," said he, as he handed the
+card to Lucy, who looked at the picture of an Irishman in the act of
+kissing his sweetheart, Blarney Castle being shown in the distance.
+Underneath was the following:
+
+    "With quare sinsashuns and palpitashuns,
+      A kiss I'll venture here, Mavrone;
+    'Tis swater Blarney, good Father Mahoney,
+      Kissin' the girls than that dirty stone."
+
+Lucy's father tapped her on the shoulder. "You're in a church. Behave
+yourself," he said. "Come, let's be going."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+It was evident that, notwithstanding the good intentions which all
+persons concerned had of not overreaching in the sight-seeing business,
+Lucy, at least, was feeling its effects. That she would have to remain
+quiet for some days was the verdict of the physician which her father
+called. There was no immediate danger, said he to Chester, but the heart
+action was feeble. A week of absolute rest would remedy that.
+
+Chester was packed off to Switzerland alone, contrary to the program he
+had looked forward to. Uncle Gilbert did not care to go. Mr. Strong
+would have to remain with Lucy, so if Chester was to see Switzerland, he
+would have to try it alone. When Chester heard of the arrangement, he
+demurred; but when Lucy's father suggested to him that perhaps it would
+be best for her, he said no more.
+
+After Chester's departure, the three settled down to the business at
+hand, that of resting. That was easy enough for Lucy and her father, but
+Uncle Gilbert was hale and hearty, so he continued to make short daily
+excursions to points of interest. They had pleasant quarters, not too
+near the noise of the city. The semi-private hotel had but few guests,
+so the back garden in which dinner was usually served, proved a
+desirable lounging-place.
+
+Uncle Gilbert was away that afternoon. Lucy was resting in her room. The
+Rev. Mr. Strong paced nervously back and forth in the garden for a time,
+then dropped heavily into an easy chair. The French maid, stepping
+quietly about placed a pillow under his head, which kindness he accepted
+gratefully. The garden was still. There were no sharp near-noises, the
+city's activity coming merely as a faint distant hum.
+
+The minister closed his eyes, but he did not go to sleep. His mind was
+too active for that, his nerves were tingling again. The bright, gay
+life about him did not exist for him. That afternoon he lived in the
+past. He marshalled for review contending thoughts, that had for many
+years fought for supremacy. Out of the chaos of conflict no order had
+yet come. He was getting old before his years justified it.
+
+Why should he, a minister of the word of God, be so easily moved by
+strange religious ideas? Faintly as if from some distant, mostly
+forgotten past, there came to him this idea, that the truth, the whole,
+clean, simple truth as it exists in Christ Jesus had been told him, and
+he had rejected it. Why he had done this was not clear to him. He seemed
+to have lived in periods of alternating darkness and light. Then later,
+he had come in contact with so-called "Mormonism." Strange to say, its
+teachings had the same ring as that which he had heard before; but this
+time he rejected it because of its evil name. Once again, a little
+later, these same doctrines had come to him, but they were not welcomed
+when he learned that those who taught them and lived them were simple,
+ofttimes uneducated people, usually called the "scum" of the earth.
+
+The Rev. Mr. Strong had actually given up his pastorship in two places,
+moving westward until he reached Kansas City.--Here for a number of
+years, he had experienced peace, a sort of indifferent peace, he
+admitted, due more to callousness of soul than to anything else. Then
+came Lucy's adventure with the "Mormon" elders on the streets, and her
+visit to "Mormon" meetings. She had brought "Mormon" literature home,
+and he had read it, read it all. He had asked her to bring more. He had
+often sat up till midnight to finish a book, then had railed at Lucy for
+bringing it into the house. And now the conflict was on again, harder
+than ever. He closed his eyes, saying, "No, no;" then opened them again
+to the beautiful light. He stopped his ears, crying, "I will not hear;"
+then listened to the sweet music. With all the force of his life's
+training, he railed against the doctrine; then in silence contemplated
+its glorious truths. He drove the thought of it out of his mind; then
+welcomed it eagerly back. Back and forth, in and out, in doubt and fear,
+in faith and hope his soul had suffered and wrought.
+
+What was the outcome to be? Evidently, the end was not yet; for had he
+not purposely taken this trip abroad, to get away from some of these
+things, and had he not run hard against that which he had hoped to
+escape. And in what form had it now come? In that of his son, his only
+son, the child of his younger days! Surely God was in this thing. "Yes,"
+the man muttered, "God is watching me. I cannot escape. His hand is over
+me. '_If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost
+parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand
+shall hold me!_'"
+
+Uncle Gilbert came in, humming lightly a tune he had caught from the
+band in the cafe. He stopped when he saw his brother apparently asleep.
+He was about to retreat when his brother, opening his eyes, called:
+
+"Don't go; come here. I want to talk with you. I want your opinion on a
+matter."
+
+Uncle Gilbert seated himself to listen.
+
+"You might think it a strange thing for me to ask you about doctrines of
+religion," began the brother, "but sometimes a layman has a clearer,
+more unbiased view than one who has studied one system, and--and has
+made his living from preaching it."
+
+"I fear, brother, you are worrying too much about such things"--
+
+"Not at all--not too much. It's necessary to worry sometimes. I suppose
+that's God's way of arousing people. I am worrying--have been worrying
+for many years--just now I want someone to talk to--I want you to
+listen."
+
+"I'll do that, if that will help you," said the brother as he placed his
+hat and stick on a table and shifted himself into a comfortable
+position. The maid peeped in, but seeing the two men, retired again.
+
+"I have preached hundreds of sermons on the being and nature of God,"
+said the minister, now sitting erect and looking at his brother. "I have
+spoken of Him as a Father, our Father, and all the time He has been out
+in time and space, formless, homeless, unthinkable. He has never
+appealed to heart or brain. Will God ever be more to me than a force in
+and through all nature? Shall we ever see His face? Shall we ever feel
+the cares of His hand and hear His voice, not in a figurative sense, but
+in reality."
+
+"Now brother"--said Uncle Gilbert again.
+
+"Don't interrupt. You do not need to answer my questions--you couldn't
+if you wanted to. Listen. What do you think of this: God is our Father,
+in reality as we naturally understand it--Father of our spirits. We are,
+therefore, His children. That is our relationship. Consequently we are
+of a family of Gods. Admit that our Father is God, and that we are His
+children, the conclusion is absolute. We are not worms of the dust, only
+so far as we degrade our divine nature to that lowness.
+
+"This Father of ours has in the past eternities trod through time and
+space, learning,--yes, suffering, overcoming, conquering, becoming
+perfect, until now He sits in the midst of glory, power, and eternal
+lives. In might and majesty perfect, He can and does hold us all as in
+the hollow of His hand. This little earth of ours, and all the shining
+worlds on high are His workmanship. He holds them also by His allwise
+power. And yet, my brother, come back to this simple proposition, we are
+that great Being's sons and daughters, and if we walk in the way in
+which He walked, we are heirs to all that He has! I am one of a great
+family, so are you,--all of us. Our Father has but gone before and we
+follow. The difference between us is only in degree of development and
+not in kind.
+
+"'O God, I think thy thoughts after Thee,' said Kepler, and thoughts
+lead to deeds.
+
+"Again, the Son, whom we know as Jesus Christ, came to reveal to us this
+Father. He was in 'the form of God.' He was the 'image of the invisible
+God.' Further, this Son was in the express image of the Father's person.
+Jesus Christ was a man like unto us as far as outward form is concerned.
+He is one of this great family, the first-born and foremost of the
+children, it is true, yet one of us--He acknowledged us as His brethren.
+Now, then listen: Jesus follows His Father. 'The Son can do nothing of
+Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He
+doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.' Also, this Son said: 'My
+Father worketh hitherto, and I work.' Now, if we follow in the steps of
+the Son, as He has commanded us to do, and that Son follows in the steps
+of His Father, where is our final destination?"
+
+The brother listened in wonder. The doctrine was, indeed, strange, but
+it was too clear and logical to be the result of a weak mind. The
+minister saw the perplexity in his listener's face and said:
+
+"No, brother, I am not crazy. My mind has never been clearer. I feel
+fine now. I tell you, there is manna for a hungry soul in these things.
+
+"And now again: This life is a school. From the puny, helpless infant to
+old age, life is a development of the attributes with which we come into
+the world. We get all our education through our senses. No faculty of
+mind or body is useless. The perfect man has these all perfectly
+developed. We have at least one example of a perfect man, the
+resurrected Son of God. What was He like? When He appeared to His
+disciples He said, 'Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and
+bones, as ye see me have.' He also ate with His brethren. Here, then, we
+have, one of us, carrying with Him into the celestial world His body of
+flesh and bone. And, mind you, He is the pattern. If we follow Him, we
+also shall take with us these bodies, changed, purged, and glorified of
+course, but yet bodies in every sense. Will not the eye then see
+perfectly, the ear hear every sound in the celestial key? Not only every
+attribute of the mind, but every organ of the body will be prefect in
+its operation. Think what that will mean!"
+
+The speaker paused as if to let his listener arrive at the inevitable
+conclusion in his own mind.
+
+"What will it mean?" he asked again.
+
+"I don't know," replied Uncle Gilbert.
+
+"It will mean fatherhood--eternal, celestialized fatherhood. We shall
+be like Him our Father, not only to beget, but to _father_ a race! Think
+of that! Did you ever think of that? No, of course not--and I--musn't--I
+who--have never yet made a beginning--how can I expect"--
+
+The head fell back on the pillow as Uncle Gilbert quickly came to his
+brother's side. The minister's face was pale, his eyes were closed for a
+moment. Then he opened them, sat upright, ran his hand over his face,
+and smiled at his brother.
+
+"Don't be alarmed," he said, "it was nothing. I'm all right."
+
+He walked about while the maid came in and set the table for dinner. The
+minister linked his arm into his brother's. "Say, brother," he asked,
+"would you not be lonesome up in heaven without Aunt Sarah?"
+
+Uncle Gilbert was seriously alarmed. He had in mind to call Lucy, when,
+providentially she came to them.
+
+"I think your father's not well, Lucy?" said Uncle Gilbert, as she took
+her father's other arm.
+
+"What's the matter, papa?" she asked.
+
+"I am well," protested the father--"as well as I ever was. I've just
+been telling brother here some things--some gospel truths in fact, and I
+guess they're beyond you yet," he said to his brother.
+
+"Well," replied Uncle Gilbert, "I'll admit I've never heard you talk
+like that before."
+
+"Why, I've preached these things scores of times from the pulpit, and my
+congregations have thought them fine. I didn't tell, however, where my
+inspiration came from."
+
+"Where did it come from?" asked Lucy.
+
+"From your books, my dear."
+
+"My books?"
+
+"Yes; from your books on 'Mormonism'."
+
+Had not dinner just then been announced, it is hard to say what would
+have become of Uncle Gilbert's astonishment. Across the table he saw
+Lucy's reassuring smile from which he himself took courage that all was
+well.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+_My Dear Lucy_:--I am writing this in my room high up on the hillside of
+Lucerne, (Luzern) pronounced as if there were a "t" before the "z." The
+day is closing. The light is yet bright on the mountains, but the lake
+lies in shadows. The lamps are being lighted down below in the town and
+along the promenade. I hear faintly the arrival of the steamer at the
+pier.
+
+But let me begin at the beginning, and tell you what I have seen and
+done up to the present. This telling is a poor substitute for the
+reality, I assure you; but as you have never been in Switzerland, you
+might be interested in the sights here--through my eyes! Let me say now,
+before I forget, that at every point of beauty and interest, I said in
+my heart, "O that Lucy could be here to enjoy this!" It really seemed
+selfish in me to be alone. And then, you know, the pleasure of sight
+seeing is materially enhanced when one has a sympathetic companion to
+whom one may exclaim: "Isn't that grand!"
+
+We entered Switzerland at Basel, then journeyed on to Zurich. This is
+Switzerland's largest city, and in my opinion, it is one of the most
+beautiful large cities I have ever seen. Of course, I hunted up the
+Church headquarters, where I was fortunate to meet a friend I had known
+in Salt Lake. He kindly gave me the information I desired about the
+city and even took a few hours off duty to accompany me to points of
+interest.
+
+That evening we went to the Opera house, where Faust was being played. I
+had a great desire to see Faust in the original, and though my German is
+not up to Goethe's standard, I could follow the plot somewhat, and I was
+eagerly watching for Margaret to make her appearance on the stage. After
+a long evening, the curtain went down, and all the people got up and
+left--yet no Margaret had appeared. I was puzzled; but my friend
+explained that the play was only half over. If I desired to see the
+rest, I would have to come back the following evening. What do you think
+of that? Well, I didn't go back--I went to Lucerne, next morning.
+
+I wanted to see the Alps, of course, and we got a distant view only of
+them from Zurich. Here, at Lucerne, we have them in all their grand
+beauty.
+
+I don't mind admitting to you that my purse would not allow my stopping
+longer at the Schweizerhof, than to merely take a good look at the
+exterior. I had with me the Lucerne elders' address, and easily found
+them. They directed me to a friend who had cheap rooms, and it is here I
+am writing to you. The view is just as fine from my window as from the
+big hotel--nay, finer, for I am higher up; and after all, Lucy, the five
+francs' out-look on a beautiful world is enjoyed quite as much as if it
+cost fifteen. I can see the cap or the collar of Mt. Pilatus better
+perhaps than the fat, cross, silk-clad lady I saw on the boat
+yesterday, can see them. (By "cap" is meant a cloud resting on top, by
+"collar" the cloud encircling Pilatus' head.)
+
+This brings me to my trip on Lake Lucerne day before yesterday. We
+started early. The tourist season has hardly begun yet, so we were not
+crowded. There was rain threatening. The mountain tops were hidden by
+clouds, and the prospect was not assuring. However, by the time we
+landed at Brunnen, the clouds had lifted, the sun came out, and the day
+became pleasantly warm. From Brunnen, it was our plan to walk along the
+Axenstrasse, to Fluelen, a distance of five or six miles. There were
+three of us, with an elder for guide. I wish you could have spent that
+afternoon with us--with me, strolling along that wonderful road, cut out
+of the mountain side bordering the lake. The post cards I am enclosing
+will give you an idea of the scenery, and I assure you the blueness of
+the lake is not overdone in the picture.
+
+The road leads along gently sloping hill-sides, covered with farms, then
+it pierces the sheer rock, then again borders the cliff, fifty or one
+hundred feet from the lake below. The trees are in full leaf and some
+are in bloom. The grass is high where we walked, but up towards the tops
+of the mountains, the snow still lies. One of the strange sights is to
+see large, splendid hotels perched in some cranny away up near the
+summit of the peaks. Cog railways now take the tourists up some of the
+mountains.
+
+The region around Lake Lucerne is historic, I am told. Here began the
+Swiss struggle for liberty which we read about. The scene of William
+Tell's exploits are laid here, and we are shown on the shore of the
+lake, Tell's Capelle, said to mark the spot where the apple-shooting
+patriot leaped ashore and escaped from the tyrant Gessler. I do not
+wonder at men, born and reared amid these mountains not submitting to
+the yoke of oppression.
+
+In reading up on Lucerne, I came upon this, taken from "Romance and
+Teutonic Switzerland."
+
+"The Swiss nation was born on the banks of Lake Luzern, and craddled
+upon its waters. First, the chattering waves told the news to the
+overhanging beaches; and they whispered it to the forests, to the lonely
+cedars on the uplands. The blank precipices smiled, the Alpine roses
+blushed their brightest, the summer pastures glowed, the glaciers and
+avalanches roared approval; and, finally, the topmost peaks promised to
+lend their white mantles for the baptism." That's rather nicely put,
+don't you think?
+
+About half way along Axenstrasse, we discovered that we were hungry, so
+we proposed to try one of the farm houses for something to eat. Our
+guide, tried one that looked typical of what we wanted, and the rest of
+us waited by the road, for fully thirty minutes.
+
+At last the elder returned, explaining that he had had no easy task. He
+had to plead with every member of the household, from grandmother to
+daughter, to get them to take us in; but at last he was successful. We
+went into a most interesting room. The finish and furnishings were old
+and quaint, the woodwork bare of paint and scoured clean and smooth by
+years of scrubbing. In time we were served with bread (they were out of
+butter, they said) preserved cherries, walnuts, and hot milk. (Our guide
+said it was safer to have the milk boiled.) We enjoyed the meal amid the
+unique surroundings. The good people were profuse with thanks when we
+paid them in good-sized silver. I believe the elder left a gospel tract
+with them, so who can tell what will be the outcome of our visit?
+
+From Fluelen we took steamer back to Lucerne.
+
+Well, it's getting late. I'd better go to bed. I fear I shall tire you
+by my guide-book descriptions. But this for a good-night's thought: Here
+I am away from you, away from my world, as it were. I can look back on
+my short life, and I can see the hand of an allwise and merciful Father,
+shaping events, ever for my good. Was it chance that we two should have
+taken the same steamer and be thrown together as we were. Not at all.
+There is a power behind the universe--call it what we may--which
+directs. This power will not permit any honest, truth-seeking soul to be
+overcome and be destroyed. I thank the Lord for His blessings to me. Out
+of seeming darkness and despair He has led me to light and happiness.
+And may I say it, we two, because of our cleaving to the light as it has
+been made known to us, have been brought together. Is it not true? I
+wish and pray also that your father may soften his heart towards the
+truth. I sometimes fear that his heart does already accept the gospel,
+but that his will says no. There now, good night.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Good morning. I had a fine sleep. I dreamed that you were with me, and
+we were looking at the Lion of Lucerne. The dying lion roared, and you
+clasped me so tightly in your fright, that I awoke,--all of which
+reminds me that I have not told you much about this city or its sights.
+
+The Lion, I suppose is Lucerne's most distinctive curiosity. As you will
+see by the card, it is a large figure of a lion carved out of the solid
+rock in the hillside. Thorwaldsen furnished the model. It was made to
+commemorate the bravery of the Swiss guards who fought in the service of
+Louis XVI at the outbreak of the French Revolution.
+
+Switzerland is sometimes called the playground of Europe. Down on the
+promenades by the lakes, one may see people from "every nation under
+heaven" nearly. By the way, who do you think I met, day before
+yesterday? Why, our would-be gallant ship-board friend. Strange to say,
+he was sober, and more strange, he appeared pleased to see me. He wanted
+to take me to all kinds of places, and treat me to all kinds of good
+things; but further, strange(?) to relate, I shook him for the company
+of a few native saints, for there was a meeting that evening which I
+attended. I had to speak too, in English, of course, with one of the
+missionaries interpreting. It was an odd experience.
+
+The postman has just been here with your note. I was very sorry the news
+from you was not better. I am blaming myself for tiring you out too much
+with my sight seeing. Send me at least a card everyday to this address,
+_please_. I have thought to go through the country to Bern, but I
+suppose all the lakes and mountains of Switzerland look much alike. I am
+quite satisfied with Lucerne. I was very much interested in what your
+father said about "Mormonism." If our prayers are of any avail, we'll
+"get him" yet.
+
+Before I close this long letter, and I must do so now--I want to tell
+you of an incident that occurred yesterday. I was taking a stroll up
+above the town, by myself, for I will admit I was in a "mood." There are
+a lot of monks in Lucerne. You can see them on the street, fat,
+rolly-poly looking men, bare, oddly-cropped heads, and outwardly clad in
+what looks like a dressing gown. Well, I was curious to see the convent
+where the monks live a life of ease, I suppose to get used to the
+eternal "rest" which they expect when they get to heaven, of which I
+have my "doubts." However, I did not find the convent, nor did I see any
+monks, but as I was walking along an unfrequently traveled road, I met a
+little boy and girl, walking towards me, hand in hand. They were crying.
+When they saw me, they wiped their eyes and stopped. I saw they were
+poorly clad, and, somewhat dirty. I became interested in them, but they
+were so shy that it was with difficulty I got them to remain. They
+looked at the coppers I held out, but they did not move until I placed
+a silver piece beside them. Their eyes rounded out, then, and the little
+girl became brave enough to come and take them. Well, I tried my German
+on them, but they were, evidently, too Swiss to understand me--I was at
+the time making a whistle from a small willow which I had cut from the
+wayside. I seated myself on the bank and went on making my whistle. The
+children watched me pound the bark, then twist off the loosened peeling,
+and finish the whistle. When I blew it, they laughed. I handed it to the
+boy, who timidly put it to his lips. They sat down by me, and I made a
+whistle for the girl, then a third, bigger one, which I stuck into the
+boy's pocket, telling him to take it home. You ought to have seen the
+changed expression on those two dirty faces when they left me, blowing
+happily on their willow whistles.
+
+I was lonesome no longer. What a little thing will bring joy into a
+dreary life!
+
+Love to all with heaping measures for you, from
+
+Yours as ever,
+
+CHESTER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+A week of comparative quiet brought little change for the better to
+Lucy, so it was decided that they would by easy stages, get back to
+London, thence to Cork and Kildare Villa. Lucy kept Chester informed of
+their doings, saying as little as possible about her health. As she did
+not wish to deprive him of the full enjoyment of his visit to
+Switzerland, she did not send him word of their intentions, until they
+were ready to leave. They would go by way of Calais and Dover, the
+short-water route, she wrote him.
+
+When Chester received this information he hastily cut short his sight
+seeing, and started for London by way of Rotterdam. The long ride alone
+was somewhat tiresome, and he was glad to meet again some of the elders
+in the land of canals and windmills.
+
+Just before the train rolled into Rotterdam, Chester thought of Glen
+Curtis. It came to him as a distinct shock when he realized that he had
+entirely forgotten to enquire about Glen on his former visit. "Well,"
+said he to himself, "so easily do our interests change from one person
+to another." But now he must find his old friend. He could freely talk
+to him now even about Julia Elston.
+
+Chester learned from the elder in charge at the office, that Elder
+Curtis was released to return home in a few days. He would be in
+Rotterdam shortly. When? In a few days. But Chester could not wait that
+long, so he took train to the city where Glen was laboring, and found
+him making his farewell rounds.
+
+"Well of all things," exclaimed the elder, as Chester took him firmly by
+the hand.
+
+"I'm the last person on earth you expected to see here in Dutchland, I
+suppose?"
+
+"You certainly are. And what are you doing here?"
+
+Chester told him as they walked arm in arm along the quiet streets of
+the town.
+
+"And now you're going home. We'll go together," exclaimed Glen.
+
+"I wish we could," said Chester, "but I fear that my party is not ready,
+and Lucy is not well enough to make the trip, I fear."
+
+"Lucy?"
+
+Chester smiled goodnaturedly, then told him freely of Lucy. "And when
+you get home, you can tell Julia all about me and mine. It will please
+her, I am sure. By the way, how is it between Julia and you? I haven't
+heard lately."
+
+"All right," said Glen.
+
+"You're a lucky boy," declared Chester, "to get such a girl. There's
+just _one_ other I would rather have."
+
+"I'm glad you think so."
+
+"Of course you are--for--oh, for everybody's sake."
+
+Chester had to return to Rotterdam the same day, so he claimed. Glen
+could not keep him longer, and reluctantly waved him off at the station.
+
+The boat was slow from the Hook, at least it seemed so to Chester, and
+there was a high sea which nearly upset him. He got to London too late
+in the evening to call on the Strong's, but next morning he was out
+early.
+
+Lucy met him in the hall with a cry of delight.
+
+"You've come," she whispered as he pressed her close. "Oh, I thought you
+never would."
+
+"My dear, why did you not say? Why did you let me leave you at all?"
+
+"I didn't want you to miss anything on my account--but never mind that
+now--come in. Papa and uncle will be glad to see you. Do you know," she
+added with evident pleasure, "papa has been _nearly_ as anxious about
+you as I have,--has continually asked me about you,--and I had to let
+him read your lovely long letter."
+
+"You did? Well, it's all right. There's no harm done, I'm sure. He might
+as well know everything."
+
+"Oh, he knows a lot already."
+
+They went into the house, and found seats until the others should
+appear.
+
+"Your face shows signs of suffering, Lucy; but otherwise you look quite
+well."
+
+"That's just it with my trouble. I usually deceive my looks; but I feel
+better already; and now, let me tell you something else: Father has
+nearly consented to my being baptized!"
+
+"Lucy!"
+
+"It's true. I've been pleading with him--and preaching to him too; and
+the other day he said he would think about it. That's a concession, for
+he has always said _he would not_ think of such a thing."
+
+"I'm so glad so very, very glad, Lucy."
+
+"And Chester, I believe it's you who have made the change in him. He's
+been so different since you have been with us. He hasn't been so angry
+with me when I talked of 'Mormonism.' He has let me read my books
+without any remonstrance. And do you know, even Uncle Gilbert is
+affected. He and papa must have had some profound discussions about us
+and our religion for he has asked me to lend him some books. He'll no
+doubt want to know from your all about Utah and the people out there."
+
+"And I shall be pleased to tell him," said Chester.
+
+The father stood as if hesitating, in the doorway.
+
+"Come in, papa," said Lucy. "Chester's come."
+
+"Yes; I see he has," replied the father as he came to greet the young
+man, and shake his hand warmly.
+
+"I'm glad, with Lucy to see you with us again."
+
+"And I am glad to be with you," said Chester honestly.
+
+The morning was spent together. The beginnings of a London fog kept them
+in doors, which was no hardship, as the three seemed to have so much to
+talk about. After lunch, the fog changed its intentions, lifted,
+disappeared and let the sun have full sway. To be sure, some smoke still
+lingered, but out where the Strongs were staying it only mellowed the
+distances.
+
+That afternoon it occured to Chester that the relationship now existing
+between him and Lucy called for a further understanding with the father.
+He knew, of course, that the father's attitude toward him had changed;
+Lucy's words and the father's actions justified him in the thought.
+
+Chester managed to accompany the father in his stroll in the park that
+afternoon, and without delay, he broached the subject so near his heart.
+The minister listened quietly to the young man plead his case, not
+interrupting until he had finished. They seated themselves on a bench by
+the grass. The father looked down at the figures he was drawing with his
+cane on the ground and mused for a moment. Then he said:
+
+"Yes; I have given my consent, by my actions, at least. I have no
+objection to you. I like you very much. Lucy does too, and fathers can't
+very well stop such things. But there still remains the fact that Lucy
+is not well. There is no telling how long she can live, and yet I have
+heard of cases like hers where marriage has been a great benefit."
+
+"I thank you for your kind words," said Chester. "Let me assure you I
+shall be controlled by your judgement as to marriage. We are neither of
+us ready for that. Of course, I sincerely hope she will get stronger. I
+think she will; but meantime you have no objection to my loving her, and
+doing all for her that my love can do?"
+
+"Certainly not, my boy, certainly not." The father placed his hand on
+the young man's shoulder as he said it. Chester noted the faint tremor
+in voice and hand, and his heart went out to him.
+
+"You are a comfort and a strength to Lucy--and to me," continued Mr.
+Strong. "We miss you very much when you are away. Can't you stay with us
+right along. Perhaps that's not fair to ask--your home and friends--"
+
+"I have no home, my dear sir; and my friends, are few. I told you, did I
+not, my history?"
+
+"Yes, you told me, I remember."
+
+"And remembering, you think no less of me."
+
+"Not a bit--rather more."
+
+"Let me serve you then, you and Lucy. If you need me, I equally need
+you. Let me give what little there is in me to somebody that wants me.
+My life, so far, has been full of change and somewhat purposeless. I
+have drifted about the world. Let me now anchor with you. I feel as
+though I ought to do that--"
+
+The man clung closer to Chester, who, feeling a thrill of dear
+companionship, continued:
+
+"Let me be a son to you always, and a sister to Lucy, until it can be
+something more."
+
+"Yes, yes, my boy!"
+
+Others were out basking in the warm sun that afternoon. Those that
+walked leisurely and took notice of events about them, were impressed by
+the affectionate behavior of the two men. Lucy Strong was herself out.
+She was curious to know what had become of Chester and her father,
+besides, the sun was inviting. She soon found them, herself
+undiscovered. She paused, examined the flower beds, and became
+interested in the swans in the lake. Her face beamed with happiness when
+she saw them, for their shoulders were close together and Chester had
+her father's hands clasped firmly in his own. She tiptoed up behind them
+on the grass, then slipped her hands over each of their eyes.
+
+"Guess," she laughed.
+
+"A fairy princess," said Chester.
+
+"Mother Goose," responded the father.
+
+They moved apart and let her sit between them.
+
+"The rose between," suggested Chester.
+
+"The tie that binds," corrected the girl, placing an arm about each of
+them.
+
+Then they all laughed so merrily, that the infection reached a ragged
+urchin playing on the gravel-path near by.
+
+"My dear," said the father. "Chester has promised to stay with us, and
+be--"
+
+"Your man--about--the--house," finished Chester.
+
+"Which we certainly need," agreed Lucy. "Two people, Strong by name, but
+mighty weak by nature, as my old nurse used to say, require some such a
+man. I'm glad father picked you."
+
+"He chose us, rather, Lucy," said the father.
+
+"Well, either way."
+
+"Both," affirmed Chester, at which they all laughed again.
+
+A carriage with liveried coachman and footman, and containing two ladies
+drove by. The little boy had to leave his gravel castle while the wheels
+of the carriage crushed it to the level. The boy looked at the ruins a
+moment, then at the departing vehicle. Then he started his building anew
+safely away from wheel tracks.
+
+"A young philosopher," remarked the minister, observing the occurrence.
+
+"Papa," said Lucy, after a pause of consideration, "you have made me so
+happy to-day. You can make my joy complete by granting me one other
+thing."
+
+"What's that?" asked he unthinkingly.
+
+"Let me be baptized," she replied softly.
+
+The father's body stiffened perceptibly, and his face sobered.
+
+"Believe me, papa, I _am_ sorry to have to annoy you so much on the
+matter; but I can't help it. Something within me urges me on. I can't
+get away from the testimony which I have, any more than I can get away
+from my shadow."
+
+"You can get away from your shadow," said the minister.
+
+"Yes; by going into the dark, and that I do not want to do. I want to
+live in the light,--the beautiful gospel light always."
+
+Chester listened in pleased wonder to Lucy's pleadings. He added nothing
+as she seemed able to say all that was necessary. In time the father's
+face softened again, and he turned to Chester to ask:
+
+"What do you think of such arguments?"
+
+"They're splendid--and reasonable--and true, sir."
+
+"Of course, you would say so. Well, I'll think about it, Lucy."
+
+"But, papa, you've been thinking about it a lot, and time is going. Say
+yes today, now--here with Chester and me--and the Lord alone. Besides,
+papa, now I ought to be one with Chester in _everything_. That's right,
+isn't it?"
+
+"Yes; that's right."
+
+"So you consent?"
+
+"I didn't say that."
+
+"You must. I'm of age anyway, and could do it without your consent; but
+I don't want to. I want your blessing instead of your disapproval on
+such an important step."
+
+"Could she stand the ordeal, do you think?" asked the father of Chester.
+
+"In a few days when she gets a little stronger--yes."
+
+"Well, let's walk a bit. You two go ahead. I must think."
+
+The two did as they were told nor looked back. The one was not thinking
+clearly and logically, so much as he was fighting over the eternal
+warfare of conviction against policy. He also knew. He had received more
+of a testimony than he ever admitted, even to himself. If he should do
+as his innermost conscience told him, he also would join Lucy in baptism
+of water for the remission of sins; but that thought he pushed from
+him. He, an old man in the ministry, to now change his faith--to cut
+himself off from his life's work--no, that would never do. It was
+different with Lucy, quite another thing. She had set her heart on it
+and on Chester, and it would be best for her--yes, it would be best for
+her.
+
+When Chester was saying good-night to Lucy that evening, the father came
+out into the hall to them.
+
+"Chester," said he, "tell Elder Malby I should like to see him to
+morrow. He is the one that attends to baptism into the Mormon Church,
+isn't he?"
+
+"Yes," replied Chester. "I shall tell him."
+
+"Oh, papa, you dear, good papa!" exclaimed Lucy throwing her arms about
+him.
+
+"There, there now, behave--say good-night to Chester."
+
+But she clung to him and kissed him through her tears of joy. Then she
+went to Chester.
+
+The father turned to go.
+
+"Wait a moment, papa," said Lucy: "I want to go with you."
+
+With a parting kiss for Chester, and a murmured good night, she took her
+father's arm and led him in.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+Lucy gained in strength so rapidly that within a week it was thought
+safe to let her be baptized. Her father, Uncle Gilbert, Chester, the
+housekeeper at headquarters and one other sister were present at the
+Baths. Elder Malby performed the ordinance. Three others were also
+baptized at the same time.
+
+Uncle Gilbert was very curious as also a little nervous at what he
+called the "dipping." He couldn't see why the ceremony required a whole
+swimming pool when a few drops sprinkled on the forehead, had, as long
+as he had any recollection, been sufficient. The father witnessed the
+ordinance unmoved. Lucy went through the ordeal bravely, and when she
+came out from the dressing room where the sisters had helped her, he
+kissed her placidly on the forehead.
+
+The party took a cab to the mission headquarters, where a simple service
+was held of singing and prayer, Elder Malby making a few remarks on the
+meaning and purpose of the ordinance of baptism. The newly baptized were
+then confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+Saints. Then the housekeeper invited them all down to the dining room,
+and again there were a few simple special features in celebration of the
+happy occasion.
+
+And it was a happy time in the one only way which comes from duty done.
+A sweet, quiet peace abode in every heart. Was not the Heavenly Father
+well pleased with these as He had been when the Son had done likewise.
+And the Holy Ghost, the Comforter from heaven rested upon them softly as
+a dove,--that was the secret of their supreme joy.
+
+As Lucy had predicted, Uncle Gilbert's curiosity brought him to Chester
+for more information regarding Utah and the "Mormons." The very next day
+after the baptism, Uncle Gilbert met Chester before he entered the
+house. They greeted each other pleasantly, and then Chester inquired
+about Lucy, and how she was feeling.
+
+"Lucy seems to be all right," was the reply, "though her father isn't so
+well this morning. He had a bad night but is sleeping now. That's why I
+met you here, so that he might not be disturbed by the bell."
+
+"I'm sorry," said Chester. "These attacks seem to be coming frequently."
+
+"My brother has not been well for years. For a long time he has had to
+fight hard with himself and his nerves. Sometimes they get the best of
+him for a time, and, of course, as he gets older, he has less strength.
+I wish we could get him to Kildare Villa. He would be himself again down
+there."
+
+"We were to have gone in a day or two, were we not?"
+
+"Yes; but he can't leave yet--Do you want to see Lucy?"
+
+"Just for a few moments; she'll be busy with her father."
+
+Uncle Gilbert went in the house, considerately sending her out alone.
+She was radiantly beautiful to Chester that morning in her soft white
+dress, fluffy hair, and glowing eyes; but he only looked his love for
+her, and said:
+
+"Good morning, _Sister_ Strong."
+
+"Good morning, _Brother_ Lawrence," she responded.
+
+"How are you feeling?"
+
+"I am feeling fine. But poor papa--"
+
+"Yes; Uncle Gilbert told me."
+
+"We'll have to remain here until he gets over the attack. Uncle is
+anxious to get home, and I must admit I'd rather be at Kildare Villa
+than here."
+
+Then Uncle Gilbert came out with hat and cane. He was going for a walk
+with Chester, he said, for it would be wiser not to disturb the sleeper.
+He explained to Lucy that her father was getting a much needed rest, and
+that she was to see to it that he was not disturbed. Chester would
+"keep" with his Uncle Gilbert for a few hours.
+
+The morning was fair, so the two men struck out for Hyde Park. They
+walked across the big stretches of grass, then rested on a seat by the
+Serpentine. As yet, not many people were about, and the London hum had
+not risen to its highest pitch.
+
+Uncle Gilbert wanted to know about Utah, and Chester entered into a
+detailed description of the state and her people.
+
+"I have, of course, heard of the Mormon people; but I will admit my
+ideas are somewhat vague. My brother, as a preacher, must of course,
+have come in contact with all sorts of religious professions. He seems
+to know considerable about Mormonism. Where did he learn that?"
+
+Chester explained what part Lucy had played in this.
+
+"Well, he agrees very much with her belief, for I have heard
+conversations which lead me to that conclusion. Of course, all that is
+their business, not mine particularly. Let's walk out in the middle of
+the park where we can make believe we are not in London, but out in the
+beautiful green country which God has made."
+
+The grass being dry, they could sit down on it to rest.
+
+"As you are, I presume, to become a member of the family some day," said
+Uncle Gilbert, "I am going to tell you something about my brother. It is
+not a pleasant subject, but I have concluded that you can be told. It is
+a family secret, you must understand, and must be treated as such. It is
+only because I believe your knowledge of the truth may help my brother
+that I am telling you this.
+
+Chester thanked him for his confidence. He would be glad to help in any
+way he could.
+
+"Well, the story is this: My brother in his younger days before he was
+married, had an unfortunate experience with a young woman. There was a
+child as the result. The woman, as nearly as I can make out, married
+well enough, and later, joined the Mormons and went to Utah. She did not
+take the child with her, for some reason unknown to me, at least; and
+so the boy--for it was a boy--became lost to his father, and as far as I
+know, to his mother also. I don't suppose all this worried my brother as
+a young man; but recently, within the past few years, I should say, his
+conscience seems to have pricked him severely. He has some vigorous
+views of fatherhood and the obligations flowing therefrom--and I can't
+say but he is right--and now he worries about his own great neglect. He
+has talked to me about it, so I know. Sometimes he worries himself sick,
+and then his nervous trouble gets the overhand."
+
+Chester lay on the grass looking up into the sky, complacently chewing a
+spear of grass, while Uncle Gilbert was talking.
+
+"What was the woman's name?" asked Chester.
+
+"I can't recall it just now. In fact, I don't think I ever heard it.
+Now, another thing that you must know, and you must not be annoyed at
+this: at times, I believe he imagines you to be that boy of his."
+
+Chester sat up, and exactly at the moment when he looked into the face
+of Uncle Gilbert a cog in the machinery of his own thoughts caught into
+a cog of the wheel within wheels which the man at his side had been
+revealing. The cog caught, then slipped, then caught again. Wheels began
+to revolve, bringing into motion and view other possible developments.
+
+"That's only when his illness makes him delerious," continued Uncle
+Gilbert. "As I said, you must pay no attention to him under those
+conditions, but I thought you ought to know."
+
+"Yes; yes," whispered the young man--"Thank you." For him, Hyde Park and
+London had disappeared: all earthly things had become mist out of which
+he was trying to emerge.
+
+"You don't know the woman's name," Chester asked again, with dry
+lips--"Tell me her name."
+
+"I don't remember. I'm not sure, but I believe I have heard my brother,
+in his times of delerium speak of Anna."
+
+"Anna. Anna," repeated Chester, as he stared into space. Uncle Gilbert
+looked at the young man, and then repented of telling him. He was a
+little annoyed at his manner. He arose, brushed the grass from his
+clothes, and said:
+
+"Well, let's be going."
+
+Chester went along mechanically. At the Marble Arch Uncle Gilbert was
+about to hail a bus, when Chester stopped him.
+
+"You'll excuse me, wont you for not returning with you--I--I--"
+
+"But I gave my word to Lucy that I would bring you back."
+
+"Yes; I know, I'll come after a while--but not now--you go
+on,--I--I--there's your bus now; you had better take it."
+
+Uncle Gilbert, still a little annoyed, climbed on the bus and left his
+companion looking vacantly at the line of moving busses.
+
+Chester went back into the park. There was room to breathe there and
+some freedom from fellow beings. He left the beaten paths. Oh, that he
+could get away from everybody for a time! Old Thunder out among the
+Rocky Mountains would be an ideal place just now.
+
+The wheels of thought went surely and correctly. There was no slipping
+of cogs now. _The Rev. Thomas Strong was his father._
+
+Every link in the chain of evidence fitted. There was no break. He went
+over the ground again and again. There came to him now facts and
+incidents which he had heard from his foster parents, and they all
+fitted in other facts and strengthened his conclusions. Now he also
+remembered and understood some of his mother's remarks about ministers.
+Yes, Thomas Strong was his father! Lucy's father! Why, he and Lucy were
+brother and sister!
+
+It is quite useless to try to tell all that was in Chester Lawrence's
+thoughts and heart from then on all that afternoon. He did not know,
+neither did he care how long he lay on the grass in the park, but there
+came a time when his solitude became unbearable, so he walked with
+feverish haste into the crowded streets. The lamps were being lighted
+when he came to the Thames Embankment, where he watched for a time the
+black, sluggish water being sucked out to sea by the outgoing tide. Then
+he walked on. St. Paul loomed high in the murky darkness. He got into
+the ridiculously narrow streets of Paternoster Row, where he had on his
+first visit bought a Bible. The evening was far spent and the crowds
+were thinning when he recognized the Bank of England corner.
+
+Realizing at last that he was tired, he climbed on top of a bus going in
+the direction of his lodgings, where he arrived somewhere near midnight.
+He went to bed, but not to sleep for many hours.
+
+"Lucy, you are my sister. I love you as that--but my wife you never can
+be--" yes; he would have to tell her that. But why had this father of
+his let him and Lucy go on as they had? He had told his father the
+secret of his life. He remembered distinctly his father's actions how he
+had even called him "son," which he had thought at the time was for
+Lucy's sake. Knowing him and Lucy to be brother and sister, why had he
+permitted them to form ties such as had been formed? Was it a plot on
+his father's part to again bring misery to human souls, to make to
+suffer those that were of his own flesh and blood? No, no; that was
+impossible. Surely he was not that kind of man.
+
+More clearly now the panorama of his life came before him. Where was the
+Lord in all this? He had thought the Lord had led his steps wonderfully
+to so meet one who made his life supremely happy--but now--the darkness
+and the despair of soul came again--was this not a hideous nightmare?
+The day would bring light and peace.
+
+Towards morning, Chester dozed fitfully, and at last when he awoke the
+day was well advanced. He and Uncle Gilbert had been in the park--uncle
+in reality now. Yes; it all came to him again. It had been no dream.
+
+Chester got up, soused himself in cold water, then as he was dressing
+said to himself. "Well, what's to be done? I must make this thing sure
+one way or another." Perhaps there may be a mistake, though he could not
+understand how. He would go direct to Thomas Strong and ask him.
+
+He had no appetite for breakfast, so he ate none. As early as he thought
+wise, he set out. How should he meet Lucy? What could he say? If he
+could only evade her.
+
+No; Lucy was watching for him, with a worried expression on her face,
+which deepened when she saw Chester's.
+
+"I must see your father," he said with no effort to even take her hand.
+
+"Papa is not any better, I fear."
+
+"But I must see him. Where is Uncle Gilbert?"
+
+"Shall I call him?"
+
+"Yes, _please_."
+
+Lucy returned, and Uncle Gilbert met Chester in the hall.
+
+"He is very nervous again this morning, and I don't think you ought to
+excite him," explained the brother.
+
+"I must see him--just for a minute. I'll not engage him in any extended
+conversation."
+
+"That you cannot do as he can hardly speak. His trouble affects him in
+that way."
+
+"Let me see him just for a moment--alone, please. Is he awake?"
+
+"Oh yes; he's not that bad. Go in a moment, then, but be careful."
+
+Chester passed in where the minister sat in an arm chair, propped up
+with pillows, signs of Lucy's tender care. As Chester entered, the man
+smiled and reached out his hand. The resentment in the young man's heart
+vanished, when he saw the yearning in the suffering man's face. Yet he
+stood for some time rooted to the spot, looking at the man who was no
+doubt his father. Every line of that face stood out boldly to Chester.
+How often, in his boyhood days he had pictured to himself what his
+father was like--and here he was before him. In those days he had nursed
+a hatred against that unknown sire, but now there was no more of that.
+If only,--Chester kneeled by the side of the minister's chair, letting
+the old man cling to his hand. He looked without wavering into the drawn
+face and said:
+
+"Are you my father?"
+
+The man's hand dropped as if lifeless, but Chester picked it up again,
+holding it close.
+
+"Tell me," he repeated, "are you my father?"
+
+"Yes," came slowly and with effort, as tremblingly the father put his
+hands first on Chester's shoulders as he kneeled before him, then raised
+them to his head, asking, "Do--you--hate--me? Don't--" That seemed to be
+all he was able to articulate.
+
+"No, no; I do not hate you; for are you not--are you not my father!"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The son put his arms around his father's neck and kissed him. The father
+patted contentedly the head of the young man, as a parent fondly
+caresses a child. They were in that position when Lucy tapped lightly on
+the door, opened it, and came in.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+Chester got away from Lucy and Uncle Gilbert that morning, without
+betraying his father's secret, which had now also become his own. If his
+father had kept the secret so long, it was evidently for a purpose; he
+would try not to be the first to reveal it. He kissed Lucy somewhat
+hurriedly, she thought, as he left.
+
+The sooner he got away the fewer of his strange actions he would have to
+explain. He did not look back when he walked away for fear that Lucy
+would be watching him from window or door.
+
+He went back to his own lodgings rather more by instinct than by
+thought. He slipped into his room, looked aimlessly about, then went out
+again. He must be alone, yet not confined within walls. The park was not
+far away, but he walked by it also, on, on. This London is limitless, he
+thought. One could never escape it by walking. He met other men some
+hurrying as if stern duty called, others sauntering as if they had no
+purpose in life but quiet contemplation. He met women, and if he could
+have read through their weary eyes their life's story, he would not
+perhaps, have thought his own was the most cruel. A little boy was
+gathering dust from the pavement, and Chester was reminded of that other
+little fellow's structure which the carriage wheels had demolished.
+Well, he was under the wheel of fate himself. He had heard of this
+wheel, but never had he been under it until now!
+
+Chester found himself a street or two from the mission office. He would
+call and perhaps have a talk with Elder Malby. Why had he not thought of
+that sooner? He quickened his steps, and in a few minutes he was ringing
+the bell. He heard it tingle within, but no one responded. He rang
+again, and this time steps were heard coming up from the basement. The
+housekeeper opened the door.
+
+"Good morning," she greeted him with a smile.
+
+"Good morning, is Elder Malby in?"
+
+"No; none of the elders are in. They are out tracting, I think--but
+won't you come in?"
+
+"No, thank you, I wanted to see Elder Malby."
+
+"Well, _he_ might be back at any time--come in and rest. You look
+tired."
+
+"Well--I believe I will."
+
+He followed the motherly housekeeper into the office parlor, where she
+bade him be seated. She excused herself as her work could not be
+neglected--Would he be interested in the London papers, or the latest
+_Deseret News_. She pointed to the table where these papers lay, then
+went about her work.
+
+Chester looked listlessly at the papers, but did not attempt to read.
+Presently, the housekeeper came back.
+
+"I'm having a bite to eat down in the dining room. Come and keep me
+company. The Elders don't eat till later, but I must have something in
+the middle of the day."
+
+Chester went with her into the cool, restful room below, and partook
+with her of the simple meal. Not having had breakfast, he ate with
+relish. Besides, there was a spirit of peace about the place. His aching
+heart found some comfort in the talk of the good woman.
+
+Shortly afterwards, Elder Malby arrived, and he saw in a moment that
+something was the matter with his young friend.
+
+"How are the folks," he asked, "Lucy and her father?"
+
+"He is not well," Chester replied.
+
+"That's too bad. And you are worried?"
+
+"Yes; but not altogether over that. There is something else, Brother
+Malby. I'll have to tell you about it. Will we be uninterrupted here?"
+
+"Come with me," said the elder and he took him into his own room up a
+flight of stairs. "Now, then, what can I do to help you?"
+
+"You will pardon me, I know; but somehow, I was led to tell you my story
+on ship-board, and you're the only one I can talk to now." Then Chester
+told the elder what he had learned. When he had finished, the elder's
+face was very grave.
+
+"What ought I to do?" asked Chester; "what can I do?"
+
+The other shook his head. "This is a strange story," he said; "but there
+can be no doubt that you are his son. You look like him. I noticed it on
+ship-board, but of course said nothing about it. But you _do_ look like
+him."
+
+"Do I?"
+
+"Yes; but why he encouraged you to make love to your sister--that is
+beyond me--I--I don't know what to say."
+
+"Oh, what _can_ I do?"
+
+There was a pause. Then the elder as if weighing well every word, said:
+
+"My boy, you can pray."
+
+"No; I can't even do that. I haven't said my prayers since this thing
+came to me. What can I pray about? What can I ask of God?"
+
+"Listen. It is easy to pray when everything is going along nicely, and
+we are getting everything we ask for; but when we seem to be up against
+hard fate; when despair is in our hearts and the Lord appears to have
+deserted us, then it is not so easy; but then is when we need most to
+pray."
+
+"Yes, yes, brother, true enough; but what's the use?"
+
+"Look here, once before, in your life, you felt as you do now; and you
+told me yourself that not until you said both in your heart and to God
+'Thy will be done' did you get peace. Try it again, brother. There is no
+darkness but the Light of Christ can penetrate, there is no seeming evil
+but the Lord can turn to your good. What did Job say of the Lord?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.' And you are not yet as
+Job. He lost everything. You have gained a father and a sister. That,
+certainly, is something."
+
+"Yes, it is; and yet in the finding of these two, I have lost--well--you
+know--"
+
+"Yes; I know; but the Lord can even make that right. Trust Him, trust
+Him, always and in everything. That's my motto for life. I can not get
+along without it."
+
+"Thank you so very much."
+
+They talked for some time, then they went out for a walk.
+
+"But you haven't time to spend on me like this," remonstrated Chester.
+
+"I am here to do all the good I can, and why should my services not be
+given to those of the faith as well as to those who have no use for me
+nor my message? Come along; I want to tell you of another letter which I
+received from home,--yes, the twin calves are doing fine."
+
+Chester smiled, which was just what his companion wanted. "You remain
+here today," continued the elder. "The boys will be in after a while,
+and then we shall have dinner. After that, if you are still thinking too
+much of your own affairs, we'll take you out on the street and let you
+preach to the crowd."
+
+"That might help," admitted Chester.
+
+"Help! It's the surest kind of cure."
+
+Chester remained with the elders during the afternoon and evening, even
+going out with them on the street. He was not called on to preach,
+however, though he would have attempted it had he been asked.
+
+Chester slept better that night. He felt so sure of himself next morning
+that he could call on Lucy, and do the right thing. He did not forget or
+neglect his prayers any more, and he was well on the way of saying
+again, "Thy will be done," in the right spirit.
+
+Uncle Gilbert met Chester at the door, not very graciously, however. He
+replied to Chester's inquiries sharply:
+
+"My brother is quite ill, brought about, I have no doubt, by your unwise
+actions of yesterday morning. What was the matter with you? I don't
+understand you."
+
+Chester did not attempt any explanation or defense.
+
+"And Lucy, too, was quite ill yesterday--no; she is not up yet--no; I
+don't think you had better come in. I shall not permit you to see my
+brother again until he is better."
+
+"I'm very sorry," said Chester. "I must see Lucy, however, and so I'll
+call again after a while." He walked away. He did not blame Uncle
+Gilbert, who was no doubt doing the best he knew, although somewhat in
+the dark. He walked in the park for an hour and then came back.
+
+Lucy met him at the gate. She was dressed as if for walking. Her face
+betrayed the disturbance in her soul, and Chester's heart went out in
+pity for her.
+
+"Yes," she said simply, "I was going out to find you, I heard Uncle
+Gilbert send you away. Shall we walk in the park?"
+
+"Yes; I am glad you came out. Is your father worse this morning?"
+
+"I don't think he is worse. He is simply in the stage of his attacks
+when he can't talk. I'm sure he'll be all right in a day or two; but
+Uncle Gilbert don't understand."
+
+"And you, Lucy--you must not worry."
+
+"How can I help it? Something is the matter with you. Why do you act so
+strangely?"
+
+They found the bench on which they were wont to rest, and seated
+themselves.
+
+Chester could not deny that he had changed; yet how could he tell her
+the truth? She must know it, the sooner the better. It might be many
+days before her father could tell her, even if he were inclined to do
+so. The situation was unbearable. She must know, and he must tell her.
+
+"Lucy," he said after a little struggle with his throat, "I have
+something to tell you,--something strange. Oh, no, nothing evil or bad,
+or anything like that."
+
+He took her hands which were trembling.
+
+"You must promise me that you will take this news quietly."
+
+"Just as quietly as I can, Chester."
+
+"Well, you know how excitement affects your heart, so I shall not tell
+you if you will not try to be calm."
+
+"And now, of course, I can be indifferent, can I, even if you should
+say no more? Oh, Chester, what is it? The suspense is a thousand times
+harder than the truth. What have you got to tell me? What passed between
+you and papa last evening? Is it--have you ceased to love me?"
+
+"No, no, Lucy, not that. I love you as much as ever, more than ever for
+something has been added to my first love--that of a love for a sister."
+
+"Yes, Chester I know. When I was baptized--"
+
+"No; you don't know. I don't mean that."
+
+"What _do_ you mean?"
+
+Oh, it was so hard to go on. One truth must lead to another. If he told
+her he was her brother in the flesh as well as in the spirit, she would
+want to know how, why; and the explanation would involve her father. He
+had not thought of that quite so plainly. But he could not now stop. He
+must go on. He felt about for a way by which to approach the revelation
+gradually.
+
+"You have never had a brother, have you?" he asked.
+
+"No."
+
+"Would you like to have one?"
+
+"I've always wanted a brother."
+
+"How would I do for one?"
+
+She looked at him curiously, then the sober face relaxed and she smiled.
+
+"Oh, you'd make a fine one."
+
+"You wouldn't object."
+
+"I should think not."
+
+"But, now, what would you think if I _was_ your real brother, if my name
+was Chester Strong?"
+
+"I'd think you were just joking a little."
+
+"But I'm not joking, Lucy; I am in earnest. Take a good look at me, here
+at this profile. Do I look like your father?"
+
+She looked closely. "I believe you do," she said, still without a guess
+at the truth. "Your forehead slopes just like his, and your nose has the
+same bump on it. I never noticed that before."
+
+"What might that mean, Lucy?"
+
+"What might what mean?"
+
+"That I look like your father."
+
+He had turned his face to her now, but she still gazed at him, as if the
+truth was just struggling for recognition. The smile vanished for an
+instant from her face, and then returned. She would not entertain the
+advance messenger.
+
+"I don't object to your looking like my papa, for he's a mighty fine
+looking man."
+
+"Lucy, you saw what your father and I were doing last night?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What did you think--what do you now think of us?"
+
+"Again, Chester, I don't object to you and father spooning a bit. In
+fact, I think that's rather nice."
+
+Chester laughed a little now, which loosened the tension considerably;
+but he returned to the attack:
+
+"Lucy, what would you think if your father had a son who had been lost
+when a baby, and that now he should return to him as a grown man?"
+
+"Well, I would think that would be jolly, as the English say."
+
+"And that his son's name was Chester Lawrence?" he continued as if there
+had been no interruption.
+
+Now the cog in Lucy's mental make-up caught firmly into the machinery
+that had been buzzing about her for some time.
+
+"Are you my brother?" she asked.
+
+"Yes; I am your brother."
+
+"My real, live, long lost brother?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Now I see what you have been driving at all this time. You say you are
+my brother, that my father is your father. Now explain."
+
+"That's not so easy, Lucy. I would much rather your father would do
+that. But I can tell you a little, for it's very little I know--and,
+Lucy, that little is not pleasant."
+
+"But I must know." Her face was serious again. She was bracing herself
+bravely too.
+
+"I was born outside the marriage relation, and your father was my
+father!"
+
+That was plain enough--brutally plain. The girl turned to marble. Had he
+killed her?
+
+"Go on," she whispered.
+
+"No more now--some other time."
+
+"Go on, Chester."
+
+Chester told her in brief sentences the simple facts, and what had led
+to his discovery of the truth just the other day. It was this that had
+caused the change she had noticed in him.
+
+"Lucy, I was not sure," he said, "so I went to your father last night
+and asked him pointedly, directly, and he said 'Yes.' That explains the
+situation you found us in. My heart went out to my father, Lucy; and his
+heart went out to his son."
+
+"The son to which his heart has been reaching for many long years,
+Chester. Yes, I see it plainly.... You have told the truth ... you are
+my brother--you--"
+
+She trembled, then fell into his arms; but she controlled herself again,
+and when he kissed her pale face and stroked her hair, she opened her
+eyes and looked steadily up into his face. Thus they remained for a
+time, heedless of the few passers-by who but looked at a not uncommon
+sight. She closed her eyes again, and when she opened them Chester was
+struggling hard to keep back the tears.
+
+To tell the truth, both of them cried a little about that time, and it
+did them good too. They got up, walked about on the grass for a time
+until they could look more unmovedly at their changed standing to each
+other. Then they talked more freely, but things were truly so newly
+mixed that it was difficult to get them untangled. At last Lucy said she
+would have to go back to her father--our father, she corrected.
+
+"And he knows, remember," said Chester to her. "I and you also know. We
+know too," he added, "that the Lord is above, and will take care of us
+all."
+
+"Yes," said Lucy.
+
+Then they went back. The father was still very ill. Chester did not try
+to see him, for Uncle Gilbert had not relented.
+
+"I'm going to see Elder Malby this afternoon," said Chester. "This
+evening I shall call again. Meanwhile"--they were alone in the hall
+now--"you must keep up your courage and faith. I feel as though
+everything will yet turn out well."
+
+He took her as usual in his arms, and she clung to him closer than she
+had ever done before.
+
+"Chester," she said, "I can't yet _feel_ that there is any difference in
+our relationship. You are yet my lover, are you not?"
+
+"Yes, Lucy; and you are my sweetheart. Somehow, I am not condemned when
+I say it. What can it be--"
+
+"Something that whispers peace to our hearts."
+
+"The Comforter, Lucy, the Comforter from the Lord."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+The delay in getting back to Kildare Villa was making Uncle Gilbert
+nervous. In his own mind, he blamed Chester Lawrence for being the cause
+of much of the present trouble, though in what way he could not clearly
+tell. The young man's presence disturbed the usual placid life of the
+minister. Why such a disturber should be so welcomed into the family,
+the brother could not understand. Perhaps this new-fangled religion
+called "Mormonism" was at the root of all the trouble.
+
+In his confusion, Uncle Gilbert determined on a very foolish thing: he
+would get his brother and Lucy away with him to Ireland, leaving Chester
+behind, for at least a few days. Of course, a young fellow in love as
+deeply as Chester seemed to be, would follow up and find them again, but
+there would be a respite for a time. With this idea in mind, Uncle
+Gilbert, the very next day, found Chester at his lodgings; and
+apparently taking him into his confidence, told him of his plan. Chester
+was willing to do anything that Uncle Gilbert and "the others" thought
+would be for the best. Chester was made to understand that "the others"
+agreed to the plan, and although the thought sent a keen pang through
+the young man's heart, he did not demur.
+
+It must also be admitted that Uncle Gilbert was not quite honest with
+Lucy, for when he proposed to her to get her father to Ireland as soon
+as possible, she understood that Chester was lawfully detained, but
+would meet them perhaps in Liverpool. Though she, too, felt keenly the
+parting, yet she mistrusted no one.
+
+So it came about that Lucy and her father were hurried to the station
+early next morning to catch a train for Liverpool. The minister was
+physically strong enough to stand the journey, but he mutely questioned
+the reason for this hasty move. Chester had absented himself all the
+previous day, and he did not even see them off at the station. Lucy
+could not keep back the tears, though she tried to hide them as she
+tucked her father comfortably about with cushions in the first class
+compartment which they had reserved.
+
+Uncle Gilbert's victory was short lived, however; no sooner did the
+ailing man realize that Chester was not with them than he become visibly
+affected. He tried hard to talk, but to no avail. He looked pleadingly
+at Lucy and at his brother as if for information, but without results.
+Lucy's pinched, tear-stained face added to his restlessness, and there
+was a note of insincerity in Uncle Gilbert's reassuring talk that his
+brother did not fail to discern.
+
+That ride, usually so pleasant over the beautiful green country, was a
+most miserable one. It was so painful to see the expression on the
+minister's face that Uncle Gilbert began to doubt the wisdom of the plan
+he was trying. Lucy became quite alarmed, and asked if they ought not to
+stop at one of the midland cities; but Uncle Gilbert said they could
+surely go on to Liverpool.
+
+"But we can't cross over to Ireland. Father could not possibly stand the
+trip," she said.
+
+The uncle agreed to that. "We'll have to stop at Liverpool for a day or
+so--I have it!" he exclaimed, "Captain Andrew Brown is now at home. He
+told me to be sure to call, and bring you all with me. He has a very
+nice house up the Mersey--a fine restful place. We'll go there."
+
+And they did. Lucy could say nothing for or against, and the father was
+so ill by the time they reached Liverpool that he did not seem to
+realize what he was doing or where he was going. A cab took them all out
+from the noises of the city to the quiet of the countryside. It was
+afternoon, and the sun shone slantingly on the waters of the river,
+above which on the hills amid trees and flowering gardens stood the
+house of Captain Andrew Brown.
+
+As the carriage rolled along the graveled path to the house, the captain
+himself came to meet them, expressing his surprise and delight, and
+welcoming them most heartily. The minister was helped out and into the
+house, where he was made comfortable. Lucy was shown to her room by the
+housekeeper. Uncle Gilbert made explanations to the captain of the
+reason for this untoward raid on his hospitality.
+
+"I'm mighty glad you came," said the captain. "You couldn't possible
+have gone on, and as for stopping at a hotel--if you had, I should never
+have forgiven you."
+
+The sick man would not take anything to eat. He lay as if half asleep,
+so he was put to bed. Lucy remained with him during the evening. Once in
+a while he would open his eyes, reach out his hand for hers and hold it
+for a moment. Poor, dear father, she thought, as she stroked his hair
+softly. What could Chester mean to leave his father, even for a few
+days? He ought to be here.... She could not understand. Was it all just
+an excuse to get away from them? to get away from this newly-found
+father and sister? She would not believe that of Chester. That couldn't
+be true, and yet, and yet--
+
+She turned lower the light, went to the window, and looked out on the
+river. A crescent moon hung above the mist. The water lay still as if
+asleep, only broken now and then by some passing craft. The breeze
+played in the trees near the window and the perfumes of the rich flower
+beds were wafted to her. The girl stood by the window a long time as if
+she expected her lover-brother to come to her through the half darkness.
+Perhaps, after all, it was better he did not come. Perhaps he had acted
+wisely.
+
+The father lay as if sleeping, so she continued to look out at the moon
+and the water. Her heart burned, but out of it came a prayer. Then she
+quietly kneeled by the window sill, and still looking out into the night
+she poured out the burden of her heart to the Father whose power to
+bless and to comfort is as boundless as the love of parent for child.
+
+Captain Brown was not an old man, yet in his fine strong face there were
+deep lines traced by twenty years on the sea. Ten years on the bridge
+basking in the sun, facing storm and danger had told their tale. He was
+in the employ of a great navigation company whose ships went to the ends
+of the earth for trade. He had built this home-nest for wife and child,
+to which and to whom he could set the compass of his heart from any port
+and on any sea. Three years ago wife and child had taken passage over
+the eternal sea. Now he came back only occasionally, between trips. His
+housekeeper always kept the house as nearly as possible like it was when
+wife and child were there.
+
+"I have a week, perhaps ten days ashore," explained Captain Brown next
+morning at the breakfast table, "and I was just wondering what I could
+do all that time--when here you are! You are to remain a week. Tut, tut,
+business"--this to Uncle Gilbert who had protested--"you ought not to
+worry any longer about business. Aren't we making you good money? Oh, I
+see! Aunt Sarah; well, we'll send for her. Your father can't possibly be
+moved, can he, Miss Lucy?"
+
+"He's very comfortable here," replied Lucy.
+
+"To be sure he is--and you, too, look as though a rest would help you."
+
+"I have to get back soon--ought to be in Cork tomorrow, in fact," said
+Uncle Gilbert.
+
+"Well, now Gilbert, if you _have_ to, I've no more to say--about you.
+Go, of course; but Lucy and her father are going to stay with me. I'm
+the doctor and the nurse. You go to Aunt Sarah, for that's your
+'business reason' and it's all right--I'm not blaming you--and in a week
+come back for your well brother."
+
+"Yes, that might do," agreed Uncle Gilbert, with much relief in his
+manner of saying it. "I don't like to impose on you--"
+
+"Look here--if you want to do me a favor, you go to your wife and let me
+take care of these people. In fact," he laughed, "I don't want you
+around bothering. The steamer sails for Dublin this evening."
+
+Out of this pleasant banter came the fact that Uncle Gilbert could very
+well go on his way to Ireland. His brother was in no immediate
+danger--in fact that morning he was resting easily and his power of
+speech was returning. Gilbert spoke to his brother about the plan, and
+no protest was made. So that evening, sure enough, Uncle Gilbert was
+driven in to Liverpool by the captain, where he set sail for home.
+
+No sooner was his brother well out of the way than Lucy's father called
+to her. He had been up and dressed all afternoon. He was now reclining
+in the captain's easy chair by the window. Lucy came to him.
+
+"Yes, father," she said.
+
+He motioned to her to sit down. She fetched a stool and seated herself
+by him, so that he could touch her head caressingly as he seemed to
+desire.
+
+"Where is Chester?" he asked slowly, as was his wont when his speech
+came back.
+
+"In London," she replied. "He could not come with us."
+
+"So--Gilbert said;--but I--want him."
+
+"Shall we send for him?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The father looked out of the window where shortly the moon would again
+shine down on the river. He stroked the head at his knee.
+
+"Lucy, you--love me?"
+
+"Oh, father, dear daddy, what a question!"
+
+"I--must--tell you--something--should--have told you--long ago--"
+
+It was difficult for the man to speak; more so, it appeared, because he
+was determined to deliver a message to the girl--something that could
+not wait, but must be told now. Impatient of his slow speech, he walked
+to the table and seated himself by it.
+
+"Light," he said; and while Lucy brought the lamp and lighted it he
+found pencil and paper. She watched him curiously, wondering what was
+about to happen. Was he writing a message to Chester?
+
+From the other side of the table she watched him write slowly and
+laboriously until the page was full. Then he paused, looked up at Lucy
+opposite, reached for another sheet and began again. That sheet was also
+filled, and the girl's wonder grew. Then he pushed them across the
+table, saying, "Read;" and while she did so, he turned from her, his
+head bowed as if awaiting a sentence of punishment.
+
+A little cry came from the reader as her eyes ran along the penciled
+lines. Then there was silence, broken only by her hard breathing, and
+the ticking of the clock on the mantel. Then while the father still sat
+with bowed head, the girl arose softly, came up to him, kneeled before
+him, placed a hand on each of his cheeks, kissed him, and said:
+
+"You are my father anyway--always have been, always will be--the only
+one I have ever known. Thank you for taking me an outcast, orphaned baby
+and adopting me as your own. Oh, I _love you daddy for that_!
+
+Just a few days before a son had found a father at this man's knee; now
+by the same knee Lucy first realized that this man was her father only
+in the fact that he had fathered her from a child; but as that, after
+all, is what counts most in this world, she thought none the less of
+him; rather, her heart went out to the man in a way unknown before.
+
+"Chester doesn't know this?" she asked. "Chester is _not_ my brother?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Oh, he must know this--he must know right away," she panted.
+
+"Yes--I meant to tell--but I couldn't--" said he.
+
+"I know daddy dear; I know, don't worry. We'll send for him right
+away--poor boy. There's Captain Brown now. I'll run down and ask him to
+send a telegram. Yes, I have his address."
+
+She kissed him again, holding his head between her palms, and saying
+softly, "Daddy, dear daddy." Then she sped down to where the Captain was
+talking in the hall. The Rev. Thomas Strong looked up, listened to their
+conversation, and then smiled.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+The reason why Chester permitted Lucy and his father to set out for
+Ireland without him was because he trusted Uncle Gilbert--and the Lord;
+however, it was no easy matter to be thus left behind. Surely, he would
+be more of a help than a hindrance on the journey. He forced himself to
+lie abed the morning they were to be off, until after the train left.
+Then, knowing he was safe from doing that which his Uncle had desired
+him not to do, he leisurely arose, very late for breakfast.
+
+The problem with the young man now was what to do while he was waiting.
+London sights, even those he had not seen before, were tame now. The
+newly-found father and sister had already left him. Had it not been a
+dream, and was he not now awake to the reality of his old life?
+
+He found himself once more attracted to the Mission headquarters. Elder
+Malby was at home that morning. Chester told him the latest development.
+
+"Has she--have they--deserted me, do you think?" asked Chester.
+
+"No--I don't think so," replied the elder thoughtfully. "Lucy did not
+impress me as a girl who would do that. I see no reason for such
+actions, but perhaps Uncle Gilbert was right. Your father needed to get
+away from you to readjust himself to the new condition."
+
+"Well, perhaps,--but what can I now do? this waiting will be terrible."
+
+"You'll come with me this morning. I have some calls to make."
+
+And so all that day Chester remained with Elder Malby, visiting Saints
+and investigators, adjusting difficulties, and explaining principles of
+the gospel. It was a splendid thing for the young man, this getting his
+thoughts from self; and before evening, he had obtained so much of the
+missionary spirit that he asked to be permitted to bear his testimony at
+the street meeting. "The louder the mob howls and interrupts, the better
+for me," he declared. "You remember the other evening when a young
+fellow stood within a few feet of you and kept repeating: 'Liars, liars,
+from Utah'?"
+
+"Yes; I remember."
+
+"I'd like to talk to that fellow tonight."
+
+So Chester talked at the street-meeting that evening, but to a very
+orderly lot of people. After the services, many pressed around him and
+asked him questions. One young man walked with him and the elders to the
+mission office. They talked on the gospel, and Chester forgot his own
+heartache in ministering to another heart hungering for the truth.
+
+The next morning, Chester tried again to remain in bed, but this time
+without success. He was up in the gray awakening city, walking in the
+park, listening to the birds near by and the rumbling beginnings of
+London life. After breakfast, he went again to the Church office.
+
+"You must excuse me for thus being such a bother," he explained to Elder
+Malby, "but--but I can't keep away."
+
+"I hope you never will," replied the elder, encouragingly. "It is when
+men like you keep away that there is danger."
+
+"What's the program today?"
+
+"Tracting. Do you want to try?"
+
+"Yes; I want to keep going. Yesterday was not bad. I felt fine all day."
+
+That afternoon Chester had his first trial in delivering gospel tracts
+from door to door. He approached his task timidly, but soon caught the
+spirit of the work. He had a number of interesting experiences. One old
+gentleman invited him into the house, that he might more freely tell the
+young man what he thought of him and his religion, and this was by no
+means complimentary. An old lady, limping to the door and learning that
+the caller was from America, told him she had a son there--and did he
+know him? Then there were doors slammed in his face, and some gracious
+smiles and "thank you"--altogether Chester was so busy meeting these
+various people that he had no time to worry over those who now should be
+nearly to Kildare Villa in green Ireland.
+
+While he was eating supper with the elders, which Elder Malby said he
+had well earned, a messenger came to the door. Was one Chester Lawrence
+there? Yes.
+
+"A telegram for him, please."
+
+Chester opened the message and read:
+
+"Come to Liverpool in morning. All well. Tell me when and where to meet
+you--Lucy."
+
+Chester handed the message to Elder Malby.
+
+"Once more, don't you see," said the elder, smiling, "all is well."
+
+"Yes; yes," replied Chester in a way which was more of a prayer of
+thanksgiving than common speech.
+
+Early the following morning Captain Brown was rewarded for his gallant
+lack of inquisitiveness regarding the sending and the receiving of
+telegrams by Lucy coming to him with her sweetest smile and saying:
+
+"Captain Brown, was that horse and carriage you used yesterday yours?"
+
+"Oh no; that belongs to my neighbor--only when I am not using it. Do you
+wish a drive this morning?"
+
+"I want to meet the noon train from London at Lime Street Station; and
+if it wouldn't be too much trouble--"
+
+"Not at all. My neighbor is very glad to have me exercise the horse a
+bit. Can you drive him alone?"
+
+"I'm a little nervous."
+
+"Will I do for coachman?"
+
+"If you would, Captain?"
+
+"Then that's settled. I'll go immediately and make arrangements;" which
+he did.
+
+"Papa," said Lucy to her father, "the captain will drive me to the
+station. You'll be all right until we get back?"
+
+"All right, yes; don't worry more about me. I'm getting strong faster
+than I ever did before. See."
+
+He paced back and forth with considerable vim in his movements. "Why,"
+he continued, stopping in front of Lucy and kissing her gently on the
+cheek, "I feel better right now than I have for a long time--better
+inside, you know."
+
+Lucy did not understand exactly what he meant by the "inside," but she
+did not puzzle her head about it. She was happy to know that her father
+was so well and that Chester was speeding to her. The day promised to be
+fair, and the drive to the station would be delightful. She was looking
+out of the window.
+
+"Lucy," said her father, placing his hand on her shoulder, "you need not
+tell Captain Brown the little secrets you have learned; and I think your
+Uncle Gilbert need not know any more than he does. It is just as well
+for all concerned that these things remain to outward appearances just
+as they have in the past."
+
+"All right, papa."
+
+"We--Chester and you and I will know and understand and be happy. What
+else matters?"
+
+"What, indeed."
+
+"Now, there's the captain already. He's early; but perhaps he intends
+driving you about a bit first."
+
+That was just it. The morning air was so invigorating, Captain Brown
+explained, that it was a pity not to feel it against one's face. He knew
+of a number of very pretty drives, round-about ways, to the station, and
+the fields were delightfully green just then.
+
+In a short time away they rattled down the graveled road, the father
+waving after them. It was a good thing, said Lucy, that strong hands had
+the reins, for the horse was full of life. They sped over the smooth,
+hedge-bordered roads, winding about fields and gardens until they
+arrived at Calderstone Park. Here the captain pointed out the Calder
+Stones, ruins of an ancient Druid place of worship or sacrifice. Then
+they drove leisurely through Sefton Park, thence townward to the
+station.
+
+They had a few moments to wait, during which the driver stroked the
+horse's nose, talking to him all the while not to be afraid of the noisy
+cars. The whistle's shrill pipe sounded and the train rolled in. The
+captain stood by his horse, while Lucy went to the platform, and met
+Chester as he leaped from the car.
+
+"Oh, ho," said the captain to his horse, when he saw the meeting. A
+partial explanation was given him of the "certain young man" whom they
+were to meet.
+
+The captain held the carriage door open to them like a true coachman.
+"Take the back seat, please," he commanded, after the introduction; "in
+these vehicles, the driver sits in front."
+
+The captain drove straight home, so in a very-short time they were set
+down at the steps.
+
+"Go right in," he said. "I'll take the horse back, and be with you
+shortly."
+
+The housekeeper met them in the hall, took wraps and hats, and directed
+them upstairs where the "gentleman" was waiting. Lucy had had no
+opportunity to tell Chester the secret about herself, so she would have
+to let his father do so. They walked quietly to the father's room and
+opened the door softly. He appeared to be sleeping in his chair, so they
+tip-toed into another room.
+
+"Is he better?" asked Chester.
+
+"Nearly well again." They did not seat themselves, but stood by the
+table. She came close to him, smiling up into his face and said,
+"_Everything's_ all right, Chester."
+
+"Yes, of course," he replied. "You are looking so rosy and well, I
+forget you are an invalid."
+
+"Don't think of it. I'm going to live a long, long time, Chester--with
+you. Listen, dear, and don't look so worried. Things have changed again.
+I don't need to break good news gently, so I may tell you now, papa--I
+mean, your father, has been telling me something I never dreamed
+of--Chester, listen. I'm not your father's child--only by
+adoption--you're not my brother, only of course in the brotherhood of
+the faith."
+
+"Lucy, what are you saying?"
+
+"I am telling you the truth--as I was told it. He adopted me as a
+baby--I was an orphan--I am not your sister. Chester--I--"
+
+He seized her hands, and held her at arms length, while his eyes seemed
+to devour her. She could not repress the tears, and when he saw them, he
+drew her close and kissed her.
+
+"Lucy, not my sister, but my sweetheart again, my little wife to
+be--what--does it all mean?"
+
+There came a loud knock at the door, and the father entered without
+being bidden. He walked firmly up to them, placed a hand on each
+shoulder, and said:
+
+"My son, I have to ask your forgiveness again. I intended to tell you
+about Lucy as soon as you learned the truth about yourself, but I was
+hindered. Don't think, my boy, that I would purposely cause you
+suffering. What Lucy has told you is true, and I am so glad that the
+misunderstanding and the mixups no longer exist between us."
+
+The three now found seats and talked over the new situation in which
+they found themselves, not forgetting the part Uncle Gilbert had taken
+in recent events, until the strenuous voice of Captain Brown had to
+supplement the housekeeper's bell, before the three would come down for
+luncheon.
+
+Those were golden days to Chester, Lucy, and the Rev. Thomas Strong. Out
+of restless uncertainty, doubts, fears, and heart-aching experiences
+they now had come to a period of peaceful certainty. Out of straits they
+had come to a quiet sun-kissed harbor.
+
+Captain Brown looked on all this happiness approvingly. His shore leave
+was going splendidly. The neighbor's horse and carriage were often
+brought into requisition, and the father would not be denied his share
+of these drives. The captain's own boat, long since unused, was put into
+commission, and with the captain at the tiller the whole family sailed
+over the placid Mersy. The moon grew rounder, and as the evenings were
+warm, the boat often lingered in the moonlight. Then songs were sung,
+Chester and Lucy singing some which the father recognized as "Mormon,"
+but which the captain knew only as beautiful and full of sweet spirit.
+
+During those days when the visitors remained with the captain rather
+more for his own sake than for any other reason, there was just one
+little cloud in Chester's and Lucy's sunlight. That was that the father
+took no abiding interest in the religion which now meant so much to
+them. Once or twice the subject had been carefully broached by Chester,
+but each time the father had not responded. He made no objections. The
+young man sometimes thought there would be more hope if he did. However,
+he and Lucy were not discouraged. They reasoned, with justice, that it
+was no easy matter to change a life-long habit of belief and practice.
+They comforted each other by the hope that all would be well in the end.
+Had they not already ample evidence of God's providence shaping all
+things right.
+
+It was plainly to be seen, however, that the father took great comfort
+in his new-found son; and well any father might, for Chester was a
+strong, open-spirited, clean young man. Father and son strolled out
+together, Lucy sometimes peeping at them from behind the curtain, but
+denying herself of their company. Chester, by his father's request, told
+him more of his life's story. The father wished to live as much as could
+be by word-telling the years he had missed in the life of his son; and
+the father, for his part, acquainted Chester with his more recent years.
+"I married quite late in life," said the father, "a sweet girl who did
+much for me. That we had no children was a great disappointment to both
+of us, and when we saw that very likely we never would have any of our
+own, we found and adopted Lucy. She would never have known the truth
+about that had not you come and compelled me to tell it. But it's all
+right now, and the Lord has been kinder to me than I deserve."
+
+    "'God moves in a mysterious way,
+      His wonders to perform,'"
+
+quoted Chester.
+
+    "'He plants his footsteps in the sea
+      And rides upon the storm,'"
+
+mused the father.
+
+At another time the father said to Chester:
+
+"My boy, it would please me if you would take my name. You need not
+discard the one you already have, but add mine to it--yours by all
+that's right."
+
+"Yes, father."
+
+"I have no great fortune, but I have saved a little; and when I am gone,
+it will be yours and Lucy's--I'll hear no objections to that--for can't
+you see, all that I can possibly do for you will only in part pay for
+the wrong I have done. You say you have no definite plans for the
+future. Then you will come with us to Kansas City, where I expect to
+take up again my labors in the ministry, at least for a time."
+
+Lucy came upon them at this point.
+
+"Chester has promised to take my name," explained the father.
+
+"That will make it unnecessary for you to change yours," said Chester,
+as he put his arm around her.
+
+A week passed as rapidly as such golden days do. Chester sent the latest
+news to Elder Malby. Uncle Gilbert, always impatient, wrote from Kildare
+Villa, asking when they were "coming home." Captain Brown had made a
+number of trips of inspection to the docks to see how the loading of his
+ship was progressing.
+
+At the captain's invitation they all visited the vessel one afternoon.
+
+"Why," exclaimed Lucy in surprise, when she saw the steamer at the dock,
+"you have a regular ocean liner here. I thought freight boats were small
+concerns."
+
+"Small! well, now, you know better. Come aboard."
+
+He led the way on deck, and then below.
+
+"This ship is somewhat old," explained Captain Brown, "but she is still
+staunch and seaworthy. As you see, she has once been a passenger boat,
+and in fact, she still carries passengers--when we can find some who
+would rather spend twelve days in comfort than be rushed across in six
+or seven by the latest greyhounds. I say, when we can find such sensible
+people," repeated the captain, as he looked curiously at his guests.
+
+The dining room was spacious, the berths of the large, roomy kind which
+the grasp for economy and capacity had not yet cut down.
+
+"This is a nicer state room than I had coming over," declared Lucy. "Why
+can't we return with Captain Brown?"
+
+"I should be delighted," said the captain. "The booking offices are on
+Water Street."
+
+"When do you sail?" asked the father.
+
+"In three days, I believe we shall be ready."
+
+"And your port?"
+
+"New York."
+
+"Your cargo?"
+
+"Mixed."
+
+"Any passengers?"
+
+"A dozen or so--plenty of room, you see. We'll make you comfortable,
+more so than on a crowded liner. Think about it, Mr. Strong."
+
+"We shall," said Lucy and her father in unison.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+And thus it came about that the party of three visiting with Captain
+Andrew Brown, decided to sail with him to New York. A few more days on
+the water was of no consequence, except as Chester said to Lucy, to
+enjoy a little longer the after-seasickness period of the voyage. As for
+Chester himself, he was very pleased with the proposition.
+
+A visit to the company's office in Water Street completed the
+arrangement. "Yes," said the agent, "we can take care of you. There will
+be a very small list of passengers, which gives you all the more room.
+Besides, it's worth while to cross with Captain Brown."
+
+As the boat did not lay up to the Landing Stage, but put directly to sea
+from the dock, the passengers were stowed safely away into their
+comfortable quarters the evening before sailing. When they awoke next
+morning, they were well out into the Irish sea, the Welsh hills slowly
+disappearing at the left. Chester was the first on deck. He tipped his
+cap to Captain Brown on the bridge as they exchanged their morning
+greetings. The day was bright and warm, the sea smooth. Chester stood
+looking at the vanishing hills, glancing now and then at the
+companionway, for Lucy. As he stood there, he thought of the time, only
+a few days since, when he had caught his first sight of those same green
+hills. What a lot had happened to him between those two points of time!
+A journey begun without distinct purpose had brought to him father and
+sweetheart. Outward bound he had been alone, empty and void in his life;
+and now he was going home with heart full of love and life rich with
+noble purpose.
+
+Chester's father appeared before Lucy. The son met him and took his arm
+as they paced the deck slowly. The father declared to Chester that he
+was feeling fine; and, in fact, he looked remarkably well.
+
+"I am sorry we did not hear from Gilbert before we sailed," said the
+father; "but I suppose the fault was ours in not writing to him sooner."
+
+"He barely had time to get the letter," said Chester.
+
+"I suppose so. But it doesn't matter. We should only have just stopped
+off at Kildare Villa to say goodbye, any way."
+
+"It's a pity we don't stop at Queenstown. He could have come out on the
+tender."
+
+"Perhaps he would, and then perhaps he wouldn't. It would depend on just
+how he felt--halloo, Lucy--you up already?"
+
+"I couldn't lay abed longer this beautiful morning," exclaimed Lucy as
+she came up to them. "Isn't this glorious! Is Wales below the sea yet?"
+
+"No; there's a tip left. See, there, just above the water."
+
+"Goodbye, dear old Europe," said Lucy, as she waved her handkerchief.
+"I've always loved you--I love you now more than ever."
+
+Father and son looked and smiled knowingly at her. Then they all went
+down to breakfast.
+
+Just about that same time of day, Thomas Strong's delayed letter
+reached his brother in Cork. Uncle Gilbert read the letter while he ate
+his breakfast, and Aunt Sarah wondered what could be so disturbing in
+its contents; for he would not finish his meal.
+
+"What is it, Gilbert?" she asked.
+
+"Thomas, Lucy, and that young fellow, Chester Lawrence are going
+to--yes, have already sailed from Liverpool with Captain Brown."
+
+"And they're not coming to see us before they leave?"
+
+"Didn't I say, they're already on the water--or should be--off to New
+York with Captain Brown--and he doesn't touch at Queenstown, and in that
+boat--"
+
+Uncle Gilbert wiped his forehead.
+
+"I'm sorry that they did not call," commented Aunt Sarah complacently;
+"but I suppose they were in a hurry, and Captain Brown will take care of
+them."
+
+"In a hurry! No. Captain Brown--" but the remark was lost to his wife.
+He cut short his eating, hurried to town, and, in faint hopes that it
+might be in time, sent a telegram to his brother in Liverpool which
+read:
+
+"Don't sail with Captain Brown. Will explain later."
+
+This telegram was delivered to Captain Brown's housekeeper, who sent it
+to the steamship company's office, where it was safely pigeon-holed.
+
+The morning passed at Kildare Villa. The telegram brought no reply. In
+foolish desperation, hoping against hope, Uncle Gilbert took the first
+fast train northward, crossed by mail steamer to Holyhead, thence on to
+Liverpool, where he arrived too late. The boat had sailed. He went to
+the steamship company's office in Water Street, and passed, without
+asking leave, into the manager's office. That official was alone, which
+was to Gilbert Strong's purpose.
+
+"Why did you permit my brother to sail with Captain Brown?" asked he
+abruptly.
+
+"My dear Mr. Strong," said the manager, "calm yourself. I do not
+understand."
+
+"Yes, you do. You know as well as I do that his ship is--is not in the
+best condition. You ought not to have allowed passengers at all."
+
+"Sit down, Mr. Strong. The boat is good for many a trip yet, though it
+is true, as you know, that she is to go into dry dock for overhauling on
+her return. Has your brother sailed on her?"
+
+"He has, my brother, his daughter and her young man. I suppose there
+were other passengers also?"
+
+"Yes; a few--perhaps twenty-five all told. Don't worry; Captain Brown
+will bring them safely through."
+
+"Yes," said Gilbert Strong, as he left the office, "yes, if the Lord
+will give him a show--but--"
+
+He could say no more, for did he not know full well that at a meeting of
+company directors at which he had been present, it had been decided to
+try one more trip with Captain Brown in command, and the fact that the
+boat was not in good condition was to be kept as much as possible from
+the captain. A little tinkering below and a judicious coat of paint
+above would do much to help the appearance of matters, one of the
+smiling directors had said. And so--well, he would try not to worry. Of
+course, everything would be well. Such things were done right along,
+with only occasionally a disaster or loss--fully covered by the
+insurance.
+
+But for all his efforts at self assurance, when he went home to Aunt
+Sarah he was not in the most easy frame of mind.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The little company under Captain Brown's care was having a delightful
+time. The weather was so pleasant that there was very little sickness.
+Chester again escaped and even his father and Lucy were indisposed for a
+day or two only. After that the long sunny days and much of the starry
+nights were spent on deck. The members of the company soon became well
+acquainted. Captain Brown called them his "happy family."
+
+And now Chester and Lucy had opportunity to get near to each other in
+heart and mind. With steamer chairs close together up on the promenade
+deck where there usually were none but themselves, they would sit for
+hours, talking and looking out over the sea. "Shady bowers 'mid trees
+and flowers" may be ideal places for lovers; but a quiet protected
+corner of a big ship which plows majestically through a changeless, yet
+ever-changing sea, has also its charms and advantages.
+
+On the fourth day out. The water was smooth, the day so warm that the
+shade was acceptable. Chester and Lucy had been up on the bridge with
+Captain Brown, who had told them stories of the sea, and had showed them
+pictures of his wife and baby, both safe in the "Port of Forever," he
+had said. All this had had its effect on the two young people, and so
+when they went down to escape the glare of the sun on the exposed
+bridge, they sought a shady corner amid-ships. When they found chairs,
+Chester always saw that she was comfortable, for though well as she
+appeared, she was never free from the danger of a troublesome heart. The
+light shawl which she usually wore on deck, hung loosely from her
+shoulders across her lap, providing a cover behind which two hands could
+clasp. They sat for some time that afternoon, in silence, then Lucy
+asked abruptly:
+
+"Chester, you haven't told me much about that girl out West. You liked
+her very much, didn't, you?"
+
+"Yes," he admitted, after a pause. "I think I can truthfully say I did;
+but this further I can say, that my liking for her was only a sort of
+introduction to the stronger, more matured love which was to follow,--my
+love for you. I think I have told you before that you bear a close
+resemblence to her; and it occurs to me now that therein is another of
+God's wonderful providences."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"Had you not looked like her I would not have been attracted to you,
+and very likely, would have missed you and my father, and all this."
+
+"I'm glad your experience has been turned to such good account. Now, I
+for example, never had a beau until you came."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Oh, don't feign surprise. You know, I'm no beauty, and I never was
+popular with the boys. Someone once told me it was because I was too
+religious. What do you think of that?"
+
+"Too religious! Nonsense. The one thing above another, if there is such,
+that I like about you is that your beauty of heart and soul corresponds
+to your beauty of face--No; don't contradict. You have the highest type
+of beauty--"
+
+"Beauty is in the eyes that see," she interrupted.
+
+"Certainly; and in the heart that understands. As I said, the highest
+type of beauty is where the inner and the outer are harmoniously
+combined. I think that is another application of the truth that the
+spiritual and the mortal, or 'element' as the revelation calls it, must
+be eternally connected to insure a perfect being. Somehow, I always
+sympathize with one whose beautiful spirit is tabernacled in a plain
+body. And yet, my pity is a hundred times more profound for one whom God
+has given a beautiful face and form, but whose heart and soul have been
+made ugly by sin--but there, if I don't look out, I'll be preaching."
+
+"Well, your congregation likes to hear you preach."
+
+Space will not permit the recording of the number of times emphasis was
+given to various expressions in this conversation by the hand pressure
+under the shawl.
+
+"Now," continued he, "I can't conceive of your not having any admirers."
+
+"I didn't say admirers--I said beaux."
+
+"Well, I suppose there is a difference," he laughed.
+
+"Of course, I have known a good many young men in my time, but those
+matrimonially inclined usually passed by on the other side."
+
+"Perhaps they knew I was coming on this side."
+
+"Perhaps--There's papa. He looks lonesome. We ought to be ashamed of
+ourselves to hide from him as we did yesterday."
+
+"I agree; but he'll find us now."
+
+Lucy drew the father's attention, and he found a chair near them.
+
+"Isn't the sea beautiful," said Lucy, by way of beginning the
+conversation properly, now a third person was present. "And what a lot
+of water there is!" she continued. "What did Lincoln say about the
+common people? The Lord must like them, because he made so many of them.
+Well, the Lord must like water also, as He has made so much of it."
+
+"Water is a very necessary element in the economy of nature," said the
+father. "Like the flow of blood in the human body, so is water to this
+world. As far as we know, wherever there is life there is water."
+
+"And that reminds me," said Lucy eagerly, as if a new thought had come
+to her, "that water is also a sign of purity. Water is used, not only
+to purify the body, but as a symbol to wash away the sins of the soul.
+Paul, you remember, was commanded to 'arise, and be baptized, and wash
+away thy sins'." Lucy looked at Chester as if giving him a cue.
+
+"In the economy of God," said Chester, "it seems necessary that we must
+pass through water from one world to another. In like manner, the
+gateway to the kingdom of heaven is through water. 'Except a man be born
+of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God' is
+declared by the Savior himself."
+
+Whether or not the father understood that this brief sermonizing was
+intended primarily for him, he did not show any resentment. He listened
+attentively, then added:
+
+"Yes; water has always held an important place among nations. Cicero
+tells us that Thales the Milesian asserted God formed all things from
+water--Out in Utah, Chester," said the father, turning abruptly to the
+young man, "you have an illustration of what water can do in the way of
+making the desert to blossom."
+
+"Yes; it is truly wonderful, what it has done out there," agreed
+Chester. Then being urged by both his father and Lucy, he told of the
+West and its development. He was adroitly led to talk of Piney Ridge
+Cottage and the people who lived there, their home and community life,
+their trials, their hopes, their ideals. Ere he was aware, Chester was
+again in the canyons, and crags and mountain peaks, whose wildness was
+akin to the wildness of the ocean. Then when his story was told, Lucy
+said:
+
+"I know where I could get well."
+
+"Where?" asked Chester.
+
+"At Piney Ridge Cottage."
+
+Chester neither agreed nor denied. Just then a steamer came into sight,
+eastward bound. It proved to be an "ocean grayhound," and Captain Brown
+coming up, let them look at it through his glass.
+
+"She's going some," remarked the captain; "but I'll warrant the
+passengers are not riding as easy as we."
+
+"Somehow," said the father, "a passing steamer always brings to me
+profound thoughts. Now, there, for example, is a spot on the vast
+expanse of water. It is but a speck, yet within it is a little world,
+teeming with life. The ship comes into our view, then passes away.
+Again, the ship is just a part of a great machine--I use this figure for
+want of a better one. Every individual on the ship bears a certain
+relationship to the vessel; the steamer is a part of this world; this
+world is a cog in the machinery of the solar system; the solar system is
+but a small group of worlds, which is a part of and depends on,
+something as much vaster as the world is to this ship. This men call the
+Universe; but all questions of what or where or when pertaining to this
+universe are unanswerable. We are lost--we know nothing about it--it is
+beyond our finite minds."
+
+Captain Brown stood listening to this exposition. His eyes were on the
+speaker, then on the passing steamer, then on the speaker again.
+
+"Mr. Strong," said he, "at the last church service I attended in
+Liverpool, the minister was trying to explain what God is,--and just
+that which you have said is beyond us, that vast, unknown, unknowable
+something he called God."
+
+"Oh," exclaimed Lucy, involuntarily.
+
+"I'll admit the definition is not very plain," continued the captain.
+"We get no sense of nearness from it. I would not know how to pray to or
+worship such a God; but what are we to do? I have never heard anything
+more satisfactory, except--well, only when I read my Bible."
+
+"Why not take the plain statement of the Bible, then?" suggested
+Chester.
+
+"I try to, but my thinking of these things is not clear, because of the
+interpretation the preachers put upon them--excuse the statement, Mr.
+Strong; but perhaps you are an exception. I have never heard you
+preach."
+
+The minister smiled good-naturedly. Then he said, "Chester here, is
+quite a preacher himself. Ask his opinion on the matter."
+
+"I shall be happy to listen to him. However, I have an errand just now.
+Will you go with me?" this to Chester.
+
+Chester, annoyed for a moment at this unexpected turn, arose and
+followed the captain into his quarters.
+
+"Sit down," said the captain. "I was glad Mr. Strong gave me an
+opportunity to get you away, for I have a matter I wish to speak to you
+about, a matter which I think best to keep from both Mr. Strong and
+Lucy--but which you ought to know."
+
+"Yes."
+
+The officer seated himself near his table on which were outspread charts
+and maps. About the table hung a framed picture of the captain's wife
+and child, a miniature of which he carried in his breast pocket.
+
+"In the first place," began Captain Brown, "I want you to keep this
+which I tell you secret until I deem it wise to be published. I can
+trust you for that?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+Always in the company of the passengers, Captain Brown's bearing was one
+of assurance. He smiled readily. But now his face was serious, and
+Chester saw lines of care and anxiety in it.
+
+"I am sorry that I ever suggested to you and your friends--and my dear
+friends they are too," continued the captain, "that you take this voyage
+with me, for if anything should happen, I should never forgive myself.
+However, there is no occasion for serious alarm--yet."
+
+"What is the matter, captain?"
+
+"I have been deceived regarding the condition of this ship. I was made
+to understand that she was perfectly sea-worthy--this is my first trip
+with her--but I now learn that the boilers are in a bad state and the
+pumps are hardly in a working condition. There is--already a small leak
+where it is nearly impossible to be reached. We are holding our own
+very well, and we can jog along in this way for some time, so there is
+no immediate danger."
+
+Chester experienced a sinking at the heart. From the many questions
+which thronged into his mind, he put this:
+
+"When might there be danger?"
+
+"If the leak gets bad and the pumps can not handle it. Then a rough sea
+is to be dreaded."
+
+"What can we do?"
+
+"At present, nothing but keep cool. You are the only one of the
+passengers that knows anything about this, and I am telling you because
+I can trust you to be wise and brave, if necessary. If things do not
+improve, we shall soon be getting our boats in shape. We shall do this
+as quietly as possible, but someone might see and ask questions. We
+shall depend on you--and I'll promise to keep you posted on the ship's
+true condition."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"And now," said the captain as his face resumed its cheerful expression,
+"I must make a trip below. When you see me on the bridge again, come up
+and make that explanation which Mr. Strong said you were able to do. I
+shall be mighty glad to listen to you."
+
+Chester protested, but the captain would not hear it. "I'll be up in the
+course of half an hour," said the seaman. "Promise me you'll come?"
+
+"Of course, if you really wish it?"
+
+"I was never more earnest in my life. My boy, let me tell you
+something'. I have listened at times to your conversation on religious
+themes--you and Lucy have talked when I could not help hearing--and I
+want to hear more--I believe you have a message for me."
+
+There was a smile on the captain's face as he hurried away. And
+Chester's heart also arose and was comforted, as he lingered for a few
+moments on the deck and then joined Lucy and his father.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+
+In blissful ignorance of any danger, the passengers and most of the crew
+went the daily round of pleasure or duty. The games on deck, the smoking
+and card-playing in the gentlemen's room, the sleeping and the eating
+all went on uninterrupted. Captain Brown, though quieter than usual, was
+as pleasant and thoughtful as ever. The sea was smooth, the weather
+fine, and the ship plowed on her course with no visible indication that
+she was slowly being crippled.
+
+Lucy had for her use, one of the largest and best ventilated rooms in
+the ship. It was so pleasant there, that she spent much of her time in
+its seclusiveness. It is needless to state that Chester shared that
+comfort and seclusion. Reading, talking, building castles which reached
+into the heavens, these two basked in the warm light of a perfect love.
+After a little buffeting about in worldly storms, two hearts had come to
+rest; and how penetratingly sweet was that serene peace of soul. In him
+she saw her highest ideals realized, her fondest hopes and dreams come
+true. In her he found the composite perfectness of woman. All his
+visions from early youth to the present materialized in the sweet face,
+gentle spirit and pure soul of Lucy Strong!
+
+Chester, the day after Captain Brown had told him about the condition of
+the ship, found Lucy in her room. She was not well, the father had
+said, so Chester sought her out. She was reclining on the couch. His
+heart, burdened with what he knew melted towards the girl. He drew a
+stool up to her, and kissed his good-morning.
+
+"Not so well today?" he asked.
+
+"No; my heart has been troubling me all night; but I'm better now."
+
+"Now, see here, my girl, I'm the one that ought to be ill."
+
+"How's that?" she smiled at him.
+
+"Have we not exchanged hearts?"
+
+"Oh, I see. Yes; but the strength only went with mine. The weakness I
+retained. It would not have been fair otherwise."
+
+She sat up and pushed back her hair. He seated himself near her and drew
+her in his arm. He held her close.
+
+"Some things," said he, "we can not give, much as we would like. Some
+burdens we must carry ourselves."
+
+"Which I take it, is a very wise provision," she added.
+
+There was silence after that. It was not easy for either of them to
+talk, each being constrained with his own crowded thoughts. Chester
+listened to the rhythmic beat of the machinery, and wondered vaguely how
+long it would continue thus, and what would happen if it had to stop.
+
+"Chester," said Lucy at last, "what if I should die?" She clung to him
+as she said it.
+
+"But, my dear, you're not going to die. You're going to get completely
+well again--You're going to stay with me, you know."
+
+"That's the worst, when I think of it--the thought of separating from
+you--O Chester, I can't do that--All my life I've waited and watched for
+you, and now to leave you, to lose you again--and we've been together
+such a short time! I can't bear to think of it." The tears welled in her
+eyes.
+
+"Then, my sweetheart mustn't think of it. We are going to be together,
+we two. 'Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will
+lodge ... where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried!'
+quoted the young man, knowing not the prophetic import of his words. She
+leaned on his shoulder, and he stroked the hair from her forehead.
+
+"Did you have a talk with Captain Brown?" she asked. "Did you answer his
+questions?"
+
+Chester started, then understood. "Oh, yes," he replied. "Yesterday on
+the bridge we talked for an hour. He asked me all manner of questions,
+and I think I satisfied him. He had heard of Mormonism,' of course, but
+never of its message of salvation. I believe he's converted already."
+
+"I'm so glad, for he is such a nice man. Chester, I wish your father
+were more susceptible to the gospel. I can't understand him. He never
+opposes, nor does he now find fault with me; but as for himself--well,
+he says he's going back to the pulpit."
+
+"I am just as sorry as you, on that score; but we can but do our best,
+and let the Lord take care of the rest."
+
+Now when their thoughts ranged from self to others, Lucy felt so much
+better that she declared she was ready for the deck. So leaning on
+Chester's arm, they carefully climbed the stairs, and came to the open.
+There was a breeze, and a bank of clouds hung low to windward. Chester
+adjusted Lucy's wrap closely as they paced the deck slowly. The clouds
+lifted into the sky, shutting out the sun. On the horizon, winkings of
+lightning flashed. Evidently, a storm was coming.
+
+Captain Brown was quiet at the luncheon table. Chester noted it, and
+afterwards, followed the captain to the bridge.
+
+"How goes it?" asked Chester.
+
+"Not well," was the reply. "Do you see that list to larboard."
+
+"I don't understand."
+
+Without pointing, which action others might see, the captain explained
+that the ship tilted to one side, also that there was a slight "settling
+by the head," that is, the ship was deeper in the water forward than at
+any other part. Chester noticed it now, and asked what it meant.
+
+"It means," explained the captain, "that we are slowly
+settling--sinking, in plain words. The pumps can not manage the water
+coming into the hold. There is also some trouble with the cargo, which
+causes the list or leaning to one side. From now on, I shall be on the
+lookout for assistance, which I think, will come in ample time--Now
+tell me more about this new prophet, Joseph Smith."
+
+For an hour they conversed. Then the captain had to go below again, and
+Chester went in search of Lucy. A number of the passengers were standing
+near the larboard rail. They noticed the slope of the deck, but did not
+realize its meaning, and Chester did not enlighten them. A peculiar
+heart-sinking feeling persisted with him, which the coming storm did not
+alleviate.
+
+The captain was not in his place at dinner, which was all the more
+noticeable, because it was the first time he had been absent. Some of
+the passengers were beginning to feel the effects of the higher seas,
+and they did not eat much. Very few went back to the deck from the
+table. Lucy and the minister were among those who went to bed, but
+Chester, clad in water proofs was easier on deck.
+
+The wind was blowing hard, increasing in time to quite a gale. The waves
+broke over the ship's prow, slushing the forward deck and driving all
+who were out either back or to an upper deck. Chester kept away from
+Captain Brown on the bridge, where he no doubt would remain throughout
+the night.
+
+Darkness came on thick and black. The wind howled hideously around
+smoke-stack and rigging. The rain came in storms, then ceased only to
+gather more strength for the next squall. How well the ship was standing
+the rough weather, Chester did not know, and certainly the other
+passengers had no fears, as most of them were asleep. Chester went down
+the companion-way, glanced into the vacant saloon and hallways, and
+paused at Lucy's door All was quiet, so she was no doubt asleep. His
+father was also resting easily. He went on deck again.
+
+As he mounted the steps to the tipper deck, he saw a brilliant light
+shine from the bridge. It flashed for an instant, flooding the ship with
+light, then went out. "The captain is signalling," thought Chester. In
+five minutes the light flashed again, thus at regular intervals. The few
+passengers who saw this, becoming alarmed, rushed to the bridge with
+anxious questions. The captain met them at the foot of the stairs.
+
+"My friends," he said in wonderfully calm tones "there is no occasion
+for alarm. The weather is very thick, and as we are in the path of
+steamers, these lights are set off as a warning." This explanation, as
+Chester knew, was not all the truth, but the captain did not want a
+panic so early in the trouble. The passengers seemed satisfied, but they
+lingered for some time watching the lights and the remarkable effects
+they had on the ship and the heaving sea. The captain touched Chester
+who was still standing near the steps.
+
+"You go to bed and get some rest," he said. "You may need all your
+strength later. There is no danger tonight. Go to bed."
+
+Chester took the captain's advice. He went to bed, but it was not easy
+to go to sleep, so he did not do this until well towards morning.
+
+The storm was still on next morning when Chester awoke. He dressed
+hurriedly, listened again at Lucy's and his father's doors, but hearing
+nothing went on deck. The day was well advanced. The wind seemed not so
+strong as the night before, and the waves were not so high. However, the
+sea was rough enough to add to the danger of a sinking ship. Chester
+noticed the "list to larboard," and the "settling at the head," and
+found both of these dangerous conditions worse. The most careless
+observer would not now fail to see that something was the matter. And,
+in fact, as the passengers came on deck that morning, most of them late
+and looking bad from threatened attacks of sea-sickness, they
+immediately remarked on the slanting deck. Anxious enquiries from
+officers and seamen brought no satisfactory reply. Had there been a
+large number of passengers, there would likely have been an unpleasant
+panic that morning.
+
+The breakfast was late, and very few of the passengers were there to
+partake of it. Captain Brown was in his place, greeting the few who
+slipped carefully into their seats. As the meal progressed and not over
+half of the usual company put in an appearance, the captain consulted
+with the second officer and the steward. Then at the close of the meal,
+the captain arose and said:
+
+"My friends, I wish you to remain until we can get all who are able to
+join us here. I have something to say which I want all of you to hear.
+So please remain seated. The steward will see that no one leaves the
+room."
+
+One by one the absent passengers were brought in. Thomas Strong was
+among them, but not Lucy, for which Chester was thankful. The steward
+reported that all who were able were present, and then amid a tense
+silence, emphasized only by the creaking of the ship and the subdued
+noise of the sea without, the captain said:
+
+"I am sorry to have to tell you that the ship is in a sinking condition.
+There is a leak which we have been unable to stop. Two of our boilers
+are already useless and it is only a matter of time when the water will
+reach the others. I have not said anything about this until now, for I
+have been hoping to meet with some vessel that could take us off. So
+far, none has appeared. However, we are in the steamer zone, and we have
+many chances yet. Today sometime or tonight we must take to the boats,
+and what I want to impress upon you especially is that you, all of you,
+must control yourselves. Do not give way to excitement or fear which
+might hinder you from doing what is best. I tell you plainly, that the
+worst we have to fear on that score is the crew. They are already near
+to mutiny. The first officer and others are guarding their exits and
+keeping the stokers at their posts. They are a rough lot of men, and it
+will not do to let them get beyond our control. I shall, therefore, ask
+the help of every man present. When it comes to launching the boats, it
+must be done in order. There are boats enough, but there must not be any
+crowding. With the present rough water it will be difficult to get the
+boats off. It is necessary, therefore, that the greatest care be taken.
+Now, then, that is all. Go about quietly. Each man and woman get a life
+belt ready, but you need not put them on until you are told. The steward
+will give the order."
+
+He ceased, turned, and hurried up the companionway. There was silence
+for a moment, then a woman screamed, which signaled a general uproar of
+cries and talk. Out of the confusion came quiet, assuring commands, and
+in time the little company had scattered. Chester and his father went
+out together, along the hallway to Lucy's room. They looked mutely at
+each other, not knowing what best to say.
+
+When they stopped at Lucy's door, Chester asked of his father if she was
+up.
+
+"Yes," he replied; "but she is not well. How shall we tell her the evil
+news?"
+
+"We must manage it somehow, for she must know--poor little girl!"
+
+Between them, they managed to tell Lucy of the situation they were in.
+During the telling, she looked at one and then at the other in a dazed
+way, as if she could not believe there were any actual danger. They
+repeated to her the assurances the captain had given.
+
+"Can we go on deck?" asked Lucy at last. "I want to get into the air
+where the sky is above me."
+
+They found a protected corner in the smoking-room where Lucy was content
+to sit and look out of the open door to see what was going on about the
+deck. Officers were inspecting the boats to see that all were ready in
+case of need. The work of the crew and the movements of the passengers
+were accompanied by a certain nervousness. That the ship was slowly
+settling could plainly be seen by all on board.
+
+Towards noon, the forward hatch was opened, and soon there was a rattle
+of chains and clang of machinery. Then up from the hold come bales,
+boxes, and barrels which were unceremoniously dropped into the sea. The
+cargo must go. No help had yet been sighted, and if they were to remain
+afloat much longer, the ship would have to be lightened. "What a pity to
+waste so much," said some, forgetting their own peril for the moment;
+but human life is worth more than ships or cargos.
+
+Very few cared to respond to the call for luncheon which the stewards
+bravely kept up. The women who were too frightened to go below were
+served on deck, being urged to eat by solicitous friends.
+
+All afternoon the unloading went on. The ship moved slowly leaving a
+train of floating merchandise in its wake. On the bridge the captain or
+one of the officers paced back and forth with glass in hand eager to
+catch the call of the man in the crow's nest if he should catch sight of
+other vessels. But none were seen. The afternoon closed; darkness came
+on. Then the light burned again from the bridge and the fog-horn added
+its din to the dreariness.
+
+Lucy kept to her position near the open deck. She would not go below, so
+wraps and pillows were brought her and she was made as comfortable as
+possible. Chester remained with her most of the time, the father came
+and went in nervous uncertainty. Captain Brown stopped long enough to
+tell Chester that since most of the cargo was overboard, they would
+float a little longer, but they were to be ready at any time now to
+leave the ship. The boats were provisioned, it was explained, and the
+passengers would be allowed to take with them only what could be carried
+in a small bundle. Very likely, they would not need to desert the ship
+before morning, so they had better rest.
+
+But there was neither rest nor sleep that night. Chester tucked his
+father into a seat, placed a pillow for his head, then, seeing that Lucy
+was comfortable, sat down by her. She lifted the cover from her
+shoulders, and extended it to his. It dropped to his lap also, so thus
+they sat in the dim glow of the electric light. Life belts were within
+easy reach.
+
+It was well past midnight when the lights went out. Then the beat, beat
+of the engines grew less, became fainter, and then like a great heart,
+ceased. The ship was dead, and lifeless it must float at the mercy of
+wind and wave. Then from below came the cries of men, and there were
+hurried steps and sharp commands on deck. Chester stepped out to see
+what it was. Captain Brown and the first officer stood by the entrance
+to the boiler rooms with gleaming revolvers in their hands, holding back
+an excited crowd of stokers.
+
+"Back, every one of you!" shouted the captain. "I shall kill the first
+man who comes out until he is given permission."
+
+The mass of half-naked, grimy men slunk back with curses and
+protestations. "The ship is sinking," they cried, "let us get out."
+
+"Steady there now." commanded Captain Brown. "There is plenty of time.
+We shall let you out, but it must be done orderly. One at a time now,
+and go get your clothes. Then stand by, ready for orders from the
+engineer. Do you agree?"
+
+"Yes, yes." They filed out one and two at a time, disappearing in the
+darkness. Lanterns, prepared for this emergency, flashed here and there.
+Chester obtained one and placed it on the table of the smoking room.
+
+Presently the stewards could be heard running about the ship saying:
+"Ready for the boats, ready for the boats--Everybody on the boat deck!"
+The frightened passengers crowded up the steps in the half-darkness, the
+gleam of lanterns showing the way. Men were clearing the davits, and
+presently the first boat was ready to be filled.
+
+Captain Brown was in command. He now looked out into the night, then
+down to the rough sea, hesitating for a moment whether or not the time
+had come. He did not wish to set these men and women afloat in small
+boats on such a sea if he could possibly help it; but a settling
+movement of the ship, which perhaps he only felt, decided him. He
+detailed six sailors to the boat that was ready, then said:
+
+"The women first--no crowding, please--stand back you!"--this to a man
+whom panic had seized and who was crowding forward.
+
+Sharp, clear, came the orders, and everyone understood. Some husbands
+were permitted to go with their hysterical wives. Presently, "That will
+do," ordered the captain. "There are plenty of boats, and there need be
+no overloading. Lower away."
+
+The first boat went down and was safely floated and rowed away from the
+sinking ship. The sailors were busy with the second boat. Captain Brown
+caught sight of Chester. "Where is Mr. Strong and Lucy. This is your
+boat. Bring them along."
+
+"When do you go, Captain?"
+
+"I? On the last boat. Hurry them along, my boy."
+
+Just as Chester turned, there came from the other side of the ship the
+noise of shouting, rushing men. The commands of officers were drowned in
+the confusion. The frantic stokers had got beyond the control of the
+officer, and they rushed for the boats. Davits creaked, as the boats
+were swung out. The crazed men pushed pell mell into them. One boat was
+lowered when only half full, and by the time Captain Brown reached the
+scene, the second boat was full, ready to be loosened.
+
+"Hold," he commanded, as he held aloft his lantern and his revolver
+pointed directly at the man who held one of the ropes.
+
+"Out of there, every one of you--out I say--you first," to a man just
+climbing in.
+
+The stokers were not sailors--the riff-raff of many ports they were; and
+now with them it was every man for himself. This feeling without proper
+knowledge worked their undoing. The ropes were released, one before the
+other, and the loaded boat bumped down the side of the vessel, one end
+dropping before the other, spilling the screaming, cursing men into the
+water. Down the boat slid until one end touched the waves, the rope ends
+flying loosely so that they could not be reached by those on the deck. A
+wave hit the boat as it hung and swamped it.
+
+"My God," exclaimed the captain, "two of our boats are lost. There is
+only one more left."
+
+Chester Lawrence stood still and watched by the lantern's light what was
+going on. He pressed forward in time to hear Captain Brown's remark
+about the boats. Then together they crossed to the other side where that
+last boat hung ready to be filled. And there was need for hurry now.
+Slowly, but surely, the ship was sinking, and any moment might bring the
+final plunge.
+
+"Load the boat," shouted the Captain, "women first." The half dozen
+women found places.
+
+"Where's Lucy?" he enquired, looking around for Chester who had
+disappeared. Lucy was not in the boat. The Captain was sure she had not
+gotten away with the first boat. Chester would bring her.
+
+"Now, fill in," was the order. "Mr. Strong, where are you? Is Mr. Strong
+here?" But he was not to be found.
+
+One by one the few remaining passengers took their places, then the
+crew.
+
+"Is there room for more?" asked the Captain of the officer in the boat.
+
+"I fear not, sir," came the reply.
+
+"Some of the men get under the seats," ordered the Captain. "Now, then
+in with you men. Don't go yet. There is yet a woman aboard. Hold fast
+there, officer, until I find her." He rushed down the stairs with his
+lantern, calling for Chester. "Where are you--for God's sake come
+quick!"
+
+"Here I am sir," replied Chester as he came nearly carrying his father.
+
+"Where is Lucy?"
+
+"Lucy is not coming, sir. She does not need to--she has gone
+already--she--"
+
+"What? What is it? We need to hurry, my boy!"
+
+"Lucy is dead!"
+
+"Dead!--Bring Mr. Strong along. The boat is waiting."
+
+The boat hung by its davits, ready for lowering.
+
+"We are full," said the officer, "and the deck is cleared. There is need
+for hurry, sir."
+
+"There is," replied Captain Brown. "Make room for two more."
+
+"We can't do it sir--not in this sea--we are overcrowded now."
+
+"You must--close up, lie down, make room."
+
+One of the officers offered to get out, then another did the same, but
+the captain would not hear. "No," he said, "you men have families."
+
+Still the boat hung there in the darkness. What could be done? The waves
+rolled beneath, the wind moaned in the rigging.
+
+"We might risk one more, sir," came from the boat.
+
+The captain looked at Chester, big, strong, full of youth, and then at
+the slender, gray-haired man. What a pity, and yet he knew the younger
+man would have to remain. That is the law of the sea.
+
+"I'll not go," said the father. "You go, Chester."
+
+"No, no; we'll manage somehow; but you must take the chance. Here, help
+him in."
+
+Captain Brown stood by with lifted lantern. He did not dictate which of
+the two should go. He had no need of that. He saw Chester lift the old
+man in his arms, hold him for an instant close to him, kiss him and
+murmur, "Goodby father, and God bless and preserve you"--then he handed
+him over to outstretched hands in the boat.
+
+Captain Brown and Chester Lawrence stood by the railing and watched the
+boat lowered. Then when they knew it was safely riding the waves, they
+turned to each other.
+
+"Where is your life-belt?" asked the Captain. "Get it, and put it on."
+
+"Is there a chance?"
+
+"There is always a chance. Come. We shall go together, one way or
+another--the way God wills."
+
+They walked along the slanting deck down to where Lucy lay on the couch
+in the smoking room. Chester did not notice the life-belt on the table,
+but he lifted a lantern to Lucy's face, kneeled by it, and kissed it
+tenderly. "Lucy," he said, "my sweetheart, where are you? Don't you want
+me to come too?" He stroked the still face, and smoothed back the hair
+as he was wont. "Aren't you afraid in that new world to which you have
+gone--aren't you as lonesome as--I am? O Lucy, Lucy!"
+
+"Come put on this belt," said the captain, touching him on the shoulder.
+
+"I'm coming with you, Lucy," continued the young man. "Nothing shall
+part us--as I have told you--we two,--O, my God, what can I do?"
+
+The captain led Chester away from the dead, out to the open deck, and
+buckled around him a life-belt. "Wait here" said the officer. "There is
+a chance--I'm going to see. I'll be back in a minute."
+
+Chester was alone, and in those few minutes the wonderful panorama of
+life passed before him. He lived in periods, each period ending with
+Lucy Strong. His boyhood, and his awakening to the world about
+him--then Lucy; his schooldays, with boys and girls--out from them came
+Lucy; his early manhood, his forming ideals--completed in Lucy; his
+experiences in the West, and at Piney Ridge Cottage, and then came, not
+Julia, but Lucy; then the gospel with its new light and assurance of
+salvation; and this coupled with Lucy, her faith and love, burned as a
+sweet incense in the soul of Chester Lawrence. Fear left him now. He
+heard sounds as if they were songs from distant angel-choirs. Words of
+comfort and strength were whispered to his heart: "Though I walk through
+the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art
+near me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me...." Eternity! Why, an
+immortal soul is always in eternity; and God is always at hand in life
+or in death.... Death! what is it but the passing to the other side of a
+curtain, where our loved ones are waiting to meet and greet us!
+
+Chester stepped back to Lucy. It was dark where she lay, but he passed
+his hand over her form to her face, touching tenderly her cheek and
+closed eyes. The flesh was not yet cold, but he felt that the soul whom
+he had come to know as Lucy Strong was not there.
+
+Captain Brown called through the darkness. Chester groped into the open
+again. Was that the captain's figure on the bridge, looming black
+against the faint light in the eastern sky? If it was, Chester was in no
+condition to know, for just then there came a great sinking. A roar of
+waters sounded in his ears, there was a struggle, a moment of agony,
+and then the darkness of oblivion.
+
+When he awoke again, he had passed over the storm-whipped bar into still
+waters. There Lucy met him, and together they sailed, guided by the
+unerring Light of God into the Harbor of Eternal Peace and Rest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+Thomas Strong was a guest at Piney Ridge Cottage. It had taken him a
+full year to get over the effects of that dreadful sea disaster wherein
+a son, a daughter, and a dear friend had been lost, and to finally make
+his way westward to the people to whom both son and daughter had
+belonged. He had arrived during apple-blossom time, and the
+white-haired, sad-faced man who seemed to have had all mortality burned
+from him by fiery trials, was kindly received by Mr. Elston, his
+daughter Julia and her husband, Bishop Glen Curtis. These listened to
+his strange story, and were profoundly moved by its tragic ending. They
+urged him to remain with them, Julia giving him the room on the attic
+floor which previously was hers. He was grateful for all these
+kindnesses, saying he would be pleased to visit with them for a time.
+
+Out under the apple trees in the growing orchard Hugh Elston made for
+their guest a seat, where during the day he would sit as one alone,
+listening and waiting here in this spot away from the noise and traffic
+of the world for a final message which the God of the Universe might
+send him. As far as his strength would allow, he liked to walk along the
+country roads, which now extended for many miles from Piney Ridge, and
+chat with the neighbors about the country and its prospects. He also
+made some minor excursions up the hillsides, but in this direction he
+could not go far. Frequently he stopped to rest by the enclosed graves,
+where he sat on the grass, and with hands on cane, looked wonderingly at
+the two graves, side by side.
+
+But whispered messages from out the blue or storms of heaven did not
+come to this man. Neither were there angels sent to tell him what to do;
+but the Lord had one more thing--simple indeed--to bear upon the
+reluctant heart of Thomas Strong.
+
+In the little attic room which Julia had turned over to her guest were
+many books, papers, and magazines. She had told him that everything in
+the room was at his service, and so the visitor made good use of the
+kind offer. One day he found a small book which had the name Anna
+Lawrence--Chester's mother--written on the fly-leaf. Curiously turning
+over the pages of the volume, which was simply a school book of the kind
+he remembered in his youth, he found between the leaves an old letter.
+He unfolded the deeply creased sheets, looked at the strange
+handwriting, saw that it was dated thirty years ago, and addressed to
+"Miss Anna Lawrence" and signed by a name unknown to him. There could no
+harm come from reading this message from the past, so he drew his chair
+up to the window, and read:
+
+
+"_Dear Friend Anna_:
+
+"It is three months now since I left home for this mission, and not
+having heard anything yet from you, I thought a few lines from me might
+help you get started in the letter-writing direction. I am enjoying my
+mission very much, which perhaps you cannot understand, but it is true,
+nevertheless. I came to this place yesterday and have already delivered
+some tracts. Most of the people are against us, specially is this the
+case with preachers. They get after us roughly. My companion isn't as
+old as I am, and goodness knows, I'm young and green enough; but we're
+both studying hard, and the Lord is with us, which, after all, is our
+chief concern.
+
+"I hope you are getting along at school. Do you remember the fun we had
+last vacation? I heard that our friend Sue is about to be married, but I
+suppose you know all about that.
+
+"But I must tell you about something that happened to us before coming
+here. It was in a place not far from Chicago, and my companion and I
+were tracting as usual. I took one side of the street and he took the
+other. Well, along about noon when it was time we should quit, my
+companion didn't make his appearance. I waited a long time, then crossed
+the street to look for him. The weather was warm and people were mostly
+out of doors in the shade. I heard what sounded like a big discussion on
+a porch behind some vines. I went up, and sure enough, there was my
+companion and another young fellow having it out in great shape. The
+young man sat in his shirt sleeves on a table, and the way he was giving
+it to that poor friend of mine was a caution. I learned that the young
+fellow was studying for the ministry, and because of that, he considered
+himself just the person to give it good and hard to a 'Mormon'
+missionary.
+
+"Well, the fellow sat there on the table, his legs swinging as if he
+didn't care a--rap. There was a Bible and some other books on the table,
+but they had got beyond the use of books. The young fellow ridiculed the
+Prophet, poked fun at his revelations, and said the 'Mormons' were a bad
+lot altogether. Said they deserved to be driven from decent society into
+the desert as they had been. He kept it up like that, and then he said
+something odd. 'I wouldn't have your religion at any price,' he said.
+'Get out with you.'
+
+"My companion sat there, not saying a word. I saw the tears come into
+his eyes. He wiped them away hurriedly. Then his face became pale, and
+it seemed to me that a light actually shone from it. As I told you, he
+is just a boy, and as I looked on him then, I thought of the boy
+prophet, and what my father has told me so often about him. Well, when
+the fellow got through with his abuse, and jumped from the table as if
+we were dismissed, my companion arose and in a voice wonderfully gentle
+yet vibrant with power, said:
+
+"'Yes, we will go, but not before I tell you this: You know not what you
+say, therefore, you are forgiven, as far as I am concerned. My parents
+were driven from this state. All they had was destroyed by mobs. My
+mother died on the plains and her body lies there to this day. All that
+mortal man can suffer and live my people have suffered, and all for the
+sake of the truth, the gospel that I have brought to you this day, and
+which you so scornfully reject. And now I tell you in the name of the
+Lord, some day you will receive this gospel--but not until you have paid
+for it, and paid for it dearly. Like the merchantman in the parable,
+_all that you have_ will you pay for this Pearl of Great Price! Good
+day, sir.'
+
+"We both left him standing somewhat dazed, but I tell you--"
+
+The letter dropped to Thomas Strong's knee, as he looked up and out at
+the closing day. He arose, went to the glass door which opened on to the
+little porch, stepped out into the air that he might breathe easier.
+What he saw was not Old Thunder Mountain, or the wide extent of the
+Flat, dim now in the twilight, but a vine-enclosed porch and the pale,
+peculiar face of a boy telling him the words he had just read. * * * *
+There had been other boy prophets besides the first great one; and yes,
+oh Great God, one old, broken man had paid the price.
+
+The vines on the upper porch of Piney Ridge Cottage now also formed a
+cover, and in their shadow Thomas Strong kneeled and prayed as he had
+never prayed before.
+
+An hour later, Julia, wondering what their guest was doing in his room
+so long without a light, called to him softly at the foot of the stairs.
+
+"Yes," he replied, as if he did not realize for the moment who was
+calling, "I'm coming--I'm coming now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+The first Sunday in the month was Fast Day at Piney Ridge the same as in
+all wards of the Church. The Bishop had some visiting to do that morning
+so he did not get to Sunday School; but he returned about eleven o'clock
+and found the horses hitched to the white-top buggy ready to take all
+the household to meeting.
+
+"Are we all ready?" he asked as he came into the house.
+
+"Just about," replied his wife who was putting the finishing touches to
+the baby's bonnet. "Here, hold him." She placed the baby in Glen's arms.
+The father somewhat awkwardly tossed him up and down.
+
+"Now be careful," admonished the mother, "don't muss his clothes up like
+that. Today is his first public appearance, you know."
+
+"Your coming out, eh?" he asked of the baby. "Well, we'll have to be
+good, won't we."
+
+This was in the front room. Thomas Strong sat, hat in hand, ready, while
+he smiled at the bear-like antics of the happy father with his first
+baby. Then when the mother came in with hat on, the old man arose
+slowly, went to the organ and looked at a photograph of Chester
+Lawrence, which had recently been framed and now held the place of honor
+on the organ. The Bishop, seeing the movement, lifted the baby to the
+picture.
+
+"I believe there _is_ a resemblance," he remarked. The old man only
+smiled.
+
+Hugh Elston now drove up to the door. The young mother climbed into the
+front seat, and then was given the baby. Grandpa Elston took a back seat
+by Thomas Strong, while the Bishop sat by his wife to drive. Then they
+were off.
+
+"Did I tell you," said Mr. Strong to his companion, "that I got a letter
+from my brother last evening?"
+
+"No; you did not."
+
+"Well, he's been recently to London and visiting with Elder Malby. It
+seems he can't keep away from that man, and I must say Elder Malby is a
+wonder. Such a spirit he has with him--"
+
+"The missionary spirit, Brother Strong--the spirit of the Lord."
+
+"Yes, yes," mused the man--"strange--and he but a hard-working farmer--I
+wouldn't be surprised if Brother Gilbert came to America and out west
+here. He intimated as much in his letter. Poor brother, he also has
+suffered."
+
+"If he comes, give him our invitation to visit with us."
+
+"Thank you, that I shall."
+
+"Perhaps he will accompany Elder Malby when he is released."
+
+"Invite them both," said the other. "We shall all like to see them very
+much."
+
+There was a brief silence, as the horses trotted along. Thomas Strong's
+gaze roved across the Flat to the mountains, then rested again on his
+companion. Presently, he said:
+
+"Brother Elston, the other day you were speaking of vicarious work for
+the dead, 'temple work' you called it. I understand the doctrine of
+baptism for the dead, but some other things are not quite plain--for
+instance, having the dead married, made husband and wife, which they
+would have been had they lived and had the chance--well, you
+understand."
+
+Yes; Hugh Elston understood, and made his explanations to his companion,
+who listened attentively and exclaimed at its close:
+
+"I am so glad--for Chester's and Lucy's sake--so glad!"
+
+In good time they arrived at the meeting house. The Bishop busied
+himself with the business before him. The good people of the ward came
+in, exchanged the usual greetings, then found seats. There were flowers
+on the sacrament table as usual, and the meeting house looked sweet and
+clean--a fit place in which to worship the Lord.
+
+The opening hymn in which the congregation joined was:
+
+    "God moves in a mysterious way,
+      His wonders to perform;
+    He plants his footsteps in the sea,
+      And rides upon the storm."
+
+At the close of the song, Thomas Strong nodded his head and whispered,
+"Amen."
+
+Then after prayer and the sacrament, the Bishop announced, "All mothers
+who have babies to be blessed will please bring them forward, and all
+who were baptized yesterday will kindly take their places on the front
+seat."
+
+Julia, with rosy face, bore her baby to the front, followed by another
+mother with less timidity. A little girl tip-toed along the aisle, and a
+boy, "just turned eight" trod heavily forward. Then Thomas Strong also
+arose, and silently took his place on the front seat alongside the
+mothers with the babies and the children.
+
+The sun shone through the uncurtained window and lay as a broad strip of
+light along the front seat. The little boy was nervously twitching his
+feet, the little girl's hands were folded serenely, the babies cooed.
+The white-haired man sat with the children, now one with them and of
+them in very deed. His face was as a child's, as was indeed his heart.
+The meeting was still, silenced by the strange, solemn occasion. Then
+the Bishop, assisted by his counselors and Patriarch Hugh Elston laid
+their hands on the three who had been baptized in water for the
+remission of sins and now bestowed on them the Holy Ghost. Then the
+officiating Elders came to the mothers.
+
+"Brother Elston," said the Bishop, "bless the baby."
+
+Hugh Elston took Julia's baby into his arms, where he lay cooing into
+the men's faces as they gathered around. The Patriarch, in slow,
+carefully chosen words, gave the babe its name and a blessing:
+
+"Chester Lawrence--for this is the name by which you shall be known
+among the children of men--"
+
+There was a moment's pause in the blessing. Thomas Strong glanced up to
+the men, then looked at Julia in surprise.
+
+"Oh," said he softly, "my boy's name shall live--Thank God."
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Story of Chester Lawrence, by Nephi Anderson
+
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Story of Chester Lawrence, by Nephi Anderson.
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Story of Chester Lawrence, by Nephi Anderson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Story of Chester Lawrence
+
+Author: Nephi Anderson
+
+Release Date: October 15, 2004 [EBook #13756]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORY OF CHESTER LAWRENCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Asad Razzaki and the PG Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
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+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>Story of Chester Lawrence</h1>
+
+<a name="img001"><!--IMG--></a>
+<center><a href="images/img001.png">
+<img src="images/img001s.png" width="600" height="341"
+alt="Title" /></a>
+</center>
+<!--IMAGE END-->
+
+<hr />
+
+<a name='Page1'></a>
+
+<h1>Story of Chester Lawrence</h1>
+
+<h4>Being the Completed Account of One<br />
+who Played an Important Part in<br />
+&quot;Piney Ridge Cottage&quot;</h4>
+
+
+<h2>By NEPHI ANDERSON</h2>
+<h4>Author of &quot;Added Upon,&quot; &quot;The Castle Builder,&quot;<br />
+&quot;Piney Ridge Cottage,&quot; etc.</h4>
+<br />
+<h4>THE DESERET NEWS<br />
+Salt Like City, Utah<br />
+1913</h4>
+<a name='Page2'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<h3>Books by Nephi Anderson.</h3>
+
+<p class="advert">ADDED UPON, Fifth and Enlarged Edition. A story illustrating &quot;Mormon&quot;
+teachings regarding the past, the present, and the future states of
+existence.</p>
+
+<p class="advert">THE CASTLE BUILDER. The scenes and characters are from Norway, the Land
+of the Midnight Sun.</p>
+
+<p class="advert">MARCUS KING, MORMON, is the story of a convert to &quot;Mormonism&quot; who came
+to Utah in early pioneer days.</p>
+
+<p class="advert">PINEY RIDGE COTTAGE, the love story of a &quot;Mormon&quot; country girl.</p>
+
+<p class="advert">A YOUNG FOLKS' HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. The story of the &quot;Mormon&quot; Church
+is told in simple, interesting chapters.</p>
+
+<center><i>All bound in beautiful cloth, with gold titles</i>,<br />
+Price, 75 cents each.<br /></center>
+<br />
+<h4>DESERET NEWS BOOK STORE,<br />
+Salt Lake City, Utah.</h4>
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<br />
+
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_I'><b>CHAPTER I.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_II'><b>CHAPTER II.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_III'><b>CHAPTER III.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_IV'><b>CHAPTER IV.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_V'><b>CHAPTER V.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_VI'><b>CHAPTER VI.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_VII'><b>CHAPTER VII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_VIII'><b>CHAPTER VIII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_IX'><b>CHAPTER IX.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_X'><b>CHAPTER X.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XI'><b>CHAPTER XI.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XII'><b>CHAPTER XII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XIII'><b>CHAPTER XIII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XIV'><b>CHAPTER XIV.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XV'><b>CHAPTER XV.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XVI'><b>CHAPTER XVI.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XVII'><b>CHAPTER XVII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XVIII'><b>CHAPTER XVIII.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XIX'><b>CHAPTER XIX.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XX'><b>CHAPTER XX.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XXI'><b>CHAPTER XXI.</b></a><br />
+ <a href='#CHAPTER_XXII'><b>CHAPTER XXII.</b></a><br />
+
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='Page3'></a>
+<h2>Story of Chester Lawrence.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_I'></a><h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large
+crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting
+farewells to their friends on board. The departing passengers, most of
+them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and
+waved and shouted in return.</p>
+
+<p>The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up
+the gang-plank. The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and
+bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear. A tremor ran
+through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a
+strip of water between the pier and the ship. Then a tiny tug-boat came
+alongside, fastened itself to the steamer, and with calm assurance,
+guided its big brother safely into the harbor and down the bay. The
+people on shore merged into one dark object; the greetings became
+indistinct; the great city itself, back of the pier, melted into a gray
+mass as seen through the rain.</p>
+
+<p>Chester Lawrence stood on the deck of the departing vessel and watched
+the interesting scene. He <a name='Page4'></a>stood as one apart from the crowd, having no
+portion with either those on board or those left behind. He was a
+spectator only. Not a soul in that mass of humanity on the pier, not one
+in the big city, knew Chester Lawrence or had a thought for him. No one
+cared whether his voyage would be pleasant or otherwise. There were no
+tears for him, or fears that he would not return in safety. Of the
+hundreds of waving handkerchiefs, none was meant for him; but as a last
+show of good-fellowship and as a farewell greeting to his native land,
+Chester waved once with the rest.</p>
+
+<p>The rain continued as the ship dropped down the bay and came safely into
+the open sea. Some of the passengers then hurried below, while others
+lingered on deck to see as long as possible the fast-receding land.
+Chester took his time. He had seen that his grips had been safely stowed
+away in his state room, so he had no worries, as others seemed to have,
+regarding his belongings. The ship hands (sailors they cannot now be
+called) were busy clearing the deck and getting things into their proper
+places. The vessel pointed fairly into the vast eastern sea. The land
+became a dark, fast-thinning line on the western horizon, and then even
+that was swallowed up in the mist of rain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, good-by, old home, good-by thou goodly Land of Joseph,&quot; spoke
+Chester, half aloud, as he stood for one intense moment facing the west,
+then turned to go down into his room. The rain must at last have reached
+him for his eyes were so <a name='Page5'></a>blurred that he bumped rather abruptly into an
+elderly man who was standing at his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I beg your pardon,&quot; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was nothing, sir. I, too, was just bidding farewell to the Land of
+Joseph, and I fear my sight was also rather dim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester paused and looked at the man who had heard and repeated his
+remark. No one but a Latter-day Saint would call America the Land of
+Joseph. He was a pleasant-looking man, with hair and beard tinged with
+gray, clear blue eyes, a firm mouth, about which at that moment there
+played a faint smile. Apparently, he wished to make further acquaintance
+with Chester, for he asked:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How far west were you looking just now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The question went deeper than Chester thought possible. He colored a
+trifle, but there was no time to reply, for the other continued:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mine was farther than that gray blot called New York, farther than the
+Alleghany mountains; in fact, it extended across the plains of the west
+to the Rocky Mountains&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So was mine!&quot; exclaimed the younger man. &quot;Let's shake hands upon it. My
+name is Chester Lawrence, and I'm a Mormon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My name is George Malby.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Elder George Malby?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I am a Mormon elder going on a mission to Great Britain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm mighty glad to meet you, Elder Malby. I thought there wasn't a soul
+on board this vessel that<a name='Page6'></a> I could approach as a friend; now I have a
+brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Three of them,&quot; corrected the elder. &quot;There are two more missionaries
+on board. Not a large party of us this time. Would you like to meet
+them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was no more land to be seen now. The sea stretched all around,
+with clouds above, and the rain. There was more comfort below, so the
+two newly-made friends went down. Chester met the other elders who were
+younger men, one destined for Scandinavia, the other for the
+Netherlands. It did not take long for the four men to become acquainted.
+Presently the dinner gong sounded, and all became interested in the
+first meal on ship-board.</p>
+
+<p>Practically every one sat down to that dinner, and did full justice to
+it. For many, that was the only meal eaten for days. Chester was not
+seated at the same table as his friends. At his right was a chatty old
+gentleman and at his left a demure lady who ate in silence. Strangeness,
+however, is soon worn off when a company of people must eat at the same
+table for a week; that is, if the dreaded sea-sickness does not
+interfere too much with the gathering together at meal-time.</p>
+
+<p>Towards evening the rain ceased. As the darkness came on, the clouds
+billowed across the vast upper expanse. Chester and his new-made friends
+paced the deck and watched the night settle on the water, and enclose
+the ship in its folds. They talked of the strange new experience on
+ship-board, then they told somewhat of each other's personal <a name='Page7'></a>history.
+The sea was rough, and the ship pitched more and more as it met the
+swells of the Atlantic. The question of sea-sickness came up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have crossed the ocean three times,&quot; remarked Elder Malby, &quot;and
+escaped the sickness each time. I hope for as good luck now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It <i>is</i> a matter of luck, I understand,&quot; said Chester. &quot;Sea-sickness is
+no respecter of persons, times, or so-called preventatives. The weak
+sometimes escape, while the strong are laid low. <i>I</i> feel all right
+yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The two younger men were fighting bravely, but it was not long before
+they excused themselves hurriedly, and went below, and to bed. Chester
+and Elder Malby displayed splendid sea-legs, so they walked until they
+were tired, then took possession of some chairs in a sheltered corner,
+wrapping their coats well around them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish I were going on a mission, as you are,&quot; Chester was saying. &quot;My
+trip is somewhat aimless, I fear. For a year or more I have had a notion
+that I ought to see Europe. I have seen a good deal of America, both
+East and West. I lived for some time in Salt Lake City, though I became
+a Church member in Chicago. But about Europe,&quot; he continued as if he did
+not then wish to speak of his Western experiences, &quot;you know, one must
+have seen somewhat of the Old World to have the proper 'culture,'&mdash;must
+have seen Europe's pictures, old castles, and historic places. I know
+little and care less about the culture, but I have always had a desire
+to <a name='Page8'></a>see England, and some of France and Germany, and the Alps&mdash;yes, I
+want to see the Alps and compare them with our Rockies. Rome, and other
+Italian cities, are interesting, too, but I may not get to them this
+time. I do hope some good will come of all this&mdash;somehow I think it will
+not be wholly in vain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The older man let him talk without interruption. There was something
+uncommon in the life of this young man, but it would not do to show
+undue haste in wishing to know it. It was easily to be seen that Chester
+was helped in this opportunity to talk to a friend that could understand
+and be trusted. They sat late that night. The sea roared about them in
+the darkness. There was a fascination about this thing of seeming
+life&mdash;the ship&mdash;forcing itself against wind and wave into the darkness,
+and bearing safely with it in light and comfort a thousand precious
+souls.</p>
+
+<p>Chester slept fairly well, and was awake next morning at daylight.
+Though the ship was pitching and rocking, he felt no indications of
+sea-sickness. He gazed out of the port-hole at the racing waves. Some of
+them rose to his window, and he looked into a bank of green water. He
+got up and dressed. It was good to think he would not be sick. Very few
+were stirring. A number who were, like himself, immune, were briskly
+pacing the deck. Chester joined them and looked about. This surely must
+be a storm, thought he. He had often wished to witness one, from a safe
+position, of course, and here was one. As far as he could see in every
+direction, the ocean <a name='Page9'></a>was one mass of rolling, seething water. At a
+distance it looked like a boiling pot, but nearer the waves rose higher,
+the ship's prow cutting them like a knife.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quite a storm,&quot; said Chester to a man washing the deck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Storm? Oh, no, sir; just a bit of a blow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>No one seemed to have any concern regarding the safety of the ship, so
+Chester concluded that there was no danger, that this was no storm at
+all, which conclusion was right, as he had later to acknowledge. The sun
+came up through a wild sea into a wild sky, casting patches of shifting
+light on the waters to the east. Chester kept a lookout for his friends,
+the elders. When the breakfast gong sounded, Elder Malby appeared.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where are the others?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They'll not get up today; perhaps not tomorrow. I see you are all
+right. You're lucky. Come, let us go to breakfast.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Most of the seats were vacant at the table that morning. A few smilingly
+looked around, secure in their superior strength. Others were bravely
+trying to do the right thing by sitting down to a morning meal; but a
+number of these failed, some leaving quietly and deliberately, others
+rushing away in unceremonial haste. Chester was quite alone on his side
+of the table. If there had been a trifle of &quot;sinking emptiness&quot; in him
+before, the meal braced him up wonderfully. In this he thought he had
+discovered a sure cure for sea-sickness. One day later he <a name='Page10'></a>imparted this
+information to a lady voyager, who received it with the exclamation,
+&quot;Oh, horrors!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>All that day the wind was strong, and the sea rough. Even an officer
+acknowledged that if this weather kept up, the &quot;blow&quot; might grow into a
+storm. From the upper deck Chester and Elder Malby looked out on the
+sublime spectacle. Like great, green, white-crested hills, the waves
+raced along the vast expanse. Towards the afternoon the ship and the
+wind had shifted their course so that the waves dashed with thunderous
+roar against the iron sides of the vessel which only heaved and dipped
+and went steadily on its way.</p>
+
+<p>A number of ladies crowded on deck, and, aided by the stewards, were
+safely tucked into chairs in places protected from wind and spray. The
+deck stewards tempted them with broth, but they only sipped it
+indifferently. These same ladies, just the day before had carried their
+feather-tipped heads ever so stately. Now, alas, how had the mighty
+leveler laid them low! They did not now care how their gowns fitted, or
+whether their hats were on straight. Any common person, not afflicted
+with sea-sickness, could have criticised their attitude in the chairs.
+One became so indifferent to correct appearances that she slid from her
+chair on to the deck, where she undignifiedly sprawled. The deck steward
+had to tuck her shawls about her and assist her to a more lady-like
+position.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's pretty tough,&quot; remarked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All the wits have tried their skill on the subject <a name='Page11'></a>of sea-sickness,&quot;
+said his companion; &quot;but it's no joke to those who experience it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't we help those ladies?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not very much. You will find the best thing to do is to let them alone.
+They'll not thank you, not now, for any suggestion or proffer of help.
+If you should be so foolish as to ask them what you could do for them,
+they would reply, if they replied at all, 'Stop the ship for five
+minutes.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I'll be wise,&quot; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>The night came on, dark and stormy. The two friends kept up well. They
+ate the evening meal with appetite, then went on deck again.</p>
+
+<p>Night adds awfulness to the sublimity of a storm at sea. The world about
+the ship is in wild commotion. The sky seems to have dropped into the
+sea, and now joins the roaring waves as they rush along. The blackness
+of the night is impenetrable, save as the lights from the ship gleam for
+an instant into the moving mass of water. Now and then a wave, rearing
+its crested head higher than the rest, breaks in spray upon the deck.
+The wind seems eager to hurl every movable object from the vessel, but
+as everything is fast, it must be content to shriek in the rigging and
+to sweep out into the darkness, and lend its madness to the sea and sky.</p>
+
+<p>But let us leave this awe-inspiring uproar and go down into the saloon.
+Here we come into another world, a world of light and peace and
+contentment. The drawn curtains exclude the sight of the angry elements
+without, and save for the gentle rocking of <a name='Page12'></a>the ship and the occasional
+splashing of water against its sides, we can easily imagine that we are
+a thousand miles from the sea. Passengers sit at the long tables,
+reading or chatting. Other groups are playing cards or chess. In the
+cushioned corners, young men and maidens are exchanging banter with
+words and glances. A young lady is playing the piano, and over all this
+scene of life, and light, and gaiety, the electric lamps gleam in steady
+splendor.</p>
+
+<p>Elder Malby soon retired. Chester remained in the saloon for a time,
+studying the various aspects of life about him; then he made a
+good-night visit to the deck. He looked into the men's smoking room,
+where a few yet sat with pipes and beer, playing cards. Among them were
+two men, fat-cheeked, smoothly shaven, who were dressed in priestly
+garb. There was an expressive American in the company, an Englishman and
+a quiet German. Before the American could carry into effect his
+intention of asking Chester to join them, the latter had passed by and
+out beyond the stench of the tobacco smoke.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This air, washed clean by a thousand miles of scouring waves, is good
+enough for me,&quot; thought he.</p>
+
+<p>The wind was not blowing so hard. The sky was nearly clear of clouds.
+The moon hung full and bright above the heaving horizon. Here was
+another aspect of the wonderful sea, and Chester lingered to get its
+full beauty. The steamer rolled heavily between the big waves. The young
+man leaned on the railing, and watched the ship's deck <a name='Page13'></a>dip nearly to
+the water, then heave back until the iron sides were exposed nearly to
+the keel.</p>
+
+<p>Chester was about to turn in for the night when he heard a commotion,
+apparently among the third class passengers. He walked along to where he
+could look down on the forward main deck. A number of people were
+running about shouting excitedly. Chester ran down the steps to get a
+nearer view.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know. Someone overboard, I think.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>People were crowding to the rail at the extreme forward end of the ship.
+Someone with authority was trying to push them back, using the
+old-fashioned ship-board language to aid him. Chester drew near enough
+not to be in the way, but so that he could observe what was going on. By
+leaning well over the rail, he could see what appeared to be two persons
+clinging to the anchor, which hung on the ship's side, about half-way
+down to the water. One was a dark figure, the other appeared in the
+moonlight to be a woman dressed in white. Other ships-men now rushed up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Clear way here! Where's the rope? Hang on, my man; we'll soon get
+you&quot;&mdash;this down the side of the ship. There came some words in reply,
+but Chester did not hear them. A rope was lowered. &quot;Slip the loop around
+the lady,&quot; was the order from above. The man on the anchor tried to
+obey. He moved as if cautiously and slowly. &quot;Hurry, my man!&quot; But there
+was no haste. Limbs and fingers made stiff by long exposure and cramped
+position, <a name='Page14'></a>clinging desperately to prevent himself and his burden from
+falling into the sea, were not now likely to be nimble; but in a few
+minutes, which, however, seemed a long time, some words were spoken by
+the man on the anchor, the command to haul in was given, and slowly the
+nearly-unconscious form of a young woman was drawn up to safety.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, my man, your next,&quot; shouted the officer. The rope soon dangled
+down again, the man reached out a hand for it. The ship cut into a big
+wave, whose crest touched the man below. He grasped wildly for the rope,
+missed it, and fell with a cry into the sea. Chester tried to see him as
+the ship rushed on, but the commotion and the darkness prevented him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Man overboard! stop the ship!&quot; came from the excited passengers. &quot;Man
+overboard!&quot; What could be done! The man was gone. He had not one chance
+in a thousand to be rescued. Had he fallen overboard without much
+notice, the ship would have gone right on&mdash;Why should a world be stopped
+in its even course to save one soul?&mdash;but too many had seen this. Signal
+bells were rung, the engines slowed down, and then stopped. Lights
+flashed here and there, other officers of higher rank came on the scene;
+a boat fully manned was lowered. It bobbed up and down on the waves like
+a cork. Back into the track of the ship it went, and was soon lost to
+view.</p>
+
+<p>The search was continued for an hour, then given <a name='Page15'></a>up. No trace of the
+man could be found. The small boat was raised to the deck, the engine
+moved again, and the big ship went on its way.</p>
+
+<p>Chester lingered among the steerage, passengers and listened to the
+story of the lost man who, it seems, had been one of those unfortunate
+ones who had failed to pass the health inspector at New York and had
+therefore been sent back to his native land, Ireland. He was known as
+Mike, what else, no one could tell. And the woman? Poor girl, she had
+wandered in her night dress to the ship's side, and in some unknown way
+had gotten overboard as far as the protruding piece of iron. How Mike
+had reached her, or how long they had occupied their perilous position,
+no one could tell. He was gone, and the woman was saved to her husband
+and her baby.</p>
+
+<p>The night was growing late; but there was no sleep for Chester. Many of
+the passengers, having been awakened by the stopping of the ship, were
+up, hurriedly dressed, and enquiring what the trouble was. Chester met
+Elder Malby in the companion-way.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; asked the Elder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A man has been lost at sea,&quot; replied the other. &quot;Come into the saloon,
+and I'll tell you about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester was visibly affected as he related what he had seen. At the
+conclusion of his story he bowed his face into his hands for a moment.
+Then he looked into the Elder's face with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it's too bad, too bad,&quot; said George Malby.</p><a name='Page16'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you think so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well&mdash;why&mdash;isn't it a terrible thing to die like that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope not,&quot; replied Chester. &quot;I think the dying part was easy enough,
+and the manner of it was glorious. He was a poor fellow who had failed
+to land. He had no doubt thought to make fame and fortune in the new
+world. Now he has gone to a new world indeed. He entered it
+triumphantly, I hope. As far as I know, he ought to be received as a
+hero in that world to which he has gone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester's eyes shone and his face was aglow. &quot;Elder Malby,&quot; he
+continued, &quot;I remember what you told me just yesterday,&mdash;To our immortal
+soul, nothing that others can do, matters much; a man's own actions is
+what counts. Neither does it matter much when or how a man leaves this
+life; the vital thing is what he has done and how he has done it up to
+the point of departure. The Lord will take care of the rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As the two men went slowly along the narrow passage way to their state
+rooms that night, the older man said to the other, &quot;I guess you're
+right, my brother; yes; you are right. Good night, and pleasant sleep.&quot;</p><a name='Page17'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_II'></a><h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The next morning the sky was clear and the sea was much smoother. The
+sun shone bright and warm; more people came on deck, rejoicing that they
+could live in the vigor of the open rather than in their stuffy state
+rooms. The two seasick elders thought it wiser to remain quietly in
+their berths for another day, so Chester and Elder Malby had the day to
+themselves. As the accident of the night before became known to the
+passengers, it was the topic of conversation for some time.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon Chester and his companion found a cosy corner on deck
+away from the cigar smoke, and had a long heart to heart talk. The fact
+of the matter was that the young man found comfort in the society of his
+older brother. For the first time in nearly two years Chester could pour
+out his heart to sympathetic ears, and he found much joy in doing this.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Chester to a question, &quot;I should like to tell you about
+myself. When my story gets tiresome, call my attention to the porpoises,
+or declare that you can see a whale.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I promise,&quot; laughed the other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, to begin at the very beginning, I was born in a suburb of
+Chicago, and lived in and near that city most of my life. My mother's
+name was Anna Lawrence. I never knew my father, not even his <a name='Page18'></a>name. Yes,
+I can talk freely about it to you. The time was when I shunned even the
+thoughts of my earthly origin and my childhood days, but I have gotten
+over that. I have learned to face the world and all the truth it has for
+me.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When I was but a child, my mother married Hugh Elston. Shortly after,
+they both heard the gospel preached by a 'Mormon' elder, and they
+accepted it. I had been placed in the care of some of my relatives, and
+when my mother now wished to take me, they would not give me up. They
+were, of course, fearful that I, too, would become a 'Mormon.' Mr.
+Elston and my mother went west to Utah. I was sent to school, obtained a
+fairly good education, and while yet a young man, was conducting a
+successful business.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had nearly forgotten that I had a parent at all, when one day, my
+mother, without announcement, came to Chicago. She had left her husband.
+Mother did not say much to any of us, but I took it for granted that she
+had been abused among the 'terrible Mormons.' After a time I took a trip
+out to Utah to see about it, meaning to find this Mr. Elston and compel
+him to do the right thing for my mother. Well, I went, I saw, and was
+conquered. Mr. Elston was a widower living in a spot of green called
+Piney Ridge Cottage amid the sage-brush desert,&mdash;living there alone with
+his daughter Julia. And this Julia&mdash;well&mdash;Do you see any porpoises,
+Brother Malby?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not yet. Go on.&quot;</p><a name='Page19'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Elston is a fine, good-hearted man,&mdash;a gentleman in very deed. He
+soon found out who I was and invited me to his home. Julia was mistress
+there. In the midst of the desert, these two had created a beautiful
+home. I went to their Sunday School and their meetings. I read Mormon
+books. My eyes were opened to the truth, and I was ready to accept it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thanks to Julia,&quot; suggested the listener with a sly glance at Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; thanks to Julia, Brother Malby; but not in the sense you hint at.
+I think I would have accepted the gospel, even had there been no Julia
+mixed up with the finding of it. But Julia helped. She was a living
+example of what 'Mormonism' can do for a person, and when I looked at
+her, learned her thoughts through her words, and saw her life by her
+every-day deeds, I said to myself, 'A system of religion that produces
+such a soul, cannot be bad.' Yes; she was a wonderful help; but I repeat
+that had the truth come to me by other means and other ways, I believe I
+should have accepted it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Forgive me for the thoughtless remark,&quot; said Elder Malby.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O, I know how justifiable you are for it, so you are forgiven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did you join the Church in Utah?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I went back to Chicago. Away from Utah, from Piney Ridge Cottage
+and its influence. I pondered and prayed. I found the elders there and
+was baptized. Then I went to Salt Lake City, where<a name='Page20'></a> Julia had gone to
+attend school while her father was away on a mission to England.&quot;
+Chester paused, looking out on the sea. &quot;You don't blame me for falling
+in love with Julia, do you?&quot; asked he.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't blame you a bit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But there was someone else, a young fellow who had grown up as a
+neighbor to her. He also went on a mission, and then I believe Julia
+discovered that she thought more of Glen Curtis than of me. I do not now
+blame Julia for that. She told me plainly her feelings. I persisted for
+a time, but in vain&mdash;then I went away, and have never been to Utah
+since.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that's the end of your story?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no; while I was roaming aimlessly about the country trying to mend
+a broken heart, mother, becoming uneasy about me, and thinking I was yet
+in Utah, journeyed out west to find me. The team on the stage-coach
+which took her out to Julia's home, ran away from the drunken driver,
+and just before they got to Piney Ridge Cottage the wagon upset on a
+dug-way, and mother was mortally hurt. She died under Julia's care, and
+now lies in Mr. Elston's private graveyard near Piney Ridge Cottage
+beside Mr. Elston's other wife. Let us walk a little.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The older man linked his arm into Chester's as they paced the long reach
+of the promenade deck. They walked for a few minutes, then sat down
+again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope you'll not think I'm a bore, to continue my personal history;
+but there is something in here,&quot;<a name='Page21'></a> said Chester, striking his breast,
+&quot;that finds relief in expression to one who understands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go on; tell me all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you know, I was tempted to 'chuck it all' after I had failed with
+Julia. I even went so far as to play devilishly near to sin, but thank
+the Lord, I came to my senses before I was overcome, and I escaped that
+horror. Oh, but I was storm-tossed for a while&mdash;I thought of it
+yesterday when we had the rough sea&mdash;but in time I came out into the
+calm again, just as we are coming today on this voyage. But not until I
+had said more than once 'not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done,' and
+said it from my heart, did I get peace. Then I began to see that the
+girl had come into my life, not to be my wife, but to turn my life into
+new channels. I, with the rest of the world of which I was a part, had
+no definite views or high ideals of life, death, 'and that vast
+forever;' and something was needed to change my easy-going course. When
+I realized that Julia Elston had been the instrument of the Lord in
+doing that, I had to put away resentment and acknowledge the hand of God
+in it. I read in the parables of our Lord that a certain merchantman had
+to sell all he had in order to get the purchase money to buy the Pearl
+of Great Price. Why should it be given me without cost?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We all have to pay for it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I who had made no sacrifice, railed against fate because I had been
+asked to pay a trifle&mdash;no it was not a trifle; but I have paid, and hope
+to continue <a name='Page22'></a>to pay to the last call. Now, what do you say, brother?
+Tell me what you think.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you have an interesting story, my brother, and I am glad you look
+on your experiences in the right light. To get the woman one thinks he
+ought to get, is, after all, not the whole of life. There are other
+blessings. To have one's life changed from darkness into light; to have
+one's journey turned from a downward course to one of eternal
+exaltation; to obtain a knowledge of the plan of salvation,&mdash;these are
+important. If one is on the right way, and keeps on that way to the end,
+He who rules the world and the destinies of men, will see to it that all
+is right. Sometime, somewhere, every man and every woman will come to
+his own, whether in life or death, in this world, or the next.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you for saying that. Do you know, I am now glad that Julia did
+not yield to my entreaties, and marry me out of pity. Think how I would
+have felt when the realization of that had come to me. * * * * I found
+this expression of Stevenson the other day, purporting to be a test of a
+man's fortitude and delicacy: 'To renounce where that shall be
+necessary, and not to be embittered.' Thank the Lord, I am not
+embittered. Some time ago I chose this declaration of Paul for my motto:
+'But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and
+reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the
+mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'&quot;</p><a name='Page23'></a>
+
+<p>The light of a soul of peace shone from the countenance of the young
+man. The smile on the lips added only beauty to the strength of the
+face. He arose, shook himself as if to get rid of all past
+unpleasantness and weakness, and faced the east as though he were
+meeting the world with new power. Then the smile changed to a merry
+laugh as he ran to the railing and cried:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;See, sure enough, there <i>is</i> a school of porpoises!&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The ship was in mid-ocean. The rough weather had wholly ceased. The sea
+lay glinting like a vast jewel under the slant of the afternoon sun. It
+was a day of unflecked beauty. The decks were gay with people, some
+walking, some leaning idly on the rail, some sitting with books in their
+hands. A few were reading, but most sat with finger in closed book. Why
+bother to read <i>about</i> life when it could be seen so full and
+interesting all around.</p>
+
+<p>A day on ship-board is longer than one on shore, and provision must be
+made to pass it pleasantly. If the weather is fair, this is quite a
+problem. Of course, there are the meals in the well-appointed dining
+saloon. They break pleasantly into the long monotony. Then there are the
+deck games; the watching for &quot;whales&quot; and passing vessels; the looking
+at the spinning log in the foaming water at the stern; the marking of
+the chart, which indicates the distance traversed during the twenty-four
+hours; the visit to the steerage and the &quot;stoke hole,&quot; or boiler room in
+the depths of the ship; and last, but not <a name='Page24'></a>least, the getting acquainted
+with one's fellow passengers. &quot;Steamer friendships&quot; are easily made, and
+in most cases, soon forgotten. The little world of people speeding
+across the deep from shore to shore, is bound together closely for a few
+days, and then, its inhabitants scatter.</p>
+
+<p>Chester Lawrence was enjoying every hour of the voyage. On that day
+practically all sea-sickness had gone. The vacant places at the tables
+were being filled and the company looked around at each other with
+pleasant contentment. The steamship company no longer saved on the
+provisions. The chatty old gentleman at Chester's right was back again
+after a short absence, and the power of speech had come to the demure
+lady on his left, with the return of her appetite.</p>
+
+<p>Two places opposite Chester were still vacant at the table. That day as
+the crowd hastily answered the dinner gong, Chester, being a little
+tardy, encountered an elderly man and what appeared to be his daughter
+making their way slowly down the companionway towards the dining room.
+Chester saw at a glance that neither of them was strong, but both tried
+to appear able and were bound to help each other. He smiled at their
+well-meaning endeavors, then without asking leave, took the man's free
+arm and helped him down the steps, saying,</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You haven't quite got your sea-legs yet&mdash;Now then, steady, and we'll
+soon be there. Get a good dinner, and that will help.&quot;</p><a name='Page25'></a>
+
+<p>The steward showed them to the two seats opposite Chester which had been
+vacant so long.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you very much,&quot; said the girl to Chester, with a smile, when the
+elderly man was well seated. Chester bowed without replying, then went
+around the table to his own seat.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow that gracious little smile had made Chester's heart flutter for
+an instant. As he realized it, he said to himself, &quot;What's the matter
+with me? Am I getting foolish? It was, certainly a sweet smile, and the
+thanks were gracious, too; but what of it?&quot; The first courses were being
+served. She was sitting opposite him, just a few feet away. He might
+take a good look at the girl to see if there was anything uncommon about
+her. He looked down the table, glancing just for an instant opposite.
+No; there was nothing striking, or to be disturbed about. The girl was
+still solicitous over her companion, meanwhile eating a little herself.
+&quot;I musn't be rude, thought Chester, and then looked again across the
+table. The man was past middle age. His face was clean shaven, and he
+was dressed in the garb of a minister. He was a preacher, then. The girl
+had evidently suffered much from sea-sickness, because her face was pale
+and somewhat pinched, though there was a tinge of red in her cheeks.
+That's a pretty chin, and a lovely mouth&mdash;and, well, now, what <i>is</i> the
+matter! Chester Lawrence, attend to your chicken.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister and his daughter did not remain for the dessert. As they
+arose, he said:</p><a name='Page26'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, that's pretty good for the first time, isn't it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, father, it is,&quot; she replied. &quot;You're getting on famously. Shall we
+try the deck for a while?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; it will do us both good to get into the air. Run along into your
+room for a wrap.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester was tempted to leave his dinner to help them again; but he
+resisted the temptation. They walked quite firmly now, and as they
+entered the passageway, the girl glancing back into the room, met
+Chester's eyes and smiled once more. Again Chester's heart fluttered. It
+would have been a cold, hardened heart indeed not to have responded to
+such an appeal.</p><a name='Page27'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_III'></a><h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>On the morning of the fourth day out, Chester Lawrence stood watching
+the antics of a young man, who, coatless and hatless, and made brave by
+too many visits to the bar, was running up the rope ladders of the mast
+to a dangerous height. He climbed up to where the ladder met the one on
+the other side, down which he scrambled with the agility of a monkey.
+The ladies in the group on deck gasped in fright at his reckless daring.
+The fellow jumped to the deck from the rail, and made a sweeping bow to
+the spectators:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ladies and gentlemen,&quot; he said, &quot;'tis nothing at all, I assure you. On
+shore I am a circus performer, an' I was just practicing a little. Have
+no fear. See&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was about to make a second exhibition when a ship's officer seized
+him, threatening to lock him up if he did not desist.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O, certainly, if its against the rules,&quot; he replied meekly. His hat and
+coat were lying on a chair by some ladies. He put these on again, and
+then sat down and began talking to the one nearest him. Chester, who had
+followed the fellow's capers with some interest, gave a start when he
+saw that the lady with whom the man was trying to carry on a
+conversation was the minister's daughter. She was visibly annoyed, and
+looked about as if for help.<a name='Page28'></a> Chester thought her eyes fell on him, and
+without hesitation he determined to assist her. He went up to them, and
+without appearing to see the girl, reached out his hand to the man,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Halloo Jack! Didn't know you were on board till I saw your capers just
+now. I want to talk to you a moment. Come along and have a drink first.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The fellow stared at Chester and was about to deny any acquaintanceship
+with him, when the insistent manner of the greeting changed his mind. He
+excused himself to the lady, arose and followed. Chester took his arm as
+they walked along.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Which is your state-room?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's 340; but what you want to know for? Aren't we going to have a
+drink?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not just now, my man. You're going to your room, and to bed. You got up
+too early. Listen,&quot;&mdash;as the sobering man began to resent the
+interference,&mdash;&quot;there's an officer looking at us. He will do nothing if
+you will go along quietly with me, but if you make a scene I'll hand you
+over to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They found the man's room and he willingly went in and lay down. &quot;Now,&quot;
+said Chester to him, &quot;remain below until you're sober. And don't bother
+that young lady again&mdash;do you hear. <i>Don't you do it</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester went on deck again, somewhat in wonder at his own conduct. He
+was not in the habit of interfering in other people's business, and
+never mixed with drunken affairs. But this surely was different. No man
+would have refused <i>that</i> appeal <a name='Page29'></a>for help. Yes; he was sure she had
+pleaded with her eyes. Perhaps he ought to go back and receive her
+thanks, but he resisted that impulse. He walked to the extreme rear of
+the boat and stood looking at the broad white path which the ship was
+making in the green sea. He stood gazing for some time, then turned, and
+there sitting on a coil of rope was the girl who had been in his mind.
+She saw his confusion and smiled at it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;I came to thank you,&quot; she said; &quot;but I did not like to disturb your
+meditations, so I sat down to rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The sea has used you up quite badly, hasn't it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O no; I was dreadfully ill before I came aboard. This trip is to make
+me well, so papa says.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope so.&quot; There was a pause, during which Chester found a seat on a
+bit of ship furniture. This girl's voice was like an echo from far-away
+Utah and Piney Ridge Cottage. And there was something about the shapely
+head now framed in wind-blown hair and the face itself that reminded him
+of someone else. Just how the resemblance came in he could not tell, but
+there it was. Perhaps, after all, it was just the look in her eyes and
+the spirit that accompanied her actions and words that moved him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is that man a friend of yours?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You mean that drunken fool? No; I've never met him before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was just a ruse then&mdash;that invitation to drink.&quot;</p><a name='Page30'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;I had to do something, and that came first to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you didn't go and drink with him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why no, of course not. I took him to his berth, and told him to stay
+there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you think he will?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; until he sobers up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I don't like drunken men.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Neither do I.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We're agreed on one thing then, aren't we?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester laughed with her. Elder Malby was pacing the deck, awaiting the
+call for breakfast; but Chester did not join him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The man bothered me yesterday,&quot; she said, &quot;and again last night. He
+wished to get acquainted, he claimed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You don't know him, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've never seen him before. Papa has had to remain very quiet, and I
+haven't been around much. That fellow made me afraid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, he'll not bother you again. If he does, let me know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you very much&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The call for breakfast came to them faintly, then grew louder as the
+beaten gong came up from below to the deck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must get papa and take him to breakfast. Let me thank you again, and
+good morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He might have accompanied her down, but he just stood there watching
+her. Elder Malby came up, and the two went down together.</p><a name='Page31'></a>
+
+<p>The minister and his daughter got into their places more actively that
+morning. Chester wished heartily that his seat was not opposite. She was
+at too close range to allow of any careful observation. He could not
+very well help looking across the table, neither could she, although she
+had her father to talk to. Chester was really glad when breakfast was
+over that morning, and they all filed up to the sun-lit deck again.</p>
+
+<p>Had Chester been a smoker, he would no doubt have taken consolation in a
+pipe with the majority of the men; but as it was, he withdrew as much as
+possible from others that he might think matters over and get to a
+proper footing; for truth to tell, he was in danger of falling in love
+again, and that, he said to himself, would never do. He avoided even
+Elder Malby that morning; but to do so he had to go down to the main
+deck forward out to the prow. He went to the extreme point, where from
+behind the closed railing he could stand as a look-out into the eastern
+sea. Gently and slowly the vessel rose and fell as it plowed through the
+long, gleaming undulations.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What am I coming to,&quot; said Chester half-aloud as if the sea might hear
+and answer him. &quot;Here I am running away from one heart entanglement only
+to go plump into another. She is not Julia, of course, but she has
+Julia's twin soul. A perfect stranger, an acquaintance of two days! The
+daughter of a minister, a minister of the world!&quot; What was he thinking
+of? Who were they? He did not <a name='Page32'></a>even know her name. She was not a well
+girl, that he could see. The roses in her cheeks were not altogether
+natural and her face was pale; but those red lips, and that smile when
+turned to him! Well, the voyage was half over. Another four or five days
+and they would be in Liverpool, where they would go their different ways
+forever. He must keep away from her that long, seeing there was danger.
+No more playing with the fire that burns so deep. And all this which he
+seemed to feel and fear, might be undreamed of by her and very likely
+was. A girl like that would not take seriously a &quot;steamer friendship.&quot;
+She was only doing what all young people do on such trips, making
+pleasant acquaintances with whom to pass away the monotonous days.
+&quot;Sure, sure,&quot; said he, as if to clinch the argument, but nevertheless,
+deep within his soul there was an undercurrent of protest against such
+final conclusions.</p>
+
+<p>Chester tried to seek refuge in Elder Malby, but as he was not to be
+found, he opened up a conversation with the missionary for Scandinavia.
+The missionary was but a boy, it seemed to Chester. The going from home
+and the sea-sickness had had their effects, and the young fellow was
+glad to have some one to talk to. He came from Arizona, he told Chester;
+had lived on a ranch all his life; had never been twenty miles away from
+home before,&mdash;and now all this at once! It was &quot;tough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I'm feeling fine now,&quot; he said. &quot;Do you know, I've had a peculiar
+experience. All the way across the United States from home, something
+<a name='Page33'></a>seemed to say to me, 'You can't stand this. You'll go crazy. You'd
+better go back home.' Of course, I was terribly homesick, and I guess
+that was the trouble. The cowardly part of me was trying to scare the
+better part. But all the time I seemed to hear 'You'll go crazy' until
+once or twice I thought I would.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it was the same in New York, and the same when we came aboard. I
+didn't care much one way or other while sea-sick, but when I got over
+it, there was the same taunting voice. At last I got downright angry and
+said, 'All right, I'm going right on and fill my mission, <i>and go
+crazy!</i>' From that moment I have ceased to be bothered, and am now
+feeling fine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good for you,&quot; said Chester. &quot;You'll win out. I wish I was sure about
+myself.&quot; He went no further in explanation, however.</p>
+
+<p>Ship board etiquette does not require formal introductions before
+extended conversations may be carried on. The New England school ma'am
+and the German professor were in a deep discussion ten minutes after
+they had met for the first time. Many on the ship were going especially
+&quot;to do Europe,&quot; so there were themes for conversation in common.</p>
+
+<p>As it happened, Chester was alone again that afternoon and he met the
+minister and his daughter on the promenade deck. They were taking their
+exercise moderately, pausing frequently to look at any trifling
+diversion. Chester tipped his cap at them as they passed. At the next
+meeting in the <a name='Page34'></a>walk, the minister stopped and greeted the young man.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish to thank you for your act of kindness to my daughter,&quot; he said.
+&quot;She has told me about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was nothing, I assure you, sir,&quot; replied Chester. &quot;I don't think the
+fellow will annoy her again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope not. On these ocean voyages one is thrown so closely into all
+kinds of company. We, of course, must suppose all our fellow-passengers
+are respectable people, until we find out otherwise&mdash;but let us sit
+down. Where are our chairs, Lucy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They're on the other side, I believe, where we left them this morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a little too windy there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll bring them around to you,&quot; said Chester. Lucy followed him,
+pointing out which of the chairs belonged to them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May I not carry one?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You do not appear strong enough to lift one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester carried the two chairs around to the side of the sheltered deck,
+then found a vacant chair for himself which he placed with the other
+two.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you very much,&quot; said the minister, as they seated themselves.
+&quot;The day is really fine, isn't it? After the sea-sickness, there is
+something glorious in a pleasant sea voyage. This is my third time
+across, but I don't remember just such a fine day as this. Are you a
+good sailor?&quot; this to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've not missed a meal yet, if that's any indication.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I envy you. I have often wished I could be on <a name='Page35'></a>deck in a bit of real
+bad weather. We had a little blow the other day, I understand, when that
+poor fellow lost his life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I saw the accident,&quot; replied Chester; whereupon he had to relate
+the details to them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, such is life&mdash;and death,&quot; was the minister's only comment on the
+story.</p>
+
+<p>The minister did most of the talking. Perhaps that was because he was
+used to it, having, as he told Chester, been a preacher for twenty-five
+years. The daughter commented briefly now and then, prompting his memory
+where it seemed to be weak. Chester listened with great interest to the
+man's account of former trips to Europe and his description of famous
+places. The speaker's voice was pleasant and well-modulated. His
+clean-cut face lighted up under the inspiration of some vivid
+description. Chester found himself drawn to the man nearly as much as he
+had been to the daughter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're an American,&quot; announced the minister, turning to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A western American, too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Right again; how can you tell?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Easily enough. How far west?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My home is in Chicago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Lucy and I can beat you. We came from Kansas City. Ever been
+there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've passed through twice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Through the Union Depot only?&quot; asked Lucy.</p><a name='Page36'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;You must have received a very unpleasant impression of our city.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, happily I did get away from that depot. I took a ride on the cars
+out to Independence, and I saw a good part of the city besides. It's
+beautiful out towards Swope Park&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's where we live,&quot; exclaimed the girl. &quot;I think the park's just
+grand. I live in it nearly all summer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this point of the conversation, a party to windward, among whom were
+the two Catholic Fathers, lighted their pipes, and the smoke streamed
+like from so many chimneys into the faces of those sitting near. The
+minister looked sharply towards the puffing men, while Lucy tried to
+push the denser clouds away with her hands; but no notice was taken of
+such gentle remonstrances.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll speak to them,&quot; suggested Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; don't. It would only offend them,&quot; said the minister. &quot;They think
+they are strictly within their rights, and it does not dawn on their
+nicotine poisoned wits that they are taking away other peoples'
+rights,&mdash;that of breathing the uncontaminated air. We'll just move our
+chairs a bit,&quot; which they did.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You don't smoke, I take it,&quot; continued the clergyman, addressing
+Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I quit two years ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good for you. It's a vile habit, and I sometimes think the worst effect
+smoking has on people is that it dulls the nice gentlemanlyness of a
+man's character. Now, those men over there, even the<a name='Page37'></a> Catholic Fathers,
+are, no doubt gentlemen in all respects but one; it's a pity that the
+tobacco habit should make the one exception.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester agreed in words, Lucy in looks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You say you have passed through Kansas City,&quot; continued the father.
+&quot;How far west have you been?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To the Pacific Coast.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy and I should have made this trip westward, but the doctor said we
+must not cross the mountains, because of her heart. So an ocean voyage
+was advised.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I did want so much to see the Rockies,&quot; added the young woman. &quot;I
+have always had a longing to see our own mountains as well as those of
+Switzerland. Next summer we'll take that western trip.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope so, daughter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I assure you they are worth seeing,&quot; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No doubt about it. Lucy and I have planned it all for some day. Were
+you ever in Utah?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I lived for some time in Salt Lake City. Be sure to see that town on
+your trip.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister looked somewhat queerly at Chester for a moment. Then his
+gaze swept out to the water again as if a momentary disturbing thought
+was gotten rid of. Lucy was interested.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tell us about Salt Lake City, and, and the Mormons,'&quot; pleaded she.</p><a name='Page38'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Never mind the 'Mormons,' Lucy,&quot; admonished her father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's difficult to speak of Utah and Salt Lake without mentioning the
+'Mormons,'&quot; added Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then let's talk of something else, something more pleasant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Evidently this minister was like all others, Chester concluded; sane and
+intelligent on all subjects but one,&mdash;the &quot;Mormons.&quot; Well, he would set
+himself right before these two people, and do it now.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can say,&quot; said Chester, &quot;that my experience among the 'Mormon' people
+has been among the most pleasant of my life. In fact, I don't know where
+I can go to find a more honest, God-fearing, virtuous people. I&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Young man,&quot; interrupted the clergyman, looking keenly at him, &quot;are you
+a 'Mormon'?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir; I have that honor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy gave a cry, whether of alarm or gladness, the young man could not
+then tell. The minister arose slowly. &quot;Lucy,&quot; he said, &quot;let us walk a
+little more,&quot; and without another word the two resumed their promenade.</p>
+
+<p>But in Lucy's face there appeared concern. The tears, glittering in her
+eyes did not altogether hide the reassuring glance which she turned
+about to give Chester as he sat alone by the vacated chairs.</p><a name='Page39'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_IV'></a><h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The next day was Sunday. Even on ship-board there are some indications
+that the seventh day is different from the rest. There is always a
+little extra to the menu for dinner, and then religious services are
+also held; and are not these two things frequently all that distinguish
+the Sabbath on the land?</p>
+
+<p>That morning neither Lucy nor her father was at breakfast. Immediately
+after, Chester sought out the chief steward, and by insistency and the
+help of a small tip, he got his seat changed to the table occupied by
+Elder Malby and the two other missionaries. &quot;No one shall be annoyed by
+my near presence, if I can help it,&quot; Chester said.</p>
+
+<p>At the noon meal, the minister and his daughter appeared as usual.
+Chester watched them unobserved from his changed position. They looked
+at the vacant place opposite, but as far as Chester could determine, his
+absence was not discussed.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon services were held in three parts of the vessel at the
+same time. On the steerage deck a large company of Irish Catholics
+surrounded the two Fathers. One of the priests stood in the center of
+the group while the people kneeled on the deck. The priest read
+something in Latin, the others repeating after him. Then a glass of
+&quot;holy water&quot; was passed among them, the worshipers dipping <a name='Page40'></a>their
+fingers in and devoutly crossing themselves. Chester watched the
+proceedings for a time, then he went to the second class deck where a
+revival meeting was in progress. The preacher was delivering the usual
+exhortation to &quot;come to Jesus,&quot; while yet there was time. Presently,
+there came from the depths of the ship the sound of the dinner gong
+being slowly and solemnly beaten, no doubt to imitate, as nearly as
+possible, the peal of church bells. The steward who acted as bell ringer
+did his duty well, going into the halls and on to the decks, then
+disappearing again into the saloon. This was the official announcement
+to service. Chester and his friends followed. Quite a congregation had
+gathered. Two large pillows had been covered with a Union Jack to serve
+as a pulpit. A ship's officer then read the form prescribed for services
+on ship-board from the Church of England prayer book. It was all very
+dry and uninteresting, &quot;Verily a form of godliness&quot; and a lot of &quot;vain
+repetition,&quot; said Elder Malby.</p>
+
+<p>Then the minister&mdash;Chester's minister&mdash;arose. He had been asked, he
+said, to add a few words to the regular service, and he was pleased to
+do so. He called attention to the accident which had happened on their
+voyage, and felt to say something on the providence of God, and His
+watch-care over His children. The preacher's voice was pleasant, the
+ministerial tone not being so pronounced as to make his speech
+unnatural. Chester listened attentively, <a name='Page41'></a>as also did Lucy who, Chester
+observed, was sitting well up towards the front.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God is the source of the being of all men,&quot; said the preacher. &quot;He has
+brought us all into existence, and made us in His own likeness, and is a
+Father to us in fact and in feeling. He owns us and owns His
+responsibility for us. He cares for us and overrules all things for our
+good. He is worthy of our love and confidence. Since we are His
+children, God desires us to be such in very deed&mdash;in fellowship and
+character, and is satisfied with us only as we are giving ourselves to
+the filial life. This relationship which we bear to God cannot be fully
+explained. There is a mystery in it beyond the understanding of finite
+minds; but of this we are sure that the God of Creation has brought us
+all forth into being, and He will take care of us if we will let Him. We
+cannot reasonably and reverently think otherwise of Him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is it not a comfort to think that we cannot get away from the
+ever-present watchfulness of God? As the Psalmist puts it: 'Whither
+shall I go from thy spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
+If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell,
+behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in
+the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and
+thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover
+me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not
+from <a name='Page42'></a>thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light
+are both alike to thee.' Yes, yes, my friends, 'God is our refuge and
+strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear&mdash;'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Somehow, what the minister said after that came very indistinctly to
+Chester Lawrence. He heard the words, but was aware only of a peculiar
+feeling, a dim perception of where he was and what he was hearing. There
+seemed to him to be a genuine feeling in the voice that uttered those
+beautiful words of scripture. They clung to his heart, and the minister
+himself became transfigured for an instant into some other being,&mdash;stern
+of countenance, yet loveliness in the depths of his soul, spiritually
+far away, yet heart yearning with nearness of love. Chester came fully
+to himself only when Elder Malby took his arm and together they paced a
+few turns around the deck.</p>
+
+<p>That same Sunday evening as Chester stood alone on the promenade deck
+watching the moonlight lay as a golden coverlet on the placid sea, his
+attention was attracted to the figure of a girl mounting the steps
+leading to the deck where he stood. She paused half way as if to rest,
+then came slowly up to where he was standing. Her breath came heavily,
+and she looked around to find a place to rest. Chester instinctively
+took her arm and led her to a deck chair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O thank you,&quot; said Lucy, &quot;I&mdash;my heart bothered me pretty badly that
+time. I am forbidden <a name='Page43'></a>to climb stairs, but I couldn't find you on the
+lower deck.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did you wish to see me?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I&mdash;you'll not think me over bold, will you, but I had to find
+you&mdash;won't you sit down here&mdash;I can't talk very loudly tonight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester drew a chair close to hers. A light wrap clung about her and the
+moonlight streamed on head and face. The young man, in the most
+matter-of-course-way adjusted the wrap to the girl's shoulders as he
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are not well, tonight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I'm as well as usual&mdash;thank you.&quot; She smiled faintly. &quot;Will you
+forgive us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was about to reply, &quot;Forgive you for what?&quot; but he checked himself.
+Somehow, he could not feign ignorance as to what she meant, neither
+could he use meaningless words to her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We were very rude to you yesterday, both father and I; and I wanted to
+make some explanations to you, so you would understand. I am so sorry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You and your father are already forgiven. If there were a grain of
+ill-feeling against him this afternoon, it all completely vanished when
+I heard him talk at the services.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You were there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes. Now don't you worry.&quot; He was nearly to say &quot;Little Sister;&quot; but
+again he checked himself. &quot;I am a 'Mormon,'&quot; he continued. &quot;I am not
+ashamed of it, because I know what it means. Only those who don't know
+despise the word.&quot;</p><a name='Page44'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Neither am I ashamed of it,&quot; she said as she looked him fairly in the
+face. &quot;I know a little&mdash;a very little&mdash;about the 'Mormons,' but that
+which I know is good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you know?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll tell you. One evening, in Kansas City I stopped to listen to two
+young men preaching on the street. They were just boys, and they did not
+have the appearance of preachers. You must know that I have always been
+interested in religion, and religious problems. Perhaps that is natural,
+seeing my father is a minister. I read his books, and many are the
+discussions I have had with him over points of doctrine,&mdash;and we don't
+always agree, either. He, however, usually took my little objections
+good naturedly until one day he asked me where I had obtained a certain
+notion regarding baptism. In reply I handed him the booklet I had
+received at the 'Mormon' street meeting. He looked at it curiously for a
+moment, wanted to know where I had obtained it, then locked it up in his
+desk. He was really angry; as that was something he had never been
+before over any religious question, I was surprised and impressed. I
+had, however, read carefully the booklet. Not only that, but I had been
+secretly to one of the 'Mormon' services. I there learned that an
+acquaintance of mine belonged to the 'Mormon' Church, and depend upon
+it, I had her tell me what she knew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And your father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He objected, of course. At first, I told him everything. He had always
+let me go to any and <a name='Page45'></a>all religious gatherings without objection. He
+even laughingly told me I could don the Salvation lassie's bonnet and
+beat a drum in the street, if I wanted to; but when it came to the
+'Mormons,' O, he was angry, and forbade me from ever going to their
+meetings or reading their literature. I thought it strange.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's not strange at all,&mdash;when you understand,&quot; remarked Chester, who
+was intensely interested in her story. &quot;I suppose you obeyed your
+father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, now, you want me to tell you the truth, of course&mdash;I&mdash;I wasn't
+curious&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're laughing at me. But I wasn't, I tell you. I was interested.
+There is something in 'Mormonism' that draws me to it. I don't know much
+about it, to be sure, for it seems that the subject always widens out to
+such immensity. I want you to tell me more about Joseph Smith, the Book
+of Mormon and the new revelations.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But your father will object. What would he say if he knew you were
+sitting here in this beautiful moonlight talking to a 'Mormon'?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm of age, I guess. I'm doing nothing wrong, I hope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope not. Far be it for me to harm you&mdash;or any living soul. But I
+don't know much about the gospel as we call it&mdash;for you must know it is
+the simple gospel of Jesus Christ revealed anew. There are three other
+'Mormons' on board, missionaries going to Europe. One of them at least
+could tell you much.&quot;</p><a name='Page46'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;But I'd be pleased to hear you tell me&mdash;is, is that father? I wonder if
+he is looking for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester looked in the direction indicated. A man came up, then passed
+on; it was not the minister. The girl crouched into the shadow, and as
+she did so her shoulder pressed against Chester's. Then she sprang up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I was foolish,&quot; she exclaimed, &quot;to be afraid of dear old daddy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester also arose, and the two walked to the railing. They stood there
+in the moonlight. Great clouds of black smoke poured from the ship's
+funnels, and streamed on to windward, casting a shadow on the white
+deck. They looked out to the water, stretching in every direction into
+the darkness. Then as if impelled by a common impulse, they looked at
+each other, then blushed, and lowered their eyes. The girl's hands lay
+on the railing. Chester saw their soft shapeliness, and noted also that
+there were no rings on them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm glad I've met you,&quot; said Chester honestly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I'm glad, too,&quot; she breathed. &quot;Some other time you must tell me so
+much. I've so many questions to ask. You'll do that, won't you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why do you ask?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now I must go to father. He may be uneasy.&quot; She held out her hand.
+&quot;Good night&mdash;what <i>do</i> you think of me? Am I a rude girl?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I heard your father call you Lucy. That's your name, isn't it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p><a name='Page47'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;And I may call you that, may I not? You know these ship-board
+acquaintances don't wait on ceremony.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I don't know your name, either. Think of it, how we have been
+really confidential and we don't even know each other's name.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only half of it. I've two more. How many have you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only two.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And they are?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester Lawrence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, mine is Lucy May Strong&mdash;and now, goodnight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He took her arm and helped her down the steps, gently, for she seemed
+such a frail being, one who needed just such stout arms as Chester's to
+lean upon. He risked the danger of meeting the father by helping her
+down the second flight of steps to the state-room deck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good night, Lucy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good night&mdash;Brother Lawrence.&quot;</p><a name='Page48'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_V'></a><h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>All Monday forenoon, Chester sat on deck reading a book which he had
+obtained from the ship's library. It was a most interesting story, and
+yet the world of gray-green water and changing clouds drew his attention
+from the printed page. He was beginning to realize what the fascination
+for the sea was which took hold of men. It would have been difficult for
+him to analyze or explain this feeling, but it was there; and it seemed
+to him that he would have been content to live out his life on that
+boundless ocean which presented a symbol of eternity continually before
+his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester started, then turned. It was Lucy's father who found a chair and
+drew it up to Chester's.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is the book interesting?&quot; inquired the minister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not so interesting as this wonderful sea and sky,&quot; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are right,&quot; said the other, following the young man's gaze out to
+the distance. &quot;Our universe is now but water and air, and we are but
+specks floating between the two layers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we know that ocean and air are not all. We know there are plains
+and mountains, forests and growing fields; so after all our universe
+must include not only all we can see with our eyes, but all that comes
+within view of our comprehension. Do <a name='Page49'></a>you know,&quot; resumed Chester after a
+pause, &quot;I have come to this conclusion, that our universe is limited
+only within the bounds of our faith. As we believe, and strive to
+convert that belief into a living faith, so shall we know and realize.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The preacher looked keenly at the &quot;Mormon,&quot; as if he would see the
+fountain of these thoughts. Chester continued:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you, as a minister of the gospel, understand all these things.
+However, I like to think about them and express them to those who will
+listen&quot;&mdash;and as the minister was listening, the young man went on:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I reason it out this way: The Spirit of God&mdash;that is, His presence in
+influence and knowledge and power, as you so beautifully put it
+yesterday at the services, is everywhere in the universe. There is no
+place in heaven or hell, or in the uttermost bounds of space but God is
+there. As you also stated, we may not fully understand this infinite
+magnificence of God, but this has been done to help us: the Father has
+revealed Himself to us through his Son. The Son we can comprehend, for
+He was one of us. We learn from scripture that this Son had all power
+both in heaven and earth given him; that He was, in fact, 'heir of all
+things.' Now, when that fact is fixed in my mind, I connect this other
+with it, that we, God's children also, are joint heirs with Christ; and
+in fact, if we continue on in the way He trod, we shall be like Him.
+Now, then, what does this chain of argument lead us to? That we may
+follow <a name='Page50'></a>in the footsteps of God, and where He has gone, or shall go, we
+may go. Think of it&mdash;no, we can't. Only for an instant can our minds
+dwell upon it, then we drop to the common level again, and here we are,
+a speck on the surface of the deep.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is that book you are reading?&quot; asked the minister. He had
+evidently also dropped to the &quot;common level;&quot; or perhaps he had not
+soared with his companion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This? O, this is Kipling's 'Plain Tales from the Hills.' I like
+Kipling, but I wish he hadn't written some very untruthful things about
+my people.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Has he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes. It seems he made a flying visit through Salt Lake City, and took
+for gospel truth the lurid stories hack drivers tell to tourists so that
+they may get their money's worth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I don't know;&mdash;but that brings me to the point of my errand. I
+sought you out especially today to ask you not to talk religion to my
+daughter. I understand she and you had a discussion on 'Mormonism' last
+evening, and she slept very little all night as a result.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are mistaken, sir; I said nothing to her about 'Mormonism.' She
+told me a little about&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, whatever it was, she was and is still ill over it. Let me tell
+you,&mdash;and I am sure you will believe me,&mdash;my little girl is all I have.
+She has been ailing for years, heart trouble mostly, with complications.
+A comfortable voyage with no over-excitement might help, the doctors
+said; and that's <a name='Page51'></a>the main reason for this trip. She has always been
+interested in religious questions, which I naturally encouraged her in;
+but when she got mixed up somewhat with the 'Mormons,' that was quite
+another matter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, may I ask?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it excited her. It brought her in contact with undesirable
+people, people not of her class and standing&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Like me, for instance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I did not say that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You inferred it. But pardon me. I would not, for the world, do anything
+that would unfavorably affect your daughter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I knew you would look at the matter sensibly. Perhaps it would be for
+the best if you did not meet her oftener than possible. I know it is
+difficult on ship-board, but for her sake you might try.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For her sake, why certainly, I'll do anything&mdash;for I want to tell you,
+Mr. Strong, you have a good, sweet daughter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm glad you think so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I think a whole lot of her, I may just as well tell you. We have
+met but a few times, but some souls soon understand each other.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What! You don't mean&mdash;!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That we have been making love to each other,&quot; laughed Chester. &quot;O, no;
+not that I know; but there is such a thing as true affinity of souls,
+nevertheless, the affinity which draws by the Spirit of God.<a name='Page52'></a> And so I
+say again plainly, that you may understand, I regard your daughter
+highly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Young man, I thank you for your open manner and speech, but I beseech
+of you not to encourage any deeper feeling towards my daughter. She can
+never marry. She lives, as it were, on the brink of the grave. Now, I
+have been plain also with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I appreciate it, sir; believe me; I am profoundly sorry for her and for
+you; but, let me say this, seeing we are speaking plainly, if I loved
+your daughter, and we all knew she would die tomorrow, or next month,
+that knowledge would make only this difference, that my love would
+become all the holier. If she returned that love, we would be happy in
+knowing that in the life beyond we would go on and bring that love to a
+perfect consummation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister looked closely again at the young man. Then, giving voice
+to his thoughts, asked: &quot;Have you studied for the ministry? Are you now
+a 'Mormon' missionary?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am not an authorized 'Mormon' missionary. My studying has been no
+more than is expected of every 'Mormon.' Every member of our Church is
+supposed to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within
+him,&mdash;and I think I can do that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you live in Utah?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, sir; my home is in Chicago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chicago!&mdash;well, I&mdash;are there 'Mormons' in Chicago?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A few, as I suppose there are a few in Kansas<a name='Page53'></a> City. I joined the
+'Mormon' Church in Chicago, but I was converted in Utah.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have been to Utah, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O, yes; I spent some time there and got very well acquainted with the
+people; and they are a good people, I tell you, sir. I know&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, well, Mr.&mdash;&mdash;, Lucy did tell me your name, but I have forgotten
+it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My name is Lawrence&mdash;Chester Lawrence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister had arisen as if about to go, but he now sat down again.
+Chester did not understand the strange twitching of the minister's lips
+or the pallor of his face. What had he said or done to agitate the man
+so much?</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester Lawrence!&quot; repeated Mr. Strong under his breath.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have never met me before, have you? Perhaps&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I have never met you before. No, no; of course not. There was just
+something come over me. I'm not very well, and I suppose I&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He stopped, as if he lacked words.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May I get you anything, a drink of water?&quot; suggested Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no; it was nothing. Sit down again&quot;&mdash;for Chester also had
+arisen&mdash;&quot;and tell me some more about yourself. I am interested.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, my life has been very uneventful, and yet in a way, I have lived.
+As a boy in Chicago, I suppose, my young days passed as others; but it
+was <a name='Page54'></a>when I went out west and met the 'Mormons' that things happened to
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't mean that I had any adventures or narrow escapes in a physical
+way. I lived in the mountains as a miner for a time, but there are no
+wild animals or Indians there now, so my adventures were those of the
+spirit, if I may use that expression,&mdash;and of the heart. Isn't that your
+daughter coming this way?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sure enough, Lucy had found them, and came up to them beaming. Chester
+failed to see in her any symptoms for the worse, as her father had
+indicated. In fact, there certainly was a spring to her step which he
+had not seen before.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I've found you at last, you run-away papa. Good morning,&quot; she
+nodded to Chester, who returned the greeting. &quot;Don't you know, papa, you
+have kept me waiting for half an hour or more to finish our game.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll go right now with you,&quot; said the father, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I don't care so much now, whether it's finished or not. I believe
+someone else has it anyway.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, we'll go and finish the game,&quot; persisted Mr. Strong.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps Mr. Lawrence will come along,&quot; suggested the girl, as it seemed
+very proper to do.</p><a name='Page55'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Not now, thank you,&quot; replied Chester. &quot;I must finish my book before the
+lunch gong sounds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister took his daughter's arm and they went along the deck to
+where a group was laughing merrily over the defeat and victory in the
+games. Chester watched them mingle with the company, then he opened his
+book again; but he did not complete his story at the time he had
+appointed.</p>
+
+<p>To those who can possess their souls in peace, life on ship-board in
+pleasant weather is restful, and may be thoroughly enjoyed. A little
+world is here compactly put together, and human nature may be studied at
+close range. From the elegant apartments of the saloon to the
+ill-smelling quarters of the steerage, there is variety enough.
+Representatives are here from nearly &quot;every nation under heaven:&quot; every
+creed, every color; every grade of intelligence and worldly position,
+from the prince who occupies exclusively the finest suite of rooms, to
+the begrimed half-naked stoker in the furnace room in the depths of the
+vessel; every occupation; every disposition. And yet, even in this
+compact city in a shell of steel, one may seclude himself from his
+fellows and commune solely with his own thoughts or his books.</p>
+
+<p>The three &quot;Mormon&quot; elders, reticent and quiet, had made few
+acquaintances. The Rev. Mr. Strong and his daughter, not being very
+well, had not been active in the social proceedings of the ship's
+company.</p>
+
+<p>Chester Lawrence had formed an acquaintance <a name='Page56'></a>which seemed to him to fill
+all requirements, so that he cared not whether he learned to know any
+more of his fellow travelers. And now further association with this
+pleasant acquaintance must stop. Well, once again he said to himself, he
+would be glad at sight of Liverpool, and again some deeply hidden voice
+protested.</p>
+
+<p>Chester tried to keep his word with Mr. Strong. He made no efforts to
+see Lucy or talk with her, and he even evaded her as much as possible.
+This he could not wholly do without acting unmannerly. All were on deck
+during those beautiful days, and twice on Tuesday Lucy and Chester and
+the elders had played deck quoits, the father joining in one of them.
+Lucy beamed on Chester in her quiet way until she noted the change in
+his conduct towards her. The pained expression on the girl's face when
+she realized this change, went to Chester's heart and he could have
+cried out in explanation.</p>
+
+<p>That evening Lucy found Chester in a corner of the library pretending to
+read. There was no escape for him as she approached. What a sweet
+creature she was, open-hearted and unafraid! His heart met her half way.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is the matter with you, Brother Lawrence?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is nothing the matter with me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then what have <i>I</i> done?&quot; She seated herself, and Chester laid his book
+on the table. He would be plain and open with this girl. In the end
+nothing <a name='Page57'></a>is gained by mystery and silence. He told her plainly what had
+taken place between himself and her father. She listened quietly, the
+tears welling in her eyes as he progressed. Then for a moment she hid
+her face in her hands while she cried softly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall not ask you to break your promise,&quot; she said at last, &quot;but I
+did so want to learn more of the gospel&mdash;the true restored gospel. It
+isn't true that a discussion of these things affects me unfavorably. I
+am never so well as when I am hearing about and thinking of them.
+Perhaps father thinks so, however; I shall not misjudge him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I shall keep my word,&quot; said he, &quot;and if I keep it strictly, I should
+not now prolong my talk with you. But I have a way out of your trouble.
+You know Elder Malby. He is a wise man and knows the gospel much better
+than I. He will gladly talk to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you. That's a good suggestion; but you&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall have to be content to look from afar off, or perchance to
+listen in silence. Good night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened that the very next morning when the passengers were
+looking eagerly to the near approach to Queenstown, Lucy and Elder Malby
+were seen sitting on deck in earnest conversation. Chester promenaded at
+a distance with some envy in his heart; but he kept away. For fully an
+hour the girl and the elderly missionary talked. Then the minister,
+coming on deck saw them. He, no doubt, thought she was well out of
+harm's way <a name='Page58'></a>in such company, for he did not know Elder Malby. When he
+caught sight of Chester he went up to him, took him by the arm and fell
+into his stride.</p>
+
+<p>Their conversation began with the common ship-board topics. Then the
+minister asked his companion more about himself and his life. It seemed
+to Chester that he purposely led up to his personal affairs, and he
+wondered why. There were some parts of his history that he did not
+desire to talk about. What did this man wish to know?</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How long did you live in Utah?&quot; asked the minister, after receiving
+little information about Chester's birth and parentage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Altogether, about a year.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you liked it out there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very much. The mountain air is fine; and that is truly the land of
+opportunity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The two swung around the deck, keeping in step. Chester pressed his
+companion's arm close. They reached in their orbit the point nearest to
+Lucy and Elder Malby, then without stopping went on around.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I knew a man once by the name of Lawrence,&quot; said the minister. &quot;I
+wonder if he could be related to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester did not reply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know whether or not he ever went to Utah.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My parents were not with me in Utah. I went alone, after I was a grown
+man. My mother had lived there many years before, but had left. She
+lived in Chicago the latter part of her life; but she <a name='Page59'></a>made a trip to
+Utah when she was old and feeble,&mdash;and she died there. * * * * Her grave
+is there now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister now was silent. His lips twitched again. Chester once more
+wondered why such things should affect him. The man's arm clung to
+Chester firmly as if he wished support; and Chester's heart warmed to
+him. Was he not Lucy's father? Should he not know all he desired to know
+about the man who had expressed deep regard for his daughter?</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think you are tired,&quot; said Chester. &quot;Let's sit here and rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; all right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The man Lawrence whom you knew was not my father,&quot; continued Chester.
+&quot;That was my mother's maiden name. I don't know&mdash;I never knew my father;
+and shall I say, I have no wish to know a man who could treat my mother
+and his child the way he did. No; much as I have longed to know a
+father's love and care, I cannot but despise a man who becomes a father,
+then shirks from the responsibility which follows&mdash;who leaves the burden
+and the disgrace which follow parenthood outside the marriage relation
+to the poor woman alone. Such baseness, such cowardice, such despicable
+littleness of soul!&mdash;do you wonder why I don't want to know my father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Well, he had done it. Lucy's father knew the truth of his dishonorable
+beginning. This highly cultured Christian minister was no doubt shocked
+<a name='Page60'></a>into silence by his outburst of confidence. But he must know also that
+this occurred among a Christian community, long before either of the
+parties concerned knew of or were connected with the &quot;Mormons.&quot; So
+Chester explained this to the man at his side, who sat as if deaf to
+what was being said. His gaze was fixed far out to sea. His lips did not
+now quiver, but the lines in his face were rigid.</p>
+
+<p>Chester beckoned to the daughter, and when she came, he said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think your father is not well. Perhaps he ought to go below and
+rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father,&quot; cried the somewhat frightened girl, &quot;what is it? Are you ill?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The father shook himself as if to be freed from some binding power,
+looked at Chester and then at Lucy, smiled faintly, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I'm all right now, but perhaps I ought to rest a bit. Will you go
+down with me, Lucy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The daughter took his arm and was about to lead him away. He stopped and
+turned again to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Excuse me,&quot; he said, &quot;but what was your mother's full name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Anna Lawrence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you. All right, Lucy. Let's be going.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester watched them disappear down the companionway, then looked out to
+sea at the black smoke made by a steamer crawling along the horizon,
+from Liverpool outward bound.</p><a name='Page61'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_VI'></a><h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>A number of men and women were sitting on the promenade deck forward
+engaged in an earnest discussion. Just as Chester Lawrence came up and
+paused to listen, for it seemed to be a public, free-for-all affair, he
+noticed that Elder Malby was talking, directing his remarks to a young
+man in the group.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is your objective point?&quot; the Elder asked. &quot;What do you live and
+work for? What is your philosophy of life by which you are guided and
+from which you draw courage, hope, and strength?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I take the world as it comes to me day by day, trusting to luck, or
+to the Lord, perhaps I had better say, for the future,&quot; replied the
+young fellow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What would you think of a captain of a vessel not knowing nor caring to
+know from what port he sailed or what port was his destination? Who did
+not know the object of the voyage, knew nothing of how to meet the
+storms, the fog, the darkness of the sea?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I'm not the captain of a ship.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, you are. You are the captain of your own soul, at least; and you
+may not know how many more souls are depending upon you for guidance in
+this voyage of life which we are all taking.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's right&mdash;true,&quot; agreed a number of by-standers.</p><a name='Page62'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Say, mister,&quot; suggested one, &quot;tell us what you think of the
+propositions. You seem able to, all right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; responded the elder, &quot;I don't want to preach a sermon that will
+bore you; but if the ladies and gentlemen here are interested I shall be
+pleased to give my views.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sure&mdash;go on,&quot; came from others.</p>
+
+<p>One or two found seats, as if they would rather sit through the ordeal,
+others following their example. &quot;Yes; it's more comfortable,&quot; agreed
+Elder Malby, as they drew their chairs in a circle. Two people left, but
+two others came and took their places.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope we are all Christians,&quot; began the speaker, &quot;at least so far that
+we believe the Scriptures; otherwise my arguments will not appeal to
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A number acknowledged themselves to be Christians.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I may begin by saying that the purpose of this life-voyage of ours
+is that we might obtain the life eternal. 'This is life eternal' that we
+might know God and His Son Jesus Christ who was sent to us. If we know
+the Son we know the Father, for we are told that the Father has revealed
+Himself through the Son. This Son we know as Jesus Christ who was born
+into the world as we were. He had a body of flesh. He was like us, His
+brethren; yet this Being, the Scriptures tell us, was in the 'form of
+God;' that He was the 'image of the invisible God;' that He was 'in the
+express image of His<a name='Page63'></a> Father's person.' When Jesus lived on the earth,
+one of His disciples asked Him, 'Show us the Father.' 'He that hath seen
+me, hath seen the Father,' was the reply. 'I am the way, the truth, and
+the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this point the Rev. Mr. Strong and his daughter came sauntering along
+the deck. They paused to listen, then accepted the chairs which Chester
+hurriedly found for them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am not stating where in the Scriptures these quotations can be
+found,&quot; continued the elder, &quot;though I shall be pleased to do so to any
+who wish to know. Well then, here we have a glorious truth: if we wish
+to know God, we are to study the Son. Jesus is the great Example, the
+Revealer of the Father. He is the Father's representative in form and in
+action. If Jesus, the Son, is meek and lowly, so also is the Father; if
+He is wise and good and forgiving, so is the Father; if the Son is
+long-suffering and slow to anger, yet not afraid to denounce sin and
+call to account the wicked, so likewise may we represent the Father. All
+the noble attributes which we find in the Son exist in perfectness in
+the Father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Picture this noble Son, the risen Redeemer, my friends, after His
+battle with death and His victory over the grave! In the splendid glory
+of His divine manhood, all power both in heaven and earth in His hand,
+He stands as <i>the</i> shining figure of the ages. Why? Because He is 'God
+With Us.'&quot;</p><a name='Page64'></a>
+
+<p>There was perfect stillness in the group of listeners.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thus the Father has shown Himself to us. There is no need for any of us
+to plead ignorance of our Divine Parent. The way is marked out, the
+path, though at times difficult, is plain. The Son does the will of the
+Father. 'My Father worketh hitherto, and I work,' said Jesus. 'The Son
+can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do; for what
+things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.' We, then,
+are to follow Christ, as He follows the Father. Isn't that plain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do I understand,&quot; asked one, &quot;that you believe God to be in the form of
+man?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rather that man is in the form of God, for 'God created man in His own
+image.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In His moral image only. God is a spirit. He is everywhere present, and
+therefore cannot have a body, such as you claim,&quot; objected one.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I claim nothing, my friend. I am only telling you what the Scriptures
+teach. They say nothing about a 'moral image.' What is a moral image?
+Can it have an existence outside and apart from a personality of form?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was no immediate response to this. Some looked at the minister as
+if he ought to speak, but that person remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The attributes of God, as far as we know them, are easily put into
+words; but try to think of goodness and mercy and love and
+long-suffering and wisdom <a name='Page65'></a>outside and apart from a conscious
+personality, an individual, if you please. Try it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Some appeared to be trying.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pagan philosophers have largely taken from the world our true
+conception of God, and given to us one 'without body, parts, or
+passions.' The Father has been robbed of His glorious personality in the
+minds of men. Christ also has been spiritualized into an unthinkable
+nothingness. And so, to be consistent some have concluded that man also
+is non-existent; and it naturally follows that God and Christ and man,
+with the whole material universe, are relegated to the emptyness of a
+dream.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If God is in the form of man He cannot be everywhere,&quot; suggested one of
+the ladies. &quot;And that's not a pleasant thought.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Our friend here,&quot; continued the speaker, nodding to Mr. Strong, &quot;quoted
+a passage in his splendid sermon last Sunday which explains how God may
+be and is present in all His creations. Certainly God the Father cannot
+personally be in two places at the same time any more than God the Son
+could or can.&quot; The elder took a Bible from his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had better read the passage. It is found in the 139th Psalm. David
+exclaims, 'Whither shall I go from thy <i>spirit</i>, or whither shall I flee
+from thy presence?' You will recall the rest of the passage. Is it not
+plain that the Lord is present by His Spirit always and everywhere. His
+Spirit sustains and controls and blesses all things throughout the
+immensity of space. Fear not, my friend, that that<a name='Page66'></a> Spirit cannot be
+with you and bless you on sea or on land. We cannot get outside its
+working power any more than we can escape the Spirit of Christ now and
+here, even if His glorified body of flesh and bones now sits on the
+right hand of His Father in heaven where Stephen saw it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As is usual in all such discussions as this, some soon retire, others
+linger, eager not to miss a word. Lucy, you may be sure, was among those
+who remained. Her father also, sitting near to Chester, listened with
+deep interest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just one more thought,&quot; continued the &quot;Mormon&quot; elder, &quot;in regard to
+this lady's fear that God may not be able to take care of all His
+children always and everywhere. God is essentially a Father&mdash;our Father.
+The fathering of God gives me great comfort. By fathering I mean that He
+has not only brought us into existence, but He has sent us forth,
+provides for us, watches over us. In our darkness He gives us light, in
+our weakness He lends us strength. He rebukes our wrong actions, and
+chastens us for our good. In fact, He fathers us to the end. Is it not a
+great comfort?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It certainly is,&quot; said Lucy, unconscious to all else but the spirit of
+the Elder's words.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In this world,&quot; said the Elder, &quot;the God-given power of creation is
+exercised unthoughtfully, unwisely, and often wickedly. A
+good-for-nothing scamp may become a father in name; but he who attains
+to that holy title in fact, must do as God does,&mdash;must love, cherish,
+sustain and make sacrifices <a name='Page67'></a>for his child until his offspring becomes
+old enough and strong enough to stand for himself,&mdash;Don't you think so,
+Mr. Strong?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>All eyes were turned to the minister who was appealed to so directly.
+Had the reverend gentleman been listening, or had his thoughts been with
+his eyes, out to sea? His face was a study. But that was not to be
+wondered at. Was he not a dispenser of the Word himself, and had he not
+been listening to strange doctrine? However, he soon shifted his gaze
+from the horizon to his questioner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly, I agree with you,&quot; he replied. &quot;Father and fathering are
+distinct things. Happy the man who combines them in his life&mdash;happy,
+indeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The afternoon was growing to a close. The sun sank into the western sea.
+The Elder, carried along by the awakened missionary spirit, continued
+his talk. He explained that the Father had by means of the Son pointed
+out the way of life, called the plan of salvation, or gospel of Jesus
+Christ. He spoke of faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of
+sins; for, said the Elder to himself, even the minister has need of
+these things.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy drank eagerly the words of life. Her father sat unmoved, making no
+comment or objection. He had never been one to wrangle over religion;
+had prided himself, in fact, on being liberal and broad-minded; so he
+would not dispute even though he could not altogether agree. The Elder's
+words came to him in a strange way. Had he heard all this before? If so,
+it had been in some long-forgotten <a name='Page68'></a>past; and this man's discourse only
+awakened a faint remembrance as of a distant bell tolling across the
+hills. Away back in his youth, he must have heard something like this;
+or was it an echo of some pre-existent world&mdash;he had heard of such
+things before. Perhaps it was the man's tone of voice, his mannerism
+that recalled, in some way, some past impression.</p>
+
+<p>The Elder stopped. Lucy touched her father's arm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father,&quot; she said, &quot;I believe you are cold. I had better get your
+coat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister arose, as if stiffened in the joints by long sitting. He
+reached out his hand to the Elder. &quot;I have enjoyed your gospel talk,&quot; he
+said. &quot;May I ask your name, and to what Church you belong, for evidently
+you are a preacher.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My name is George Malby, and I am an elder of the Church of Jesus
+Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as 'Mormons.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A 'Mormon!'&quot; a number of voices chorused.</p>
+
+<p>Some confusion followed, and the party broke up. Lucy, her father, and
+Chester, still lingered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father,&quot; said Lucy, &quot;I had intended to introduce you to Elder Malby,
+but I wanted you to hear, unprejudiced, what he had to say. What he has
+been teaching is 'Mormonism,' and you'll admit now that it is not at all
+bad. You never would listen nor read.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy&mdash;that will do. Good evening, gentlemen. Come Lucy.&quot;</p><a name='Page69'></a>
+
+<p>Later that same evening when most of the passengers had retired, the
+Rev. Mr. Strong came up on deck again. He took off his cap so that the
+breeze might blow unhindered through the thin, gray locks. He paced
+slowly the length of the promenade deck with hands behind his back and
+eyes alternatingly looking into the dark sky and to the deck at his
+feet. The old man's usual erect form was bent a little as he walked, his
+step broke occasionally from the rhythmatical tread. There was war in
+the minister's soul. Conflicting emotions fought desperately for
+ascendency. Memories of the past mingled with the scenes of the present,
+and these became confused with the future. As a minister of the gospel
+for half a lifetime, he had never had quite such a wildly disordered
+mind. He wiped the perspiration from his brow. He groaned in spirit so
+that moans escaped from his lips. The sea was beautifully still, but
+rather would he have had it as wild and as boisterous as that which was
+within his heart.</p>
+
+<p>The man paused now and then at the rail. The Irish coast was not far
+away, and the lights of ships could be seen, westward bound. The
+minister tried to follow in his mind these little floating worlds; but
+they were too slow. Like the lightning he crossed the Atlantic and then
+with the same speed flew half way across the American continent to a
+big, black, busy city roaring with the traffic of men. Then out a few
+miles to the college, where he as a young divinity student had spent
+some years <a name='Page70'></a>of his early manhood&mdash;and there and then he had met
+her&mdash;Also, years later, the woman whom he had married&mdash;and at each big
+milestone in his journey of life there had been &quot;Mormons&quot; and
+&quot;Mormonism.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Mormonism,' 'Mormonism,'&quot; the man whispered hoarsely.
+&quot;Anna&mdash;Clara&mdash;Lucy&mdash;Chester&mdash;and now&mdash;and now what! O, my God!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was nearly midnight when Lucy, becoming alarmed at her father's long
+absence from his state room, came slowly on deck, stopping now and then
+to rest. She saw him by the rail, went up to him, took him by the arm
+and with a few coaxing words led him down into his room. As he kissed
+her good-night with uncommon fervor, he looked into her upturned face
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you going to love this young man&mdash;Chester Lawrence?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father,&quot; she cried, &quot;what do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just what I say. I am not blind. I made him promise not to seek your
+company or talk religion to you. Tomorrow I shall relieve him from that
+promise.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O, father!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There now, child,&mdash;and Lucy, he may talk of religion and love all he
+wants. I think those two things, when they are of the right kind and
+properly blended, are good for the heart, don't you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, thank you, dear daddy&mdash;we are so near England now that I may call
+you daddy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then good-night, my girl;&quot; and he kissed her again in the doorway.</p><a name='Page71'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_VII'></a><h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>But next morning there was no time to talk of either love or religion
+for Chester and Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>The coast of Ireland had been sighted earlier than had been expected,
+and there was the usual straining of eyes landward. Chester was among
+the first to see the dark points on the horizon which the seamen said
+was the Irish coast, and which as the vessel approached, expanded to
+green hills, dotted with whitened houses. This then was Europe, old,
+historic Europe, land of our forefathers, land of the stories and the
+songs that have come down to us from the distant past.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good morning. What do you think of Ireland?&quot; Lucy touched his arm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, good morning. You are up early.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am feeling so fine this morning that I had to get up and join in the
+cry of 'Land ho.' No matter how pleasant an ocean voyage has been, we
+are always pleased to see the land. Besides, we get off at Queenstown.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What!&quot; exclaimed Chester. &quot;I thought you were bound for Liverpool?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, later; but we are to visit some of our people in Ireland first.
+Papa has a brother in Cork. We intend to remain there a few days, then
+go on to Dublin, Liverpool, London, Paris, etc., etc.,&quot; laughed the
+girl.</p><a name='Page72'></a>
+
+<p>Chester's heart sank. The separation was coming sooner than he had
+thought. Only a few more hours, and this little sun-kissed voyage would
+end. He looked at the girl by him; that action was not under embargo.
+Yes; she was uncommonly sweet that morning. Perhaps it was the Irish
+blood in her quickening at the nearness of the land of her forefathers.
+Cheeks and lips and ears were rosy red, and the breeze played with the
+somewhat disheveled hair. There was a press of people along the rail
+which caused Lucy's shoulders to snuggle closely to his side. Chester
+was silent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes;&quot; she went on, &quot;there's dear old Ireland. You see, this is my
+second visit, and it's like coming home. You go on to Liverpool, I
+understand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have a ticket to Liverpool,&quot; he said; &quot;but I suppose they would let
+me off at Queenstown, wouldn't they?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, certainly&mdash;how fast we are nearing land. I'll have to go down now
+and awaken father. We haven't much time to get ready.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He would have held her, had he dared. She was gone, and there were a
+hundred and one questions to ask her. She must not get away from him
+like this. He must know where they were going&mdash;get addresses by which to
+find them. He had no plans but what could be easily changed. Seeing
+Europe without Lucy Strong would be a dull, profitless excursion.
+Chester's thoughts ran along this line, when Lucy appeared again. The
+color had left her face.</p><a name='Page73'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Father is very sick,&quot; she said to Chester. &quot;He seems in a stupor. I
+can't wake him. Will you find the doctor?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll get him,&quot; he said. &quot;Don't worry. We'll be down immediately.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester and the doctor found Lucy rubbing her father's hands and
+forehead, pleading softly for him to speak to her. The doctor after a
+hurried examination, said there was nothing serious. A nervous
+break-down of some kind only&mdash;no organic trouble&mdash;would be all right
+again shortly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But doctor, we get off at Queenstown,&quot; explained Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I think you can manage it. By the time you are ready to leave, he
+will be strong enough. This young man seems able to carry him ashore, if
+need be. Are you landing also,&quot; he asked of Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well&mdash;yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy looked at the young man, but said nothing. The doctor promised to
+bring some medicine, then left.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Mr. Lawrence&mdash;&quot; began Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll listen to no objections,&quot; interrupted he. &quot;I couldn't think for a
+moment of leaving you two in this condition. You're hardly able to lift
+a glass of water, and now you father's ill also. No; I am going with
+you, to be your body guard, your servant. Listen! I'm out to see the old
+world. I should very much like to begin with Queenstown and Cork.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><a name='Page74'></a>The father moved, opened his eyes, then sat up He passed his hand over
+his face, then looked at the two young people. &quot;It's all right,&quot; he
+muttered, then lay down again on the pillow. The doctor came with his
+medicine. There were now heard the noise of trunks being hoisted from
+the hold and the bustle of getting ready to leave the ship.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father,&quot; said Lucy. &quot;We must soon get ready to leave. Will you be
+able?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes, child&quot;&mdash;it seemed difficult for the old man to speak.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Chester&mdash;Mr. Lawrence&mdash;here is to go with us and help us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot; He nodded as if it was easier to give assent in that way.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll make all things ready, daddy. Don't you worry. Rest as long as
+you can. It will be some time yet before you will need to get up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The sick man nodded again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll remain here while you get ready,&quot; said Chester. &quot;Then you may
+attend while I do what little is necessary. I'll let my trunk go right
+on to Liverpool.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy hurried away and Chester sat down by the bed. As he smoothed out
+the coverlet, the minister reached out and took Chester's hand which he
+held in his own as if to get strength from it. There came into the old
+man's face an expression of contentment, but he did not try to talk.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy returned, and Chester hurried to his own room where he soon packed
+his few belongings and <a name='Page75'></a>was ready. He found the elders on deck watching
+the approach to Queenstown, and explained to them what had happened to
+change somewhat his plans. &quot;I'll surely hunt you up,&quot; he said to Elder
+Malby, &quot;and visit with you;&quot; and the Elder wished him God-speed and gave
+him his blessing.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly the big ship sailed into Queenstown harbor, and then stopped. The
+anchor chains rattled, the big iron grasped the bottom, and the vessel
+was still. What a sensation to be once more at rest! Now out from the
+shore came a tender to take Queenstown passengers ashore. Small boats
+came alongside from which came shrill cries to those far above on deck.
+A small rope was thrown up which was caught and hauled in by the
+interested spectators. At the end of the small rope there dangled a
+heavier one, and at the end of that there was a loop into which a
+good-sized Irish woman slipped. &quot;Pull away,&quot; came from below, and half a
+dozen men responded. Up came the woman, her feet climbing the sides of
+the steamer. With great good-nature the men pulled until the woman was
+on deck. Then she immediately let down the lighter rope to her companion
+in the small boat, where a basket was fastened and drawn up. From the
+basket came apples, or &quot;real Irish lace,&quot; or sticks of peculiar Irish
+woods, all of which found a ready sale among the passengers.</p>
+
+<p>From one of the lower decks of the steamer, a gang-way was pushed on to
+the raised deck platform of the tender, and even then the incline was
+<a name='Page76'></a>quite steep. This bridge was well fastened by ropes, and then the
+passengers began to descend, while their heavier baggage was piled on
+the decks of the tender.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy and her father soon appeared. Chester met them below and helped the
+sick man up, along the deck, and down the gang-way to the tender, where
+he found a seat. Lucy followed, stewards carrying their hand baggage.
+From their new position they looked up to the steamer. How big it was!</p>
+
+<p>The day was beautifully warm. Well wrapped in his coat, the father
+rested easily, watching with some interest the busy scene around him. He
+being among the last to leave the liner, they were soon ready to be off.
+The gang-way was drawn in again, and the tender steamed away towards the
+inner harbor. The big ship weighed its anchor, then proceeded on its
+course to Liverpool, carrying away its little world of a week's
+acquaintance, to which Chester and Lucy waved farewell.</p>
+
+<p>Queenstown, in terraced ranks, now rose before them. The pier was soon
+reached, from which most of the travelers continued their journey by
+rail. The minister and his party, however, took passage again on a small
+boat for Cork. Everything being new to Chester, and the father being
+quite unable to do anything, the initiative, at least, rested on Lucy.
+With Chester's help, she managed quite well.</p>
+
+<p>For an hour they sailed on the placid waters of the harbor and up into
+the river Lee. The wooded <a name='Page77'></a>hills, on either hand, dotted with
+farm-houses and villas, presented a pleasing picture. The boat drew up
+to a landing at St. Patrick's Bridge, where Uncle Gilbert met them,
+greatly surprised and alarmed at his brother's condition.</p>
+
+<p>Carriages were waiting. Chester was introduced by Lucy in a way which
+led to the inference that he was a particular friend of the family
+picked up, perhaps, in their time of need. Bag and baggage was piled in
+besides them and they drove away through the streets of Cork and into
+the suburbs. Slowly the horse climbed the hill, but in a short time they
+were at Uncle Gilbert's home, one of the beautiful ones situated among
+the green of rolling hillside and the deeper green of trees.</p>
+
+<p>There was another warm welcome by Aunt Sarah, who took immediate and
+personal charge of the sick man.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a break-down through overwork,&quot; she declared. &quot;You Americans live
+at such fever heat that it is no wonder you have no nerves. They're
+burned out of you. But it's rest only he wants, poor man; and here's
+where he'll get it. Don't you worry, Lucy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Sarah's masterful treatment of cases such as these took much care
+and anxiety from them all. Away from the bustle and roar of hurrying
+humanity and traffic, resting amid the soothing green, and breathing the
+mild air of the country; the minister ought surely to get well again
+soon.</p>
+
+<p>He would not go to bed, but chose to sit in a <a name='Page78'></a>big chair with a pillow
+under his head, looking out of the upstairs window which afforded a view
+of the town. The sun came in rather strongly during the afternoon and
+the father motioned Lucy to partly draw the blind. She did so, then drew
+a stool to his chair and seated herself near him. He placed his hands on
+her head, patted it caressingly, smiled at her, but said nothing. It was
+still difficult for him to speak.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, there came a light tap at the door. Lucy arose. It was
+Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Excuse me,&quot; he said, &quot;but the people below are somewhat confused over
+the trunks. I came to inquire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come in,&quot; said Lucy. &quot;Let the 'confusion' continue for a little while.
+Come in to where there is peace. Father is feeling better, I am sure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The invalid turned towards the speakers, then with a movement of his
+head told them to come near. Lucy took her former position, while
+Chester drew up a chair. Yes; he did seem better, there being some color
+in his face to add life to his faint smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester,&quot; he whispered with effort, as he reached out and took the
+young man's hand, &quot;Chester&mdash;my
+boy&mdash;I&mdash;am&mdash;so&mdash;glad&mdash;you&mdash;came&mdash;with&mdash;us.&quot;</p><a name='Page79'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_VIII'></a><h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>While the father was resting quietly at Kildare Villa, as Uncle
+Gilbert's home was called, Chester and Lucy spent a few days in looking
+about.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are there any sights worth seeing around here?&quot; asked Chester of Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are there?&quot; she replied in surprise. &quot;Did you ever hear of the Blarney
+Stone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Yes; he had.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, that's not far away; and those were the Shandon bells you heard
+last evening,</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span class='i2'>'The bells of Shandon,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>That sound so grand on<br /></span>
+<span>The pleasant waters of the river Lee,'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>she quoted.</p>
+
+<p>The fact of the matter was that Chester was quite content to remain
+quietly with Lucy and her father and the other good people of the place.
+Traveling around the country would, without doubt, separate them, and
+that disaster would come soon enough, he thought; but when Lucy
+announced that she was ready for a &quot;personally conducted tour to all
+points of interest,&quot; he readily agreed to be &quot;conducted.&quot; She was well
+enough to do so, she said; and in fact it did look as if health were
+coming to her again.</p>
+
+<p>The morning of the second day at Kildare Villa<a name='Page80'></a> Chester and Lucy set out
+to see the town, riding in Aunt Sarah's car behind the pony. There had
+been a sprinkle of rain during the night, so the roads were pleasant.
+Lucy pointed out the places of interest, consulting occasionally a guide
+book.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;While viewing the scenery, it is highly educational to get the proper
+information,&quot; said Lucy as she opened her book. &quot;It states here that
+Cork is a city of 76,000 people. According to one authority it had a
+beginning in the seventh century. Think of that now, and compare its
+growth with that of Kansas City, for instance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have always associated this city with the small article used as
+stoppers for bottles,&quot; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You thought perhaps the British needed a cork to stop up their harbor,&quot;
+said Lucy, gravely; &quot;but you are entirely mistaken. The book says the
+name is a corruption of Corcach, meaning a marsh. The town has, however,
+long since overflowed the water, and now occupies not only a large
+island in the river, but reaches up the high banks on each side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were evidently in Ireland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A most noticeable peculiarity of Cork is its absolute want of
+uniformity, and the striking contrasts in the colors of the houses. The
+stone of which the houses in the northern suburb is built is of reddish
+brown, that on the south, of a cold gray tint. Some are constructed of
+red brick, some are sheathed in slate, some whitewashed; some reddened,
+some yellowed. Patrick may surely do as he likes with his own house. The
+most conspicuous steeple in the <a name='Page81'></a>place, that of St. Ann, Shandon's, is
+actually red two sides and white the others,</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>'Parti-colored, like the people,<br /></span>
+<span>Red and white stands Shandon steeple.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>and there it is before us,&quot; said Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>The tower loomed from a low, unpretentious church. The two visitors
+drove up the hill, stopped the horse while they looked at the tower and
+heard the bells strike the hour.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What Father Prout could see in such commonplace things to inspire him
+to write his fine poem, I can not understand,&quot; said Lucy. &quot;There is a
+peculiar jingle in his lines which stays with one. Listen:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;'With deep affectation and recollection<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>I often think of the Shandon bells,<br /></span>
+<span>Whose sounds so wild would, in days of childhood<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>Fling round my cradle their magic spells&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span>On this I ponder, where'er I wander,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>And thus grow fonder, sweet Cork of thee<br /></span>
+<span class='i4'>With thy bells of Shandon,<br /></span>
+<span class='i4'>That sound so grand on<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>The pleasant waters of the river Lee.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Lucy read the four stanzas.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's fine,&quot; agreed Chester; &quot;and I think I can answer your question of
+a moment ago. Father Prout, as he says, listened to these bells in
+childhood days, those days when 'heaven lies about us' and <a name='Page82'></a>glorifies
+even the most common places, and the impressions he then received
+remained with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy &quot;guessed&quot; he was right.</p>
+
+<p>Then they drove by St. Fin Barre's cathedral, considered the most
+noteworthy and imposing building in Cork. &quot;'It is thought probable the
+poet Spenser was married in the church which formerly stood on the
+site,'&quot; Lucy read. &quot;'His bride was a Cork lady, but of the country, not
+of the city. Spenser provokingly asks:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;'Tell me, ye merchants' daughters, did ye see<br /></span>
+<span>So fayre a creature in your town before?<br /></span>
+<span>Her goodlie eyes, like sapphyres shining bright;<br /></span>
+<span>Her forehead, ivory white,<br /></span>
+<span>Her lips like cherries charming men to byte.'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; remarked Chester as they drove homeward, and he thought he was
+brave in doing so. &quot;I don't know about the merchants' daughters of Cork,
+but I know a minister's daughter of Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A., who
+tallies exactly with Spenser's description.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, Mr. Lawrence!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I might say more,&quot; he persisted, &quot;were it not for some foolish promises
+I made that same minister a few days ago&mdash;but here we are. Where shall
+we go after lunch?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought we were to go to Blarney Castle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sure. I had forgotten. That's where the Blarney Stone is?&quot;</p><a name='Page83'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Sure,&quot; repeated the girl mischievously.</p>
+
+<p>So that afternoon they set out. It was but a short distance by train
+through an interesting country. Lucy was the guide again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you have an Irish language?&quot; asked Chester. &quot;I heard some natives
+talking something I couldn't understand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course there's an Irish language,&quot; explained his fair instructor.
+&quot;Anciently the Irish spoke the Gaelic, a branch of the Celtic. In this
+reign of Queen Elizabeth, the Irish language was forbidden. The English
+is now universal, but many still speak the Gaelic. In recent years there
+has been an awakening of interest in the old tongue. 'One who knows
+Irish well,' an Irish historian claims, 'will readily master Latin,
+French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian;' and he adds that to the
+Irish-speaking people, the Irish language is 'rich, elegant,
+soul-stirring, and expressive.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can well believe the latter statement when I remember the actions of
+those using it,&quot; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here we are,&quot; announced Lucy, as they alighted and walked to the
+entrance of the park. &quot;It will cost us six pence to get in.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester paid the man at the gate a shilling. The castle loomed high on
+the side of a hill, its big, square tower being about all that now
+remains of the ancient structure. A woman was in charge of the castle
+proper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The stone that you kiss is away up to the top,&quot;<a name='Page84'></a> explained Lucy. &quot;You
+will have to go up alone, as I dare not climb the stairs. I'll wait
+here. But stop a minute; the impressions will be more lasting if you get
+the proper information first. Here, we'll sit on this bench while I tell
+you about the castle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester readily agreed to this.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To sentimental people,&quot; began the girl, as she looked straight at the
+high walls in front, &quot;Blarney Castle is the greatest object of interest
+in Southern Ireland; and, of course, the Blarney Stone is the center of
+attraction. It was built by Cormack McCarthy about 1446. Of the siege of
+the castle by Cromwell's forces, under Irton, we have the following
+picturesque account in verse, which, I must say, has a Kipling-like
+ring.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She opened her book and read:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;'It was now the poor boys of the castle looked over the wall,<br /></span>
+<span>And they saw that ruffian, ould Cromwell, a-feeding on powder and ball,<br /></span>
+<span>And the fellow that married his daughter, a-chawing grape-shot in his jaw,<br /></span>
+<span>'Twas bowld I-ray-ton they called him, and he was his brother-in-law.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;The word 'Blarney' means pleasant, deludin' talk, said to have
+originated at the court of Queen Elizabeth. McCarthy, the then chieftain
+over the clan of that name who resided at Blarney, was repeatedly asked
+to come in from 'off his keeping.'<a name='Page85'></a> He was always promising with fair
+words and soft speech to do what was desired, but never could be got to
+come to the sticking point. The queen, it is told, when one of his
+speeches was brought to her, said: 'This is all Blarney; what he says,
+he never means.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, this is the reason for kissing the stone up there in the tower.
+Listen:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;'There is a stone there, whoever kisses,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>Oh! he never misses to grow eloquent;<br /></span>
+<span>'Tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>Or become a Member of Parliament.<br /></span>
+<span>A clever spouter, he'll sure turn out, or<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>An &quot;out&mdash;an'&mdash;outer&quot; to be let alone;<br /></span>
+<span>Don't hope to hinder him, or to bewilder him,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>Sure, he's a pilgrim from the Blarney Stone.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, then, these are the facts in the case,&quot; concluded Lucy. &quot;Proceed
+to do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester climbed the long stairs to the top. From the western edge, he
+looked down and waved at Lucy, then hurriedly scanned the beautiful
+prospect about him. The wonderful stone then drew his attention. It is
+set in the parapet wall, being one of the under stones in the middle of
+the tower. This parapet does not form part of the wall, but is detached
+from it, being built out about two feet and supported by a sort of
+scaffolding brace of masonry. This leaves a space between the battlement
+and the wall, which in olden times, enabled the defenders to drop stones
+and other trifles on to the heads of <a name='Page86'></a>assailants one hundred twenty feet
+below. Two iron bands now reach around the famous stone, spanning the
+open space, and fastened to the wall. The aspirant who wishes to kiss
+the stone, must grasp these irons, one in each hand, and hang on for
+dear life. As the stone is underneath the parapet, the feat of kissing
+it is not easy. In the first place, one must lie on one's back, then
+with head extended over the wall, the head must be bent down and back
+far enough to touch the lips to the stone. To perform the feat safely,
+there must be assistants at hand who must hold one's legs in steady
+grip, and others who must sit on the lower part of the body to assure
+the proper equilibrium.</p>
+
+<p>Being entirely alone, it is needless to say, Chester did not kiss the
+Blarney Stone. He was satisfied with reaching under and touching it with
+his hand. Then he returned to Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You did not kiss the stone,&quot; she immediately declared.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You know, don't you, that it takes two to kiss&mdash;the Blarney Stone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've heard it so stated. I've never been up to it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The park around the castle is very inviting, especially on a fine, warm
+afternoon. There are big trees, grass, and neatly kept walks. Chester
+and Lucy sauntered under the trees. A tiny brook gurgled near by, the
+birds were singing. Lucy chattered merrily along, but Chester was not so
+talkative. She noticed his mood and asked why he was so silent.</p><a name='Page87'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;I was thinking of that promise. I fear I am not doing right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O, that reminds me&mdash;Father, of course could not&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Could not what?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, the night before he became so ill on the boat he told me he was
+going to release you from any promise not to meet me and talk religion
+to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did he say that?&quot; They paused in their walk.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; and he meant it&mdash;he means it now, if he could but say as much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thank you for telling me * * * Let us sit down here on this rustic
+seat. Do you know, I believe your father has gotten over his first
+dislike for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O, yes, he has. I think he likes you very much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was not surprised at his actions when I told him I was a 'Mormon.' He
+can hardly be blamed, in view of the life-long training he has had. And
+then, knowing that you have been in danger from that source before made
+him over-sensitive on the point. I marvel now that he treats me so
+well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy looked her happiness, rather than expressed it. The guide book lay
+open on her lap. Chester picked it up, looked at a picture of Blarney
+Castle, and then read aloud:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;'There's gravel walk there,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>For speculation,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>And conversation<br /></span>
+<span>In sweet solitude.<br /></span><a name='Page88'></a>
+<span>'Tis there the lover<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>May hear the dove, or<br /></span>
+<span>The gentle plover<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>In the afternoon.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy,&quot; said Chester, as he closed the book, &quot;I'm going to call you
+Lucy&mdash;I can't call you Miss Strong in such a lovely place as this. We
+have an hour or two before we must return, and I want to talk over a few
+matters while we have the chance. In the first place, I want you to tell
+me where you are going when you leave Ireland. I want to keep track of
+you&mdash;I don't want to lose you. If your father would not object, I should
+like to travel along with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father may remain here a long time, so long that we may not get to see
+much of Europe, and of course, you can't wait here for us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now listen, Lucy. <i>You</i> are Europe to me. I believe you are the whole
+world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She did not turn from him, though she looked down to the grass where the
+point of her sunshade now rested. Her face was diffused with color.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Forgive me for saying so much,&quot; he continued, &quot;for I realize I am quite
+a stranger to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A stranger?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; we have not known each other long. You don't know much about me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I seem to have known you a long time,&quot; she said, looking up. &quot;I often
+think I have met you <a name='Page89'></a>before. Sometimes I imagine you look like the
+young missionary whom I first heard on the streets of Kansas City; but
+of course, that can't be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I never was on a mission. But I'm glad you think of me as you do,
+for then you'll let me come and see you in London, in Paris and wherever
+you go. I assure you, it would be rather uninteresting sight-seeing
+without your presence, if not always in person, then in spirit. After
+all, much depends on the condition of the eyes with which one looks on
+an object whether it is interesting or not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then the talk led to personal matters. He spoke of his experiences in
+Utah&mdash;some of them&mdash;and she fold him her simple life's story. Her mother
+had died many years ago; she had no very distinct recollection of her.
+She and her father had lived with housekeepers for many years. What with
+school and home, the one trip before to Europe, a number of excursions
+to various parts of her own country, her life had passed very smoothly
+and very quietly among her friends and books. As Chester listened to her
+he thought how like in some respects her story was to that of Julia
+Elston's. And as she sat there under the trees, she again looked like
+Julia, yet with a difference. Somehow the first girl had vanished but
+she had left behind in his heart a susceptibility to a form and face
+like this one beside him. Julia had come into his heart, not to dwell
+there, but to purify it, adorn it, and to make it ready for someone
+else;&mdash;and that other person had come. She filled the sanctuary of his
+heart. Peace and love beyond the <a name='Page90'></a>telling were inmates with her. Had he
+not come to his own at last.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon, as he sat with Lucy under the trees at Blarney,
+listening to her story, told in simplicity with eyes alternating between
+smiles and tears, he felt so near heaven that his prayers went easily
+ahead of him to the throne of mercy and love, bearing a message of
+praise and gratitude to the Giver of all good.</p>
+
+<p>These two were quite alone that afternoon. Even the care-taker went
+within the thick walls of the castle, remembering, perhaps, that she
+also had been young once. Birds may have eyes to see and ears to hear,
+but they tell nothing to humans.</p>
+
+<p>On the way back to Cork there was only one other passenger in the
+car,&mdash;an Irish girl carrying a basket in which were two white kittens.
+About half way to the city, the train stopped, and much to the
+travelers' surprise, a company of about two hundred Gordon Highlanders
+boarded the train, filling the cars completely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What,&quot; asked Chester. &quot;Have the Scotch invaded Ireland?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I suppose it's a company just out for a bit of exercise,&quot; suggested
+Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>Their bare, brown legs, kilts and equipment were matters of much
+interest to Chester. When the train arrived in Cork, the soldiers
+formed, and with bagpipes squeeling their loudest, they marched into St.
+Patrick's street. Chester and Lucy and the girl with the basket
+followed.</p><a name='Page91'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;This is quite an honor,&quot; remarked Chester, &quot;to have a company of
+soldiers come to meet us, and to be escorted into town by music like
+this. How did <i>they</i> know?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Know what?&quot; escaped from Lucy before she discerned his meaning.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, you silly man,&quot; she replied, &quot;the honor is for the kittens!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert met them at the door. &quot;Your father is sleeping&mdash;getting
+along fine,&quot; he explained. &quot;Now then, young man, did you kiss the
+Blarney Stone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why&mdash;no&mdash;I&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You didn't! You missed the greatest opportunity in your life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no, I didn't.&quot; replied Chester. &quot;Far from it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy, rosy red, fled past her teasing uncle into the house.</p><a name='Page92'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_IX'></a><h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>A warm, gentle rain was falling. No regrets or complaints were heard at
+Kildare Villa, for, as Uncle Gilbert said, the farmers needed it, he and
+his people were comfortably housed, and the excursionists&mdash;meaning
+Chester and Lucy&mdash;would do well to remain quiet for a day.</p>
+
+<p>The minister had so far recovered that he walked unaided into the large
+living room, where a fire in the grate shed a genial warmth. Chester and
+Lucy were already there, she at the piano and he singing softly. At
+sight of her father, Lucy ran to him, helped him to a seat, then kissed
+him good morning.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How much better you are!&quot; she said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I am glad I am nearly myself again&mdash;thanks to Aunt Sarah,&quot; he
+said, as that good woman entered the room with pillows and footrest for
+the invalid, who was made quite comfortable. Then the aunt delivered him
+to the care of the two young people, with an admonition against drafts
+and loud noises.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right, daddy; now what can we do for you?&quot; asked Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You were singing&mdash;when I came in. * * * Sing the song again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But loud noises, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sing&mdash;softly,&quot; he replied.</p><a name='Page93'></a>
+
+<p>The two went back to the piano. Lucy played and both sang in well
+modulated, subdued voices,</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;Jesus, I my cross have taken<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>All to leave and follow Thee;<br /></span>
+<span>Naked, poor, despised, forsaken,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>Thou, from hence my all shall be.<br /></span>
+<span>Perish every fond ambition,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>All I've sought, or hoped, or known,<br /></span>
+<span>Yet how rich is my condition,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>God and heaven are still my own.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>They sang the three stanzas. The two voices blended beautifully. The
+father asked them to sing the song again, which they did. Then they sang
+others, some of which were not familiar to the listener.</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;Oh, how lovely was the morning,<br /></span>
+<span>Brightly beamed the sun above.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;What was that last song?&quot; inquired the father.</p>
+
+<p>The two singers looked at each other as if they had been caught in some
+forbidden act.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why&quot;&mdash;hesitated Lucy, &quot;that's a Sunday School song.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A 'Mormon' song?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sing&mdash;it again,&quot; he said as he lay back on his pillows, closed his eyes
+and listened.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you know any more&mdash;'Mormon' songs?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy, of course, did not know many. Chester <a name='Page94'></a>managed &quot;O, my Father,&quot; and
+one or two more. Then Lucy closed the piano and went back to her father,
+where she stood smoothing gently his gray hair. Thus they talked and
+read and sang a little more, while the rain fell gently without.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is a beautiful country,&quot; said Chester, looking out of the window.
+&quot;I do not blame people who have money, desiring to live here.&quot; Lucy came
+to the window also, and they stood looking out on the rain-washed green.
+The father lay still in his chair, and presently he went to sleep.
+Chester and Lucy then retired to a corner, and carried on their
+conversation in low tones. Faint noises from other parts of the house
+came to them. From without, only the occasional shrill whistle of a
+locomotive disturbed the silence. The fire burned low in the grate.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, the father awoke with a start. &quot;I tell you he is my son,&quot; he
+said aloud. &quot;I am his father, and I ought to father him&mdash;my heart goes
+out&mdash;my son&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it, father?&quot; cried Lucy, running to him, and putting her arm
+around his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>The father looked about, fully awakened.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was only dreaming,&quot; he explained. &quot;Did I talk in my sleep?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Just then Uncle Gilbert came in. He announced that tomorrow he would of
+necessity have to leave for Liverpool. It would be a short trip only; he
+would be back in two or three days, during which <a name='Page95'></a>all of them should
+continue to make themselves comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;George, here, is getting along famously,&quot; he declared. &quot;A few more days
+of absolute rest, and you'll be all right, eh, brother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Sarah now announced luncheon, and they all filed out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>That evening the two brothers were alone. &quot;I want to talk to you,&quot; the
+visitor had said; and his brother was willing that he should. Evidently,
+something weighed heavily on his mind, some imaginary trouble, brought
+on by his weakened physical condition.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, what is it, brother,&quot; said Gilbert as they sat comfortably in
+their room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You know that in my younger days I had a little trouble&quot;&mdash;began the
+minister, now speaking quite freely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't recall what you mean.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When I was studying for the ministry&mdash;a woman, you&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O, yes; I remember; but what of it? That's past and forgotten long
+ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Past, but not forgotten. I have tried to forget, the Lord knows, by
+long years of service in the ministry. I hope the Lord has forgiven&mdash;but
+I forgotten, Oh, no.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look here, brother, you are over-sensitive just now because of your
+physical condition. You have <a name='Page96'></a>nothing to worry over. That little
+youthful indiscretion&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But there was a child, Gilbert, a boy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, what of it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was my boy. I am his father. What has become of him? Where is he
+now? Flesh of my flesh, is he handicapped by the stigma I placed upon
+him? Is he, perchance, groveling in the gutter, because I cast him
+off&mdash;had no thought or care for him&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, look here&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Listen. I became a father, then shirked the responsibility of
+fatherhood. A new word rings in my ears, 'FATHERING.' I can see its
+mighty import. I who have spoken the words of the great Father for these
+many years, have not followed His example. Listen, brother: if that son
+of mine is alive, and I believe he is, I am going to find and claim
+him&mdash;and not once more do I preach until I do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The brother was somewhat alarmed, showing it in his countenance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may think I am out of my head; but I never was saner in my life. My
+thoughts are as clear as a bell, and now that I have said what I wanted
+to, I feel better. That's all&mdash;don't you worry about me. Now go to bed.
+You are to be off in the morning, you know. Good night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As Gilbert walked out, his mind not altogether clear about his brother,
+Lucy was at the door waiting to bid her father good night.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May I come in?&quot; she asked.</p><a name='Page97'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; come along.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wanted just to say good night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's right, my girl; and where is Chester?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He&mdash;I don't know. I think he's retired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're looking so well, these days. Are you happy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, daddy; so happy&mdash;and so much better, I believe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right&mdash;there now, good night. If Chester is without, tell him to
+come in a moment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She kissed him again, then slipped out. Presently, Chester entered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did you wish to see me, Mr. Strong?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes&mdash;that is, just to say good night&mdash;and to tell you that I am
+better&mdash;and also to thank you for taking such good care of Lucy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, I assure you&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wait a moment. Stand right where you are, there in that light&mdash;you'll
+excuse a sick man's humors, I know; but someone told me today that we
+two look very much alike. I was just wondering whether it was a fancy
+only&mdash;but I can't tell, nor you can't tell. It always takes a third
+person to say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I suppose it does,&quot; laughed Chester. &quot;But I don't object to the
+resemblance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor I, my boy. Come here. Continue to take good care of Lucy. She's a
+good, sweet girl.&quot; The man arose, as if to be off to bed. Chester put
+his arm around him.</p><a name='Page98'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me help you,&quot; said the young man. &quot;You are not very strong yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you.&quot; He put his arm about Chester's neck so that the stronger
+man could nearly carry the weaker. As they walked slowly across the room
+under the lamps anyone could see a striking resemblance between the two
+men. As they said good night and parted at the father's door, the older
+man's hand patted softly the young man's cheek. Chester felt the touch,
+so strange that it thrilled him. &quot;That was for Lucy's sake,&quot; he said to
+himself as he sought the quietness of his own room.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>There were no apparent reasons why Chester Lawrence should not accompany
+Uncle Gilbert to Liverpool, so neither Chester nor Lucy tried to find
+any. Plans for meeting in London and on the continent were fully matured
+and understood. The separation would be for a week or fortnight at most.
+Lucy and Aunt Sarah waved their goodbyes as the train drew out of Cork
+for Dublin.</p>
+
+<p>Chester now understood why Ireland was called the Emerald Isle. Green,
+green, everywhere&mdash;fields and hedges, trees and bushes, bogs and
+hills&mdash;everything was green. Uncle Gilbert gave him full information on
+all points of interest.</p>
+
+<p>At Dublin they had a few hours to wait for the boat, so they looked
+around the city, not forgetting the beautiful Phoenix Park. It was
+evening when they went on board the steamer and to bed. Next <a name='Page99'></a>morning,
+they were awakened by the rattling of cables and chains as they slid
+into a dock at Liverpool.</p>
+
+<p>Chester and Gilbert Strong parted company at Liverpool, the latter to
+attend to the business which had brought him there, the former to seek a
+place of lodging. First he found 42 Islington, the headquarters of the
+mission, introduced himself to the elders in charge, and asked them to
+direct him to some cheap, but respectable lodgings. He was shown to a
+nearby hotel where the missionaries usually put up, where he obtained a
+room. Then he went to the steamship company's office at the pier,
+obtained his trunk, and had it taken to his lodgings. After a bath, a
+general clean-up and change of clothing, he was ready for the town, or
+all England for that matter.</p>
+
+<p>He went back to &quot;42&quot; for further information. He noticed that the slum
+district of the town pressed closely on to the office quarters, and he
+saw some sights even that first afternoon which shocked him: dirty,
+ragged children, playing in the gutters; boys and girls and women going
+in to dram shops and bringing out mugs of beer; men and women drunken.
+One sight specially horrified him: a woman, dirty, naked shoulders and
+arms; feet and legs bare; a filthy skirt and bodice open at the breast;
+hair matted and wild; reeling along the pavement, crying out in drunken
+exclamations and mutterings. It was the most sickening sight the young
+man had <a name='Page100'></a>ever seen, and with perhaps the exception of a fight he
+witnessed some days later between two such characters, the worst
+spectacle of his life.</p>
+
+<p>All this sordid life so strange and new, drew the attention of the young
+westerner. Especially did 42 Islington interest him; for this was an
+historic spot for &quot;Mormonism.&quot; From here the early missionaries had sent
+forth the message of salvation to Great Britain, in fact, to the whole
+of Europe. Here within these dingy rooms had trod the strong, sturdy
+characters of the pioneer days of the Church. Perhaps in some of these
+rooms Orson Pratt had written his masterly presentation of the gospel.
+In those days, very likely, there were not so many noises of traffic and
+restless humanity. Perhaps such men could take with them the peace and
+sublime solitude of their home in the Western Mountains into the
+confusing din of the big city, and remain undisturbed. And these were
+happy, even as the present elders were, laboring, with a clear
+conscience for the salvation of souls. There came to Chester, as he
+thought of these things, an expression he had read: &quot;Outside things
+cannot make you happy, unless they fit with something inside; and they
+are so few and so common that the smallest room can hold them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>That same evening there was a meeting of the Saints which Chester
+attended. The congregation was small, much smaller even than those of
+Chicago. Most of the people present appeared to be of the humbler,
+working classes; but there was the same <a name='Page101'></a>light in their faces as that
+which shone in faces on the other side of the world, when enlightened by
+the Spirit of God. Everywhere, Chester noticed, this Spirit was the
+same, giving to rich and poor, learned and unlearned alike, the joy of
+its presence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come around tomorrow, and we'll take a look about the city,&quot; said one
+of the elders to Chester. &quot;Sitting cramped over a desk day after day,
+makes it necessary for me to get out once in a while.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The afternoon of the following day, Chester called for his friend in the
+office, and they set out. &quot;I want you to get rid of the first
+impressions of Liverpool,&quot; explained the elder. &quot;I want you to get away
+from the noise and dirt to the green and quiet and beauty of the town.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>First they took a car to the Botanical Gardens, looked at the flower
+beds and inspected the palm-house. Then they walked across the open to
+the farther side, followed a short street or two into the big, open
+grass-covered Wavertree Playground. Thence it was a short walk to Sefton
+Park with its varied and extensive beauties. They watched the children
+sail their toy crafts on the lake. There were some men even, trying out
+model boats. The bird cage was interesting. The grotto, as usual, was
+hard to find. The palm-house took a good part of their time, for the
+beautiful statue of Burn's Highland Mary, gleaming white from a bed of
+green, took Chester's attention, as also the historical figures
+surrounding the house. One of these was of Columbus with an inscription
+claiming that he <a name='Page102'></a>had very much to do with the making of Liverpool,
+which is no doubt true.</p>
+
+<p>The weather was fine, the air was balmy; many people were out. Chester
+and his companion strolled about the walks and across the velvety
+stretches of grass. They watched for a time, a &quot;gentlemanly game of
+cricket,&quot; but it was too slow altogether for the Americans.</p>
+
+<p>It was well towards sundown when the two young men took a car back to
+Islington. &quot;Another day we'll see Newsham Park, and the country around
+Knotty Ash way. Then again, there is some beautiful country up the
+Mersey and across to Birkenhead.&quot; The visitor was grateful for these
+offers.</p>
+
+<p>That evening Chester addressed some post-cards to his few friends in
+Chicago, one to Hugh Elston, one to Elder Malby in London, and one to
+Lucy May Strong, Kildare Villa, Cork, Ireland. He lingered somewhat over
+this latter, lost somewhat in wonder at recent events. Was not this
+ocean trip and the Irish experience a dream? The noise and smoke about
+him were surely that of Chicago, and he was sitting in his room there in
+his normal condition of homelessness and friendlessness? Had he not that
+day been out with an elder from the Chicago Church office to Lincoln
+Park and the lakeside? Surely Lucy and the minister, and Kildare Villa
+and Blarney were figments of a pleasant dream! Chester walked back and
+forth in the small room. He stopped before a dingy map of Great Britain
+on the wall. His finger touched Ireland, <a name='Page103'></a>moved southward, and stopped
+at Cork. Yes; there <i>was</i> such a place, any way, so there must be
+Shandon Bells and the Blarney Stone, and a rustic seat under the trees
+at Blarney Castle. Well, if all else under the sun were imaginary, that
+hour of bliss at Blarney when Chester told Lucy he loved her, and Lucy
+told Chester the same sweet words&mdash;that was real. He would live in that
+reality, for it far surpassed his dreams.</p>
+
+<p>Chester looked again at the post-card he had addressed to Kildare Villa,
+placed it aside, and wrote in its place a long letter.</p><a name='Page104'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_X'></a><h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>Twenty miles out of London. The sun is shining, and the train glides
+along by green fields, hedges of hawthorn, and blossoming trees. England
+looks to be the huge, well-cared-for farm of a very rich man. This may
+be explained by the fact that England is an old country, having been
+plowed and planted and harrowed for close on to a thousand years before
+America was discovered. This long period of cultivation gives the
+country-side a mellowness and well-groomed look. The vaporous sunlight
+softens all the outlines, hides the harsh features, and gives the
+landscape its dreamy, far-away, misty loveliness. There seems to be no
+angles in the scene; field melts into field, and hedge into hedge, with
+here and there a ribbon of a road which seems to join them rather than
+to separate them. The houses are of brick or of stone, many partly
+hidden under the climbing ivy or roses.</p>
+
+<p>Chester Lawrence is accompanying Elder Malby eastward from London
+through Kent to Margate and Ramsgate on the coast. Elder Malby is to
+attend to some Church duties, and Chester, by invitation, was glad to
+accompany him. It was the young man's policy to keep in touch as much as
+possible with the elders and their work, and he was getting somewhat of
+the missionary spirit himself. He was <a name='Page105'></a>greatly enjoying this ride
+through the beautiful country.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's really wonderful,&quot; said Chester, looking out of the car window,
+&quot;this coming from London into the country. Where are all the people? Are
+they all in town? Some cows are browsing in the pastures, and sheep
+scurry about as the train flies by, but where are the people who have
+made this great garden?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must remember,&quot; explained Chester's companion, &quot;all this has not
+been done hurriedly by many people within a short time. What the
+Englishman doesn't do today he can do tomorrow; and so centuries of work
+by a few men has produced what we see.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I do occasionally see a few slow-moving men and women, somberly
+clad in grays and browns. These, I suppose, are the sturdy supporters of
+their country.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here is something I clipped from an American magazine,&quot; said Elder
+Malby, &quot;which impressed me with its peculiar truth.&quot; He read:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'England is London says one, England is Parliament says another,
+England is the Empire says still another; but if I be not much mistaken,
+this stretch of green fields, these hills and valleys, these hedges and
+fruit trees, this soft landscape, is the England men love. In India and
+Canada, in their ships at sea, in their knots of soldiery all over the
+world, Englishmen must close their eyes at times, and when they do, they
+see these fields green and <a name='Page106'></a>brown, these hedges dusted with the soft
+snow of blossoms, these houses hung with roses and ivy, and when the
+eyes open, they are moist with these memories. The pioneer, the sailor,
+the soldier, the colonist may fight, and struggle and suffer, and
+proclaim his pride in his new home and possessions, but these are the
+love of a wife, of children, of friends; that other is the love, with
+its touch of adoration, that is not less nor more, but still different,
+that mysterious mingling of care for, and awe of, the one who brought
+you into the world.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'This is the England, I take it, that makes one feel his duty to be his
+religion, and the England that every American comes to as to a shrine.
+When this is sunk in the sea, or trampled over by a host of invading
+Germans, or mauled into bankruptcy by pandering politicians and sour
+socialists, one of the most delightful spots in the whole world will
+have been lost, and no artist ever be able to paint such a picture
+again, for nowhere else is there just this texture of canvas, just this
+quality if pigment, just these fifteen centuries of atmosphere.' I think
+this sums it up nicely,&quot; commented Elder Malby.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ireland is a pretty fine country, too,&quot; said Chester, with far-away
+tone, still gazing out of the window.</p>
+
+<p>Elder Malby laughed heartily, in which his companion joined. Chester had
+told him his Irish experiences.</p>
+
+<p>Ramsgate is a pretty town on the east coast. It being Sunday, the shops
+were closed and the streets <a name='Page107'></a>quiet. After some enquiries and searching,
+the local elder was found in the outskirts of the town. The two visitors
+were warmly received. A good old-fashioned English dinner was served,
+after which the few Saints living in the vicinity gathered for meeting.
+Never before had Chester Lawrence experienced the comforting Spirit of
+the Lord as in that service when he partook with those simple,
+open-minded people the sacrament, and listened to their testimonies, in
+which he mingled his own.</p>
+
+<p>After the services, there was the usual lingering to shake hands and
+exchange good words. In the midst of the confusion of voices and
+laughter, a large man appeared in the open doorway, and immediately
+there was a hush. It was the parish priest, round and sleek, yet stern
+of countenance. He looked about the room and found a good many of his
+neighbors present.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, good people,&quot; said he, &quot;what are you doing here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The local elder explained civilly the purpose of the gathering.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But these men who are holding these services are 'Mormons,' and I come
+to warn you that they are wolves in sheep's clothing. Beware of them,
+let them alone,&quot; said the priest in rising accents.</p>
+
+<p>The people stood about the room, quietly listening. Elder Malby and
+Chester were yet by the table which had served as a pulpit, and to them
+the priest advanced.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you the 'Mormon' elders?&quot; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name='Page108'></a>We have that honor,&quot; serenely replied Elder Malby.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You ought to be ashamed to come here to a Christian community with your
+vile doctrine. I warn you to keep away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will you be seated, sir?&quot; asked Elder Malby, who took charge of the
+situation. A number of people, who had evidently followed the priest to
+see the &quot;fun,&quot; came in and gathered round.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll not sit down. I'll deliver my message to you all,&quot; he declared as
+he turned to the people. &quot;You may not believe what I say about these
+men, that they are not what they pretend; but let me read to you from an
+American paper&mdash;printed in their own land. Listen:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'So fully apparent is the pernicious activity of &quot;Mormonism&quot; of late,
+that a general campaign of opposition is being urged against them in
+various parts of the country. It has been conclusively shown, by
+students of the question, that the &quot;Mormon&quot; Church is simply a great
+secret society, engaging in criminal practices under the cloak of their
+religion&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a hum of protest in the room. Elder Malby raised a hand of
+warning to let the intruder proceed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'The attitude of &quot;Mormonism&quot; towards moral questions and its disregard
+for the laws, have been shown again and again. &quot;Mormon&quot; missionaries are
+now making a systematic canvas of every state in the Union, as well as
+in Great Britain and other <a name='Page109'></a>foreign countries. Every home, especially of
+the poor and uneducated is to be visited. It would therefore be the part
+of wisdom to give a timely word of warning. This is a time to cry aloud
+and spare not, lest many be led astray by these pernicious teachings.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister followed up this reading by a stream of personal abuse
+against &quot;Mormons&quot; in general and Elder Malby&mdash;whose name he knew&mdash;in
+particular. Chester watched with keen interest the proceedings. Elder
+Malby's face was a study. The angry priest paused, then stopped.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you through, sir?&quot; asked Elder Malby quietly. There was no reply,
+so he continued. &quot;If you are, I wish to say a word. You are entirely
+mistaken, my dear sir. I have not come here to mislead or to teach any
+such doctrine as you claim. True, I am now an American citizen, but I
+was born an Englishman. This is my native country, and I have as much
+right to be here as you have; and, thank God, this country provides for
+free speech and allows every man to worship God according to the
+dictates of his conscience. I love this, my native land&mdash;I love these,
+my people. That's why I am here to preach to them the gospel of Jesus
+Christ.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're a farmer, and not a minister,&quot; sneered the priest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a tent-maker,&quot; replied the Elder
+calmly. &quot;I suppose, sir, that if either of these men came here to
+preach, you would look upon their occupation as a reproach.&quot;</p><a name='Page110'></a>
+
+<p>There was no reply, so the &quot;Mormon&quot; continued. &quot;It is true I am a
+farmer. Some of my friends here know that, because sometimes I assist
+them in the fields. And I have given them some helpful American hints
+too, have I not, Brother Naylor?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aye, that you have.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Religion is not a thing apart from daily life,&quot; said Elder Malby,
+speaking more to the listening people than to the priest. &quot;A truly
+religious person works with hands and brains as well as prays with lips
+and heart. Let me tell you, good people, the 'Mormons' have shown to the
+world that heart and hand, faith and works must go together. A religion
+which withdraws itself apart from the common people into seclusions of
+prayer and contemplation alone is of no value in this world. The
+activities of this life and this world is the proper field for religion,
+for it is here that we prepare for a future life. The &quot;Mormon&quot; minister
+can plow, if he is a farmer, as well as preach. He digs canals, makes
+roads through the wilderness, provides work and play for those who look
+to him for guidance. Again, let me call your attention to something the
+&quot;<i>Mormon</i>&quot; preacher does: he preaches for the love of the souls of men,
+and not for a salary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're a tramp,&quot; said the priest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not exactly, my friend,&quot; replied the Elder, looking into the priest's
+face. &quot;I pay my way, from money earned at home on my farm. Most of the
+people here know me, but some are strangers. Let me tell you, briefly,
+my story.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<a name='Page111'></a>Go on,&quot; some one near the door shouted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was born a few miles from here. My parents were very poor, but honest
+and respectable. I had a longing to go to America, so by dint of long,
+hard work and saving, I obtained the passage money. On the way I became
+acquainted with the Mormons.' I knew they were the people of God, and I
+went with them to the West, which was a new country then. I was a
+pioneer. I took up wild, unbroken land, built me a cabin and made me a
+farm. It was hard work, but, the exhilaration of working for one's self
+gives courage and strength. Now I have a good farm, and a good house. I
+am not rich in worldly wealth. We must still economize carefully.
+Here&mdash;would you like to see my home in America?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He took from his pocket a photograph and handed it to the nearest
+person, who passed it on. &quot;That house I built with my own hands, most of
+it. Those trees I planted. I made the fence and dug the water ditch.
+That's my wife standing by the gate&mdash;yes, the only one I have, or ever
+had&mdash;that's my youngest child on the porch, the only one at home now.
+The others have married and have homes of their own. Here, I remember, I
+received a letter from my wife yesterday. Would you like to read it,
+sir?&quot; addressing the priest who was now preparing to leave.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The letter will prove that I am not a tramp, sir. Read it aloud to
+these people.&quot; The Elder held the letter in his extended hand.</p><a name='Page112'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll have nothing further to do with you. I don't want to read your
+letter,&quot; retorted the priest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Read it, read it,&quot; came from a number; but the priest, unheedingly
+passed out of the door and down the path. The gate clicked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll read it,&quot; volunteered a man, one of the strangers who had come in
+later. He took the letter, and read so that all might hear, which was
+not difficult in that quieted room:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Dear George: By this time I suppose you are in Old England again, and
+have fairly started in your missionary work. We received your card from
+Chicago and your letter from New York. I hope you had a pleasant voyage
+across the ocean, and were not seasick.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'We are all well at home, only a bit lonesome, of course. Janie misses
+you very much. She hardly knows what to do with herself in the evening.
+I was over to George's last night, and when I came in the door the baby
+cried &quot;grandpa&quot; before she saw who it was. The little thing looks all
+around and can't understand why you don't come. Lizzie's baby has the
+measles, but is getting along nicely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I drove around by the field from meeting last Sunday. The wheat is
+growing fine. The Bishop said it was the finest stand he had ever seen.
+George and Henry are now working on the ditch, and they said they'd work
+out your assessment while they were about it. We have had a good deal of
+rain lately.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I spoke to Brother Jenson about those two <a name='Page113'></a>steers. He said prices were
+low at present and advised me to wait a little while before selling
+them. If you need the money very soon, of course I'll tell him to take
+them next time he calls. My eggs and butter help us out wonderfully, as
+we two don't require much. The Sunday eggs, you know, go towards the
+meeting house fund, and Janie claims the &quot;Saturday crop.&quot; She needs a
+new school dress which Lizzie has promised to make.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Now, that's about all the news. I hope your health will continue good
+and that you are enjoying your mission. Don't worry about us. The Lord
+will provide. We want to do our part in sending the gospel to those who
+have it not. Our faith and prayers are always with you.</p>
+
+&quot;'Your loving wife,<br />
+&quot;'JANE MALBY.<br />
+
+<p>&quot;'P.S. I forgot to tell you that the Jersey cow you bought from Brother
+Jones has had twin calves, both heifers. Isn't that fine? J.M.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The reader folded the letter and handed it back to its owner. The
+postscript saved the situation, for the wet eyes found relief in the
+merry laugh which it brought forth.</p><a name='Page114'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XI'></a><h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>On Chester's return to London, he found the following note from Lucy:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We're all coming&mdash;father and Uncle Gilbert and I. What do you think of
+that? Father is well enough to travel, and he has prevailed upon his
+brother to accompany us. In fact, I think that Uncle imagines we are two
+invalids and need his care&mdash;I'm glad he does. I'm so busy packing, I
+haven't time to write more. Will tell you all about it when I see you.
+Meet us at St. Pancras station Thursday, at 6 p.m.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With love from</p>
+
+<p>&quot;LUCY.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elder Malby accompanied Chester to the station to meet his friends from
+Ireland. The two brothers were fairly well acquainted with London, so
+they had no trouble in finding a hotel in a quiet part of the city.
+Lucy's father seemed himself again. He walked with a cane, which,
+however, may have been his regular European custom. Lucy was uncommonly
+well, declaring that the long journey had not tired her a bit.</p>
+
+<p>Plans were discussed in the hotel that evening, and it was finally
+decided to go to Paris by way of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels. The
+stages <a name='Page115'></a>would have to be easy for the sake of the &quot;two invalids,&quot; as
+Uncle Gilbert put it, to which Chester heartily agreed.</p>
+
+<p>Late the next morning, for the travelers needed the rest, Chester called
+for them, and the party of four saw a little of London from the top of a
+'bus. The weather continued fair, and as the summer was well advanced,
+the air was warm. The sightseers had a simple luncheon at a small cafe
+which Uncle Gilbert knew near the British Museum, and then they
+continued their rambles until the close of the afternoon, when Chester
+put them down at the &quot;Mormon&quot; mission headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>Elder Malby received them warmly, provided easy seats for Lucy and her
+father, and took hats and wraps under protestations that they were not
+going to stay. A number of missionaries came in and they were
+introduced. Lucy beamed with delight, her father unreservedly told the
+young men they were from America,&mdash;and western America at that; but
+Uncle Gilbert was not quite at his ease among the new company. He knew,
+of course, that these people were &quot;Mormons,&quot; and his knowledge of
+&quot;Mormons&quot; and their ways, although somewhat vague, was not reassuring.</p>
+
+<p>When the good-natured English housekeeper announced that supper was
+ready, it seemed impossible to do otherwise than to follow her and Elder
+Malby down to the large basement room. In fact, Lucy, without any ifs or
+ands took her father's arm and <a name='Page116'></a>led him along. Uncle Gilbert thought he
+had never seen her in such a bold frame of mind.</p>
+
+<p>Certainly, Chester, Elder Malby, and the housekeeper must have plotted
+to bring about that little supper party. The dining room was severely
+bare, but scrupulously clean. That evening the threadbare table cloth
+had been replaced by a new one. The usual menu of bread, milk, and jam
+was augmented by slices of cold meat, a dish of fruit, and a cake. Two
+small bouquets adorned the ends of the long table.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Visitors,&quot; whispered one of the elders to another.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Extraordinary visitors,&quot; replied the other. &quot;Just like home when Uncle
+John came to see us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The housekeeper even furnished tea for the Rev. Mr. Strong and his
+brother. Lucy said she liked milk better, so she filled her glass along
+with Chester's and the other &quot;Mormons.&quot; She chatted freely with the
+young elder near her, learned that he was from Idaho, that he had been
+away six months, that he had not been home-sick, and that he was not
+married. The elders were to hold street meetings that evening after
+supper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should like to go with you,&quot; she said; but Chester, overhearing the
+conversation, told her that for various reasons, such a course would not
+be wise.</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards, there was some singing in the office-parlor, then Chester
+went with the party to their hotel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I believe papa is being favorably impressed,&quot;<a name='Page117'></a> said Lucy to Chester
+before they parted. &quot;I wish he could see as I do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That would indeed be something to be thankful for,&quot; agreed Chester.</p>
+
+<p>The following afternoon the continental party took the train to Harwich,
+then boat for the Hook of Holland, where they arrived next morning. A
+short ride by rail brought them to Rotterdam.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert had seen the city before, but the quaint town interested
+the others for the first time. &quot;Everything is clean in Holland but the
+canals,&quot; some one has said. In Rotterdam, the ancient windmills, with
+huge spreading arms, stand in the midst of modern shops, and the
+contrast is strange.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert directed the party to the Delftshaven church, explaining
+that in this ancient building the Pilgrim Fathers worshiped before they
+set sail for the New World. Then the sight-seers took train for The
+Hague, ten miles away. They visited the House of the Woods, where the
+Peace Congresses are held, observed Queen Wilhelmina's residence from
+without, looked at some of the famous paintings in the art gallery, then
+shuddered over the instruments of torture on exhibition in the &quot;Torture
+Chamber&quot; found in the old prison. There were some gruesome articles
+here.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All in the name of religion,&quot; remarked the minister, shaking his head.
+&quot;It seems to me that in those days men taxed their ingenuity to find new
+and more terrible means of inflicting pain. And men suffered in those
+days because of religious belief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><a name='Page118'></a>Someone had expressed himself on the subject in these lines, which they
+read from a card:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;By my soul's hope of rest,<br /></span>
+<span>I'd rather have been born, ere man was blessed<br /></span>
+<span>With the pure dawn of revelation's light;<br /></span>
+<span>Yea; rather plunge me back into pagan night<br /></span>
+<span>And take my chances with Socrates for bliss,<br /></span>
+<span>Than be a Christian of a faith like this.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Out from the depressing gloom of the prison, they took the electric car
+to Scheveningen, the famous sea-side resort. The season was hardly begun
+yet, so there were but few visitors. However, the sands dotted with
+their peculiar wicker shelters and the beautiful blue North Sea were
+there. Out on the water could be seen the little &quot;pinken&quot;&mdash;the fishing
+boats, their sails red and taut or white and wing-like, speeding before
+the wind. The waves swept in long straight lines, and broke on the sands
+in muffled sound. The scene was restful, so the party was served with
+something to eat and drink on a table within sound and sight of the open
+sea.</p>
+
+<p>That evening, back in Rotterdam, Chester and Lucy, while the two
+brothers took their ease &quot;at home,&quot; found the Mission headquarters,
+introduced themselves to the elders, and spent a few hours very
+pleasantly with them. They learned from the missionaries that the Dutch
+were for the most part, an honest, God-fearing people, quite susceptible
+to the gospel. There were no meetings that evening, but <a name='Page119'></a>in lieu
+thereof, the presiding elder took them out and introduced them to some
+of the Saints. Then, when they came back to the office, the housekeeper
+served them with cool milk, white bread, sweet butter, and whiter
+cheese.</p>
+
+<p>The next day the tourists went on to Brussels, stopping a few hours only
+at Antwerp, which city was a surprise. As Chester said, &quot;I remember
+seeing such a place on the map, but I had no idea it was such a fine,
+large city.</p>
+
+<p>They saw many wide streets lined with the most unique houses, many of
+them having &quot;terraced gables&quot; facing the street.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is certainly the town for fancy 'gingerbread' decorations,&quot;
+commented Chester, as they observed the net-work of cornices and forest
+of pinnacles. There was even a full-sized mounted charger on the topmost
+point of a seven-story building. The Cathedral, with its tall sculptured
+tower, was no doubt an architectural marvel. A brief visit was made to
+the art gallery, &quot;full of Ruben's fat women,&quot; as Uncle Gilbert expressed
+it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Anvers,'&quot; read the minister from a post-card. &quot;I thought this was
+Antwerp?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Antwerp is the English of it,&quot; explained Uncle Gilbert.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I think names&mdash;names of cities and countries, at least, should be
+the same in all languages. At any rate, they could be spelled alike. If
+this town is Anvers, why not call it that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sunday evening brought the party to Brussels, or<a name='Page120'></a> Bruxelles, in the
+original. The life and gaity of the city were in full swing, and most of
+the shops were doing their usual business. Uncle Gilbert did not want to
+remain long, but Lucy said she wished to visit the battle-field of
+Waterloo, and one or two points of interest in the city. So the evening
+and the next day were consumed. The battle-field is reached by train
+from the city. From the Waterloo station, there is a mile or two of
+walking or riding in carriages to the immediate field of battle. A great
+pyramid of earth covered with grass to its summit marks the spot where
+the conflict raged the fiercest. From the top of this monument a fine
+view is had. What was once a bloody battle-field was that day decked
+with growing fields, dotted with feeding kine. Lucy had again to be
+denied the pleasure of the view from the top. She sat in the wagon below
+and got what she could from the man who had been left with the horses.
+It was all very interesting, but Lucy was so tired when they got back to
+the hotel that she could not see more of Brussels.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning they went on to Paris. All but Chester had been in this gay
+city before. The weather was getting quite warm, so the two brothers did
+not care to follow the strenuous pace set by Chester in his sight
+seeing. During the heat of the day they kept quietly within their rooms
+or strolled leisurely along the shaded boulevards. Chester, by promising
+to take the utmost care of Lucy, was permitted to take her with him to
+visit some of the <a name='Page121'></a>sights. She knew enough French to make herself fairly
+well understood, and that was a great help.</p>
+
+<p>So these two rode and rambled about Paris for nearly a week, sometimes
+with the father, sometimes with Uncle Gilbert, but more often by
+themselves. The days were fine. The parks and boulevards were gay with
+people. They made purchases in the shops along Rue de Rivoli and at the
+Bon Marche, the great department store which Lucy declared they could
+equal in Kansas City. They gazed for hours in the Louvre Art Gallery,
+coming back time and again to look once more at some picture. The Venus
+de Milo had a fascination about it which drew them into the long
+gallery, where at the extreme end, the classic marble figure stands
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>They rode on the Seine, wondering at its clear waters. They walked about
+the open squares and gardens all of them of historic significance. They
+promenaded, very quietly, it is true, along the Champs Elysees. They
+lingered about the Petit Palais, one of the most beautiful of Paris
+buildings because of its newness, its clean, chaste finish, and the
+artistic combination of marble, pictures, and flowers. Was it any wonder
+that amid all this interesting beauty Chester's and Lucy's eyes and
+hands frequently met to express what words failed to do?</p>
+
+<p>The four sight-seers were at Napoleon's Tomb, admiring the wonderful
+light effect.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Every time I visit this place,&quot; said Uncle Gilbert, &quot;I like to read a
+summary of Napoleon's career <a name='Page122'></a>which I found and clipped. Would you like
+to hear it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The others said they would, so Uncle Gilbert read:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Egyptian sands and Russian snows alike invaded; a revolution quelled,
+an empire created; his own brethren seated on thrones of vassal
+kingdoms; a complete code of jurisprudence formed for France from the
+wrecks of medi&aelig;val misrule; the most profound strategist of the ages;
+denounced by nations as the 'disturber of the peace of the world;'
+violating the marriage law of God and man; himself a dwarf in height,
+and lowering the physical stature of a generation of his countrymen
+through the frightful carnage of wars undertaken largely for his
+personal aggrandizement; succumbing in the moment of final victory to
+insidious disease; twice expatriated, dying in exile across the seas,
+after twenty years; in life, the idol of a race and the detestation of
+the rest of the continent; and now, a handful of dust, his spirit in the
+presence of its Maker.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This reading furnished a text for the minister, who talked rather more
+freely than he had recently done. Notre Dame lay in their route that
+afternoon, so naturally enough, they went in, Uncle Gilbert remarking
+that this was a fit place for the minister to conclude his sermon.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What a dark, musty place,&quot; said Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It fits in very well with their religion,&quot; suggested Chester. &quot;A lot of
+outward show, but within, dark and dead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><a name='Page123'></a>Uncle Gilbert, though living in Ireland, was not a Catholic, so he took
+no offense at this remark.</p>
+
+<p>Then while they were &quot;doing&quot; churches, they visited that of St. Sulpice,
+a very large edifice, in the floor of which is a brass line which marks
+the Meridian of Paris. At the left of the entrance sits St. Peter in
+life-sized bronze, in possession of the Keys. The naked big toe of this
+figure is easily reached by the worshipers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have heard of people kissing images of the Saints,&quot; said Chester,
+&quot;but I have never seen anything of the kind. Let us rest here a while,
+to see if anything happens.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy was glad of the suggestion as she was more tired than she wished to
+acknowledge. The big church was cool and quiet. Worshipers singly and in
+twos were coming and going. Presently, a woman, and presumably her
+daughter, came in, and as they passed St. Peter they leaned forward and
+kissed the shining, metal toe. They passed on to a confessional where
+the priest could be seen and faintly heard behind the latticed window.</p>
+
+<p>All this was exceedingly interesting to the young people. The two
+brothers were absorbed more in the building itself than what was going
+on within; even to what their two young people were doing. Chester,
+surely was prompted by a spirit of sacriledge when he took from an inner
+pocket a picture post-card he had bought in Ireland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The kissing of the toe reminded me of it,&quot; said he, as he handed the
+card to Lucy, who looked at <a name='Page124'></a>the picture of an Irishman in the act of
+kissing his sweetheart, Blarney Castle being shown in the distance.
+Underneath was the following:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;With quare sinsashuns and palpitashuns,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>A kiss I'll venture here, Mavrone;<br /></span>
+<span>'Tis swater Blarney, good Father Mahoney,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>Kissin' the girls than that dirty stone.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Lucy's father tapped her on the shoulder. &quot;You're in a church. Behave
+yourself,&quot; he said. &quot;Come, let's be going.&quot;</p><a name='Page125'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XII'></a><h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>It was evident that, notwithstanding the good intentions which all
+persons concerned had of not overreaching in the sight-seeing business,
+Lucy, at least, was feeling its effects. That she would have to remain
+quiet for some days was the verdict of the physician which her father
+called. There was no immediate danger, said he to Chester, but the heart
+action was feeble. A week of absolute rest would remedy that.</p>
+
+<p>Chester was packed off to Switzerland alone, contrary to the program he
+had looked forward to. Uncle Gilbert did not care to go. Mr. Strong
+would have to remain with Lucy, so if Chester was to see Switzerland, he
+would have to try it alone. When Chester heard of the arrangement, he
+demurred; but when Lucy's father suggested to him that perhaps it would
+be best for her, he said no more.</p>
+
+<p>After Chester's departure, the three settled down to the business at
+hand, that of resting. That was easy enough for Lucy and her father, but
+Uncle Gilbert was hale and hearty, so he continued to make short daily
+excursions to points of interest. They had pleasant quarters, not too
+near the noise of the city. The semi-private hotel had but few guests,
+so the back garden in which dinner was usually served, proved a
+desirable lounging-place.</p><a name='Page126'></a>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert was away that afternoon. Lucy was resting in her room. The
+Rev. Mr. Strong paced nervously back and forth in the garden for a time,
+then dropped heavily into an easy chair. The French maid, stepping
+quietly about placed a pillow under his head, which kindness he accepted
+gratefully. The garden was still. There were no sharp near-noises, the
+city's activity coming merely as a faint distant hum.</p>
+
+<p>The minister closed his eyes, but he did not go to sleep. His mind was
+too active for that, his nerves were tingling again. The bright, gay
+life about him did not exist for him. That afternoon he lived in the
+past. He marshalled for review contending thoughts, that had for many
+years fought for supremacy. Out of the chaos of conflict no order had
+yet come. He was getting old before his years justified it.</p>
+
+<p>Why should he, a minister of the word of God, be so easily moved by
+strange religious ideas? Faintly as if from some distant, mostly
+forgotten past, there came to him this idea, that the truth, the whole,
+clean, simple truth as it exists in Christ Jesus had been told him, and
+he had rejected it. Why he had done this was not clear to him. He seemed
+to have lived in periods of alternating darkness and light. Then later,
+he had come in contact with so-called &quot;Mormonism.&quot; Strange to say, its
+teachings had the same ring as that which he had heard before; but this
+time he rejected it because of its evil name. Once again, a little
+later, these same doctrines <a name='Page127'></a>had come to him, but they were not welcomed
+when he learned that those who taught them and lived them were simple,
+ofttimes uneducated people, usually called the &quot;scum&quot; of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>The Rev. Mr. Strong had actually given up his pastorship in two places,
+moving westward until he reached Kansas City.&mdash;Here for a number of
+years, he had experienced peace, a sort of indifferent peace, he
+admitted, due more to callousness of soul than to anything else. Then
+came Lucy's adventure with the &quot;Mormon&quot; elders on the streets, and her
+visit to &quot;Mormon&quot; meetings. She had brought &quot;Mormon&quot; literature home,
+and he had read it, read it all. He had asked her to bring more. He had
+often sat up till midnight to finish a book, then had railed at Lucy for
+bringing it into the house. And now the conflict was on again, harder
+than ever. He closed his eyes, saying, &quot;No, no;&quot; then opened them again
+to the beautiful light. He stopped his ears, crying, &quot;I will not hear;&quot;
+then listened to the sweet music. With all the force of his life's
+training, he railed against the doctrine; then in silence contemplated
+its glorious truths. He drove the thought of it out of his mind; then
+welcomed it eagerly back. Back and forth, in and out, in doubt and fear,
+in faith and hope his soul had suffered and wrought.</p>
+
+<p>What was the outcome to be? Evidently, the end was not yet; for had he
+not purposely taken this trip abroad, to get away from some of these
+things, and had he not run hard against that which he had hoped to
+escape. And in what form had it <a name='Page128'></a>now come? In that of his son, his only
+son, the child of his younger days! Surely God was in this thing. &quot;Yes,&quot;
+the man muttered, &quot;God is watching me. I cannot escape. His hand is over
+me. '<i>If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost
+parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand
+shall hold me!</i>'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert came in, humming lightly a tune he had caught from the
+band in the cafe. He stopped when he saw his brother apparently asleep.
+He was about to retreat when his brother, opening his eyes, called:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't go; come here. I want to talk with you. I want your opinion on a
+matter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert seated himself to listen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You might think it a strange thing for me to ask you about doctrines of
+religion,&quot; began the brother, &quot;but sometimes a layman has a clearer,
+more unbiased view than one who has studied one system, and&mdash;and has
+made his living from preaching it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I fear, brother, you are worrying too much about such things&quot;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not at all&mdash;not too much. It's necessary to worry sometimes. I suppose
+that's God's way of arousing people. I am worrying&mdash;have been worrying
+for many years&mdash;just now I want someone to talk to&mdash;I want you to
+listen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll do that, if that will help you,&quot; said the brother as he placed his
+hat and stick on a table and shifted himself into a comfortable
+position. The <a name='Page129'></a>maid peeped in, but seeing the two men, retired again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have preached hundreds of sermons on the being and nature of God,&quot;
+said the minister, now sitting erect and looking at his brother. &quot;I have
+spoken of Him as a Father, our Father, and all the time He has been out
+in time and space, formless, homeless, unthinkable. He has never
+appealed to heart or brain. Will God ever be more to me than a force in
+and through all nature? Shall we ever see His face? Shall we ever feel
+the cares of His hand and hear His voice, not in a figurative sense, but
+in reality.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now brother&quot;&mdash;said Uncle Gilbert again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't interrupt. You do not need to answer my questions&mdash;you couldn't
+if you wanted to. Listen. What do you think of this: God is our Father,
+in reality as we naturally understand it&mdash;Father of our spirits. We are,
+therefore, His children. That is our relationship. Consequently we are
+of a family of Gods. Admit that our Father is God, and that we are His
+children, the conclusion is absolute. We are not worms of the dust, only
+so far as we degrade our divine nature to that lowness.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This Father of ours has in the past eternities trod through time and
+space, learning,&mdash;yes, suffering, overcoming, conquering, becoming
+perfect, until now He sits in the midst of glory, power, and eternal
+lives. In might and majesty perfect, He can and does hold us all as in
+the hollow of His hand. This <a name='Page130'></a>little earth of ours, and all the shining
+worlds on high are His workmanship. He holds them also by His allwise
+power. And yet, my brother, come back to this simple proposition, we are
+that great Being's sons and daughters, and if we walk in the way in
+which He walked, we are heirs to all that He has! I am one of a great
+family, so are you,&mdash;all of us. Our Father has but gone before and we
+follow. The difference between us is only in degree of development and
+not in kind.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'O God, I think thy thoughts after Thee,' said Kepler, and thoughts
+lead to deeds.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Again, the Son, whom we know as Jesus Christ, came to reveal to us this
+Father. He was in 'the form of God.' He was the 'image of the invisible
+God.' Further, this Son was in the express image of the Father's person.
+Jesus Christ was a man like unto us as far as outward form is concerned.
+He is one of this great family, the first-born and foremost of the
+children, it is true, yet one of us&mdash;He acknowledged us as His brethren.
+Now, then listen: Jesus follows His Father. 'The Son can do nothing of
+Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He
+doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.' Also, this Son said: 'My
+Father worketh hitherto, and I work.' Now, if we follow in the steps of
+the Son, as He has commanded us to do, and that Son follows in the steps
+of His Father, where is our final destination?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The brother listened in wonder. The doctrine was, indeed, strange, but
+it was too clear and logical <a name='Page131'></a>to be the result of a weak mind. The
+minister saw the perplexity in his listener's face and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, brother, I am not crazy. My mind has never been clearer. I feel
+fine now. I tell you, there is manna for a hungry soul in these things.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now again: This life is a school. From the puny, helpless infant to
+old age, life is a development of the attributes with which we come into
+the world. We get all our education through our senses. No faculty of
+mind or body is useless. The perfect man has these all perfectly
+developed. We have at least one example of a perfect man, the
+resurrected Son of God. What was He like? When He appeared to His
+disciples He said, 'Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and
+bones, as ye see me have.' He also ate with His brethren. Here, then, we
+have, one of us, carrying with Him into the celestial world His body of
+flesh and bone. And, mind you, He is the pattern. If we follow Him, we
+also shall take with us these bodies, changed, purged, and glorified of
+course, but yet bodies in every sense. Will not the eye then see
+perfectly, the ear hear every sound in the celestial key? Not only every
+attribute of the mind, but every organ of the body will be prefect in
+its operation. Think what that will mean!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The speaker paused as if to let his listener arrive at the inevitable
+conclusion in his own mind.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What will it mean?&quot; he asked again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know,&quot; replied Uncle Gilbert.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It will mean fatherhood&mdash;eternal, celestialized <a name='Page132'></a>fatherhood. We shall
+be like Him our Father, not only to beget, but to <i>father</i> a race! Think
+of that! Did you ever think of that? No, of course not&mdash;and I&mdash;musn't&mdash;I
+who&mdash;have never yet made a beginning&mdash;how can I expect&quot;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>The head fell back on the pillow as Uncle Gilbert quickly came to his
+brother's side. The minister's face was pale, his eyes were closed for a
+moment. Then he opened them, sat upright, ran his hand over his face,
+and smiled at his brother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't be alarmed,&quot; he said, &quot;it was nothing. I'm all right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He walked about while the maid came in and set the table for dinner. The
+minister linked his arm into his brother's. &quot;Say, brother,&quot; he asked,
+&quot;would you not be lonesome up in heaven without Aunt Sarah?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert was seriously alarmed. He had in mind to call Lucy, when,
+providentially she came to them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think your father's not well, Lucy?&quot; said Uncle Gilbert, as she took
+her father's other arm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter, papa?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am well,&quot; protested the father&mdash;&quot;as well as I ever was. I've just
+been telling brother here some things&mdash;some gospel truths in fact, and I
+guess they're beyond you yet,&quot; he said to his brother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; replied Uncle Gilbert, &quot;I'll admit I've never heard you talk
+like that before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, I've preached these things scores of times from the pulpit, and my
+congregations have thought <a name='Page133'></a>them fine. I didn't tell, however, where my
+inspiration came from.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where did it come from?&quot; asked Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From your books, my dear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My books?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; from your books on 'Mormonism'.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Had not dinner just then been announced, it is hard to say what would
+have become of Uncle Gilbert's astonishment. Across the table he saw
+Lucy's reassuring smile from which he himself took courage that all was
+well.</p><a name='Page134'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XIII'></a><h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p><i>My Dear Lucy</i>:&mdash;I am writing this in my room high up on the hillside of
+Lucerne, (Luzern) pronounced as if there were a &quot;t&quot; before the &quot;z.&quot; The
+day is closing. The light is yet bright on the mountains, but the lake
+lies in shadows. The lamps are being lighted down below in the town and
+along the promenade. I hear faintly the arrival of the steamer at the
+pier.</p>
+
+<p>But let me begin at the beginning, and tell you what I have seen and
+done up to the present. This telling is a poor substitute for the
+reality, I assure you; but as you have never been in Switzerland, you
+might be interested in the sights here&mdash;through my eyes! Let me say now,
+before I forget, that at every point of beauty and interest, I said in
+my heart, &quot;O that Lucy could be here to enjoy this!&quot; It really seemed
+selfish in me to be alone. And then, you know, the pleasure of sight
+seeing is materially enhanced when one has a sympathetic companion to
+whom one may exclaim: &quot;Isn't that grand!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>We entered Switzerland at Basel, then journeyed on to Zurich. This is
+Switzerland's largest city, and in my opinion, it is one of the most
+beautiful large cities I have ever seen. Of course, I hunted up the
+Church headquarters, where I was fortunate to meet a friend I had known
+in Salt Lake. He kindly gave <a name='Page135'></a>me the information I desired about the
+city and even took a few hours off duty to accompany me to points of
+interest.</p>
+
+<p>That evening we went to the Opera house, where Faust was being played. I
+had a great desire to see Faust in the original, and though my German is
+not up to Goethe's standard, I could follow the plot somewhat, and I was
+eagerly watching for Margaret to make her appearance on the stage. After
+a long evening, the curtain went down, and all the people got up and
+left&mdash;yet no Margaret had appeared. I was puzzled; but my friend
+explained that the play was only half over. If I desired to see the
+rest, I would have to come back the following evening. What do you think
+of that? Well, I didn't go back&mdash;I went to Lucerne, next morning.</p>
+
+<p>I wanted to see the Alps, of course, and we got a distant view only of
+them from Zurich. Here, at Lucerne, we have them in all their grand
+beauty.</p>
+
+<p>I don't mind admitting to you that my purse would not allow my stopping
+longer at the Schweizerhof, than to merely take a good look at the
+exterior. I had with me the Lucerne elders' address, and easily found
+them. They directed me to a friend who had cheap rooms, and it is here I
+am writing to you. The view is just as fine from my window as from the
+big hotel&mdash;nay, finer, for I am higher up; and after all, Lucy, the five
+francs' out-look on a beautiful world is enjoyed quite as much as if it
+cost fifteen. I can see the cap or the collar of Mt. Pilatus better
+perhaps than the fat, <a name='Page136'></a>cross, silk-clad lady I saw on the boat
+yesterday, can see them. (By &quot;cap&quot; is meant a cloud resting on top, by
+&quot;collar&quot; the cloud encircling Pilatus' head.)</p>
+
+<p>This brings me to my trip on Lake Lucerne day before yesterday. We
+started early. The tourist season has hardly begun yet, so we were not
+crowded. There was rain threatening. The mountain tops were hidden by
+clouds, and the prospect was not assuring. However, by the time we
+landed at Brunnen, the clouds had lifted, the sun came out, and the day
+became pleasantly warm. From Brunnen, it was our plan to walk along the
+Axenstrasse, to Fluelen, a distance of five or six miles. There were
+three of us, with an elder for guide. I wish you could have spent that
+afternoon with us&mdash;with me, strolling along that wonderful road, cut out
+of the mountain side bordering the lake. The post cards I am enclosing
+will give you an idea of the scenery, and I assure you the blueness of
+the lake is not overdone in the picture.</p>
+
+<p>The road leads along gently sloping hill-sides, covered with farms, then
+it pierces the sheer rock, then again borders the cliff, fifty or one
+hundred feet from the lake below. The trees are in full leaf and some
+are in bloom. The grass is high where we walked, but up towards the tops
+of the mountains, the snow still lies. One of the strange sights is to
+see large, splendid hotels perched in some cranny away up near the
+summit of the peaks. Cog railways now take the tourists up some of the
+mountains.</p><a name='Page137'></a>
+
+<p>The region around Lake Lucerne is historic, I am told. Here began the
+Swiss struggle for liberty which we read about. The scene of William
+Tell's exploits are laid here, and we are shown on the shore of the
+lake, Tell's Capelle, said to mark the spot where the apple-shooting
+patriot leaped ashore and escaped from the tyrant Gessler. I do not
+wonder at men, born and reared amid these mountains not submitting to
+the yoke of oppression.</p>
+
+<p>In reading up on Lucerne, I came upon this, taken from &quot;Romance and
+Teutonic Switzerland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Swiss nation was born on the banks of Lake Luzern, and craddled
+upon its waters. First, the chattering waves told the news to the
+overhanging beaches; and they whispered it to the forests, to the lonely
+cedars on the uplands. The blank precipices smiled, the Alpine roses
+blushed their brightest, the summer pastures glowed, the glaciers and
+avalanches roared approval; and, finally, the topmost peaks promised to
+lend their white mantles for the baptism.&quot; That's rather nicely put,
+don't you think?</p>
+
+<p>About half way along Axenstrasse, we discovered that we were hungry, so
+we proposed to try one of the farm houses for something to eat. Our
+guide, tried one that looked typical of what we wanted, and the rest of
+us waited by the road, for fully thirty minutes.</p>
+
+<p>At last the elder returned, explaining that he had had no easy task. He
+had to plead with every member of the household, from grandmother to
+daughter, to get them to take us in; but at last he <a name='Page138'></a>was successful. We
+went into a most interesting room. The finish and furnishings were old
+and quaint, the woodwork bare of paint and scoured clean and smooth by
+years of scrubbing. In time we were served with bread (they were out of
+butter, they said) preserved cherries, walnuts, and hot milk. (Our guide
+said it was safer to have the milk boiled.) We enjoyed the meal amid the
+unique surroundings. The good people were profuse with thanks when we
+paid them in good-sized silver. I believe the elder left a gospel tract
+with them, so who can tell what will be the outcome of our visit?</p>
+
+<p>From Fluelen we took steamer back to Lucerne.</p>
+
+<p>Well, it's getting late. I'd better go to bed. I fear I shall tire you
+by my guide-book descriptions. But this for a good-night's thought: Here
+I am away from you, away from my world, as it were. I can look back on
+my short life, and I can see the hand of an allwise and merciful Father,
+shaping events, ever for my good. Was it chance that we two should have
+taken the same steamer and be thrown together as we were. Not at all.
+There is a power behind the universe&mdash;call it what we may&mdash;which
+directs. This power will not permit any honest, truth-seeking soul to be
+overcome and be destroyed. I thank the Lord for His blessings to me. Out
+of seeming darkness and despair He has led me to light and happiness.
+And may I say it, we two, because of our cleaving to the light as it has
+been made known to us, have been brought together. Is it not true? I
+wish and pray also that your <a name='Page139'></a>father may soften his heart towards the
+truth. I sometimes fear that his heart does already accept the gospel,
+but that his will says no. There now, good night.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Good morning. I had a fine sleep. I dreamed that you were with me, and
+we were looking at the Lion of Lucerne. The dying lion roared, and you
+clasped me so tightly in your fright, that I awoke,&mdash;all of which
+reminds me that I have not told you much about this city or its sights.</p>
+
+<p>The Lion, I suppose is Lucerne's most distinctive curiosity. As you will
+see by the card, it is a large figure of a lion carved out of the solid
+rock in the hillside. Thorwaldsen furnished the model. It was made to
+commemorate the bravery of the Swiss guards who fought in the service of
+Louis XVI at the outbreak of the French Revolution.</p>
+
+<p>Switzerland is sometimes called the playground of Europe. Down on the
+promenades by the lakes, one may see people from &quot;every nation under
+heaven&quot; nearly. By the way, who do you think I met, day before
+yesterday? Why, our would-be gallant ship-board friend. Strange to say,
+he was sober, and more strange, he appeared pleased to see me. He wanted
+to take me to all kinds of places, and treat me to all kinds of good
+things; but further, strange(?) to relate, I shook him for the company
+of a few native saints, for there was a meeting that evening which I
+attended. I had to speak too, in English, of course, with one of the
+missionaries interpreting. It was an odd experience.</p><a name='Page140'></a>
+
+<p>The postman has just been here with your note. I was very sorry the news
+from you was not better. I am blaming myself for tiring you out too much
+with my sight seeing. Send me at least a card everyday to this address,
+<i>please</i>. I have thought to go through the country to Bern, but I
+suppose all the lakes and mountains of Switzerland look much alike. I am
+quite satisfied with Lucerne. I was very much interested in what your
+father said about &quot;Mormonism.&quot; If our prayers are of any avail, we'll
+&quot;get him&quot; yet.</p>
+
+<p>Before I close this long letter, and I must do so now&mdash;I want to tell
+you of an incident that occurred yesterday. I was taking a stroll up
+above the town, by myself, for I will admit I was in a &quot;mood.&quot; There are
+a lot of monks in Lucerne. You can see them on the street, fat,
+rolly-poly looking men, bare, oddly-cropped heads, and outwardly clad in
+what looks like a dressing gown. Well, I was curious to see the convent
+where the monks live a life of ease, I suppose to get used to the
+eternal &quot;rest&quot; which they expect when they get to heaven, of which I
+have my &quot;doubts.&quot; However, I did not find the convent, nor did I see any
+monks, but as I was walking along an unfrequently traveled road, I met a
+little boy and girl, walking towards me, hand in hand. They were crying.
+When they saw me, they wiped their eyes and stopped. I saw they were
+poorly clad, and, somewhat dirty. I became interested in them, but they
+were so shy that it was with difficulty I got them to remain. They
+looked at the coppers I held <a name='Page141'></a>out, but they did not move until I placed
+a silver piece beside them. Their eyes rounded out, then, and the little
+girl became brave enough to come and take them. Well, I tried my German
+on them, but they were, evidently, too Swiss to understand me&mdash;I was at
+the time making a whistle from a small willow which I had cut from the
+wayside. I seated myself on the bank and went on making my whistle. The
+children watched me pound the bark, then twist off the loosened peeling,
+and finish the whistle. When I blew it, they laughed. I handed it to the
+boy, who timidly put it to his lips. They sat down by me, and I made a
+whistle for the girl, then a third, bigger one, which I stuck into the
+boy's pocket, telling him to take it home. You ought to have seen the
+changed expression on those two dirty faces when they left me, blowing
+happily on their willow whistles.</p>
+
+<p>I was lonesome no longer. What a little thing will bring joy into a
+dreary life!</p>
+
+<p>Love to all with heaping measures for you, from</p>
+
+<p>Yours as ever,</p>
+
+<p>CHESTER.</p><a name='Page142'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XIV'></a><h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>A week of comparative quiet brought little change for the better to
+Lucy, so it was decided that they would by easy stages, get back to
+London, thence to Cork and Kildare Villa. Lucy kept Chester informed of
+their doings, saying as little as possible about her health. As she did
+not wish to deprive him of the full enjoyment of his visit to
+Switzerland, she did not send him word of their intentions, until they
+were ready to leave. They would go by way of Calais and Dover, the
+short-water route, she wrote him.</p>
+
+<p>When Chester received this information he hastily cut short his sight
+seeing, and started for London by way of Rotterdam. The long ride alone
+was somewhat tiresome, and he was glad to meet again some of the elders
+in the land of canals and windmills.</p>
+
+<p>Just before the train rolled into Rotterdam, Chester thought of Glen
+Curtis. It came to him as a distinct shock when he realized that he had
+entirely forgotten to enquire about Glen on his former visit. &quot;Well,&quot;
+said he to himself, &quot;so easily do our interests change from one person
+to another.&quot; But now he must find his old friend. He could freely talk
+to him now even about Julia Elston.</p>
+
+<p>Chester learned from the elder in charge at the office, that Elder
+Curtis was released to return home <a name='Page143'></a>in a few days. He would be in
+Rotterdam shortly. When? In a few days. But Chester could not wait that
+long, so he took train to the city where Glen was laboring, and found
+him making his farewell rounds.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well of all things,&quot; exclaimed the elder, as Chester took him firmly by
+the hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm the last person on earth you expected to see here in Dutchland, I
+suppose?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You certainly are. And what are you doing here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester told him as they walked arm in arm along the quiet streets of
+the town.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now you're going home. We'll go together,&quot; exclaimed Glen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish we could,&quot; said Chester, &quot;but I fear that my party is not ready,
+and Lucy is not well enough to make the trip, I fear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester smiled goodnaturedly, then told him freely of Lucy. &quot;And when
+you get home, you can tell Julia all about me and mine. It will please
+her, I am sure. By the way, how is it between Julia and you? I haven't
+heard lately.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right,&quot; said Glen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're a lucky boy,&quot; declared Chester, &quot;to get such a girl. There's
+just <i>one</i> other I would rather have.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm glad you think so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course you are&mdash;for&mdash;oh, for everybody's sake.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester had to return to Rotterdam the same day, <a name='Page144'></a>so he claimed. Glen
+could not keep him longer, and reluctantly waved him off at the station.</p>
+
+<p>The boat was slow from the Hook, at least it seemed so to Chester, and
+there was a high sea which nearly upset him. He got to London too late
+in the evening to call on the Strong's, but next morning he was out
+early.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy met him in the hall with a cry of delight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've come,&quot; she whispered as he pressed her close. &quot;Oh, I thought you
+never would.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear, why did you not say? Why did you let me leave you at all?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't want you to miss anything on my account&mdash;but never mind that
+now&mdash;come in. Papa and uncle will be glad to see you. Do you know,&quot; she
+added with evident pleasure, &quot;papa has been <i>nearly</i> as anxious about
+you as I have,&mdash;has continually asked me about you,&mdash;and I had to let
+him read your lovely long letter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You did? Well, it's all right. There's no harm done, I'm sure. He might
+as well know everything.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, he knows a lot already.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They went into the house, and found seats until the others should
+appear.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your face shows signs of suffering, Lucy; but otherwise you look quite
+well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's just it with my trouble. I usually deceive my looks; but I feel
+better already; and now, let me tell you something else: Father has
+nearly consented to my being baptized!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy!&quot;</p><a name='Page145'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;It's true. I've been pleading with him&mdash;and preaching to him too; and
+the other day he said he would think about it. That's a concession, for
+he has always said <i>he would not</i> think of such a thing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm so glad so very, very glad, Lucy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Chester, I believe it's you who have made the change in him. He's
+been so different since you have been with us. He hasn't been so angry
+with me when I talked of 'Mormonism.' He has let me read my books
+without any remonstrance. And do you know, even Uncle Gilbert is
+affected. He and papa must have had some profound discussions about us
+and our religion for he has asked me to lend him some books. He'll no
+doubt want to know from your all about Utah and the people out there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I shall be pleased to tell him,&quot; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>The father stood as if hesitating, in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come in, papa,&quot; said Lucy. &quot;Chester's come.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I see he has,&quot; replied the father as he came to greet the young
+man, and shake his hand warmly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm glad, with Lucy to see you with us again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I am glad to be with you,&quot; said Chester honestly.</p>
+
+<p>The morning was spent together. The beginnings of a London fog kept them
+in doors, which was no hardship, as the three seemed to have so much to
+talk about. After lunch, the fog changed its intentions, lifted,
+disappeared and let the sun have full sway. To be sure, some smoke still
+lingered, but out where <a name='Page146'></a>the Strongs were staying it only mellowed the
+distances.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon it occured to Chester that the relationship now existing
+between him and Lucy called for a further understanding with the father.
+He knew, of course, that the father's attitude toward him had changed;
+Lucy's words and the father's actions justified him in the thought.</p>
+
+<p>Chester managed to accompany the father in his stroll in the park that
+afternoon, and without delay, he broached the subject so near his heart.
+The minister listened quietly to the young man plead his case, not
+interrupting until he had finished. They seated themselves on a bench by
+the grass. The father looked down at the figures he was drawing with his
+cane on the ground and mused for a moment. Then he said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I have given my consent, by my actions, at least. I have no
+objection to you. I like you very much. Lucy does too, and fathers can't
+very well stop such things. But there still remains the fact that Lucy
+is not well. There is no telling how long she can live, and yet I have
+heard of cases like hers where marriage has been a great benefit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thank you for your kind words,&quot; said Chester. &quot;Let me assure you I
+shall be controlled by your judgement as to marriage. We are neither of
+us ready for that. Of course, I sincerely hope she will get stronger. I
+think she will; but meantime you have no objection to my loving her, and
+doing all for her that my love can do?&quot;</p><a name='Page147'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly not, my boy, certainly not.&quot; The father placed his hand on
+the young man's shoulder as he said it. Chester noted the faint tremor
+in voice and hand, and his heart went out to him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are a comfort and a strength to Lucy&mdash;and to me,&quot; continued Mr.
+Strong. &quot;We miss you very much when you are away. Can't you stay with us
+right along. Perhaps that's not fair to ask&mdash;your home and friends&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have no home, my dear sir; and my friends, are few. I told you, did I
+not, my history?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, you told me, I remember.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And remembering, you think no less of me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a bit&mdash;rather more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me serve you then, you and Lucy. If you need me, I equally need
+you. Let me give what little there is in me to somebody that wants me.
+My life, so far, has been full of change and somewhat purposeless. I
+have drifted about the world. Let me now anchor with you. I feel as
+though I ought to do that&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The man clung closer to Chester, who, feeling a thrill of dear
+companionship, continued:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me be a son to you always, and a sister to Lucy, until it can be
+something more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes, my boy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Others were out basking in the warm sun that afternoon. Those that
+walked leisurely and took notice of events about them, were impressed by
+the affectionate behavior of the two men. Lucy Strong was herself out.
+She was curious to know what had <a name='Page148'></a>become of Chester and her father,
+besides, the sun was inviting. She soon found them, herself
+undiscovered. She paused, examined the flower beds, and became
+interested in the swans in the lake. Her face beamed with happiness when
+she saw them, for their shoulders were close together and Chester had
+her father's hands clasped firmly in his own. She tiptoed up behind them
+on the grass, then slipped her hands over each of their eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Guess,&quot; she laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A fairy princess,&quot; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother Goose,&quot; responded the father.</p>
+
+<p>They moved apart and let her sit between them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The rose between,&quot; suggested Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The tie that binds,&quot; corrected the girl, placing an arm about each of
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Then they all laughed so merrily, that the infection reached a ragged
+urchin playing on the gravel-path near by.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear,&quot; said the father. &quot;Chester has promised to stay with us, and
+be&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your man&mdash;about&mdash;the&mdash;house,&quot; finished Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Which we certainly need,&quot; agreed Lucy. &quot;Two people, Strong by name, but
+mighty weak by nature, as my old nurse used to say, require some such a
+man. I'm glad father picked you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He chose us, rather, Lucy,&quot; said the father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, either way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Both,&quot; affirmed Chester, at which they all laughed again.</p><a name='Page149'></a>
+
+<p>A carriage with liveried coachman and footman, and containing two ladies
+drove by. The little boy had to leave his gravel castle while the wheels
+of the carriage crushed it to the level. The boy looked at the ruins a
+moment, then at the departing vehicle. Then he started his building anew
+safely away from wheel tracks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A young philosopher,&quot; remarked the minister, observing the occurrence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa,&quot; said Lucy, after a pause of consideration, &quot;you have made me so
+happy to-day. You can make my joy complete by granting me one other
+thing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that?&quot; asked he unthinkingly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me be baptized,&quot; she replied softly.</p>
+
+<p>The father's body stiffened perceptibly, and his face sobered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Believe me, papa, I <i>am</i> sorry to have to annoy you so much on the
+matter; but I can't help it. Something within me urges me on. I can't
+get away from the testimony which I have, any more than I can get away
+from my shadow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You can get away from your shadow,&quot; said the minister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; by going into the dark, and that I do not want to do. I want to
+live in the light,&mdash;the beautiful gospel light always.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester listened in pleased wonder to Lucy's pleadings. He added nothing
+as she seemed able to say all that was necessary. In time the father's
+<a name='Page150'></a>face softened again, and he turned to Chester to ask:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you think of such arguments?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They're splendid&mdash;and reasonable&mdash;and true, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course, you would say so. Well, I'll think about it, Lucy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, papa, you've been thinking about it a lot, and time is going. Say
+yes today, now&mdash;here with Chester and me&mdash;and the Lord alone. Besides,
+papa, now I ought to be one with Chester in <i>everything</i>. That's right,
+isn't it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; that's right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So you consent?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't say that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must. I'm of age anyway, and could do it without your consent; but
+I don't want to. I want your blessing instead of your disapproval on
+such an important step.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Could she stand the ordeal, do you think?&quot; asked the father of Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In a few days when she gets a little stronger&mdash;yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, let's walk a bit. You two go ahead. I must think.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The two did as they were told nor looked back. The one was not thinking
+clearly and logically, so much as he was fighting over the eternal
+warfare of conviction against policy. He also knew. He had received more
+of a testimony than he ever admitted, even to himself. If he should do
+as his innermost conscience told him, he also would join Lucy in baptism
+<a name='Page151'></a>of water for the remission of sins; but that thought he pushed from
+him. He, an old man in the ministry, to now change his faith&mdash;to cut
+himself off from his life's work&mdash;no, that would never do. It was
+different with Lucy, quite another thing. She had set her heart on it
+and on Chester, and it would be best for her&mdash;yes, it would be best for
+her.</p>
+
+<p>When Chester was saying good-night to Lucy that evening, the father came
+out into the hall to them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester,&quot; said he, &quot;tell Elder Malby I should like to see him to
+morrow. He is the one that attends to baptism into the Mormon Church,
+isn't he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; replied Chester. &quot;I shall tell him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, papa, you dear, good papa!&quot; exclaimed Lucy throwing her arms about
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There, there now, behave&mdash;say good-night to Chester.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But she clung to him and kissed him through her tears of joy. Then she
+went to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>The father turned to go.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wait a moment, papa,&quot; said Lucy: &quot;I want to go with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With a parting kiss for Chester, and a murmured good night, she took her
+father's arm and led him in.</p><a name='Page152'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XV'></a><h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>Lucy gained in strength so rapidly that within a week it was thought
+safe to let her be baptized. Her father, Uncle Gilbert, Chester, the
+housekeeper at headquarters and one other sister were present at the
+Baths. Elder Malby performed the ordinance. Three others were also
+baptized at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert was very curious as also a little nervous at what he
+called the &quot;dipping.&quot; He couldn't see why the ceremony required a whole
+swimming pool when a few drops sprinkled on the forehead, had, as long
+as he had any recollection, been sufficient. The father witnessed the
+ordinance unmoved. Lucy went through the ordeal bravely, and when she
+came out from the dressing room where the sisters had helped her, he
+kissed her placidly on the forehead.</p>
+
+<p>The party took a cab to the mission headquarters, where a simple service
+was held of singing and prayer, Elder Malby making a few remarks on the
+meaning and purpose of the ordinance of baptism. The newly baptized were
+then confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+Saints. Then the housekeeper invited them all down to the dining room,
+and again there were a few simple special features in celebration of the
+happy occasion.</p>
+
+<p>And it was a happy time in the one only way which comes from duty done.
+A sweet, quiet peace abode <a name='Page153'></a>in every heart. Was not the Heavenly Father
+well pleased with these as He had been when the Son had done likewise.
+And the Holy Ghost, the Comforter from heaven rested upon them softly as
+a dove,&mdash;that was the secret of their supreme joy.</p>
+
+<p>As Lucy had predicted, Uncle Gilbert's curiosity brought him to Chester
+for more information regarding Utah and the &quot;Mormons.&quot; The very next day
+after the baptism, Uncle Gilbert met Chester before he entered the
+house. They greeted each other pleasantly, and then Chester inquired
+about Lucy, and how she was feeling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy seems to be all right,&quot; was the reply, &quot;though her father isn't so
+well this morning. He had a bad night but is sleeping now. That's why I
+met you here, so that he might not be disturbed by the bell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sorry,&quot; said Chester. &quot;These attacks seem to be coming frequently.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My brother has not been well for years. For a long time he has had to
+fight hard with himself and his nerves. Sometimes they get the best of
+him for a time, and, of course, as he gets older, he has less strength.
+I wish we could get him to Kildare Villa. He would be himself again down
+there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We were to have gone in a day or two, were we not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; but he can't leave yet&mdash;Do you want to see Lucy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just for a few moments; she'll be busy with her father.&quot;</p><a name='Page154'></a>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert went in the house, considerately sending her out alone.
+She was radiantly beautiful to Chester that morning in her soft white
+dress, fluffy hair, and glowing eyes; but he only looked his love for
+her, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good morning, <i>Sister</i> Strong.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good morning, <i>Brother</i> Lawrence,&quot; she responded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How are you feeling?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am feeling fine. But poor papa&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; Uncle Gilbert told me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll have to remain here until he gets over the attack. Uncle is
+anxious to get home, and I must admit I'd rather be at Kildare Villa
+than here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then Uncle Gilbert came out with hat and cane. He was going for a walk
+with Chester, he said, for it would be wiser not to disturb the sleeper.
+He explained to Lucy that her father was getting a much needed rest, and
+that she was to see to it that he was not disturbed. Chester would
+&quot;keep&quot; with his Uncle Gilbert for a few hours.</p>
+
+<p>The morning was fair, so the two men struck out for Hyde Park. They
+walked across the big stretches of grass, then rested on a seat by the
+Serpentine. As yet, not many people were about, and the London hum had
+not risen to its highest pitch.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert wanted to know about Utah, and Chester entered into a
+detailed description of the state and her people.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have, of course, heard of the Mormon people; but I will admit my
+ideas are somewhat vague. My <a name='Page155'></a>brother, as a preacher, must of course,
+have come in contact with all sorts of religious professions. He seems
+to know considerable about Mormonism. Where did he learn that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester explained what part Lucy had played in this.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, he agrees very much with her belief, for I have heard
+conversations which lead me to that conclusion. Of course, all that is
+their business, not mine particularly. Let's walk out in the middle of
+the park where we can make believe we are not in London, but out in the
+beautiful green country which God has made.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The grass being dry, they could sit down on it to rest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you are, I presume, to become a member of the family some day,&quot; said
+Uncle Gilbert, &quot;I am going to tell you something about my brother. It is
+not a pleasant subject, but I have concluded that you can be told. It is
+a family secret, you must understand, and must be treated as such. It is
+only because I believe your knowledge of the truth may help my brother
+that I am telling you this.</p>
+
+<p>Chester thanked him for his confidence. He would be glad to help in any
+way he could.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, the story is this: My brother in his younger days before he was
+married, had an unfortunate experience with a young woman. There was a
+child as the result. The woman, as nearly as I can make out, married
+well enough, and later, joined the Mormons and went to Utah. She did not
+take the child <a name='Page156'></a>with her, for some reason unknown to me, at least; and
+so the boy&mdash;for it was a boy&mdash;became lost to his father, and as far as I
+know, to his mother also. I don't suppose all this worried my brother as
+a young man; but recently, within the past few years, I should say, his
+conscience seems to have pricked him severely. He has some vigorous
+views of fatherhood and the obligations flowing therefrom&mdash;and I can't
+say but he is right&mdash;and now he worries about his own great neglect. He
+has talked to me about it, so I know. Sometimes he worries himself sick,
+and then his nervous trouble gets the overhand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester lay on the grass looking up into the sky, complacently chewing a
+spear of grass, while Uncle Gilbert was talking.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What was the woman's name?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't recall it just now. In fact, I don't think I ever heard it.
+Now, another thing that you must know, and you must not be annoyed at
+this: at times, I believe he imagines you to be that boy of his.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester sat up, and exactly at the moment when he looked into the face
+of Uncle Gilbert a cog in the machinery of his own thoughts caught into
+a cog of the wheel within wheels which the man at his side had been
+revealing. The cog caught, then slipped, then caught again. Wheels began
+to revolve, bringing into motion and view other possible developments.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's only when his illness makes him delerious,&quot; continued Uncle
+Gilbert. &quot;As I said, you must <a name='Page157'></a>pay no attention to him under those
+conditions, but I thought you ought to know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; yes,&quot; whispered the young man&mdash;&quot;Thank you.&quot; For him, Hyde Park and
+London had disappeared: all earthly things had become mist out of which
+he was trying to emerge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You don't know the woman's name,&quot; Chester asked again, with dry
+lips&mdash;&quot;Tell me her name.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't remember. I'm not sure, but I believe I have heard my brother,
+in his times of delerium speak of Anna.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Anna. Anna,&quot; repeated Chester, as he stared into space. Uncle Gilbert
+looked at the young man, and then repented of telling him. He was a
+little annoyed at his manner. He arose, brushed the grass from his
+clothes, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, let's be going.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester went along mechanically. At the Marble Arch Uncle Gilbert was
+about to hail a bus, when Chester stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll excuse me, wont you for not returning with you&mdash;I&mdash;I&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I gave my word to Lucy that I would bring you back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I know, I'll come after a while&mdash;but not now&mdash;you go
+on,&mdash;I&mdash;I&mdash;there's your bus now; you had better take it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert, still a little annoyed, climbed on the bus and left his
+companion looking vacantly at the line of moving busses.</p><a name='Page158'></a>
+
+<p>Chester went back into the park. There was room to breathe there and
+some freedom from fellow beings. He left the beaten paths. Oh, that he
+could get away from everybody for a time! Old Thunder out among the
+Rocky Mountains would be an ideal place just now.</p>
+
+<p>The wheels of thought went surely and correctly. There was no slipping
+of cogs now. <i>The Rev. Thomas Strong was his father.</i></p>
+
+<p>Every link in the chain of evidence fitted. There was no break. He went
+over the ground again and again. There came to him now facts and
+incidents which he had heard from his foster parents, and they all
+fitted in other facts and strengthened his conclusions. Now he also
+remembered and understood some of his mother's remarks about ministers.
+Yes, Thomas Strong was his father! Lucy's father! Why, he and Lucy were
+brother and sister!</p>
+
+<p>It is quite useless to try to tell all that was in Chester Lawrence's
+thoughts and heart from then on all that afternoon. He did not know,
+neither did he care how long he lay on the grass in the park, but there
+came a time when his solitude became unbearable, so he walked with
+feverish haste into the crowded streets. The lamps were being lighted
+when he came to the Thames Embankment, where he watched for a time the
+black, sluggish water being sucked out to sea by the outgoing tide. Then
+he walked on. St. Paul loomed high in the murky darkness. He got into
+the ridiculously narrow streets of Paternoster Row, where he had on his
+first visit <a name='Page159'></a>bought a Bible. The evening was far spent and the crowds
+were thinning when he recognized the Bank of England corner.</p>
+
+<p>Realizing at last that he was tired, he climbed on top of a bus going in
+the direction of his lodgings, where he arrived somewhere near midnight.
+He went to bed, but not to sleep for many hours.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy, you are my sister. I love you as that&mdash;but my wife you never can
+be&mdash;&quot; yes; he would have to tell her that. But why had this father of
+his let him and Lucy go on as they had? He had told his father the
+secret of his life. He remembered distinctly his father's actions how he
+had even called him &quot;son,&quot; which he had thought at the time was for
+Lucy's sake. Knowing him and Lucy to be brother and sister, why had he
+permitted them to form ties such as had been formed? Was it a plot on
+his father's part to again bring misery to human souls, to make to
+suffer those that were of his own flesh and blood? No, no; that was
+impossible. Surely he was not that kind of man.</p>
+
+<p>More clearly now the panorama of his life came before him. Where was the
+Lord in all this? He had thought the Lord had led his steps wonderfully
+to so meet one who made his life supremely happy&mdash;but now&mdash;the darkness
+and the despair of soul came again&mdash;was this not a hideous nightmare?
+The day would bring light and peace.</p>
+
+<p>Towards morning, Chester dozed fitfully, and at last when he awoke the
+day was well advanced. He and Uncle Gilbert had been in the park&mdash;uncle
+in <a name='Page160'></a>reality now. Yes; it all came to him again. It had been no dream.</p>
+
+<p>Chester got up, soused himself in cold water, then as he was dressing
+said to himself. &quot;Well, what's to be done? I must make this thing sure
+one way or another.&quot; Perhaps there may be a mistake, though he could not
+understand how. He would go direct to Thomas Strong and ask him.</p>
+
+<p>He had no appetite for breakfast, so he ate none. As early as he thought
+wise, he set out. How should he meet Lucy? What could he say? If he
+could only evade her.</p>
+
+<p>No; Lucy was watching for him, with a worried expression on her face,
+which deepened when she saw Chester's.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must see your father,&quot; he said with no effort to even take her hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa is not any better, I fear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I must see him. Where is Uncle Gilbert?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall I call him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, <i>please</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy returned, and Uncle Gilbert met Chester in the hall.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is very nervous again this morning, and I don't think you ought to
+excite him,&quot; explained the brother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must see him&mdash;just for a minute. I'll not engage him in any extended
+conversation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That you cannot do as he can hardly speak. His trouble affects him in
+that way.&quot;</p><a name='Page161'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me see him just for a moment&mdash;alone, please. Is he awake?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh yes; he's not that bad. Go in a moment, then, but be careful.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester passed in where the minister sat in an arm chair, propped up
+with pillows, signs of Lucy's tender care. As Chester entered, the man
+smiled and reached out his hand. The resentment in the young man's heart
+vanished, when he saw the yearning in the suffering man's face. Yet he
+stood for some time rooted to the spot, looking at the man who was no
+doubt his father. Every line of that face stood out boldly to Chester.
+How often, in his boyhood days he had pictured to himself what his
+father was like&mdash;and here he was before him. In those days he had nursed
+a hatred against that unknown sire, but now there was no more of that.
+If only,&mdash;Chester kneeled by the side of the minister's chair, letting
+the old man cling to his hand. He looked without wavering into the drawn
+face and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you my father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The man's hand dropped as if lifeless, but Chester picked it up again,
+holding it close.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tell me,&quot; he repeated, &quot;are you my father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; came slowly and with effort, as tremblingly the father put his
+hands first on Chester's shoulders as he kneeled before him, then raised
+them to his head, asking, &quot;Do&mdash;you&mdash;hate&mdash;me? Don't&mdash;&quot; That seemed to be
+all he was able to articulate.</p><a name='Page162'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no; I do not hate you; for are you not&mdash;are you not my father!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The son put his arms around his father's neck and kissed him. The father
+patted contentedly the head of the young man, as a parent fondly
+caresses a child. They were in that position when Lucy tapped lightly on
+the door, opened it, and came in.</p><a name='Page163'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XVI'></a><h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>Chester got away from Lucy and Uncle Gilbert that morning, without
+betraying his father's secret, which had now also become his own. If his
+father had kept the secret so long, it was evidently for a purpose; he
+would try not to be the first to reveal it. He kissed Lucy somewhat
+hurriedly, she thought, as he left.</p>
+
+<p>The sooner he got away the fewer of his strange actions he would have to
+explain. He did not look back when he walked away for fear that Lucy
+would be watching him from window or door.</p>
+
+<p>He went back to his own lodgings rather more by instinct than by
+thought. He slipped into his room, looked aimlessly about, then went out
+again. He must be alone, yet not confined within walls. The park was not
+far away, but he walked by it also, on, on. This London is limitless, he
+thought. One could never escape it by walking. He met other men some
+hurrying as if stern duty called, others sauntering as if they had no
+purpose in life but quiet contemplation. He met women, and if he could
+have read through their weary eyes their life's story, he would not
+perhaps, have thought his own was the most cruel. A little boy was
+gathering dust from the pavement, and Chester was reminded of that other
+little fellow's structure which the carriage wheels had demolished.
+Well, he was under the <a name='Page164'></a>wheel of fate himself. He had heard of this
+wheel, but never had he been under it until now!</p>
+
+<p>Chester found himself a street or two from the mission office. He would
+call and perhaps have a talk with Elder Malby. Why had he not thought of
+that sooner? He quickened his steps, and in a few minutes he was ringing
+the bell. He heard it tingle within, but no one responded. He rang
+again, and this time steps were heard coming up from the basement. The
+housekeeper opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good morning,&quot; she greeted him with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good morning, is Elder Malby in?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; none of the elders are in. They are out tracting, I think&mdash;but
+won't you come in?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, thank you, I wanted to see Elder Malby.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, <i>he</i> might be back at any time&mdash;come in and rest. You look
+tired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well&mdash;I believe I will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He followed the motherly housekeeper into the office parlor, where she
+bade him be seated. She excused herself as her work could not be
+neglected&mdash;Would he be interested in the London papers, or the latest
+<i>Deseret News</i>. She pointed to the table where these papers lay, then
+went about her work.</p>
+
+<p>Chester looked listlessly at the papers, but did not attempt to read.
+Presently, the housekeeper came back.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm having a bite to eat down in the dining room. Come and keep me
+company. The Elders don't eat <a name='Page165'></a>till later, but I must have something in
+the middle of the day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester went with her into the cool, restful room below, and partook
+with her of the simple meal. Not having had breakfast, he ate with
+relish. Besides, there was a spirit of peace about the place. His aching
+heart found some comfort in the talk of the good woman.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards, Elder Malby arrived, and he saw in a moment that
+something was the matter with his young friend.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How are the folks,&quot; he asked, &quot;Lucy and her father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is not well,&quot; Chester replied.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's too bad. And you are worried?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; but not altogether over that. There is something else, Brother
+Malby. I'll have to tell you about it. Will we be uninterrupted here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come with me,&quot; said the elder and he took him into his own room up a
+flight of stairs. &quot;Now, then, what can I do to help you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will pardon me, I know; but somehow, I was led to tell you my story
+on ship-board, and you're the only one I can talk to now.&quot; Then Chester
+told the elder what he had learned. When he had finished, the elder's
+face was very grave.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What ought I to do?&quot; asked Chester; &quot;what can I do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The other shook his head. &quot;This is a strange story,&quot; he said; &quot;but there
+can be no doubt that you are his son. You look like him. I noticed it on
+<a name='Page166'></a>ship-board, but of course said nothing about it. But you <i>do</i> look like
+him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do I?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; but why he encouraged you to make love to your sister&mdash;that is
+beyond me&mdash;I&mdash;I don't know what to say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, what <i>can</i> I do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a pause. Then the elder as if weighing well every word, said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My boy, you can pray.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I can't even do that. I haven't said my prayers since this thing
+came to me. What can I pray about? What can I ask of God?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Listen. It is easy to pray when everything is going along nicely, and
+we are getting everything we ask for; but when we seem to be up against
+hard fate; when despair is in our hearts and the Lord appears to have
+deserted us, then it is not so easy; but then is when we need most to
+pray.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes, brother, true enough; but what's the use?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look here, once before, in your life, you felt as you do now; and you
+told me yourself that not until you said both in your heart and to God
+'Thy will be done' did you get peace. Try it again, brother. There is no
+darkness but the Light of Christ can penetrate, there is no seeming evil
+but the Lord can turn to your good. What did Job say of the Lord?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.' And you are not yet as
+Job. He lost everything.<a name='Page167'></a> You have gained a father and a sister. That,
+certainly, is something.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, it is; and yet in the finding of these two, I have lost&mdash;well&mdash;you
+know&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I know; but the Lord can even make that right. Trust Him, trust
+Him, always and in everything. That's my motto for life. I can not get
+along without it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you so very much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They talked for some time, then they went out for a walk.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you haven't time to spend on me like this,&quot; remonstrated Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am here to do all the good I can, and why should my services not be
+given to those of the faith as well as to those who have no use for me
+nor my message? Come along; I want to tell you of another letter which I
+received from home,&mdash;yes, the twin calves are doing fine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester smiled, which was just what his companion wanted. &quot;You remain
+here today,&quot; continued the elder. &quot;The boys will be in after a while,
+and then we shall have dinner. After that, if you are still thinking too
+much of your own affairs, we'll take you out on the street and let you
+preach to the crowd.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That might help,&quot; admitted Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Help! It's the surest kind of cure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester remained with the elders during the afternoon and evening, even
+going out with them on the street. He was not called on to preach,
+however, <a name='Page168'></a>though he would have attempted it had he been asked.</p>
+
+<p>Chester slept better that night. He felt so sure of himself next morning
+that he could call on Lucy, and do the right thing. He did not forget or
+neglect his prayers any more, and he was well on the way of saying
+again, &quot;Thy will be done,&quot; in the right spirit.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert met Chester at the door, not very graciously, however. He
+replied to Chester's inquiries sharply:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My brother is quite ill, brought about, I have no doubt, by your unwise
+actions of yesterday morning. What was the matter with you? I don't
+understand you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester did not attempt any explanation or defense.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Lucy, too, was quite ill yesterday&mdash;no; she is not up yet&mdash;no; I
+don't think you had better come in. I shall not permit you to see my
+brother again until he is better.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm very sorry,&quot; said Chester. &quot;I must see Lucy, however, and so I'll
+call again after a while.&quot; He walked away. He did not blame Uncle
+Gilbert, who was no doubt doing the best he knew, although somewhat in
+the dark. He walked in the park for an hour and then came back.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy met him at the gate. She was dressed as if for walking. Her face
+betrayed the disturbance in her soul, and Chester's heart went out in
+pity for her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; she said simply, &quot;I was going out to find <a name='Page169'></a>you, I heard Uncle
+Gilbert send you away. Shall we walk in the park?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I am glad you came out. Is your father worse this morning?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't think he is worse. He is simply in the stage of his attacks
+when he can't talk. I'm sure he'll be all right in a day or two; but
+Uncle Gilbert don't understand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you, Lucy&mdash;you must not worry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How can I help it? Something is the matter with you. Why do you act so
+strangely?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They found the bench on which they were wont to rest, and seated
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Chester could not deny that he had changed; yet how could he tell her
+the truth? She must know it, the sooner the better. It might be many
+days before her father could tell her, even if he were inclined to do
+so. The situation was unbearable. She must know, and he must tell her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy,&quot; he said after a little struggle with his throat, &quot;I have
+something to tell you,&mdash;something strange. Oh, no, nothing evil or bad,
+or anything like that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He took her hands which were trembling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must promise me that you will take this news quietly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just as quietly as I can, Chester.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you know how excitement affects your heart, so I shall not tell
+you if you will not try to be calm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now, of course, I can be indifferent, can I, <a name='Page170'></a>even if you should
+say no more? Oh, Chester, what is it? The suspense is a thousand times
+harder than the truth. What have you got to tell me? What passed between
+you and papa last evening? Is it&mdash;have you ceased to love me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, Lucy, not that. I love you as much as ever, more than ever for
+something has been added to my first love&mdash;that of a love for a sister.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Chester I know. When I was baptized&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; you don't know. I don't mean that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What <i>do</i> you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Oh, it was so hard to go on. One truth must lead to another. If he told
+her he was her brother in the flesh as well as in the spirit, she would
+want to know how, why; and the explanation would involve her father. He
+had not thought of that quite so plainly. But he could not now stop. He
+must go on. He felt about for a way by which to approach the revelation
+gradually.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have never had a brother, have you?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Would you like to have one?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've always wanted a brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How would I do for one?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She looked at him curiously, then the sober face relaxed and she smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, you'd make a fine one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You wouldn't object.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should think not.&quot;</p><a name='Page171'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;But, now, what would you think if I <i>was</i> your real brother, if my name
+was Chester Strong?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd think you were just joking a little.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I'm not joking, Lucy; I am in earnest. Take a good look at me, here
+at this profile. Do I look like your father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She looked closely. &quot;I believe you do,&quot; she said, still without a guess
+at the truth. &quot;Your forehead slopes just like his, and your nose has the
+same bump on it. I never noticed that before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What might that mean, Lucy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What might what mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I look like your father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He had turned his face to her now, but she still gazed at him, as if the
+truth was just struggling for recognition. The smile vanished for an
+instant from her face, and then returned. She would not entertain the
+advance messenger.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't object to your looking like my papa, for he's a mighty fine
+looking man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy, you saw what your father and I were doing last night?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What did you think&mdash;what do you now think of us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Again, Chester, I don't object to you and father spooning a bit. In
+fact, I think that's rather nice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester laughed a little now, which loosened the tension considerably;
+but he returned to the attack:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy, what would you think if your father had <a name='Page172'></a>a son who had been lost
+when a baby, and that now he should return to him as a grown man?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I would think that would be jolly, as the English say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that his son's name was Chester Lawrence?&quot; he continued as if there
+had been no interruption.</p>
+
+<p>Now the cog in Lucy's mental make-up caught firmly into the machinery
+that had been buzzing about her for some time.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you my brother?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I am your brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My real, live, long lost brother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now I see what you have been driving at all this time. You say you are
+my brother, that my father is your father. Now explain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's not so easy, Lucy. I would much rather your father would do
+that. But I can tell you a little, for it's very little I know&mdash;and,
+Lucy, that little is not pleasant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I must know.&quot; Her face was serious again. She was bracing herself
+bravely too.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was born outside the marriage relation, and your father was my
+father!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>That was plain enough&mdash;brutally plain. The girl turned to marble. Had he
+killed her?</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go on,&quot; she whispered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No more now&mdash;some other time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go on, Chester.&quot;</p><a name='Page173'></a>
+
+<p>Chester told her in brief sentences the simple facts, and what had led
+to his discovery of the truth just the other day. It was this that had
+caused the change she had noticed in him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy, I was not sure,&quot; he said, &quot;so I went to your father last night
+and asked him pointedly, directly, and he said 'Yes.' That explains the
+situation you found us in. My heart went out to my father, Lucy; and his
+heart went out to his son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The son to which his heart has been reaching for many long years,
+Chester. Yes, I see it plainly.... You have told the truth ... you are
+my brother&mdash;you&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She trembled, then fell into his arms; but she controlled herself again,
+and when he kissed her pale face and stroked her hair, she opened her
+eyes and looked steadily up into his face. Thus they remained for a
+time, heedless of the few passers-by who but looked at a not uncommon
+sight. She closed her eyes again, and when she opened them Chester was
+struggling hard to keep back the tears.</p>
+
+<p>To tell the truth, both of them cried a little about that time, and it
+did them good too. They got up, walked about on the grass for a time
+until they could look more unmovedly at their changed standing to each
+other. Then they talked more freely, but things were truly so newly
+mixed that it was difficult to get them untangled. At last Lucy said she
+would have to go back to her father&mdash;our father, she corrected.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And he knows, remember,&quot; said Chester to her. &quot;I and you also know. We
+know too,&quot; he added,<a name='Page174'></a> &quot;that the Lord is above, and will take care of us
+all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>Then they went back. The father was still very ill. Chester did not try
+to see him, for Uncle Gilbert had not relented.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm going to see Elder Malby this afternoon,&quot; said Chester. &quot;This
+evening I shall call again. Meanwhile&quot;&mdash;they were alone in the hall
+now&mdash;&quot;you must keep up your courage and faith. I feel as though
+everything will yet turn out well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He took her as usual in his arms, and she clung to him closer than she
+had ever done before.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester,&quot; she said, &quot;I can't yet <i>feel</i> that there is any difference in
+our relationship. You are yet my lover, are you not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Lucy; and you are my sweetheart. Somehow, I am not condemned when
+I say it. What can it be&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Something that whispers peace to our hearts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Comforter, Lucy, the Comforter from the Lord.&quot;</p><a name='Page175'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XVII'></a><h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The delay in getting back to Kildare Villa was making Uncle Gilbert
+nervous. In his own mind, he blamed Chester Lawrence for being the cause
+of much of the present trouble, though in what way he could not clearly
+tell. The young man's presence disturbed the usual placid life of the
+minister. Why such a disturber should be so welcomed into the family,
+the brother could not understand. Perhaps this new-fangled religion
+called &quot;Mormonism&quot; was at the root of all the trouble.</p>
+
+<p>In his confusion, Uncle Gilbert determined on a very foolish thing: he
+would get his brother and Lucy away with him to Ireland, leaving Chester
+behind, for at least a few days. Of course, a young fellow in love as
+deeply as Chester seemed to be, would follow up and find them again, but
+there would be a respite for a time. With this idea in mind, Uncle
+Gilbert, the very next day, found Chester at his lodgings; and
+apparently taking him into his confidence, told him of his plan. Chester
+was willing to do anything that Uncle Gilbert and &quot;the others&quot; thought
+would be for the best. Chester was made to understand that &quot;the others&quot;
+agreed to the plan, and although the thought sent a keen pang through
+the young man's heart, he did not demur.</p>
+
+<p>It must also be admitted that Uncle Gilbert was not quite honest with
+Lucy, for when he proposed to <a name='Page176'></a>her to get her father to Ireland as soon
+as possible, she understood that Chester was lawfully detained, but
+would meet them perhaps in Liverpool. Though she, too, felt keenly the
+parting, yet she mistrusted no one.</p>
+
+<p>So it came about that Lucy and her father were hurried to the station
+early next morning to catch a train for Liverpool. The minister was
+physically strong enough to stand the journey, but he mutely questioned
+the reason for this hasty move. Chester had absented himself all the
+previous day, and he did not even see them off at the station. Lucy
+could not keep back the tears, though she tried to hide them as she
+tucked her father comfortably about with cushions in the first class
+compartment which they had reserved.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert's victory was short lived, however; no sooner did the
+ailing man realize that Chester was not with them than he become visibly
+affected. He tried hard to talk, but to no avail. He looked pleadingly
+at Lucy and at his brother as if for information, but without results.
+Lucy's pinched, tear-stained face added to his restlessness, and there
+was a note of insincerity in Uncle Gilbert's reassuring talk that his
+brother did not fail to discern.</p>
+
+<p>That ride, usually so pleasant over the beautiful green country, was a
+most miserable one. It was so painful to see the expression on the
+minister's face that Uncle Gilbert began to doubt the wisdom of the plan
+he was trying. Lucy became quite alarmed, and asked if they ought not to
+stop at one of the <a name='Page177'></a>midland cities; but Uncle Gilbert said they could
+surely go on to Liverpool.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we can't cross over to Ireland. Father could not possibly stand the
+trip,&quot; she said.</p>
+
+<p>The uncle agreed to that. &quot;We'll have to stop at Liverpool for a day or
+so&mdash;I have it!&quot; he exclaimed, &quot;Captain Andrew Brown is now at home. He
+told me to be sure to call, and bring you all with me. He has a very
+nice house up the Mersey&mdash;a fine restful place. We'll go there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And they did. Lucy could say nothing for or against, and the father was
+so ill by the time they reached Liverpool that he did not seem to
+realize what he was doing or where he was going. A cab took them all out
+from the noises of the city to the quiet of the countryside. It was
+afternoon, and the sun shone slantingly on the waters of the river,
+above which on the hills amid trees and flowering gardens stood the
+house of Captain Andrew Brown.</p>
+
+<p>As the carriage rolled along the graveled path to the house, the captain
+himself came to meet them, expressing his surprise and delight, and
+welcoming them most heartily. The minister was helped out and into the
+house, where he was made comfortable. Lucy was shown to her room by the
+housekeeper. Uncle Gilbert made explanations to the captain of the
+reason for this untoward raid on his hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm mighty glad you came,&quot; said the captain. &quot;You couldn't possible
+have gone on, and as for stopping at a hotel&mdash;if you had, I should never
+have forgiven you.&quot;</p><a name='Page178'></a>
+
+<p>The sick man would not take anything to eat. He lay as if half asleep,
+so he was put to bed. Lucy remained with him during the evening. Once in
+a while he would open his eyes, reach out his hand for hers and hold it
+for a moment. Poor, dear father, she thought, as she stroked his hair
+softly. What could Chester mean to leave his father, even for a few
+days? He ought to be here.... She could not understand. Was it all just
+an excuse to get away from them? to get away from this newly-found
+father and sister? She would not believe that of Chester. That couldn't
+be true, and yet, and yet&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>She turned lower the light, went to the window, and looked out on the
+river. A crescent moon hung above the mist. The water lay still as if
+asleep, only broken now and then by some passing craft. The breeze
+played in the trees near the window and the perfumes of the rich flower
+beds were wafted to her. The girl stood by the window a long time as if
+she expected her lover-brother to come to her through the half darkness.
+Perhaps, after all, it was better he did not come. Perhaps he had acted
+wisely.</p>
+
+<p>The father lay as if sleeping, so she continued to look out at the moon
+and the water. Her heart burned, but out of it came a prayer. Then she
+quietly kneeled by the window sill, and still looking out into the night
+she poured out the burden of her heart to the Father whose power to
+bless and to comfort is as boundless as the love of parent for child.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brown was not an old man, yet in his fine strong face there were
+deep lines traced by twenty <a name='Page179'></a>years on the sea. Ten years on the bridge
+basking in the sun, facing storm and danger had told their tale. He was
+in the employ of a great navigation company whose ships went to the ends
+of the earth for trade. He had built this home-nest for wife and child,
+to which and to whom he could set the compass of his heart from any port
+and on any sea. Three years ago wife and child had taken passage over
+the eternal sea. Now he came back only occasionally, between trips. His
+housekeeper always kept the house as nearly as possible like it was when
+wife and child were there.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have a week, perhaps ten days ashore,&quot; explained Captain Brown next
+morning at the breakfast table, &quot;and I was just wondering what I could
+do all that time&mdash;when here you are! You are to remain a week. Tut, tut,
+business&quot;&mdash;this to Uncle Gilbert who had protested&mdash;&quot;you ought not to
+worry any longer about business. Aren't we making you good money? Oh, I
+see! Aunt Sarah; well, we'll send for her. Your father can't possibly be
+moved, can he, Miss Lucy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's very comfortable here,&quot; replied Lucy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To be sure he is&mdash;and you, too, look as though a rest would help you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have to get back soon&mdash;ought to be in Cork tomorrow, in fact,&quot; said
+Uncle Gilbert.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, now Gilbert, if you <i>have</i> to, I've no more to say&mdash;about you.
+Go, of course; but Lucy and her father are going to stay with me. I'm
+the doctor and the nurse. You go to Aunt Sarah, for that's <a name='Page180'></a>your
+'business reason' and it's all right&mdash;I'm not blaming you&mdash;and in a week
+come back for your well brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, that might do,&quot; agreed Uncle Gilbert, with much relief in his
+manner of saying it. &quot;I don't like to impose on you&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look here&mdash;if you want to do me a favor, you go to your wife and let me
+take care of these people. In fact,&quot; he laughed, &quot;I don't want you
+around bothering. The steamer sails for Dublin this evening.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Out of this pleasant banter came the fact that Uncle Gilbert could very
+well go on his way to Ireland. His brother was in no immediate
+danger&mdash;in fact that morning he was resting easily and his power of
+speech was returning. Gilbert spoke to his brother about the plan, and
+no protest was made. So that evening, sure enough, Uncle Gilbert was
+driven in to Liverpool by the captain, where he set sail for home.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner was his brother well out of the way than Lucy's father called
+to her. He had been up and dressed all afternoon. He was now reclining
+in the captain's easy chair by the window. Lucy came to him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, father,&quot; she said.</p>
+
+<p>He motioned to her to sit down. She fetched a stool and seated herself
+by him, so that he could touch her head caressingly as he seemed to
+desire.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is Chester?&quot; he asked slowly, as was his wont when his speech
+came back.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In London,&quot; she replied. &quot;He could not come with us.&quot;</p><a name='Page181'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;So&mdash;Gilbert said;&mdash;but I&mdash;want him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall we send for him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The father looked out of the window where shortly the moon would again
+shine down on the river. He stroked the head at his knee.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy, you&mdash;love me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, father, dear daddy, what a question!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;must&mdash;tell you&mdash;something&mdash;should&mdash;have told you&mdash;long ago&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was difficult for the man to speak; more so, it appeared, because he
+was determined to deliver a message to the girl&mdash;something that could
+not wait, but must be told now. Impatient of his slow speech, he walked
+to the table and seated himself by it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Light,&quot; he said; and while Lucy brought the lamp and lighted it he
+found pencil and paper. She watched him curiously, wondering what was
+about to happen. Was he writing a message to Chester?</p>
+
+<p>From the other side of the table she watched him write slowly and
+laboriously until the page was full. Then he paused, looked up at Lucy
+opposite, reached for another sheet and began again. That sheet was also
+filled, and the girl's wonder grew. Then he pushed them across the
+table, saying, &quot;Read;&quot; and while she did so, he turned from her, his
+head bowed as if awaiting a sentence of punishment.</p>
+
+<p>A little cry came from the reader as her eyes ran along the penciled
+lines. Then there was silence, broken only by her hard breathing, and
+the ticking <a name='Page182'></a>of the clock on the mantel. Then while the father still sat
+with bowed head, the girl arose softly, came up to him, kneeled before
+him, placed a hand on each of his cheeks, kissed him, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are my father anyway&mdash;always have been, always will be&mdash;the only
+one I have ever known. Thank you for taking me an outcast, orphaned baby
+and adopting me as your own. Oh, I <i>love you daddy for that</i>!</p>
+
+<p>Just a few days before a son had found a father at this man's knee; now
+by the same knee Lucy first realized that this man was her father only
+in the fact that he had fathered her from a child; but as that, after
+all, is what counts most in this world, she thought none the less of
+him; rather, her heart went out to the man in a way unknown before.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester doesn't know this?&quot; she asked. &quot;Chester is <i>not</i> my brother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, he must know this&mdash;he must know right away,&quot; she panted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes&mdash;I meant to tell&mdash;but I couldn't&mdash;&quot; said he.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know daddy dear; I know, don't worry. We'll send for him right
+away&mdash;poor boy. There's Captain Brown now. I'll run down and ask him to
+send a telegram. Yes, I have his address.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She kissed him again, holding his head between her palms, and saying
+softly, &quot;Daddy, dear daddy.&quot; Then she sped down to where the Captain was
+talking in the hall. The Rev. Thomas Strong looked up, listened to their
+conversation, and then smiled.</p><a name='Page183'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XVIII'></a><h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The reason why Chester permitted Lucy and his father to set out for
+Ireland without him was because he trusted Uncle Gilbert&mdash;and the Lord;
+however, it was no easy matter to be thus left behind. Surely, he would
+be more of a help than a hindrance on the journey. He forced himself to
+lie abed the morning they were to be off, until after the train left.
+Then, knowing he was safe from doing that which his Uncle had desired
+him not to do, he leisurely arose, very late for breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>The problem with the young man now was what to do while he was waiting.
+London sights, even those he had not seen before, were tame now. The
+newly-found father and sister had already left him. Had it not been a
+dream, and was he not now awake to the reality of his old life?</p>
+
+<p>He found himself once more attracted to the Mission headquarters. Elder
+Malby was at home that morning. Chester told him the latest development.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Has she&mdash;have they&mdash;deserted me, do you think?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No&mdash;I don't think so,&quot; replied the elder thoughtfully. &quot;Lucy did not
+impress me as a girl who would do that. I see no reason for such
+actions, but perhaps Uncle Gilbert was right. Your father needed to get
+away from you to readjust himself to the new condition.&quot;</p><a name='Page184'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, perhaps,&mdash;but what can I now do? this waiting will be terrible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll come with me this morning. I have some calls to make.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And so all that day Chester remained with Elder Malby, visiting Saints
+and investigators, adjusting difficulties, and explaining principles of
+the gospel. It was a splendid thing for the young man, this getting his
+thoughts from self; and before evening, he had obtained so much of the
+missionary spirit that he asked to be permitted to bear his testimony at
+the street meeting. &quot;The louder the mob howls and interrupts, the better
+for me,&quot; he declared. &quot;You remember the other evening when a young
+fellow stood within a few feet of you and kept repeating: 'Liars, liars,
+from Utah'?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I remember.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd like to talk to that fellow tonight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So Chester talked at the street-meeting that evening, but to a very
+orderly lot of people. After the services, many pressed around him and
+asked him questions. One young man walked with him and the elders to the
+mission office. They talked on the gospel, and Chester forgot his own
+heartache in ministering to another heart hungering for the truth.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, Chester tried again to remain in bed, but this time
+without success. He was up in the gray awakening city, walking in the
+park, listening to the birds near by and the rumbling beginnings of
+London life. After breakfast, he went again to the Church office.</p><a name='Page185'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;You must excuse me for thus being such a bother,&quot; he explained to Elder
+Malby, &quot;but&mdash;but I can't keep away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope you never will,&quot; replied the elder, encouragingly. &quot;It is when
+men like you keep away that there is danger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the program today?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tracting. Do you want to try?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I want to keep going. Yesterday was not bad. I felt fine all day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon Chester had his first trial in delivering gospel tracts
+from door to door. He approached his task timidly, but soon caught the
+spirit of the work. He had a number of interesting experiences. One old
+gentleman invited him into the house, that he might more freely tell the
+young man what he thought of him and his religion, and this was by no
+means complimentary. An old lady, limping to the door and learning that
+the caller was from America, told him she had a son there&mdash;and did he
+know him? Then there were doors slammed in his face, and some gracious
+smiles and &quot;thank you&quot;&mdash;altogether Chester was so busy meeting these
+various people that he had no time to worry over those who now should be
+nearly to Kildare Villa in green Ireland.</p>
+
+<p>While he was eating supper with the elders, which Elder Malby said he
+had well earned, a messenger came to the door. Was one Chester Lawrence
+there? Yes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A telegram for him, please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><a name='Page186'></a>Chester opened the message and read:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come to Liverpool in morning. All well. Tell me when and where to meet
+you&mdash;Lucy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester handed the message to Elder Malby.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Once more, don't you see,&quot; said the elder, smiling, &quot;all is well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; yes,&quot; replied Chester in a way which was more of a prayer of
+thanksgiving than common speech.</p>
+
+<p>Early the following morning Captain Brown was rewarded for his gallant
+lack of inquisitiveness regarding the sending and the receiving of
+telegrams by Lucy coming to him with her sweetest smile and saying:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Captain Brown, was that horse and carriage you used yesterday yours?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh no; that belongs to my neighbor&mdash;only when I am not using it. Do you
+wish a drive this morning?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I want to meet the noon train from London at Lime Street Station; and
+if it wouldn't be too much trouble&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not at all. My neighbor is very glad to have me exercise the horse a
+bit. Can you drive him alone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm a little nervous.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will I do for coachman?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you would, Captain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then that's settled. I'll go immediately and make arrangements;&quot; which
+he did.</p><a name='Page187'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa,&quot; said Lucy to her father, &quot;the captain will drive me to the
+station. You'll be all right until we get back?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right, yes; don't worry more about me. I'm getting strong faster
+than I ever did before. See.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He paced back and forth with considerable vim in his movements. &quot;Why,&quot;
+he continued, stopping in front of Lucy and kissing her gently on the
+cheek, &quot;I feel better right now than I have for a long time&mdash;better
+inside, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy did not understand exactly what he meant by the &quot;inside,&quot; but she
+did not puzzle her head about it. She was happy to know that her father
+was so well and that Chester was speeding to her. The day promised to be
+fair, and the drive to the station would be delightful. She was looking
+out of the window.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy,&quot; said her father, placing his hand on her shoulder, &quot;you need not
+tell Captain Brown the little secrets you have learned; and I think your
+Uncle Gilbert need not know any more than he does. It is just as well
+for all concerned that these things remain to outward appearances just
+as they have in the past.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right, papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We&mdash;Chester and you and I will know and understand and be happy. What
+else matters?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What, indeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, there's the captain already. He's early; but perhaps he intends
+driving you about a bit first.&quot;</p><a name='Page188'></a>
+
+<p>That was just it. The morning air was so invigorating, Captain Brown
+explained, that it was a pity not to feel it against one's face. He knew
+of a number of very pretty drives, round-about ways, to the station, and
+the fields were delightfully green just then.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time away they rattled down the graveled road, the father
+waving after them. It was a good thing, said Lucy, that strong hands had
+the reins, for the horse was full of life. They sped over the smooth,
+hedge-bordered roads, winding about fields and gardens until they
+arrived at Calderstone Park. Here the captain pointed out the Calder
+Stones, ruins of an ancient Druid place of worship or sacrifice. Then
+they drove leisurely through Sefton Park, thence townward to the
+station.</p>
+
+<p>They had a few moments to wait, during which the driver stroked the
+horse's nose, talking to him all the while not to be afraid of the noisy
+cars. The whistle's shrill pipe sounded and the train rolled in. The
+captain stood by his horse, while Lucy went to the platform, and met
+Chester as he leaped from the car.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, ho,&quot; said the captain to his horse, when he saw the meeting. A
+partial explanation was given him of the &quot;certain young man&quot; whom they
+were to meet.</p>
+
+<p>The captain held the carriage door open to them like a true coachman.
+&quot;Take the back seat, please,&quot; he commanded, after the introduction; &quot;in
+these vehicles, the driver sits in front.&quot;</p><a name='Page189'></a>
+
+<p>The captain drove straight home, so in a very-short time they were set
+down at the steps.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go right in,&quot; he said. &quot;I'll take the horse back, and be with you
+shortly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The housekeeper met them in the hall, took wraps and hats, and directed
+them upstairs where the &quot;gentleman&quot; was waiting. Lucy had had no
+opportunity to tell Chester the secret about herself, so she would have
+to let his father do so. They walked quietly to the father's room and
+opened the door softly. He appeared to be sleeping in his chair, so they
+tip-toed into another room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is he better?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nearly well again.&quot; They did not seat themselves, but stood by the
+table. She came close to him, smiling up into his face and said,
+&quot;<i>Everything's</i> all right, Chester.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, of course,&quot; he replied. &quot;You are looking so rosy and well, I
+forget you are an invalid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't think of it. I'm going to live a long, long time, Chester&mdash;with
+you. Listen, dear, and don't look so worried. Things have changed again.
+I don't need to break good news gently, so I may tell you now, papa&mdash;I
+mean, your father, has been telling me something I never dreamed
+of&mdash;Chester, listen. I'm not your father's child&mdash;only by
+adoption&mdash;you're not my brother, only of course in the brotherhood of
+the faith.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy, what are you saying?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am telling you the truth&mdash;as I was told it. He <a name='Page190'></a>adopted me as a
+baby&mdash;I was an orphan&mdash;I am not your sister. Chester&mdash;I&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He seized her hands, and held her at arms length, while his eyes seemed
+to devour her. She could not repress the tears, and when he saw them, he
+drew her close and kissed her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy, not my sister, but my sweetheart again, my little wife to
+be&mdash;what&mdash;does it all mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There came a loud knock at the door, and the father entered without
+being bidden. He walked firmly up to them, placed a hand on each
+shoulder, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My son, I have to ask your forgiveness again. I intended to tell you
+about Lucy as soon as you learned the truth about yourself, but I was
+hindered. Don't think, my boy, that I would purposely cause you
+suffering. What Lucy has told you is true, and I am so glad that the
+misunderstanding and the mixups no longer exist between us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The three now found seats and talked over the new situation in which
+they found themselves, not forgetting the part Uncle Gilbert had taken
+in recent events, until the strenuous voice of Captain Brown had to
+supplement the housekeeper's bell, before the three would come down for
+luncheon.</p>
+
+<p>Those were golden days to Chester, Lucy, and the Rev. Thomas Strong. Out
+of restless uncertainty, doubts, fears, and heart-aching experiences
+they now had come to a period of peaceful certainty. Out of straits they
+had come to a quiet sun-kissed harbor.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brown looked on all this happiness approvingly.<a name='Page191'></a> His shore leave
+was going splendidly. The neighbor's horse and carriage were often
+brought into requisition, and the father would not be denied his share
+of these drives. The captain's own boat, long since unused, was put into
+commission, and with the captain at the tiller the whole family sailed
+over the placid Mersy. The moon grew rounder, and as the evenings were
+warm, the boat often lingered in the moonlight. Then songs were sung,
+Chester and Lucy singing some which the father recognized as &quot;Mormon,&quot;
+but which the captain knew only as beautiful and full of sweet spirit.</p>
+
+<p>During those days when the visitors remained with the captain rather
+more for his own sake than for any other reason, there was just one
+little cloud in Chester's and Lucy's sunlight. That was that the father
+took no abiding interest in the religion which now meant so much to
+them. Once or twice the subject had been carefully broached by Chester,
+but each time the father had not responded. He made no objections. The
+young man sometimes thought there would be more hope if he did. However,
+he and Lucy were not discouraged. They reasoned, with justice, that it
+was no easy matter to change a life-long habit of belief and practice.
+They comforted each other by the hope that all would be well in the end.
+Had they not already ample evidence of God's providence shaping all
+things right.</p>
+
+<p>It was plainly to be seen, however, that the father took great comfort
+in his new-found son; and well <a name='Page192'></a>any father might, for Chester was a
+strong, open-spirited, clean young man. Father and son strolled out
+together, Lucy sometimes peeping at them from behind the curtain, but
+denying herself of their company. Chester, by his father's request, told
+him more of his life's story. The father wished to live as much as could
+be by word-telling the years he had missed in the life of his son; and
+the father, for his part, acquainted Chester with his more recent years.
+&quot;I married quite late in life,&quot; said the father, &quot;a sweet girl who did
+much for me. That we had no children was a great disappointment to both
+of us, and when we saw that very likely we never would have any of our
+own, we found and adopted Lucy. She would never have known the truth
+about that had not you come and compelled me to tell it. But it's all
+right now, and the Lord has been kinder to me than I deserve.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;'God moves in a mysterious way,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>His wonders to perform,'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>quoted Chester.</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;'He plants his footsteps in the sea<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>And rides upon the storm,'&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>mused the father.</p>
+
+<p>At another time the father said to Chester:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My boy, it would please me if you would take my name. You need not
+discard the one you already have, but add mine to it&mdash;yours by all
+that's right.&quot;</p><a name='Page193'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have no great fortune, but I have saved a little; and when I am gone,
+it will be yours and Lucy's&mdash;I'll hear no objections to that&mdash;for can't
+you see, all that I can possibly do for you will only in part pay for
+the wrong I have done. You say you have no definite plans for the
+future. Then you will come with us to Kansas City, where I expect to
+take up again my labors in the ministry, at least for a time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy came upon them at this point.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester has promised to take my name,&quot; explained the father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That will make it unnecessary for you to change yours,&quot; said Chester,
+as he put his arm around her.</p>
+
+<p>A week passed as rapidly as such golden days do. Chester sent the latest
+news to Elder Malby. Uncle Gilbert, always impatient, wrote from Kildare
+Villa, asking when they were &quot;coming home.&quot; Captain Brown had made a
+number of trips of inspection to the docks to see how the loading of his
+ship was progressing.</p>
+
+<p>At the captain's invitation they all visited the vessel one afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why,&quot; exclaimed Lucy in surprise, when she saw the steamer at the dock,
+&quot;you have a regular ocean liner here. I thought freight boats were small
+concerns.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Small! well, now, you know better. Come aboard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He led the way on deck, and then below.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This ship is somewhat old,&quot; explained Captain<a name='Page194'></a> Brown, &quot;but she is still
+staunch and seaworthy. As you see, she has once been a passenger boat,
+and in fact, she still carries passengers&mdash;when we can find some who
+would rather spend twelve days in comfort than be rushed across in six
+or seven by the latest greyhounds. I say, when we can find such sensible
+people,&quot; repeated the captain, as he looked curiously at his guests.</p>
+
+<p>The dining room was spacious, the berths of the large, roomy kind which
+the grasp for economy and capacity had not yet cut down.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is a nicer state room than I had coming over,&quot; declared Lucy. &quot;Why
+can't we return with Captain Brown?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should be delighted,&quot; said the captain. &quot;The booking offices are on
+Water Street.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When do you sail?&quot; asked the father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In three days, I believe we shall be ready.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And your port?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;New York.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your cargo?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mixed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Any passengers?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A dozen or so&mdash;plenty of room, you see. We'll make you comfortable,
+more so than on a crowded liner. Think about it, Mr. Strong.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall,&quot; said Lucy and her father in unison.</p><a name='Page195'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XIX'></a><h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>And thus it came about that the party of three visiting with Captain
+Andrew Brown, decided to sail with him to New York. A few more days on
+the water was of no consequence, except as Chester said to Lucy, to
+enjoy a little longer the after-seasickness period of the voyage. As for
+Chester himself, he was very pleased with the proposition.</p>
+
+<p>A visit to the company's office in Water Street completed the
+arrangement. &quot;Yes,&quot; said the agent, &quot;we can take care of you. There will
+be a very small list of passengers, which gives you all the more room.
+Besides, it's worth while to cross with Captain Brown.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As the boat did not lay up to the Landing Stage, but put directly to sea
+from the dock, the passengers were stowed safely away into their
+comfortable quarters the evening before sailing. When they awoke next
+morning, they were well out into the Irish sea, the Welsh hills slowly
+disappearing at the left. Chester was the first on deck. He tipped his
+cap to Captain Brown on the bridge as they exchanged their morning
+greetings. The day was bright and warm, the sea smooth. Chester stood
+looking at the vanishing hills, glancing now and then at the
+companionway, for Lucy. As he stood there, he thought of the time, only
+a few days since, when he had caught his first sight of those same green
+hills. What a lot had happened to him between those two points of time!
+A journey begun without distinct purpose <a name='Page196'></a>had brought to him father and
+sweetheart. Outward bound he had been alone, empty and void in his life;
+and now he was going home with heart full of love and life rich with
+noble purpose.</p>
+
+<p>Chester's father appeared before Lucy. The son met him and took his arm
+as they paced the deck slowly. The father declared to Chester that he
+was feeling fine; and, in fact, he looked remarkably well.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am sorry we did not hear from Gilbert before we sailed,&quot; said the
+father; &quot;but I suppose the fault was ours in not writing to him sooner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He barely had time to get the letter,&quot; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I suppose so. But it doesn't matter. We should only have just stopped
+off at Kildare Villa to say goodbye, any way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a pity we don't stop at Queenstown. He could have come out on the
+tender.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps he would, and then perhaps he wouldn't. It would depend on just
+how he felt&mdash;halloo, Lucy&mdash;you up already?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I couldn't lay abed longer this beautiful morning,&quot; exclaimed Lucy as
+she came up to them. &quot;Isn't this glorious! Is Wales below the sea yet?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; there's a tip left. See, there, just above the water.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Goodbye, dear old Europe,&quot; said Lucy, as she waved her handkerchief.
+&quot;I've always loved you&mdash;I love you now more than ever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Father and son looked and smiled knowingly at her. Then they all went
+down to breakfast.</p>
+
+<p><a name='Page197'></a>Just about that same time of day, Thomas Strong's delayed letter
+reached his brother in Cork. Uncle Gilbert read the letter while he ate
+his breakfast, and Aunt Sarah wondered what could be so disturbing in
+its contents; for he would not finish his meal.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it, Gilbert?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thomas, Lucy, and that young fellow, Chester Lawrence are going
+to&mdash;yes, have already sailed from Liverpool with Captain Brown.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And they're not coming to see us before they leave?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Didn't I say, they're already on the water&mdash;or should be&mdash;off to New
+York with Captain Brown&mdash;and he doesn't touch at Queenstown, and in that
+boat&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Gilbert wiped his forehead.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sorry that they did not call,&quot; commented Aunt Sarah complacently;
+&quot;but I suppose they were in a hurry, and Captain Brown will take care of
+them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In a hurry! No. Captain Brown&mdash;&quot; but the remark was lost to his wife.
+He cut short his eating, hurried to town, and, in faint hopes that it
+might be in time, sent a telegram to his brother in Liverpool which
+read:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't sail with Captain Brown. Will explain later.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This telegram was delivered to Captain Brown's housekeeper, who sent it
+to the steamship company's office, where it was safely pigeon-holed.</p><a name='Page198'></a>
+
+<p>The morning passed at Kildare Villa. The telegram brought no reply. In
+foolish desperation, hoping against hope, Uncle Gilbert took the first
+fast train northward, crossed by mail steamer to Holyhead, thence on to
+Liverpool, where he arrived too late. The boat had sailed. He went to
+the steamship company's office in Water Street, and passed, without
+asking leave, into the manager's office. That official was alone, which
+was to Gilbert Strong's purpose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why did you permit my brother to sail with Captain Brown?&quot; asked he
+abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear Mr. Strong,&quot; said the manager, &quot;calm yourself. I do not
+understand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, you do. You know as well as I do that his ship is&mdash;is not in the
+best condition. You ought not to have allowed passengers at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sit down, Mr. Strong. The boat is good for many a trip yet, though it
+is true, as you know, that she is to go into dry dock for overhauling on
+her return. Has your brother sailed on her?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has, my brother, his daughter and her young man. I suppose there
+were other passengers also?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; a few&mdash;perhaps twenty-five all told. Don't worry; Captain Brown
+will bring them safely through.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Gilbert Strong, as he left the office, &quot;yes, if the Lord
+will give him a show&mdash;but&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He could say no more, for did he not know full well that at a meeting of
+company directors at which he had been present, it had been decided to
+try one <a name='Page199'></a>more trip with Captain Brown in command, and the fact that the
+boat was not in good condition was to be kept as much as possible from
+the captain. A little tinkering below and a judicious coat of paint
+above would do much to help the appearance of matters, one of the
+smiling directors had said. And so&mdash;well, he would try not to worry. Of
+course, everything would be well. Such things were done right along,
+with only occasionally a disaster or loss&mdash;fully covered by the
+insurance.</p>
+
+<p>But for all his efforts at self assurance, when he went home to Aunt
+Sarah he was not in the most easy frame of mind.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The little company under Captain Brown's care was having a delightful
+time. The weather was so pleasant that there was very little sickness.
+Chester again escaped and even his father and Lucy were indisposed for a
+day or two only. After that the long sunny days and much of the starry
+nights were spent on deck. The members of the company soon became well
+acquainted. Captain Brown called them his &quot;happy family.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And now Chester and Lucy had opportunity to get near to each other in
+heart and mind. With steamer chairs close together up on the promenade
+deck where there usually were none but themselves, they would sit for
+hours, talking and looking out over the sea. &quot;Shady bowers 'mid trees
+and flowers&quot; may be ideal places for lovers; but a quiet protected
+corner of a big ship which plows majestically <a name='Page200'></a>through a changeless, yet
+ever-changing sea, has also its charms and advantages.</p>
+
+<p>On the fourth day out. The water was smooth, the day so warm that the
+shade was acceptable. Chester and Lucy had been up on the bridge with
+Captain Brown, who had told them stories of the sea, and had showed them
+pictures of his wife and baby, both safe in the &quot;Port of Forever,&quot; he
+had said. All this had had its effect on the two young people, and so
+when they went down to escape the glare of the sun on the exposed
+bridge, they sought a shady corner amid-ships. When they found chairs,
+Chester always saw that she was comfortable, for though well as she
+appeared, she was never free from the danger of a troublesome heart. The
+light shawl which she usually wore on deck, hung loosely from her
+shoulders across her lap, providing a cover behind which two hands could
+clasp. They sat for some time that afternoon, in silence, then Lucy
+asked abruptly:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester, you haven't told me much about that girl out West. You liked
+her very much, didn't, you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he admitted, after a pause. &quot;I think I can truthfully say I did;
+but this further I can say, that my liking for her was only a sort of
+introduction to the stronger, more matured love which was to follow,&mdash;my
+love for you. I think I have told you before that you bear a close
+resemblence to her; and it occurs to me now that therein is another of
+God's wonderful providences.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How is that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Had you not looked like her I would not have <a name='Page201'></a>been attracted to you,
+and very likely, would have missed you and my father, and all this.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm glad your experience has been turned to such good account. Now, I
+for example, never had a beau until you came.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, don't feign surprise. You know, I'm no beauty, and I never was
+popular with the boys. Someone once told me it was because I was too
+religious. What do you think of that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too religious! Nonsense. The one thing above another, if there is such,
+that I like about you is that your beauty of heart and soul corresponds
+to your beauty of face&mdash;No; don't contradict. You have the highest type
+of beauty&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Beauty is in the eyes that see,&quot; she interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly; and in the heart that understands. As I said, the highest
+type of beauty is where the inner and the outer are harmoniously
+combined. I think that is another application of the truth that the
+spiritual and the mortal, or 'element' as the revelation calls it, must
+be eternally connected to insure a perfect being. Somehow, I always
+sympathize with one whose beautiful spirit is tabernacled in a plain
+body. And yet, my pity is a hundred times more profound for one whom God
+has given a beautiful face and form, but whose heart and soul have been
+made ugly by sin&mdash;but there, if I don't look out, I'll be preaching.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, your congregation likes to hear you preach.&quot;</p><a name='Page202'></a>
+
+<p>Space will not permit the recording of the number of times emphasis was
+given to various expressions in this conversation by the hand pressure
+under the shawl.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now,&quot; continued he, &quot;I can't conceive of your not having any admirers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't say admirers&mdash;I said beaux.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I suppose there is a difference,&quot; he laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course, I have known a good many young men in my time, but those
+matrimonially inclined usually passed by on the other side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps they knew I was coming on this side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps&mdash;There's papa. He looks lonesome. We ought to be ashamed of
+ourselves to hide from him as we did yesterday.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I agree; but he'll find us now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy drew the father's attention, and he found a chair near them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Isn't the sea beautiful,&quot; said Lucy, by way of beginning the
+conversation properly, now a third person was present. &quot;And what a lot
+of water there is!&quot; she continued. &quot;What did Lincoln say about the
+common people? The Lord must like them, because he made so many of them.
+Well, the Lord must like water also, as He has made so much of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Water is a very necessary element in the economy of nature,&quot; said the
+father. &quot;Like the flow of blood in the human body, so is water to this
+world. As far as we know, wherever there is life there is water.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that reminds me,&quot; said Lucy eagerly, as if a new thought had come
+to her, &quot;that water is also <a name='Page203'></a>a sign of purity. Water is used, not only
+to purify the body, but as a symbol to wash away the sins of the soul.
+Paul, you remember, was commanded to 'arise, and be baptized, and wash
+away thy sins'.&quot; Lucy looked at Chester as if giving him a cue.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the economy of God,&quot; said Chester, &quot;it seems necessary that we must
+pass through water from one world to another. In like manner, the
+gateway to the kingdom of heaven is through water. 'Except a man be born
+of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God' is
+declared by the Savior himself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Whether or not the father understood that this brief sermonizing was
+intended primarily for him, he did not show any resentment. He listened
+attentively, then added:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; water has always held an important place among nations. Cicero
+tells us that Thales the Milesian asserted God formed all things from
+water&mdash;Out in Utah, Chester,&quot; said the father, turning abruptly to the
+young man, &quot;you have an illustration of what water can do in the way of
+making the desert to blossom.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; it is truly wonderful, what it has done out there,&quot; agreed
+Chester. Then being urged by both his father and Lucy, he told of the
+West and its development. He was adroitly led to talk of Piney Ridge
+Cottage and the people who lived there, their home and community life,
+their trials, their hopes, their ideals. Ere he was aware, Chester was
+again in the canyons, and crags and mountain peaks, whose <a name='Page204'></a>wildness was
+akin to the wildness of the ocean. Then when his story was told, Lucy
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know where I could get well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At Piney Ridge Cottage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester neither agreed nor denied. Just then a steamer came into sight,
+eastward bound. It proved to be an &quot;ocean grayhound,&quot; and Captain Brown
+coming up, let them look at it through his glass.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She's going some,&quot; remarked the captain; &quot;but I'll warrant the
+passengers are not riding as easy as we.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Somehow,&quot; said the father, &quot;a passing steamer always brings to me
+profound thoughts. Now, there, for example, is a spot on the vast
+expanse of water. It is but a speck, yet within it is a little world,
+teeming with life. The ship comes into our view, then passes away.
+Again, the ship is just a part of a great machine&mdash;I use this figure for
+want of a better one. Every individual on the ship bears a certain
+relationship to the vessel; the steamer is a part of this world; this
+world is a cog in the machinery of the solar system; the solar system is
+but a small group of worlds, which is a part of and depends on,
+something as much vaster as the world is to this ship. This men call the
+Universe; but all questions of what or where or when pertaining to this
+universe are unanswerable. We are lost&mdash;we know nothing about it&mdash;it is
+beyond our finite minds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brown stood listening to this exposition.<a name='Page205'></a> His eyes were on the
+speaker, then on the passing steamer, then on the speaker again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Strong,&quot; said he, &quot;at the last church service I attended in
+Liverpool, the minister was trying to explain what God is,&mdash;and just
+that which you have said is beyond us, that vast, unknown, unknowable
+something he called God.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh,&quot; exclaimed Lucy, involuntarily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll admit the definition is not very plain,&quot; continued the captain.
+&quot;We get no sense of nearness from it. I would not know how to pray to or
+worship such a God; but what are we to do? I have never heard anything
+more satisfactory, except&mdash;well, only when I read my Bible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why not take the plain statement of the Bible, then?&quot; suggested
+Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I try to, but my thinking of these things is not clear, because of the
+interpretation the preachers put upon them&mdash;excuse the statement, Mr.
+Strong; but perhaps you are an exception. I have never heard you
+preach.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The minister smiled good-naturedly. Then he said, &quot;Chester here, is
+quite a preacher himself. Ask his opinion on the matter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall be happy to listen to him. However, I have an errand just now.
+Will you go with me?&quot; this to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>Chester, annoyed for a moment at this unexpected turn, arose and
+followed the captain into his quarters.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sit down,&quot; said the captain. &quot;I was glad Mr.<a name='Page206'></a> Strong gave me an
+opportunity to get you away, for I have a matter I wish to speak to you
+about, a matter which I think best to keep from both Mr. Strong and
+Lucy&mdash;but which you ought to know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The officer seated himself near his table on which were outspread charts
+and maps. About the table hung a framed picture of the captain's wife
+and child, a miniature of which he carried in his breast pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the first place,&quot; began Captain Brown, &quot;I want you to keep this
+which I tell you secret until I deem it wise to be published. I can
+trust you for that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Always in the company of the passengers, Captain Brown's bearing was one
+of assurance. He smiled readily. But now his face was serious, and
+Chester saw lines of care and anxiety in it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am sorry that I ever suggested to you and your friends&mdash;and my dear
+friends they are too,&quot; continued the captain, &quot;that you take this voyage
+with me, for if anything should happen, I should never forgive myself.
+However, there is no occasion for serious alarm&mdash;yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is the matter, captain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have been deceived regarding the condition of this ship. I was made
+to understand that she was perfectly sea-worthy&mdash;this is my first trip
+with her&mdash;but I now learn that the boilers are in a bad state and the
+pumps are hardly in a working condition. There is&mdash;already a small leak
+where it is nearly impossible to be reached. We are holding <a name='Page207'></a>our own
+very well, and we can jog along in this way for some time, so there is
+no immediate danger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester experienced a sinking at the heart. From the many questions
+which thronged into his mind, he put this:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When might there be danger?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If the leak gets bad and the pumps can not handle it. Then a rough sea
+is to be dreaded.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What can we do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At present, nothing but keep cool. You are the only one of the
+passengers that knows anything about this, and I am telling you because
+I can trust you to be wise and brave, if necessary. If things do not
+improve, we shall soon be getting our boats in shape. We shall do this
+as quietly as possible, but someone might see and ask questions. We
+shall depend on you&mdash;and I'll promise to keep you posted on the ship's
+true condition.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now,&quot; said the captain as his face resumed its cheerful expression,
+&quot;I must make a trip below. When you see me on the bridge again, come up
+and make that explanation which Mr. Strong said you were able to do. I
+shall be mighty glad to listen to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester protested, but the captain would not hear it. &quot;I'll be up in the
+course of half an hour,&quot; said the seaman. &quot;Promise me you'll come?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course, if you really wish it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was never more earnest in my life. My boy, let me tell you
+something'. I have listened at times <a name='Page208'></a>to your conversation on religious
+themes&mdash;you and Lucy have talked when I could not help hearing&mdash;and I
+want to hear more&mdash;I believe you have a message for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a smile on the captain's face as he hurried away. And
+Chester's heart also arose and was comforted, as he lingered for a few
+moments on the deck and then joined Lucy and his father.</p><a name='Page209'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XX'></a><h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>In blissful ignorance of any danger, the passengers and most of the crew
+went the daily round of pleasure or duty. The games on deck, the smoking
+and card-playing in the gentlemen's room, the sleeping and the eating
+all went on uninterrupted. Captain Brown, though quieter than usual, was
+as pleasant and thoughtful as ever. The sea was smooth, the weather
+fine, and the ship plowed on her course with no visible indication that
+she was slowly being crippled.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy had for her use, one of the largest and best ventilated rooms in
+the ship. It was so pleasant there, that she spent much of her time in
+its seclusiveness. It is needless to state that Chester shared that
+comfort and seclusion. Reading, talking, building castles which reached
+into the heavens, these two basked in the warm light of a perfect love.
+After a little buffeting about in worldly storms, two hearts had come to
+rest; and how penetratingly sweet was that serene peace of soul. In him
+she saw her highest ideals realized, her fondest hopes and dreams come
+true. In her he found the composite perfectness of woman. All his
+visions from early youth to the present materialized in the sweet face,
+gentle spirit and pure soul of Lucy Strong!</p>
+
+<p>Chester, the day after Captain Brown had told him about the condition of
+the ship, found Lucy in her <a name='Page210'></a>room. She was not well, the father had
+said, so Chester sought her out. She was reclining on the couch. His
+heart, burdened with what he knew melted towards the girl. He drew a
+stool up to her, and kissed his good-morning.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not so well today?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; my heart has been troubling me all night; but I'm better now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, see here, my girl, I'm the one that ought to be ill.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How's that?&quot; she smiled at him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have we not exchanged hearts?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I see. Yes; but the strength only went with mine. The weakness I
+retained. It would not have been fair otherwise.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She sat up and pushed back her hair. He seated himself near her and drew
+her in his arm. He held her close.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some things,&quot; said he, &quot;we can not give, much as we would like. Some
+burdens we must carry ourselves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Which I take it, is a very wise provision,&quot; she added.</p>
+
+<p>There was silence after that. It was not easy for either of them to
+talk, each being constrained with his own crowded thoughts. Chester
+listened to the rhythmic beat of the machinery, and wondered vaguely how
+long it would continue thus, and what would happen if it had to stop.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester,&quot; said Lucy at last, &quot;what if I should die?&quot; She clung to him
+as she said it.</p><a name='Page211'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;But, my dear, you're not going to die. You're going to get completely
+well again&mdash;You're going to stay with me, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the worst, when I think of it&mdash;the thought of separating from
+you&mdash;O Chester, I can't do that&mdash;All my life I've waited and watched for
+you, and now to leave you, to lose you again&mdash;and we've been together
+such a short time! I can't bear to think of it.&quot; The tears welled in her
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, my sweetheart mustn't think of it. We are going to be together,
+we two. 'Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will
+lodge ... where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried!'
+quoted the young man, knowing not the prophetic import of his words. She
+leaned on his shoulder, and he stroked the hair from her forehead.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did you have a talk with Captain Brown?&quot; she asked. &quot;Did you answer his
+questions?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester started, then understood. &quot;Oh, yes,&quot; he replied. &quot;Yesterday on
+the bridge we talked for an hour. He asked me all manner of questions,
+and I think I satisfied him. He had heard of Mormonism,' of course, but
+never of its message of salvation. I believe he's converted already.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm so glad, for he is such a nice man. Chester, I wish your father
+were more susceptible to the gospel. I can't understand him. He never
+opposes, nor does he now find fault with me; but as for himself&mdash;well,
+he says he's going back to the pulpit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am just as sorry as you, on that score; but we <a name='Page212'></a>can but do our best,
+and let the Lord take care of the rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Now when their thoughts ranged from self to others, Lucy felt so much
+better that she declared she was ready for the deck. So leaning on
+Chester's arm, they carefully climbed the stairs, and came to the open.
+There was a breeze, and a bank of clouds hung low to windward. Chester
+adjusted Lucy's wrap closely as they paced the deck slowly. The clouds
+lifted into the sky, shutting out the sun. On the horizon, winkings of
+lightning flashed. Evidently, a storm was coming.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brown was quiet at the luncheon table. Chester noted it, and
+afterwards, followed the captain to the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How goes it?&quot; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not well,&quot; was the reply. &quot;Do you see that list to larboard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't understand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Without pointing, which action others might see, the captain explained
+that the ship tilted to one side, also that there was a slight &quot;settling
+by the head,&quot; that is, the ship was deeper in the water forward than at
+any other part. Chester noticed it now, and asked what it meant.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It means,&quot; explained the captain, &quot;that we are slowly
+settling&mdash;sinking, in plain words. The pumps can not manage the water
+coming into the hold. There is also some trouble with the cargo, which
+causes the list or leaning to one side. From now on, I shall be on the
+lookout for assistance, which I <a name='Page213'></a>think, will come in ample time&mdash;Now
+tell me more about this new prophet, Joseph Smith.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>For an hour they conversed. Then the captain had to go below again, and
+Chester went in search of Lucy. A number of the passengers were standing
+near the larboard rail. They noticed the slope of the deck, but did not
+realize its meaning, and Chester did not enlighten them. A peculiar
+heart-sinking feeling persisted with him, which the coming storm did not
+alleviate.</p>
+
+<p>The captain was not in his place at dinner, which was all the more
+noticeable, because it was the first time he had been absent. Some of
+the passengers were beginning to feel the effects of the higher seas,
+and they did not eat much. Very few went back to the deck from the
+table. Lucy and the minister were among those who went to bed, but
+Chester, clad in water proofs was easier on deck.</p>
+
+<p>The wind was blowing hard, increasing in time to quite a gale. The waves
+broke over the ship's prow, slushing the forward deck and driving all
+who were out either back or to an upper deck. Chester kept away from
+Captain Brown on the bridge, where he no doubt would remain throughout
+the night.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness came on thick and black. The wind howled hideously around
+smoke-stack and rigging. The rain came in storms, then ceased only to
+gather more strength for the next squall. How well the ship was standing
+the rough weather, Chester did not know, and certainly the other
+passengers had <a name='Page214'></a>no fears, as most of them were asleep. Chester went down
+the companion-way, glanced into the vacant saloon and hallways, and
+paused at Lucy's door All was quiet, so she was no doubt asleep. His
+father was also resting easily. He went on deck again.</p>
+
+<p>As he mounted the steps to the tipper deck, he saw a brilliant light
+shine from the bridge. It flashed for an instant, flooding the ship with
+light, then went out. &quot;The captain is signalling,&quot; thought Chester. In
+five minutes the light flashed again, thus at regular intervals. The few
+passengers who saw this, becoming alarmed, rushed to the bridge with
+anxious questions. The captain met them at the foot of the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My friends,&quot; he said in wonderfully calm tones &quot;there is no occasion
+for alarm. The weather is very thick, and as we are in the path of
+steamers, these lights are set off as a warning.&quot; This explanation, as
+Chester knew, was not all the truth, but the captain did not want a
+panic so early in the trouble. The passengers seemed satisfied, but they
+lingered for some time watching the lights and the remarkable effects
+they had on the ship and the heaving sea. The captain touched Chester
+who was still standing near the steps.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You go to bed and get some rest,&quot; he said. &quot;You may need all your
+strength later. There is no danger tonight. Go to bed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester took the captain's advice. He went to bed, <a name='Page215'></a>but it was not easy
+to go to sleep, so he did not do this until well towards morning.</p>
+
+<p>The storm was still on next morning when Chester awoke. He dressed
+hurriedly, listened again at Lucy's and his father's doors, but hearing
+nothing went on deck. The day was well advanced. The wind seemed not so
+strong as the night before, and the waves were not so high. However, the
+sea was rough enough to add to the danger of a sinking ship. Chester
+noticed the &quot;list to larboard,&quot; and the &quot;settling at the head,&quot; and
+found both of these dangerous conditions worse. The most careless
+observer would not now fail to see that something was the matter. And,
+in fact, as the passengers came on deck that morning, most of them late
+and looking bad from threatened attacks of sea-sickness, they
+immediately remarked on the slanting deck. Anxious enquiries from
+officers and seamen brought no satisfactory reply. Had there been a
+large number of passengers, there would likely have been an unpleasant
+panic that morning.</p>
+
+<p>The breakfast was late, and very few of the passengers were there to
+partake of it. Captain Brown was in his place, greeting the few who
+slipped carefully into their seats. As the meal progressed and not over
+half of the usual company put in an appearance, the captain consulted
+with the second officer and the steward. Then at the close of the meal,
+the captain arose and said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My friends, I wish you to remain until we can get all who are able to
+join us here. I have something <a name='Page216'></a>to say which I want all of you to hear.
+So please remain seated. The steward will see that no one leaves the
+room.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>One by one the absent passengers were brought in. Thomas Strong was
+among them, but not Lucy, for which Chester was thankful. The steward
+reported that all who were able were present, and then amid a tense
+silence, emphasized only by the creaking of the ship and the subdued
+noise of the sea without, the captain said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am sorry to have to tell you that the ship is in a sinking condition.
+There is a leak which we have been unable to stop. Two of our boilers
+are already useless and it is only a matter of time when the water will
+reach the others. I have not said anything about this until now, for I
+have been hoping to meet with some vessel that could take us off. So
+far, none has appeared. However, we are in the steamer zone, and we have
+many chances yet. Today sometime or tonight we must take to the boats,
+and what I want to impress upon you especially is that you, all of you,
+must control yourselves. Do not give way to excitement or fear which
+might hinder you from doing what is best. I tell you plainly, that the
+worst we have to fear on that score is the crew. They are already near
+to mutiny. The first officer and others are guarding their exits and
+keeping the stokers at their posts. They are a rough lot of men, and it
+will not do to let them get beyond our control. I shall, therefore, ask
+the help of every man present.<a name='Page217'></a> When it comes to launching the boats, it
+must be done in order. There are boats enough, but there must not be any
+crowding. With the present rough water it will be difficult to get the
+boats off. It is necessary, therefore, that the greatest care be taken.
+Now, then, that is all. Go about quietly. Each man and woman get a life
+belt ready, but you need not put them on until you are told. The steward
+will give the order.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He ceased, turned, and hurried up the companionway. There was silence
+for a moment, then a woman screamed, which signaled a general uproar of
+cries and talk. Out of the confusion came quiet, assuring commands, and
+in time the little company had scattered. Chester and his father went
+out together, along the hallway to Lucy's room. They looked mutely at
+each other, not knowing what best to say.</p>
+
+<p>When they stopped at Lucy's door, Chester asked of his father if she was
+up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he replied; &quot;but she is not well. How shall we tell her the evil
+news?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We must manage it somehow, for she must know&mdash;poor little girl!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Between them, they managed to tell Lucy of the situation they were in.
+During the telling, she looked at one and then at the other in a dazed
+way, as if she could not believe there were any actual danger. They
+repeated to her the assurances the captain had given.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can we go on deck?&quot; asked Lucy at last. &quot;I <a name='Page218'></a>want to get into the air
+where the sky is above me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They found a protected corner in the smoking-room where Lucy was content
+to sit and look out of the open door to see what was going on about the
+deck. Officers were inspecting the boats to see that all were ready in
+case of need. The work of the crew and the movements of the passengers
+were accompanied by a certain nervousness. That the ship was slowly
+settling could plainly be seen by all on board.</p>
+
+<p>Towards noon, the forward hatch was opened, and soon there was a rattle
+of chains and clang of machinery. Then up from the hold come bales,
+boxes, and barrels which were unceremoniously dropped into the sea. The
+cargo must go. No help had yet been sighted, and if they were to remain
+afloat much longer, the ship would have to be lightened. &quot;What a pity to
+waste so much,&quot; said some, forgetting their own peril for the moment;
+but human life is worth more than ships or cargos.</p>
+
+<p>Very few cared to respond to the call for luncheon which the stewards
+bravely kept up. The women who were too frightened to go below were
+served on deck, being urged to eat by solicitous friends.</p>
+
+<p>All afternoon the unloading went on. The ship moved slowly leaving a
+train of floating merchandise in its wake. On the bridge the captain or
+one of the officers paced back and forth with glass in hand eager to
+catch the call of the man in the crow's nest if he should catch sight of
+other vessels. But none were <a name='Page219'></a>seen. The afternoon closed; darkness came
+on. Then the light burned again from the bridge and the fog-horn added
+its din to the dreariness.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy kept to her position near the open deck. She would not go below, so
+wraps and pillows were brought her and she was made as comfortable as
+possible. Chester remained with her most of the time, the father came
+and went in nervous uncertainty. Captain Brown stopped long enough to
+tell Chester that since most of the cargo was overboard, they would
+float a little longer, but they were to be ready at any time now to
+leave the ship. The boats were provisioned, it was explained, and the
+passengers would be allowed to take with them only what could be carried
+in a small bundle. Very likely, they would not need to desert the ship
+before morning, so they had better rest.</p>
+
+<p>But there was neither rest nor sleep that night. Chester tucked his
+father into a seat, placed a pillow for his head, then, seeing that Lucy
+was comfortable, sat down by her. She lifted the cover from her
+shoulders, and extended it to his. It dropped to his lap also, so thus
+they sat in the dim glow of the electric light. Life belts were within
+easy reach.</p>
+
+<p>It was well past midnight when the lights went out. Then the beat, beat
+of the engines grew less, became fainter, and then like a great heart,
+ceased. The ship was dead, and lifeless it must float at the mercy of
+wind and wave. Then from below came the cries of men, and there were
+hurried steps and <a name='Page220'></a>sharp commands on deck. Chester stepped out to see
+what it was. Captain Brown and the first officer stood by the entrance
+to the boiler rooms with gleaming revolvers in their hands, holding back
+an excited crowd of stokers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Back, every one of you!&quot; shouted the captain. &quot;I shall kill the first
+man who comes out until he is given permission.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The mass of half-naked, grimy men slunk back with curses and
+protestations. &quot;The ship is sinking,&quot; they cried, &quot;let us get out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Steady there now.&quot; commanded Captain Brown. &quot;There is plenty of time.
+We shall let you out, but it must be done orderly. One at a time now,
+and go get your clothes. Then stand by, ready for orders from the
+engineer. Do you agree?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes.&quot; They filed out one and two at a time, disappearing in the
+darkness. Lanterns, prepared for this emergency, flashed here and there.
+Chester obtained one and placed it on the table of the smoking room.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the stewards could be heard running about the ship saying:
+&quot;Ready for the boats, ready for the boats&mdash;Everybody on the boat deck!&quot;
+The frightened passengers crowded up the steps in the half-darkness, the
+gleam of lanterns showing the way. Men were clearing the davits, and
+presently the first boat was ready to be filled.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brown was in command. He now looked <a name='Page221'></a>out into the night, then
+down to the rough sea, hesitating for a moment whether or not the time
+had come. He did not wish to set these men and women afloat in small
+boats on such a sea if he could possibly help it; but a settling
+movement of the ship, which perhaps he only felt, decided him. He
+detailed six sailors to the boat that was ready, then said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The women first&mdash;no crowding, please&mdash;stand back you!&quot;&mdash;this to a man
+whom panic had seized and who was crowding forward.</p>
+
+<p>Sharp, clear, came the orders, and everyone understood. Some husbands
+were permitted to go with their hysterical wives. Presently, &quot;That will
+do,&quot; ordered the captain. &quot;There are plenty of boats, and there need be
+no overloading. Lower away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The first boat went down and was safely floated and rowed away from the
+sinking ship. The sailors were busy with the second boat. Captain Brown
+caught sight of Chester. &quot;Where is Mr. Strong and Lucy. This is your
+boat. Bring them along.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When do you go, Captain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I? On the last boat. Hurry them along, my boy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Just as Chester turned, there came from the other side of the ship the
+noise of shouting, rushing men. The commands of officers were drowned in
+the confusion. The frantic stokers had got beyond the control of the
+officer, and they rushed for the boats. Davits creaked, as the boats
+were swung out. The crazed men pushed pell mell into them. One boat <a name='Page222'></a>was
+lowered when only half full, and by the time Captain Brown reached the
+scene, the second boat was full, ready to be loosened.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold,&quot; he commanded, as he held aloft his lantern and his revolver
+pointed directly at the man who held one of the ropes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Out of there, every one of you&mdash;out I say&mdash;you first,&quot; to a man just
+climbing in.</p>
+
+<p>The stokers were not sailors&mdash;the riff-raff of many ports they were; and
+now with them it was every man for himself. This feeling without proper
+knowledge worked their undoing. The ropes were released, one before the
+other, and the loaded boat bumped down the side of the vessel, one end
+dropping before the other, spilling the screaming, cursing men into the
+water. Down the boat slid until one end touched the waves, the rope ends
+flying loosely so that they could not be reached by those on the deck. A
+wave hit the boat as it hung and swamped it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My God,&quot; exclaimed the captain, &quot;two of our boats are lost. There is
+only one more left.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester Lawrence stood still and watched by the lantern's light what was
+going on. He pressed forward in time to hear Captain Brown's remark
+about the boats. Then together they crossed to the other side where that
+last boat hung ready to be filled. And there was need for hurry now.
+Slowly, but surely, the ship was sinking, and any moment might bring the
+final plunge.</p><a name='Page223'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Load the boat,&quot; shouted the Captain, &quot;women first.&quot; The half dozen
+women found places.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where's Lucy?&quot; he enquired, looking around for Chester who had
+disappeared. Lucy was not in the boat. The Captain was sure she had not
+gotten away with the first boat. Chester would bring her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, fill in,&quot; was the order. &quot;Mr. Strong, where are you? Is Mr. Strong
+here?&quot; But he was not to be found.</p>
+
+<p>One by one the few remaining passengers took their places, then the
+crew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is there room for more?&quot; asked the Captain of the officer in the boat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I fear not, sir,&quot; came the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some of the men get under the seats,&quot; ordered the Captain. &quot;Now, then
+in with you men. Don't go yet. There is yet a woman aboard. Hold fast
+there, officer, until I find her.&quot; He rushed down the stairs with his
+lantern, calling for Chester. &quot;Where are you&mdash;for God's sake come
+quick!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here I am sir,&quot; replied Chester as he came nearly carrying his father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is Lucy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy is not coming, sir. She does not need to&mdash;she has gone
+already&mdash;she&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What? What is it? We need to hurry, my boy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lucy is dead!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dead!&mdash;Bring Mr. Strong along. The boat is waiting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The boat hung by its davits, ready for lowering.</p><a name='Page224'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;We are full,&quot; said the officer, &quot;and the deck is cleared. There is need
+for hurry, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is,&quot; replied Captain Brown. &quot;Make room for two more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We can't do it sir&mdash;not in this sea&mdash;we are overcrowded now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must&mdash;close up, lie down, make room.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>One of the officers offered to get out, then another did the same, but
+the captain would not hear. &quot;No,&quot; he said, &quot;you men have families.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Still the boat hung there in the darkness. What could be done? The waves
+rolled beneath, the wind moaned in the rigging.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We might risk one more, sir,&quot; came from the boat.</p>
+
+<p>The captain looked at Chester, big, strong, full of youth, and then at
+the slender, gray-haired man. What a pity, and yet he knew the younger
+man would have to remain. That is the law of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll not go,&quot; said the father. &quot;You go, Chester.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no; we'll manage somehow; but you must take the chance. Here, help
+him in.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brown stood by with lifted lantern. He did not dictate which of
+the two should go. He had no need of that. He saw Chester lift the old
+man in his arms, hold him for an instant close to him, kiss him and
+murmur, &quot;Goodby father, and God bless and preserve you&quot;&mdash;then he handed
+him over to outstretched hands in the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brown and Chester Lawrence stood by the <a name='Page225'></a>railing and watched the
+boat lowered. Then when they knew it was safely riding the waves, they
+turned to each other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is your life-belt?&quot; asked the Captain. &quot;Get it, and put it on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is there a chance?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is always a chance. Come. We shall go together, one way or
+another&mdash;the way God wills.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They walked along the slanting deck down to where Lucy lay on the couch
+in the smoking room. Chester did not notice the life-belt on the table,
+but he lifted a lantern to Lucy's face, kneeled by it, and kissed it
+tenderly. &quot;Lucy,&quot; he said, &quot;my sweetheart, where are you? Don't you want
+me to come too?&quot; He stroked the still face, and smoothed back the hair
+as he was wont. &quot;Aren't you afraid in that new world to which you have
+gone&mdash;aren't you as lonesome as&mdash;I am? O Lucy, Lucy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come put on this belt,&quot; said the captain, touching him on the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm coming with you, Lucy,&quot; continued the young man. &quot;Nothing shall
+part us&mdash;as I have told you&mdash;we two,&mdash;O, my God, what can I do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The captain led Chester away from the dead, out to the open deck, and
+buckled around him a life-belt. &quot;Wait here&quot; said the officer. &quot;There is
+a chance&mdash;I'm going to see. I'll be back in a minute.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chester was alone, and in those few minutes the wonderful panorama of
+life passed before him. He lived in periods, each period ending with
+Lucy Strong. His boyhood, and his awakening to the <a name='Page226'></a>world about
+him&mdash;then Lucy; his schooldays, with boys and girls&mdash;out from them came
+Lucy; his early manhood, his forming ideals&mdash;completed in Lucy; his
+experiences in the West, and at Piney Ridge Cottage, and then came, not
+Julia, but Lucy; then the gospel with its new light and assurance of
+salvation; and this coupled with Lucy, her faith and love, burned as a
+sweet incense in the soul of Chester Lawrence. Fear left him now. He
+heard sounds as if they were songs from distant angel-choirs. Words of
+comfort and strength were whispered to his heart: &quot;Though I walk through
+the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art
+near me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me....&quot; Eternity! Why, an
+immortal soul is always in eternity; and God is always at hand in life
+or in death.... Death! what is it but the passing to the other side of a
+curtain, where our loved ones are waiting to meet and greet us!</p>
+
+<p>Chester stepped back to Lucy. It was dark where she lay, but he passed
+his hand over her form to her face, touching tenderly her cheek and
+closed eyes. The flesh was not yet cold, but he felt that the soul whom
+he had come to know as Lucy Strong was not there.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Brown called through the darkness. Chester groped into the open
+again. Was that the captain's figure on the bridge, looming black
+against the faint light in the eastern sky? If it was, Chester was in no
+condition to know, for just then there came a great sinking. A roar of
+waters sounded in <a name='Page227'></a>his ears, there was a struggle, a moment of agony,
+and then the darkness of oblivion.</p>
+
+<p>When he awoke again, he had passed over the storm-whipped bar into still
+waters. There Lucy met him, and together they sailed, guided by the
+unerring Light of God into the Harbor of Eternal Peace and Rest.</p><a name='Page228'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XXI'></a><h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>Thomas Strong was a guest at Piney Ridge Cottage. It had taken him a
+full year to get over the effects of that dreadful sea disaster wherein
+a son, a daughter, and a dear friend had been lost, and to finally make
+his way westward to the people to whom both son and daughter had
+belonged. He had arrived during apple-blossom time, and the
+white-haired, sad-faced man who seemed to have had all mortality burned
+from him by fiery trials, was kindly received by Mr. Elston, his
+daughter Julia and her husband, Bishop Glen Curtis. These listened to
+his strange story, and were profoundly moved by its tragic ending. They
+urged him to remain with them, Julia giving him the room on the attic
+floor which previously was hers. He was grateful for all these
+kindnesses, saying he would be pleased to visit with them for a time.</p>
+
+<p>Out under the apple trees in the growing orchard Hugh Elston made for
+their guest a seat, where during the day he would sit as one alone,
+listening and waiting here in this spot away from the noise and traffic
+of the world for a final message which the God of the Universe might
+send him. As far as his strength would allow, he liked to walk along the
+country roads, which now extended for many miles from Piney Ridge, and
+chat with the neighbors about the country and its prospects. He also
+made some <a name='Page229'></a>minor excursions up the hillsides, but in this direction he
+could not go far. Frequently he stopped to rest by the enclosed graves,
+where he sat on the grass, and with hands on cane, looked wonderingly at
+the two graves, side by side.</p>
+
+<p>But whispered messages from out the blue or storms of heaven did not
+come to this man. Neither were there angels sent to tell him what to do;
+but the Lord had one more thing&mdash;simple indeed&mdash;to bear upon the
+reluctant heart of Thomas Strong.</p>
+
+<p>In the little attic room which Julia had turned over to her guest were
+many books, papers, and magazines. She had told him that everything in
+the room was at his service, and so the visitor made good use of the
+kind offer. One day he found a small book which had the name Anna
+Lawrence&mdash;Chester's mother&mdash;written on the fly-leaf. Curiously turning
+over the pages of the volume, which was simply a school book of the kind
+he remembered in his youth, he found between the leaves an old letter.
+He unfolded the deeply creased sheets, looked at the strange
+handwriting, saw that it was dated thirty years ago, and addressed to
+&quot;Miss Anna Lawrence&quot; and signed by a name unknown to him. There could no
+harm come from reading this message from the past, so he drew his chair
+up to the window, and read:</p>
+<br />
+
+<p>&quot;<i>Dear Friend Anna</i>:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is three months now since I left home for this mission, and not
+having heard anything yet from you, I thought a few lines from me might
+help you <a name='Page230'></a>get started in the letter-writing direction. I am enjoying my
+mission very much, which perhaps you cannot understand, but it is true,
+nevertheless. I came to this place yesterday and have already delivered
+some tracts. Most of the people are against us, specially is this the
+case with preachers. They get after us roughly. My companion isn't as
+old as I am, and goodness knows, I'm young and green enough; but we're
+both studying hard, and the Lord is with us, which, after all, is our
+chief concern.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope you are getting along at school. Do you remember the fun we had
+last vacation? I heard that our friend Sue is about to be married, but I
+suppose you know all about that.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I must tell you about something that happened to us before coming
+here. It was in a place not far from Chicago, and my companion and I
+were tracting as usual. I took one side of the street and he took the
+other. Well, along about noon when it was time we should quit, my
+companion didn't make his appearance. I waited a long time, then crossed
+the street to look for him. The weather was warm and people were mostly
+out of doors in the shade. I heard what sounded like a big discussion on
+a porch behind some vines. I went up, and sure enough, there was my
+companion and another young fellow having it out in great shape. The
+young man sat in his shirt sleeves on a table, and the way he was giving
+it to that poor friend of mine was a caution. I learned that the young
+fellow was studying for the ministry, and because of that, he considered
+himself just the person to give it good and hard to a 'Mormon'
+missionary.</p><a name='Page231'></a>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, the fellow sat there on the table, his legs swinging as if he
+didn't care a&mdash;rap. There was a Bible and some other books on the table,
+but they had got beyond the use of books. The young fellow ridiculed the
+Prophet, poked fun at his revelations, and said the 'Mormons' were a bad
+lot altogether. Said they deserved to be driven from decent society into
+the desert as they had been. He kept it up like that, and then he said
+something odd. 'I wouldn't have your religion at any price,' he said.
+'Get out with you.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My companion sat there, not saying a word. I saw the tears come into
+his eyes. He wiped them away hurriedly. Then his face became pale, and
+it seemed to me that a light actually shone from it. As I told you, he
+is just a boy, and as I looked on him then, I thought of the boy
+prophet, and what my father has told me so often about him. Well, when
+the fellow got through with his abuse, and jumped from the table as if
+we were dismissed, my companion arose and in a voice wonderfully gentle
+yet vibrant with power, said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Yes, we will go, but not before I tell you this: You know not what you
+say, therefore, you are forgiven, as far as I am concerned. My parents
+were driven from this state. All they had was destroyed by mobs. My
+mother died on the plains and her body lies there to this day. All that
+mortal man can suffer and live my people have suffered, and all for the
+sake of the truth, the gospel that I have brought to you this day, and
+which you so scornfully reject. And now I tell you in the name of the
+Lord, some day you will receive this gospel&mdash;but not until you have paid
+for it, and paid for it dearly. Like the <a name='Page232'></a>merchantman in the parable,
+<i>all that you have</i> will you pay for this Pearl of Great Price! Good
+day, sir.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We both left him standing somewhat dazed, but I tell you&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The letter dropped to Thomas Strong's knee, as he looked up and out at
+the closing day. He arose, went to the glass door which opened on to the
+little porch, stepped out into the air that he might breathe easier.
+What he saw was not Old Thunder Mountain, or the wide extent of the
+Flat, dim now in the twilight, but a vine-enclosed porch and the pale,
+peculiar face of a boy telling him the words he had just read. * * * *
+There had been other boy prophets besides the first great one; and yes,
+oh Great God, one old, broken man had paid the price.</p>
+
+<p>The vines on the upper porch of Piney Ridge Cottage now also formed a
+cover, and in their shadow Thomas Strong kneeled and prayed as he had
+never prayed before.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later, Julia, wondering what their guest was doing in his room
+so long without a light, called to him softly at the foot of the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he replied, as if he did not realize for the moment who was
+calling, &quot;I'm coming&mdash;I'm coming now.&quot;</p><a name='Page233'></a>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+<a name='CHAPTER_XXII'></a><h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The first Sunday in the month was Fast Day at Piney Ridge the same as in
+all wards of the Church. The Bishop had some visiting to do that morning
+so he did not get to Sunday School; but he returned about eleven o'clock
+and found the horses hitched to the white-top buggy ready to take all
+the household to meeting.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are we all ready?&quot; he asked as he came into the house.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just about,&quot; replied his wife who was putting the finishing touches to
+the baby's bonnet. &quot;Here, hold him.&quot; She placed the baby in Glen's arms.
+The father somewhat awkwardly tossed him up and down.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now be careful,&quot; admonished the mother, &quot;don't muss his clothes up like
+that. Today is his first public appearance, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your coming out, eh?&quot; he asked of the baby. &quot;Well, we'll have to be
+good, won't we.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This was in the front room. Thomas Strong sat, hat in hand, ready, while
+he smiled at the bear-like antics of the happy father with his first
+baby. Then when the mother came in with hat on, the old man arose
+slowly, went to the organ and looked at a photograph of Chester
+Lawrence, which had recently been framed and now held the place of honor
+on the <a name='Page234'></a>organ. The Bishop, seeing the movement, lifted the baby to the
+picture.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I believe there <i>is</i> a resemblance,&quot; he remarked. The old man only
+smiled.</p>
+
+<p>Hugh Elston now drove up to the door. The young mother climbed into the
+front seat, and then was given the baby. Grandpa Elston took a back seat
+by Thomas Strong, while the Bishop sat by his wife to drive. Then they
+were off.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did I tell you,&quot; said Mr. Strong to his companion, &quot;that I got a letter
+from my brother last evening?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; you did not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, he's been recently to London and visiting with Elder Malby. It
+seems he can't keep away from that man, and I must say Elder Malby is a
+wonder. Such a spirit he has with him&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The missionary spirit, Brother Strong&mdash;the spirit of the Lord.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes,&quot; mused the man&mdash;&quot;strange&mdash;and he but a hard-working farmer&mdash;I
+wouldn't be surprised if Brother Gilbert came to America and out west
+here. He intimated as much in his letter. Poor brother, he also has
+suffered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If he comes, give him our invitation to visit with us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, that I shall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps he will accompany Elder Malby when he is released.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Invite them both,&quot; said the other. &quot;We shall all like to see them very
+much.&quot;</p><a name='Page235'></a>
+
+<p>There was a brief silence, as the horses trotted along. Thomas Strong's
+gaze roved across the Flat to the mountains, then rested again on his
+companion. Presently, he said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Brother Elston, the other day you were speaking of vicarious work for
+the dead, 'temple work' you called it. I understand the doctrine of
+baptism for the dead, but some other things are not quite plain&mdash;for
+instance, having the dead married, made husband and wife, which they
+would have been had they lived and had the chance&mdash;well, you
+understand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Yes; Hugh Elston understood, and made his explanations to his companion,
+who listened attentively and exclaimed at its close:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am so glad&mdash;for Chester's and Lucy's sake&mdash;so glad!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In good time they arrived at the meeting house. The Bishop busied
+himself with the business before him. The good people of the ward came
+in, exchanged the usual greetings, then found seats. There were flowers
+on the sacrament table as usual, and the meeting house looked sweet and
+clean&mdash;a fit place in which to worship the Lord.</p>
+
+<p>The opening hymn in which the congregation joined was:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span>&quot;God moves in a mysterious way,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>His wonders to perform;<br /></span>
+<span>He plants his footsteps in the sea,<br /></span>
+<span class='i2'>And rides upon the storm.&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div><a name='Page236'></a>
+
+<p>At the close of the song, Thomas Strong nodded his head and whispered,
+&quot;Amen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then after prayer and the sacrament, the Bishop announced, &quot;All mothers
+who have babies to be blessed will please bring them forward, and all
+who were baptized yesterday will kindly take their places on the front
+seat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Julia, with rosy face, bore her baby to the front, followed by another
+mother with less timidity. A little girl tip-toed along the aisle, and a
+boy, &quot;just turned eight&quot; trod heavily forward. Then Thomas Strong also
+arose, and silently took his place on the front seat alongside the
+mothers with the babies and the children.</p>
+
+<p>The sun shone through the uncurtained window and lay as a broad strip of
+light along the front seat. The little boy was nervously twitching his
+feet, the little girl's hands were folded serenely, the babies cooed.
+The white-haired man sat with the children, now one with them and of
+them in very deed. His face was as a child's, as was indeed his heart.
+The meeting was still, silenced by the strange, solemn occasion. Then
+the Bishop, assisted by his counselors and Patriarch Hugh Elston laid
+their hands on the three who had been baptized in water for the
+remission of sins and now bestowed on them the Holy Ghost. Then the
+officiating Elders came to the mothers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Brother Elston,&quot; said the Bishop, &quot;bless the baby.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Hugh Elston took Julia's baby into his arms, <a name='Page237'></a>where he lay cooing into
+the men's faces as they gathered around. The Patriarch, in slow,
+carefully chosen words, gave the babe its name and a blessing:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Chester Lawrence&mdash;for this is the name by which you shall be known
+among the children of men&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment's pause in the blessing. Thomas Strong glanced up to
+the men, then looked at Julia in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh,&quot; said he softly, &quot;my boy's name shall live&mdash;Thank God.&quot;</p>
+
+<h5>THE END.</h5>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Story of Chester Lawrence, by Nephi Anderson
+
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Story of Chester Lawrence, by Nephi Anderson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Story of Chester Lawrence
+
+Author: Nephi Anderson
+
+Release Date: October 15, 2004 [EBook #13756]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORY OF CHESTER LAWRENCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Asad Razzaki and the PG Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Story of Chester Lawrence
+
+Being the Completed Account of One
+who Played an Important Part in
+"Piney Ridge Cottage"
+
+
+By NEPHI ANDERSON
+Author of "Added Upon," "The Castle Builder,"
+"Piney Ridge Cottage," etc.
+
+THE DESERET NEWS
+Salt Like City, Utah
+1913
+
+
+
+
+Books by Nephi Anderson.
+
+ADDED UPON, Fifth and Enlarged Edition. A story illustrating "Mormon"
+teachings regarding the past, the present, and the future states of
+existence.
+
+THE CASTLE BUILDER. The scenes and characters are from Norway, the Land
+of the Midnight Sun.
+
+MARCUS KING, MORMON, is the story of a convert to "Mormonism" who came
+to Utah in early pioneer days.
+
+PINEY RIDGE COTTAGE, the love story of a "Mormon" country girl.
+
+A YOUNG FOLKS' HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. The story of the "Mormon" Church
+is told in simple, interesting chapters.
+
+_All bound in beautiful cloth, with gold titles_,
+Price, 75 cents each.
+
+DESERET NEWS BOOK STORE,
+Salt Lake City, Utah.
+
+
+
+
+Story of Chester Lawrence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large
+crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting
+farewells to their friends on board. The departing passengers, most of
+them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and
+waved and shouted in return.
+
+The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up
+the gang-plank. The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and
+bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear. A tremor ran
+through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a
+strip of water between the pier and the ship. Then a tiny tug-boat came
+alongside, fastened itself to the steamer, and with calm assurance,
+guided its big brother safely into the harbor and down the bay. The
+people on shore merged into one dark object; the greetings became
+indistinct; the great city itself, back of the pier, melted into a gray
+mass as seen through the rain.
+
+Chester Lawrence stood on the deck of the departing vessel and watched
+the interesting scene. He stood as one apart from the crowd, having no
+portion with either those on board or those left behind. He was a
+spectator only. Not a soul in that mass of humanity on the pier, not one
+in the big city, knew Chester Lawrence or had a thought for him. No one
+cared whether his voyage would be pleasant or otherwise. There were no
+tears for him, or fears that he would not return in safety. Of the
+hundreds of waving handkerchiefs, none was meant for him; but as a last
+show of good-fellowship and as a farewell greeting to his native land,
+Chester waved once with the rest.
+
+The rain continued as the ship dropped down the bay and came safely into
+the open sea. Some of the passengers then hurried below, while others
+lingered on deck to see as long as possible the fast-receding land.
+Chester took his time. He had seen that his grips had been safely stowed
+away in his state room, so he had no worries, as others seemed to have,
+regarding his belongings. The ship hands (sailors they cannot now be
+called) were busy clearing the deck and getting things into their proper
+places. The vessel pointed fairly into the vast eastern sea. The land
+became a dark, fast-thinning line on the western horizon, and then even
+that was swallowed up in the mist of rain.
+
+"Well, good-by, old home, good-by thou goodly Land of Joseph," spoke
+Chester, half aloud, as he stood for one intense moment facing the west,
+then turned to go down into his room. The rain must at last have reached
+him for his eyes were so blurred that he bumped rather abruptly into an
+elderly man who was standing at his elbow.
+
+"Oh, I beg your pardon," said Chester.
+
+"It was nothing, sir. I, too, was just bidding farewell to the Land of
+Joseph, and I fear my sight was also rather dim."
+
+Chester paused and looked at the man who had heard and repeated his
+remark. No one but a Latter-day Saint would call America the Land of
+Joseph. He was a pleasant-looking man, with hair and beard tinged with
+gray, clear blue eyes, a firm mouth, about which at that moment there
+played a faint smile. Apparently, he wished to make further acquaintance
+with Chester, for he asked:
+
+"How far west were you looking just now?"
+
+The question went deeper than Chester thought possible. He colored a
+trifle, but there was no time to reply, for the other continued:
+
+"Mine was farther than that gray blot called New York, farther than the
+Alleghany mountains; in fact, it extended across the plains of the west
+to the Rocky Mountains--"
+
+"So was mine!" exclaimed the younger man. "Let's shake hands upon it. My
+name is Chester Lawrence, and I'm a Mormon."
+
+"My name is George Malby."
+
+"Elder George Malby?"
+
+"Yes; I am a Mormon elder going on a mission to Great Britain."
+
+"I'm mighty glad to meet you, Elder Malby. I thought there wasn't a soul
+on board this vessel that I could approach as a friend; now I have a
+brother."
+
+"Three of them," corrected the elder. "There are two more missionaries
+on board. Not a large party of us this time. Would you like to meet
+them?"
+
+There was no more land to be seen now. The sea stretched all around,
+with clouds above, and the rain. There was more comfort below, so the
+two newly-made friends went down. Chester met the other elders who were
+younger men, one destined for Scandinavia, the other for the
+Netherlands. It did not take long for the four men to become acquainted.
+Presently the dinner gong sounded, and all became interested in the
+first meal on ship-board.
+
+Practically every one sat down to that dinner, and did full justice to
+it. For many, that was the only meal eaten for days. Chester was not
+seated at the same table as his friends. At his right was a chatty old
+gentleman and at his left a demure lady who ate in silence. Strangeness,
+however, is soon worn off when a company of people must eat at the same
+table for a week; that is, if the dreaded sea-sickness does not
+interfere too much with the gathering together at meal-time.
+
+Towards evening the rain ceased. As the darkness came on, the clouds
+billowed across the vast upper expanse. Chester and his new-made friends
+paced the deck and watched the night settle on the water, and enclose
+the ship in its folds. They talked of the strange new experience on
+ship-board, then they told somewhat of each other's personal history.
+The sea was rough, and the ship pitched more and more as it met the
+swells of the Atlantic. The question of sea-sickness came up.
+
+"I have crossed the ocean three times," remarked Elder Malby, "and
+escaped the sickness each time. I hope for as good luck now."
+
+"It _is_ a matter of luck, I understand," said Chester. "Sea-sickness is
+no respecter of persons, times, or so-called preventatives. The weak
+sometimes escape, while the strong are laid low. _I_ feel all right
+yet."
+
+The two younger men were fighting bravely, but it was not long before
+they excused themselves hurriedly, and went below, and to bed. Chester
+and Elder Malby displayed splendid sea-legs, so they walked until they
+were tired, then took possession of some chairs in a sheltered corner,
+wrapping their coats well around them.
+
+"I wish I were going on a mission, as you are," Chester was saying. "My
+trip is somewhat aimless, I fear. For a year or more I have had a notion
+that I ought to see Europe. I have seen a good deal of America, both
+East and West. I lived for some time in Salt Lake City, though I became
+a Church member in Chicago. But about Europe," he continued as if he did
+not then wish to speak of his Western experiences, "you know, one must
+have seen somewhat of the Old World to have the proper 'culture,'--must
+have seen Europe's pictures, old castles, and historic places. I know
+little and care less about the culture, but I have always had a desire
+to see England, and some of France and Germany, and the Alps--yes, I
+want to see the Alps and compare them with our Rockies. Rome, and other
+Italian cities, are interesting, too, but I may not get to them this
+time. I do hope some good will come of all this--somehow I think it will
+not be wholly in vain."
+
+The older man let him talk without interruption. There was something
+uncommon in the life of this young man, but it would not do to show
+undue haste in wishing to know it. It was easily to be seen that Chester
+was helped in this opportunity to talk to a friend that could understand
+and be trusted. They sat late that night. The sea roared about them in
+the darkness. There was a fascination about this thing of seeming
+life--the ship--forcing itself against wind and wave into the darkness,
+and bearing safely with it in light and comfort a thousand precious
+souls.
+
+Chester slept fairly well, and was awake next morning at daylight.
+Though the ship was pitching and rocking, he felt no indications of
+sea-sickness. He gazed out of the port-hole at the racing waves. Some of
+them rose to his window, and he looked into a bank of green water. He
+got up and dressed. It was good to think he would not be sick. Very few
+were stirring. A number who were, like himself, immune, were briskly
+pacing the deck. Chester joined them and looked about. This surely must
+be a storm, thought he. He had often wished to witness one, from a safe
+position, of course, and here was one. As far as he could see in every
+direction, the ocean was one mass of rolling, seething water. At a
+distance it looked like a boiling pot, but nearer the waves rose higher,
+the ship's prow cutting them like a knife.
+
+"Quite a storm," said Chester to a man washing the deck.
+
+"Storm? Oh, no, sir; just a bit of a blow."
+
+No one seemed to have any concern regarding the safety of the ship, so
+Chester concluded that there was no danger, that this was no storm at
+all, which conclusion was right, as he had later to acknowledge. The sun
+came up through a wild sea into a wild sky, casting patches of shifting
+light on the waters to the east. Chester kept a lookout for his friends,
+the elders. When the breakfast gong sounded, Elder Malby appeared.
+
+"Where are the others?" asked Chester.
+
+"They'll not get up today; perhaps not tomorrow. I see you are all
+right. You're lucky. Come, let us go to breakfast."
+
+Most of the seats were vacant at the table that morning. A few smilingly
+looked around, secure in their superior strength. Others were bravely
+trying to do the right thing by sitting down to a morning meal; but a
+number of these failed, some leaving quietly and deliberately, others
+rushing away in unceremonial haste. Chester was quite alone on his side
+of the table. If there had been a trifle of "sinking emptiness" in him
+before, the meal braced him up wonderfully. In this he thought he had
+discovered a sure cure for sea-sickness. One day later he imparted this
+information to a lady voyager, who received it with the exclamation,
+"Oh, horrors!"
+
+All that day the wind was strong, and the sea rough. Even an officer
+acknowledged that if this weather kept up, the "blow" might grow into a
+storm. From the upper deck Chester and Elder Malby looked out on the
+sublime spectacle. Like great, green, white-crested hills, the waves
+raced along the vast expanse. Towards the afternoon the ship and the
+wind had shifted their course so that the waves dashed with thunderous
+roar against the iron sides of the vessel which only heaved and dipped
+and went steadily on its way.
+
+A number of ladies crowded on deck, and, aided by the stewards, were
+safely tucked into chairs in places protected from wind and spray. The
+deck stewards tempted them with broth, but they only sipped it
+indifferently. These same ladies, just the day before had carried their
+feather-tipped heads ever so stately. Now, alas, how had the mighty
+leveler laid them low! They did not now care how their gowns fitted, or
+whether their hats were on straight. Any common person, not afflicted
+with sea-sickness, could have criticised their attitude in the chairs.
+One became so indifferent to correct appearances that she slid from her
+chair on to the deck, where she undignifiedly sprawled. The deck steward
+had to tuck her shawls about her and assist her to a more lady-like
+position.
+
+"That's pretty tough," remarked Chester.
+
+"All the wits have tried their skill on the subject of sea-sickness,"
+said his companion; "but it's no joke to those who experience it."
+
+"Can't we help those ladies?" asked Chester.
+
+"Not very much. You will find the best thing to do is to let them alone.
+They'll not thank you, not now, for any suggestion or proffer of help.
+If you should be so foolish as to ask them what you could do for them,
+they would reply, if they replied at all, 'Stop the ship for five
+minutes.'"
+
+"Then I'll be wise," said Chester.
+
+The night came on, dark and stormy. The two friends kept up well. They
+ate the evening meal with appetite, then went on deck again.
+
+Night adds awfulness to the sublimity of a storm at sea. The world about
+the ship is in wild commotion. The sky seems to have dropped into the
+sea, and now joins the roaring waves as they rush along. The blackness
+of the night is impenetrable, save as the lights from the ship gleam for
+an instant into the moving mass of water. Now and then a wave, rearing
+its crested head higher than the rest, breaks in spray upon the deck.
+The wind seems eager to hurl every movable object from the vessel, but
+as everything is fast, it must be content to shriek in the rigging and
+to sweep out into the darkness, and lend its madness to the sea and sky.
+
+But let us leave this awe-inspiring uproar and go down into the saloon.
+Here we come into another world, a world of light and peace and
+contentment. The drawn curtains exclude the sight of the angry elements
+without, and save for the gentle rocking of the ship and the occasional
+splashing of water against its sides, we can easily imagine that we are
+a thousand miles from the sea. Passengers sit at the long tables,
+reading or chatting. Other groups are playing cards or chess. In the
+cushioned corners, young men and maidens are exchanging banter with
+words and glances. A young lady is playing the piano, and over all this
+scene of life, and light, and gaiety, the electric lamps gleam in steady
+splendor.
+
+Elder Malby soon retired. Chester remained in the saloon for a time,
+studying the various aspects of life about him; then he made a
+good-night visit to the deck. He looked into the men's smoking room,
+where a few yet sat with pipes and beer, playing cards. Among them were
+two men, fat-cheeked, smoothly shaven, who were dressed in priestly
+garb. There was an expressive American in the company, an Englishman and
+a quiet German. Before the American could carry into effect his
+intention of asking Chester to join them, the latter had passed by and
+out beyond the stench of the tobacco smoke.
+
+"This air, washed clean by a thousand miles of scouring waves, is good
+enough for me," thought he.
+
+The wind was not blowing so hard. The sky was nearly clear of clouds.
+The moon hung full and bright above the heaving horizon. Here was
+another aspect of the wonderful sea, and Chester lingered to get its
+full beauty. The steamer rolled heavily between the big waves. The young
+man leaned on the railing, and watched the ship's deck dip nearly to
+the water, then heave back until the iron sides were exposed nearly to
+the keel.
+
+Chester was about to turn in for the night when he heard a commotion,
+apparently among the third class passengers. He walked along to where he
+could look down on the forward main deck. A number of people were
+running about shouting excitedly. Chester ran down the steps to get a
+nearer view.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know. Someone overboard, I think."
+
+People were crowding to the rail at the extreme forward end of the ship.
+Someone with authority was trying to push them back, using the
+old-fashioned ship-board language to aid him. Chester drew near enough
+not to be in the way, but so that he could observe what was going on. By
+leaning well over the rail, he could see what appeared to be two persons
+clinging to the anchor, which hung on the ship's side, about half-way
+down to the water. One was a dark figure, the other appeared in the
+moonlight to be a woman dressed in white. Other ships-men now rushed up.
+
+"Clear way here! Where's the rope? Hang on, my man; we'll soon get
+you"--this down the side of the ship. There came some words in reply,
+but Chester did not hear them. A rope was lowered. "Slip the loop around
+the lady," was the order from above. The man on the anchor tried to
+obey. He moved as if cautiously and slowly. "Hurry, my man!" But there
+was no haste. Limbs and fingers made stiff by long exposure and cramped
+position, clinging desperately to prevent himself and his burden from
+falling into the sea, were not now likely to be nimble; but in a few
+minutes, which, however, seemed a long time, some words were spoken by
+the man on the anchor, the command to haul in was given, and slowly the
+nearly-unconscious form of a young woman was drawn up to safety.
+
+"Now, my man, your next," shouted the officer. The rope soon dangled
+down again, the man reached out a hand for it. The ship cut into a big
+wave, whose crest touched the man below. He grasped wildly for the rope,
+missed it, and fell with a cry into the sea. Chester tried to see him as
+the ship rushed on, but the commotion and the darkness prevented him.
+
+"Man overboard! stop the ship!" came from the excited passengers. "Man
+overboard!" What could be done! The man was gone. He had not one chance
+in a thousand to be rescued. Had he fallen overboard without much
+notice, the ship would have gone right on--Why should a world be stopped
+in its even course to save one soul?--but too many had seen this. Signal
+bells were rung, the engines slowed down, and then stopped. Lights
+flashed here and there, other officers of higher rank came on the scene;
+a boat fully manned was lowered. It bobbed up and down on the waves like
+a cork. Back into the track of the ship it went, and was soon lost to
+view.
+
+The search was continued for an hour, then given up. No trace of the
+man could be found. The small boat was raised to the deck, the engine
+moved again, and the big ship went on its way.
+
+Chester lingered among the steerage, passengers and listened to the
+story of the lost man who, it seems, had been one of those unfortunate
+ones who had failed to pass the health inspector at New York and had
+therefore been sent back to his native land, Ireland. He was known as
+Mike, what else, no one could tell. And the woman? Poor girl, she had
+wandered in her night dress to the ship's side, and in some unknown way
+had gotten overboard as far as the protruding piece of iron. How Mike
+had reached her, or how long they had occupied their perilous position,
+no one could tell. He was gone, and the woman was saved to her husband
+and her baby.
+
+The night was growing late; but there was no sleep for Chester. Many of
+the passengers, having been awakened by the stopping of the ship, were
+up, hurriedly dressed, and enquiring what the trouble was. Chester met
+Elder Malby in the companion-way.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked the Elder.
+
+"A man has been lost at sea," replied the other. "Come into the saloon,
+and I'll tell you about it."
+
+Chester was visibly affected as he related what he had seen. At the
+conclusion of his story he bowed his face into his hands for a moment.
+Then he looked into the Elder's face with a smile.
+
+"Well, it's too bad, too bad," said George Malby.
+
+"Do you think so?"
+
+"Well--why--isn't it a terrible thing to die like that?"
+
+"I hope not," replied Chester. "I think the dying part was easy enough,
+and the manner of it was glorious. He was a poor fellow who had failed
+to land. He had no doubt thought to make fame and fortune in the new
+world. Now he has gone to a new world indeed. He entered it
+triumphantly, I hope. As far as I know, he ought to be received as a
+hero in that world to which he has gone."
+
+Chester's eyes shone and his face was aglow. "Elder Malby," he
+continued, "I remember what you told me just yesterday,--To our immortal
+soul, nothing that others can do, matters much; a man's own actions is
+what counts. Neither does it matter much when or how a man leaves this
+life; the vital thing is what he has done and how he has done it up to
+the point of departure. The Lord will take care of the rest."
+
+As the two men went slowly along the narrow passage way to their state
+rooms that night, the older man said to the other, "I guess you're
+right, my brother; yes; you are right. Good night, and pleasant sleep."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+The next morning the sky was clear and the sea was much smoother. The
+sun shone bright and warm; more people came on deck, rejoicing that they
+could live in the vigor of the open rather than in their stuffy state
+rooms. The two seasick elders thought it wiser to remain quietly in
+their berths for another day, so Chester and Elder Malby had the day to
+themselves. As the accident of the night before became known to the
+passengers, it was the topic of conversation for some time.
+
+That afternoon Chester and his companion found a cosy corner on deck
+away from the cigar smoke, and had a long heart to heart talk. The fact
+of the matter was that the young man found comfort in the society of his
+older brother. For the first time in nearly two years Chester could pour
+out his heart to sympathetic ears, and he found much joy in doing this.
+
+"Yes," said Chester to a question, "I should like to tell you about
+myself. When my story gets tiresome, call my attention to the porpoises,
+or declare that you can see a whale."
+
+"I promise," laughed the other.
+
+"Well, to begin at the very beginning, I was born in a suburb of
+Chicago, and lived in and near that city most of my life. My mother's
+name was Anna Lawrence. I never knew my father, not even his name. Yes,
+I can talk freely about it to you. The time was when I shunned even the
+thoughts of my earthly origin and my childhood days, but I have gotten
+over that. I have learned to face the world and all the truth it has for
+me.
+
+"When I was but a child, my mother married Hugh Elston. Shortly after,
+they both heard the gospel preached by a 'Mormon' elder, and they
+accepted it. I had been placed in the care of some of my relatives, and
+when my mother now wished to take me, they would not give me up. They
+were, of course, fearful that I, too, would become a 'Mormon.' Mr.
+Elston and my mother went west to Utah. I was sent to school, obtained a
+fairly good education, and while yet a young man, was conducting a
+successful business.
+
+"I had nearly forgotten that I had a parent at all, when one day, my
+mother, without announcement, came to Chicago. She had left her husband.
+Mother did not say much to any of us, but I took it for granted that she
+had been abused among the 'terrible Mormons.' After a time I took a trip
+out to Utah to see about it, meaning to find this Mr. Elston and compel
+him to do the right thing for my mother. Well, I went, I saw, and was
+conquered. Mr. Elston was a widower living in a spot of green called
+Piney Ridge Cottage amid the sage-brush desert,--living there alone with
+his daughter Julia. And this Julia--well--Do you see any porpoises,
+Brother Malby?"
+
+"Not yet. Go on."
+
+"Mr. Elston is a fine, good-hearted man,--a gentleman in very deed. He
+soon found out who I was and invited me to his home. Julia was mistress
+there. In the midst of the desert, these two had created a beautiful
+home. I went to their Sunday School and their meetings. I read Mormon
+books. My eyes were opened to the truth, and I was ready to accept it."
+
+"Thanks to Julia," suggested the listener with a sly glance at Chester.
+
+"Yes; thanks to Julia, Brother Malby; but not in the sense you hint at.
+I think I would have accepted the gospel, even had there been no Julia
+mixed up with the finding of it. But Julia helped. She was a living
+example of what 'Mormonism' can do for a person, and when I looked at
+her, learned her thoughts through her words, and saw her life by her
+every-day deeds, I said to myself, 'A system of religion that produces
+such a soul, cannot be bad.' Yes; she was a wonderful help; but I repeat
+that had the truth come to me by other means and other ways, I believe I
+should have accepted it."
+
+"Forgive me for the thoughtless remark," said Elder Malby.
+
+"O, I know how justifiable you are for it, so you are forgiven."
+
+"Did you join the Church in Utah?"
+
+"No; I went back to Chicago. Away from Utah, from Piney Ridge Cottage
+and its influence. I pondered and prayed. I found the elders there and
+was baptized. Then I went to Salt Lake City, where Julia had gone to
+attend school while her father was away on a mission to England."
+Chester paused, looking out on the sea. "You don't blame me for falling
+in love with Julia, do you?" asked he.
+
+"I don't blame you a bit."
+
+"But there was someone else, a young fellow who had grown up as a
+neighbor to her. He also went on a mission, and then I believe Julia
+discovered that she thought more of Glen Curtis than of me. I do not now
+blame Julia for that. She told me plainly her feelings. I persisted for
+a time, but in vain--then I went away, and have never been to Utah
+since."
+
+"And that's the end of your story?"
+
+"Oh, no; while I was roaming aimlessly about the country trying to mend
+a broken heart, mother, becoming uneasy about me, and thinking I was yet
+in Utah, journeyed out west to find me. The team on the stage-coach
+which took her out to Julia's home, ran away from the drunken driver,
+and just before they got to Piney Ridge Cottage the wagon upset on a
+dug-way, and mother was mortally hurt. She died under Julia's care, and
+now lies in Mr. Elston's private graveyard near Piney Ridge Cottage
+beside Mr. Elston's other wife. Let us walk a little."
+
+The older man linked his arm into Chester's as they paced the long reach
+of the promenade deck. They walked for a few minutes, then sat down
+again.
+
+"I hope you'll not think I'm a bore, to continue my personal history;
+but there is something in here," said Chester, striking his breast,
+"that finds relief in expression to one who understands."
+
+"Go on; tell me all."
+
+"Do you know, I was tempted to 'chuck it all' after I had failed with
+Julia. I even went so far as to play devilishly near to sin, but thank
+the Lord, I came to my senses before I was overcome, and I escaped that
+horror. Oh, but I was storm-tossed for a while--I thought of it
+yesterday when we had the rough sea--but in time I came out into the
+calm again, just as we are coming today on this voyage. But not until I
+had said more than once 'not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done,' and
+said it from my heart, did I get peace. Then I began to see that the
+girl had come into my life, not to be my wife, but to turn my life into
+new channels. I, with the rest of the world of which I was a part, had
+no definite views or high ideals of life, death, 'and that vast
+forever;' and something was needed to change my easy-going course. When
+I realized that Julia Elston had been the instrument of the Lord in
+doing that, I had to put away resentment and acknowledge the hand of God
+in it. I read in the parables of our Lord that a certain merchantman had
+to sell all he had in order to get the purchase money to buy the Pearl
+of Great Price. Why should it be given me without cost?"
+
+"We all have to pay for it."
+
+"And I who had made no sacrifice, railed against fate because I had been
+asked to pay a trifle--no it was not a trifle; but I have paid, and hope
+to continue to pay to the last call. Now, what do you say, brother?
+Tell me what you think."
+
+"Well, you have an interesting story, my brother, and I am glad you look
+on your experiences in the right light. To get the woman one thinks he
+ought to get, is, after all, not the whole of life. There are other
+blessings. To have one's life changed from darkness into light; to have
+one's journey turned from a downward course to one of eternal
+exaltation; to obtain a knowledge of the plan of salvation,--these are
+important. If one is on the right way, and keeps on that way to the end,
+He who rules the world and the destinies of men, will see to it that all
+is right. Sometime, somewhere, every man and every woman will come to
+his own, whether in life or death, in this world, or the next."
+
+"Thank you for saying that. Do you know, I am now glad that Julia did
+not yield to my entreaties, and marry me out of pity. Think how I would
+have felt when the realization of that had come to me. * * * * I found
+this expression of Stevenson the other day, purporting to be a test of a
+man's fortitude and delicacy: 'To renounce where that shall be
+necessary, and not to be embittered.' Thank the Lord, I am not
+embittered. Some time ago I chose this declaration of Paul for my motto:
+'But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and
+reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the
+mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'"
+
+The light of a soul of peace shone from the countenance of the young
+man. The smile on the lips added only beauty to the strength of the
+face. He arose, shook himself as if to get rid of all past
+unpleasantness and weakness, and faced the east as though he were
+meeting the world with new power. Then the smile changed to a merry
+laugh as he ran to the railing and cried:
+
+"See, sure enough, there _is_ a school of porpoises!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The ship was in mid-ocean. The rough weather had wholly ceased. The sea
+lay glinting like a vast jewel under the slant of the afternoon sun. It
+was a day of unflecked beauty. The decks were gay with people, some
+walking, some leaning idly on the rail, some sitting with books in their
+hands. A few were reading, but most sat with finger in closed book. Why
+bother to read _about_ life when it could be seen so full and
+interesting all around.
+
+A day on ship-board is longer than one on shore, and provision must be
+made to pass it pleasantly. If the weather is fair, this is quite a
+problem. Of course, there are the meals in the well-appointed dining
+saloon. They break pleasantly into the long monotony. Then there are the
+deck games; the watching for "whales" and passing vessels; the looking
+at the spinning log in the foaming water at the stern; the marking of
+the chart, which indicates the distance traversed during the twenty-four
+hours; the visit to the steerage and the "stoke hole," or boiler room in
+the depths of the ship; and last, but not least, the getting acquainted
+with one's fellow passengers. "Steamer friendships" are easily made, and
+in most cases, soon forgotten. The little world of people speeding
+across the deep from shore to shore, is bound together closely for a few
+days, and then, its inhabitants scatter.
+
+Chester Lawrence was enjoying every hour of the voyage. On that day
+practically all sea-sickness had gone. The vacant places at the tables
+were being filled and the company looked around at each other with
+pleasant contentment. The steamship company no longer saved on the
+provisions. The chatty old gentleman at Chester's right was back again
+after a short absence, and the power of speech had come to the demure
+lady on his left, with the return of her appetite.
+
+Two places opposite Chester were still vacant at the table. That day as
+the crowd hastily answered the dinner gong, Chester, being a little
+tardy, encountered an elderly man and what appeared to be his daughter
+making their way slowly down the companionway towards the dining room.
+Chester saw at a glance that neither of them was strong, but both tried
+to appear able and were bound to help each other. He smiled at their
+well-meaning endeavors, then without asking leave, took the man's free
+arm and helped him down the steps, saying,
+
+"You haven't quite got your sea-legs yet--Now then, steady, and we'll
+soon be there. Get a good dinner, and that will help."
+
+The steward showed them to the two seats opposite Chester which had been
+vacant so long.
+
+"Thank you very much," said the girl to Chester, with a smile, when the
+elderly man was well seated. Chester bowed without replying, then went
+around the table to his own seat.
+
+Somehow that gracious little smile had made Chester's heart flutter for
+an instant. As he realized it, he said to himself, "What's the matter
+with me? Am I getting foolish? It was, certainly a sweet smile, and the
+thanks were gracious, too; but what of it?" The first courses were being
+served. She was sitting opposite him, just a few feet away. He might
+take a good look at the girl to see if there was anything uncommon about
+her. He looked down the table, glancing just for an instant opposite.
+No; there was nothing striking, or to be disturbed about. The girl was
+still solicitous over her companion, meanwhile eating a little herself.
+"I musn't be rude, thought Chester, and then looked again across the
+table. The man was past middle age. His face was clean shaven, and he
+was dressed in the garb of a minister. He was a preacher, then. The girl
+had evidently suffered much from sea-sickness, because her face was pale
+and somewhat pinched, though there was a tinge of red in her cheeks.
+That's a pretty chin, and a lovely mouth--and, well, now, what _is_ the
+matter! Chester Lawrence, attend to your chicken."
+
+The minister and his daughter did not remain for the dessert. As they
+arose, he said:
+
+"Now, that's pretty good for the first time, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, father, it is," she replied. "You're getting on famously. Shall we
+try the deck for a while?"
+
+"Yes; it will do us both good to get into the air. Run along into your
+room for a wrap."
+
+Chester was tempted to leave his dinner to help them again; but he
+resisted the temptation. They walked quite firmly now, and as they
+entered the passageway, the girl glancing back into the room, met
+Chester's eyes and smiled once more. Again Chester's heart fluttered. It
+would have been a cold, hardened heart indeed not to have responded to
+such an appeal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+On the morning of the fourth day out, Chester Lawrence stood watching
+the antics of a young man, who, coatless and hatless, and made brave by
+too many visits to the bar, was running up the rope ladders of the mast
+to a dangerous height. He climbed up to where the ladder met the one on
+the other side, down which he scrambled with the agility of a monkey.
+The ladies in the group on deck gasped in fright at his reckless daring.
+The fellow jumped to the deck from the rail, and made a sweeping bow to
+the spectators:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "'tis nothing at all, I assure you. On
+shore I am a circus performer, an' I was just practicing a little. Have
+no fear. See--"
+
+He was about to make a second exhibition when a ship's officer seized
+him, threatening to lock him up if he did not desist.
+
+"O, certainly, if its against the rules," he replied meekly. His hat and
+coat were lying on a chair by some ladies. He put these on again, and
+then sat down and began talking to the one nearest him. Chester, who had
+followed the fellow's capers with some interest, gave a start when he
+saw that the lady with whom the man was trying to carry on a
+conversation was the minister's daughter. She was visibly annoyed, and
+looked about as if for help. Chester thought her eyes fell on him, and
+without hesitation he determined to assist her. He went up to them, and
+without appearing to see the girl, reached out his hand to the man,
+saying:
+
+"Halloo Jack! Didn't know you were on board till I saw your capers just
+now. I want to talk to you a moment. Come along and have a drink first."
+
+The fellow stared at Chester and was about to deny any acquaintanceship
+with him, when the insistent manner of the greeting changed his mind. He
+excused himself to the lady, arose and followed. Chester took his arm as
+they walked along.
+
+"Which is your state-room?" asked Chester.
+
+"It's 340; but what you want to know for? Aren't we going to have a
+drink?"
+
+"Not just now, my man. You're going to your room, and to bed. You got up
+too early. Listen,"--as the sobering man began to resent the
+interference,--"there's an officer looking at us. He will do nothing if
+you will go along quietly with me, but if you make a scene I'll hand you
+over to him."
+
+They found the man's room and he willingly went in and lay down. "Now,"
+said Chester to him, "remain below until you're sober. And don't bother
+that young lady again--do you hear. _Don't you do it_."
+
+Chester went on deck again, somewhat in wonder at his own conduct. He
+was not in the habit of interfering in other people's business, and
+never mixed with drunken affairs. But this surely was different. No man
+would have refused _that_ appeal for help. Yes; he was sure she had
+pleaded with her eyes. Perhaps he ought to go back and receive her
+thanks, but he resisted that impulse. He walked to the extreme rear of
+the boat and stood looking at the broad white path which the ship was
+making in the green sea. He stood gazing for some time, then turned, and
+there sitting on a coil of rope was the girl who had been in his mind.
+She saw his confusion and smiled at it.
+
+"I--I came to thank you," she said; "but I did not like to disturb your
+meditations, so I sat down to rest."
+
+"The sea has used you up quite badly, hasn't it?"
+
+"O no; I was dreadfully ill before I came aboard. This trip is to make
+me well, so papa says."
+
+"I hope so." There was a pause, during which Chester found a seat on a
+bit of ship furniture. This girl's voice was like an echo from far-away
+Utah and Piney Ridge Cottage. And there was something about the shapely
+head now framed in wind-blown hair and the face itself that reminded him
+of someone else. Just how the resemblance came in he could not tell, but
+there it was. Perhaps, after all, it was just the look in her eyes and
+the spirit that accompanied her actions and words that moved him.
+
+"Is that man a friend of yours?" she asked.
+
+"You mean that drunken fool? No; I've never met him before."
+
+"That was just a ruse then--that invitation to drink."
+
+"I had to do something, and that came first to me."
+
+"Then you didn't go and drink with him?"
+
+"Why no, of course not. I took him to his berth, and told him to stay
+there."
+
+"Do you think he will?"
+
+"Yes; until he sobers up."
+
+"Well, I don't like drunken men."
+
+"Neither do I."
+
+"We're agreed on one thing then, aren't we?"
+
+Chester laughed with her. Elder Malby was pacing the deck, awaiting the
+call for breakfast; but Chester did not join him.
+
+"The man bothered me yesterday," she said, "and again last night. He
+wished to get acquainted, he claimed."
+
+"You don't know him, then?"
+
+"I've never seen him before. Papa has had to remain very quiet, and I
+haven't been around much. That fellow made me afraid."
+
+"Well, he'll not bother you again. If he does, let me know."
+
+"Thank you very much--"
+
+The call for breakfast came to them faintly, then grew louder as the
+beaten gong came up from below to the deck.
+
+"I must get papa and take him to breakfast. Let me thank you again, and
+good morning."
+
+He might have accompanied her down, but he just stood there watching
+her. Elder Malby came up, and the two went down together.
+
+The minister and his daughter got into their places more actively that
+morning. Chester wished heartily that his seat was not opposite. She was
+at too close range to allow of any careful observation. He could not
+very well help looking across the table, neither could she, although she
+had her father to talk to. Chester was really glad when breakfast was
+over that morning, and they all filed up to the sun-lit deck again.
+
+Had Chester been a smoker, he would no doubt have taken consolation in a
+pipe with the majority of the men; but as it was, he withdrew as much as
+possible from others that he might think matters over and get to a
+proper footing; for truth to tell, he was in danger of falling in love
+again, and that, he said to himself, would never do. He avoided even
+Elder Malby that morning; but to do so he had to go down to the main
+deck forward out to the prow. He went to the extreme point, where from
+behind the closed railing he could stand as a look-out into the eastern
+sea. Gently and slowly the vessel rose and fell as it plowed through the
+long, gleaming undulations.
+
+"What am I coming to," said Chester half-aloud as if the sea might hear
+and answer him. "Here I am running away from one heart entanglement only
+to go plump into another. She is not Julia, of course, but she has
+Julia's twin soul. A perfect stranger, an acquaintance of two days! The
+daughter of a minister, a minister of the world!" What was he thinking
+of? Who were they? He did not even know her name. She was not a well
+girl, that he could see. The roses in her cheeks were not altogether
+natural and her face was pale; but those red lips, and that smile when
+turned to him! Well, the voyage was half over. Another four or five days
+and they would be in Liverpool, where they would go their different ways
+forever. He must keep away from her that long, seeing there was danger.
+No more playing with the fire that burns so deep. And all this which he
+seemed to feel and fear, might be undreamed of by her and very likely
+was. A girl like that would not take seriously a "steamer friendship."
+She was only doing what all young people do on such trips, making
+pleasant acquaintances with whom to pass away the monotonous days.
+"Sure, sure," said he, as if to clinch the argument, but nevertheless,
+deep within his soul there was an undercurrent of protest against such
+final conclusions.
+
+Chester tried to seek refuge in Elder Malby, but as he was not to be
+found, he opened up a conversation with the missionary for Scandinavia.
+The missionary was but a boy, it seemed to Chester. The going from home
+and the sea-sickness had had their effects, and the young fellow was
+glad to have some one to talk to. He came from Arizona, he told Chester;
+had lived on a ranch all his life; had never been twenty miles away from
+home before,--and now all this at once! It was "tough."
+
+"But I'm feeling fine now," he said. "Do you know, I've had a peculiar
+experience. All the way across the United States from home, something
+seemed to say to me, 'You can't stand this. You'll go crazy. You'd
+better go back home.' Of course, I was terribly homesick, and I guess
+that was the trouble. The cowardly part of me was trying to scare the
+better part. But all the time I seemed to hear 'You'll go crazy' until
+once or twice I thought I would.
+
+"Well, it was the same in New York, and the same when we came aboard. I
+didn't care much one way or other while sea-sick, but when I got over
+it, there was the same taunting voice. At last I got downright angry and
+said, 'All right, I'm going right on and fill my mission, _and go
+crazy!_' From that moment I have ceased to be bothered, and am now
+feeling fine."
+
+"Good for you," said Chester. "You'll win out. I wish I was sure about
+myself." He went no further in explanation, however.
+
+Ship board etiquette does not require formal introductions before
+extended conversations may be carried on. The New England school ma'am
+and the German professor were in a deep discussion ten minutes after
+they had met for the first time. Many on the ship were going especially
+"to do Europe," so there were themes for conversation in common.
+
+As it happened, Chester was alone again that afternoon and he met the
+minister and his daughter on the promenade deck. They were taking their
+exercise moderately, pausing frequently to look at any trifling
+diversion. Chester tipped his cap at them as they passed. At the next
+meeting in the walk, the minister stopped and greeted the young man.
+
+"I wish to thank you for your act of kindness to my daughter," he said.
+"She has told me about it."
+
+"It was nothing, I assure you, sir," replied Chester. "I don't think the
+fellow will annoy her again."
+
+"I hope not. On these ocean voyages one is thrown so closely into all
+kinds of company. We, of course, must suppose all our fellow-passengers
+are respectable people, until we find out otherwise--but let us sit
+down. Where are our chairs, Lucy?"
+
+"They're on the other side, I believe, where we left them this morning."
+
+"It's a little too windy there."
+
+"I'll bring them around to you," said Chester. Lucy followed him,
+pointing out which of the chairs belonged to them.
+
+"May I not carry one?" she asked.
+
+"You do not appear strong enough to lift one."
+
+Chester carried the two chairs around to the side of the sheltered deck,
+then found a vacant chair for himself which he placed with the other
+two.
+
+"Thank you very much," said the minister, as they seated themselves.
+"The day is really fine, isn't it? After the sea-sickness, there is
+something glorious in a pleasant sea voyage. This is my third time
+across, but I don't remember just such a fine day as this. Are you a
+good sailor?" this to Chester.
+
+"I've not missed a meal yet, if that's any indication."
+
+"I envy you. I have often wished I could be on deck in a bit of real
+bad weather. We had a little blow the other day, I understand, when that
+poor fellow lost his life."
+
+"Yes; I saw the accident," replied Chester; whereupon he had to relate
+the details to them.
+
+"Well, such is life--and death," was the minister's only comment on the
+story.
+
+The minister did most of the talking. Perhaps that was because he was
+used to it, having, as he told Chester, been a preacher for twenty-five
+years. The daughter commented briefly now and then, prompting his memory
+where it seemed to be weak. Chester listened with great interest to the
+man's account of former trips to Europe and his description of famous
+places. The speaker's voice was pleasant and well-modulated. His
+clean-cut face lighted up under the inspiration of some vivid
+description. Chester found himself drawn to the man nearly as much as he
+had been to the daughter.
+
+"You're an American," announced the minister, turning to Chester.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"A western American, too."
+
+"Right again; how can you tell?"
+
+"Easily enough. How far west?"
+
+"My home is in Chicago."
+
+"Well, Lucy and I can beat you. We came from Kansas City. Ever been
+there?"
+
+"I've passed through twice."
+
+"Through the Union Depot only?" asked Lucy.
+
+"You must have received a very unpleasant impression of our city."
+
+"Well, happily I did get away from that depot. I took a ride on the cars
+out to Independence, and I saw a good part of the city besides. It's
+beautiful out towards Swope Park--"
+
+"There's where we live," exclaimed the girl. "I think the park's just
+grand. I live in it nearly all summer."
+
+At this point of the conversation, a party to windward, among whom were
+the two Catholic Fathers, lighted their pipes, and the smoke streamed
+like from so many chimneys into the faces of those sitting near. The
+minister looked sharply towards the puffing men, while Lucy tried to
+push the denser clouds away with her hands; but no notice was taken of
+such gentle remonstrances.
+
+"I'll speak to them," suggested Chester.
+
+"No; don't. It would only offend them," said the minister. "They think
+they are strictly within their rights, and it does not dawn on their
+nicotine poisoned wits that they are taking away other peoples'
+rights,--that of breathing the uncontaminated air. We'll just move our
+chairs a bit," which they did.
+
+"You don't smoke, I take it," continued the clergyman, addressing
+Chester.
+
+"No; I quit two years ago."
+
+"Good for you. It's a vile habit, and I sometimes think the worst effect
+smoking has on people is that it dulls the nice gentlemanlyness of a
+man's character. Now, those men over there, even the Catholic Fathers,
+are, no doubt gentlemen in all respects but one; it's a pity that the
+tobacco habit should make the one exception."
+
+Chester agreed in words, Lucy in looks.
+
+"You say you have passed through Kansas City," continued the father.
+"How far west have you been?"
+
+"To the Pacific Coast."
+
+"Lucy and I should have made this trip westward, but the doctor said we
+must not cross the mountains, because of her heart. So an ocean voyage
+was advised."
+
+"And I did want so much to see the Rockies," added the young woman. "I
+have always had a longing to see our own mountains as well as those of
+Switzerland. Next summer we'll take that western trip."
+
+"I hope so, daughter."
+
+"I assure you they are worth seeing," said Chester.
+
+"No doubt about it. Lucy and I have planned it all for some day. Were
+you ever in Utah?"
+
+"I lived for some time in Salt Lake City. Be sure to see that town on
+your trip."
+
+The minister looked somewhat queerly at Chester for a moment. Then his
+gaze swept out to the water again as if a momentary disturbing thought
+was gotten rid of. Lucy was interested.
+
+"Tell us about Salt Lake City, and, and the Mormons,'" pleaded she.
+
+"Never mind the 'Mormons,' Lucy," admonished her father.
+
+"It's difficult to speak of Utah and Salt Lake without mentioning the
+'Mormons,'" added Chester.
+
+"Then let's talk of something else, something more pleasant."
+
+Evidently this minister was like all others, Chester concluded; sane and
+intelligent on all subjects but one,--the "Mormons." Well, he would set
+himself right before these two people, and do it now.
+
+"I can say," said Chester, "that my experience among the 'Mormon' people
+has been among the most pleasant of my life. In fact, I don't know where
+I can go to find a more honest, God-fearing, virtuous people. I--"
+
+"Young man," interrupted the clergyman, looking keenly at him, "are you
+a 'Mormon'?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I have that honor."
+
+Lucy gave a cry, whether of alarm or gladness, the young man could not
+then tell. The minister arose slowly. "Lucy," he said, "let us walk a
+little more," and without another word the two resumed their promenade.
+
+But in Lucy's face there appeared concern. The tears, glittering in her
+eyes did not altogether hide the reassuring glance which she turned
+about to give Chester as he sat alone by the vacated chairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+The next day was Sunday. Even on ship-board there are some indications
+that the seventh day is different from the rest. There is always a
+little extra to the menu for dinner, and then religious services are
+also held; and are not these two things frequently all that distinguish
+the Sabbath on the land?
+
+That morning neither Lucy nor her father was at breakfast. Immediately
+after, Chester sought out the chief steward, and by insistency and the
+help of a small tip, he got his seat changed to the table occupied by
+Elder Malby and the two other missionaries. "No one shall be annoyed by
+my near presence, if I can help it," Chester said.
+
+At the noon meal, the minister and his daughter appeared as usual.
+Chester watched them unobserved from his changed position. They looked
+at the vacant place opposite, but as far as Chester could determine, his
+absence was not discussed.
+
+That afternoon services were held in three parts of the vessel at the
+same time. On the steerage deck a large company of Irish Catholics
+surrounded the two Fathers. One of the priests stood in the center of
+the group while the people kneeled on the deck. The priest read
+something in Latin, the others repeating after him. Then a glass of
+"holy water" was passed among them, the worshipers dipping their
+fingers in and devoutly crossing themselves. Chester watched the
+proceedings for a time, then he went to the second class deck where a
+revival meeting was in progress. The preacher was delivering the usual
+exhortation to "come to Jesus," while yet there was time. Presently,
+there came from the depths of the ship the sound of the dinner gong
+being slowly and solemnly beaten, no doubt to imitate, as nearly as
+possible, the peal of church bells. The steward who acted as bell ringer
+did his duty well, going into the halls and on to the decks, then
+disappearing again into the saloon. This was the official announcement
+to service. Chester and his friends followed. Quite a congregation had
+gathered. Two large pillows had been covered with a Union Jack to serve
+as a pulpit. A ship's officer then read the form prescribed for services
+on ship-board from the Church of England prayer book. It was all very
+dry and uninteresting, "Verily a form of godliness" and a lot of "vain
+repetition," said Elder Malby.
+
+Then the minister--Chester's minister--arose. He had been asked, he
+said, to add a few words to the regular service, and he was pleased to
+do so. He called attention to the accident which had happened on their
+voyage, and felt to say something on the providence of God, and His
+watch-care over His children. The preacher's voice was pleasant, the
+ministerial tone not being so pronounced as to make his speech
+unnatural. Chester listened attentively, as also did Lucy who, Chester
+observed, was sitting well up towards the front.
+
+"God is the source of the being of all men," said the preacher. "He has
+brought us all into existence, and made us in His own likeness, and is a
+Father to us in fact and in feeling. He owns us and owns His
+responsibility for us. He cares for us and overrules all things for our
+good. He is worthy of our love and confidence. Since we are His
+children, God desires us to be such in very deed--in fellowship and
+character, and is satisfied with us only as we are giving ourselves to
+the filial life. This relationship which we bear to God cannot be fully
+explained. There is a mystery in it beyond the understanding of finite
+minds; but of this we are sure that the God of Creation has brought us
+all forth into being, and He will take care of us if we will let Him. We
+cannot reasonably and reverently think otherwise of Him.
+
+"Is it not a comfort to think that we cannot get away from the
+ever-present watchfulness of God? As the Psalmist puts it: 'Whither
+shall I go from thy spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
+If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell,
+behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in
+the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and
+thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover
+me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not
+from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light
+are both alike to thee.' Yes, yes, my friends, 'God is our refuge and
+strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear--'"
+
+Somehow, what the minister said after that came very indistinctly to
+Chester Lawrence. He heard the words, but was aware only of a peculiar
+feeling, a dim perception of where he was and what he was hearing. There
+seemed to him to be a genuine feeling in the voice that uttered those
+beautiful words of scripture. They clung to his heart, and the minister
+himself became transfigured for an instant into some other being,--stern
+of countenance, yet loveliness in the depths of his soul, spiritually
+far away, yet heart yearning with nearness of love. Chester came fully
+to himself only when Elder Malby took his arm and together they paced a
+few turns around the deck.
+
+That same Sunday evening as Chester stood alone on the promenade deck
+watching the moonlight lay as a golden coverlet on the placid sea, his
+attention was attracted to the figure of a girl mounting the steps
+leading to the deck where he stood. She paused half way as if to rest,
+then came slowly up to where he was standing. Her breath came heavily,
+and she looked around to find a place to rest. Chester instinctively
+took her arm and led her to a deck chair.
+
+"O thank you," said Lucy, "I--my heart bothered me pretty badly that
+time. I am forbidden to climb stairs, but I couldn't find you on the
+lower deck."
+
+"Did you wish to see me?" asked Chester.
+
+"Yes; I--you'll not think me over bold, will you, but I had to find
+you--won't you sit down here--I can't talk very loudly tonight."
+
+Chester drew a chair close to hers. A light wrap clung about her and the
+moonlight streamed on head and face. The young man, in the most
+matter-of-course-way adjusted the wrap to the girl's shoulders as he
+said:
+
+"You are not well, tonight."
+
+"Oh, I'm as well as usual--thank you." She smiled faintly. "Will you
+forgive us?"
+
+He was about to reply, "Forgive you for what?" but he checked himself.
+Somehow, he could not feign ignorance as to what she meant, neither
+could he use meaningless words to her.
+
+"We were very rude to you yesterday, both father and I; and I wanted to
+make some explanations to you, so you would understand. I am so sorry."
+
+"You and your father are already forgiven. If there were a grain of
+ill-feeling against him this afternoon, it all completely vanished when
+I heard him talk at the services."
+
+"You were there?"
+
+"Yes. Now don't you worry." He was nearly to say "Little Sister;" but
+again he checked himself. "I am a 'Mormon,'" he continued. "I am not
+ashamed of it, because I know what it means. Only those who don't know
+despise the word."
+
+"Neither am I ashamed of it," she said as she looked him fairly in the
+face. "I know a little--a very little--about the 'Mormons,' but that
+which I know is good."
+
+"What do you know?"
+
+"I'll tell you. One evening, in Kansas City I stopped to listen to two
+young men preaching on the street. They were just boys, and they did not
+have the appearance of preachers. You must know that I have always been
+interested in religion, and religious problems. Perhaps that is natural,
+seeing my father is a minister. I read his books, and many are the
+discussions I have had with him over points of doctrine,--and we don't
+always agree, either. He, however, usually took my little objections
+good naturedly until one day he asked me where I had obtained a certain
+notion regarding baptism. In reply I handed him the booklet I had
+received at the 'Mormon' street meeting. He looked at it curiously for a
+moment, wanted to know where I had obtained it, then locked it up in his
+desk. He was really angry; as that was something he had never been
+before over any religious question, I was surprised and impressed. I
+had, however, read carefully the booklet. Not only that, but I had been
+secretly to one of the 'Mormon' services. I there learned that an
+acquaintance of mine belonged to the 'Mormon' Church, and depend upon
+it, I had her tell me what she knew."
+
+"And your father?"
+
+"He objected, of course. At first, I told him everything. He had always
+let me go to any and all religious gatherings without objection. He
+even laughingly told me I could don the Salvation lassie's bonnet and
+beat a drum in the street, if I wanted to; but when it came to the
+'Mormons,' O, he was angry, and forbade me from ever going to their
+meetings or reading their literature. I thought it strange."
+
+"It's not strange at all,--when you understand," remarked Chester, who
+was intensely interested in her story. "I suppose you obeyed your
+father."
+
+"Well, now, you want me to tell you the truth, of course--I--I wasn't
+curious--"
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"You're laughing at me. But I wasn't, I tell you. I was interested.
+There is something in 'Mormonism' that draws me to it. I don't know much
+about it, to be sure, for it seems that the subject always widens out to
+such immensity. I want you to tell me more about Joseph Smith, the Book
+of Mormon and the new revelations."
+
+"But your father will object. What would he say if he knew you were
+sitting here in this beautiful moonlight talking to a 'Mormon'?"
+
+"I'm of age, I guess. I'm doing nothing wrong, I hope."
+
+"I hope not. Far be it for me to harm you--or any living soul. But I
+don't know much about the gospel as we call it--for you must know it is
+the simple gospel of Jesus Christ revealed anew. There are three other
+'Mormons' on board, missionaries going to Europe. One of them at least
+could tell you much."
+
+"But I'd be pleased to hear you tell me--is, is that father? I wonder if
+he is looking for me."
+
+Chester looked in the direction indicated. A man came up, then passed
+on; it was not the minister. The girl crouched into the shadow, and as
+she did so her shoulder pressed against Chester's. Then she sprang up.
+
+"Well, I was foolish," she exclaimed, "to be afraid of dear old daddy!"
+
+Chester also arose, and the two walked to the railing. They stood there
+in the moonlight. Great clouds of black smoke poured from the ship's
+funnels, and streamed on to windward, casting a shadow on the white
+deck. They looked out to the water, stretching in every direction into
+the darkness. Then as if impelled by a common impulse, they looked at
+each other, then blushed, and lowered their eyes. The girl's hands lay
+on the railing. Chester saw their soft shapeliness, and noted also that
+there were no rings on them.
+
+"I'm glad I've met you," said Chester honestly.
+
+"And I'm glad, too," she breathed. "Some other time you must tell me so
+much. I've so many questions to ask. You'll do that, won't you?"
+
+"Why do you ask?"
+
+"Now I must go to father. He may be uneasy." She held out her hand.
+"Good night--what _do_ you think of me? Am I a rude girl?"
+
+"I heard your father call you Lucy. That's your name, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And I may call you that, may I not? You know these ship-board
+acquaintances don't wait on ceremony."
+
+"But I don't know your name, either. Think of it, how we have been
+really confidential and we don't even know each other's name."
+
+"I know yours."
+
+"Only half of it. I've two more. How many have you?"
+
+"Only two."
+
+"And they are?"
+
+"Chester Lawrence."
+
+"Well, mine is Lucy May Strong--and now, goodnight."
+
+He took her arm and helped her down the steps, gently, for she seemed
+such a frail being, one who needed just such stout arms as Chester's to
+lean upon. He risked the danger of meeting the father by helping her
+down the second flight of steps to the state-room deck.
+
+"Good night, Lucy."
+
+"Good night--Brother Lawrence."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+All Monday forenoon, Chester sat on deck reading a book which he had
+obtained from the ship's library. It was a most interesting story, and
+yet the world of gray-green water and changing clouds drew his attention
+from the printed page. He was beginning to realize what the fascination
+for the sea was which took hold of men. It would have been difficult for
+him to analyze or explain this feeling, but it was there; and it seemed
+to him that he would have been content to live out his life on that
+boundless ocean which presented a symbol of eternity continually before
+his eyes.
+
+"Good morning."
+
+Chester started, then turned. It was Lucy's father who found a chair and
+drew it up to Chester's.
+
+"Is the book interesting?" inquired the minister.
+
+"Not so interesting as this wonderful sea and sky," was the reply.
+
+"You are right," said the other, following the young man's gaze out to
+the distance. "Our universe is now but water and air, and we are but
+specks floating between the two layers."
+
+"But we know that ocean and air are not all. We know there are plains
+and mountains, forests and growing fields; so after all our universe
+must include not only all we can see with our eyes, but all that comes
+within view of our comprehension. Do you know," resumed Chester after a
+pause, "I have come to this conclusion, that our universe is limited
+only within the bounds of our faith. As we believe, and strive to
+convert that belief into a living faith, so shall we know and realize."
+
+The preacher looked keenly at the "Mormon," as if he would see the
+fountain of these thoughts. Chester continued:
+
+"But you, as a minister of the gospel, understand all these things.
+However, I like to think about them and express them to those who will
+listen"--and as the minister was listening, the young man went on:
+
+"I reason it out this way: The Spirit of God--that is, His presence in
+influence and knowledge and power, as you so beautifully put it
+yesterday at the services, is everywhere in the universe. There is no
+place in heaven or hell, or in the uttermost bounds of space but God is
+there. As you also stated, we may not fully understand this infinite
+magnificence of God, but this has been done to help us: the Father has
+revealed Himself to us through his Son. The Son we can comprehend, for
+He was one of us. We learn from scripture that this Son had all power
+both in heaven and earth given him; that He was, in fact, 'heir of all
+things.' Now, when that fact is fixed in my mind, I connect this other
+with it, that we, God's children also, are joint heirs with Christ; and
+in fact, if we continue on in the way He trod, we shall be like Him.
+Now, then, what does this chain of argument lead us to? That we may
+follow in the footsteps of God, and where He has gone, or shall go, we
+may go. Think of it--no, we can't. Only for an instant can our minds
+dwell upon it, then we drop to the common level again, and here we are,
+a speck on the surface of the deep."
+
+"What is that book you are reading?" asked the minister. He had
+evidently also dropped to the "common level;" or perhaps he had not
+soared with his companion.
+
+"This? O, this is Kipling's 'Plain Tales from the Hills.' I like
+Kipling, but I wish he hadn't written some very untruthful things about
+my people."
+
+"Has he?"
+
+"Yes. It seems he made a flying visit through Salt Lake City, and took
+for gospel truth the lurid stories hack drivers tell to tourists so that
+they may get their money's worth."
+
+"Well, I don't know;--but that brings me to the point of my errand. I
+sought you out especially today to ask you not to talk religion to my
+daughter. I understand she and you had a discussion on 'Mormonism' last
+evening, and she slept very little all night as a result."
+
+"You are mistaken, sir; I said nothing to her about 'Mormonism.' She
+told me a little about--"
+
+"Well, whatever it was, she was and is still ill over it. Let me tell
+you,--and I am sure you will believe me,--my little girl is all I have.
+She has been ailing for years, heart trouble mostly, with complications.
+A comfortable voyage with no over-excitement might help, the doctors
+said; and that's the main reason for this trip. She has always been
+interested in religious questions, which I naturally encouraged her in;
+but when she got mixed up somewhat with the 'Mormons,' that was quite
+another matter."
+
+"Why, may I ask?"
+
+"Well, it excited her. It brought her in contact with undesirable
+people, people not of her class and standing--"
+
+"Like me, for instance."
+
+"I did not say that."
+
+"You inferred it. But pardon me. I would not, for the world, do anything
+that would unfavorably affect your daughter."
+
+"I knew you would look at the matter sensibly. Perhaps it would be for
+the best if you did not meet her oftener than possible. I know it is
+difficult on ship-board, but for her sake you might try."
+
+"For her sake, why certainly, I'll do anything--for I want to tell you,
+Mr. Strong, you have a good, sweet daughter."
+
+"I'm glad you think so."
+
+"And I think a whole lot of her, I may just as well tell you. We have
+met but a few times, but some souls soon understand each other."
+
+"What! You don't mean--!"
+
+"That we have been making love to each other," laughed Chester. "O, no;
+not that I know; but there is such a thing as true affinity of souls,
+nevertheless, the affinity which draws by the Spirit of God. And so I
+say again plainly, that you may understand, I regard your daughter
+highly."
+
+"Young man, I thank you for your open manner and speech, but I beseech
+of you not to encourage any deeper feeling towards my daughter. She can
+never marry. She lives, as it were, on the brink of the grave. Now, I
+have been plain also with you."
+
+"I appreciate it, sir; believe me; I am profoundly sorry for her and for
+you; but, let me say this, seeing we are speaking plainly, if I loved
+your daughter, and we all knew she would die tomorrow, or next month,
+that knowledge would make only this difference, that my love would
+become all the holier. If she returned that love, we would be happy in
+knowing that in the life beyond we would go on and bring that love to a
+perfect consummation."
+
+The minister looked closely again at the young man. Then, giving voice
+to his thoughts, asked: "Have you studied for the ministry? Are you now
+a 'Mormon' missionary?"
+
+"I am not an authorized 'Mormon' missionary. My studying has been no
+more than is expected of every 'Mormon.' Every member of our Church is
+supposed to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within
+him,--and I think I can do that."
+
+"Do you live in Utah?"
+
+"No, sir; my home is in Chicago."
+
+"Chicago!--well, I--are there 'Mormons' in Chicago?"
+
+"A few, as I suppose there are a few in Kansas City. I joined the
+'Mormon' Church in Chicago, but I was converted in Utah."
+
+"You have been to Utah, then?"
+
+"O, yes; I spent some time there and got very well acquainted with the
+people; and they are a good people, I tell you, sir. I know--"
+
+"Yes, well, Mr.----, Lucy did tell me your name, but I have forgotten
+it."
+
+"My name is Lawrence--Chester Lawrence."
+
+The minister had arisen as if about to go, but he now sat down again.
+Chester did not understand the strange twitching of the minister's lips
+or the pallor of his face. What had he said or done to agitate the man
+so much?
+
+"Chester Lawrence!" repeated Mr. Strong under his breath.
+
+"You have never met me before, have you? Perhaps--"
+
+"No; I have never met you before. No, no; of course not. There was just
+something come over me. I'm not very well, and I suppose I--"
+
+He stopped, as if he lacked words.
+
+"May I get you anything, a drink of water?" suggested Chester.
+
+"No, no; it was nothing. Sit down again"--for Chester also had
+arisen--"and tell me some more about yourself. I am interested."
+
+"Well, my life has been very uneventful, and yet in a way, I have lived.
+As a boy in Chicago, I suppose, my young days passed as others; but it
+was when I went out west and met the 'Mormons' that things happened to
+me."
+
+"Yes, yes."
+
+"I don't mean that I had any adventures or narrow escapes in a physical
+way. I lived in the mountains as a miner for a time, but there are no
+wild animals or Indians there now, so my adventures were those of the
+spirit, if I may use that expression,--and of the heart. Isn't that your
+daughter coming this way?"
+
+Sure enough, Lucy had found them, and came up to them beaming. Chester
+failed to see in her any symptoms for the worse, as her father had
+indicated. In fact, there certainly was a spring to her step which he
+had not seen before.
+
+"Well, I've found you at last, you run-away papa. Good morning," she
+nodded to Chester, who returned the greeting. "Don't you know, papa, you
+have kept me waiting for half an hour or more to finish our game."
+
+"I'll go right now with you," said the father, rising.
+
+"Well, I don't care so much now, whether it's finished or not. I believe
+someone else has it anyway."
+
+"Oh, we'll go and finish the game," persisted Mr. Strong.
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Lawrence will come along," suggested the girl, as it seemed
+very proper to do.
+
+"Not now, thank you," replied Chester. "I must finish my book before the
+lunch gong sounds."
+
+The minister took his daughter's arm and they went along the deck to
+where a group was laughing merrily over the defeat and victory in the
+games. Chester watched them mingle with the company, then he opened his
+book again; but he did not complete his story at the time he had
+appointed.
+
+To those who can possess their souls in peace, life on ship-board in
+pleasant weather is restful, and may be thoroughly enjoyed. A little
+world is here compactly put together, and human nature may be studied at
+close range. From the elegant apartments of the saloon to the
+ill-smelling quarters of the steerage, there is variety enough.
+Representatives are here from nearly "every nation under heaven:" every
+creed, every color; every grade of intelligence and worldly position,
+from the prince who occupies exclusively the finest suite of rooms, to
+the begrimed half-naked stoker in the furnace room in the depths of the
+vessel; every occupation; every disposition. And yet, even in this
+compact city in a shell of steel, one may seclude himself from his
+fellows and commune solely with his own thoughts or his books.
+
+The three "Mormon" elders, reticent and quiet, had made few
+acquaintances. The Rev. Mr. Strong and his daughter, not being very
+well, had not been active in the social proceedings of the ship's
+company.
+
+Chester Lawrence had formed an acquaintance which seemed to him to fill
+all requirements, so that he cared not whether he learned to know any
+more of his fellow travelers. And now further association with this
+pleasant acquaintance must stop. Well, once again he said to himself, he
+would be glad at sight of Liverpool, and again some deeply hidden voice
+protested.
+
+Chester tried to keep his word with Mr. Strong. He made no efforts to
+see Lucy or talk with her, and he even evaded her as much as possible.
+This he could not wholly do without acting unmannerly. All were on deck
+during those beautiful days, and twice on Tuesday Lucy and Chester and
+the elders had played deck quoits, the father joining in one of them.
+Lucy beamed on Chester in her quiet way until she noted the change in
+his conduct towards her. The pained expression on the girl's face when
+she realized this change, went to Chester's heart and he could have
+cried out in explanation.
+
+That evening Lucy found Chester in a corner of the library pretending to
+read. There was no escape for him as she approached. What a sweet
+creature she was, open-hearted and unafraid! His heart met her half way.
+
+"What is the matter with you, Brother Lawrence?" she asked.
+
+"There is nothing the matter with me."
+
+"Then what have _I_ done?" She seated herself, and Chester laid his book
+on the table. He would be plain and open with this girl. In the end
+nothing is gained by mystery and silence. He told her plainly what had
+taken place between himself and her father. She listened quietly, the
+tears welling in her eyes as he progressed. Then for a moment she hid
+her face in her hands while she cried softly.
+
+"I shall not ask you to break your promise," she said at last, "but I
+did so want to learn more of the gospel--the true restored gospel. It
+isn't true that a discussion of these things affects me unfavorably. I
+am never so well as when I am hearing about and thinking of them.
+Perhaps father thinks so, however; I shall not misjudge him."
+
+"So I shall keep my word," said he, "and if I keep it strictly, I should
+not now prolong my talk with you. But I have a way out of your trouble.
+You know Elder Malby. He is a wise man and knows the gospel much better
+than I. He will gladly talk to you."
+
+"Thank you. That's a good suggestion; but you--"
+
+"I shall have to be content to look from afar off, or perchance to
+listen in silence. Good night."
+
+And so it happened that the very next morning when the passengers were
+looking eagerly to the near approach to Queenstown, Lucy and Elder Malby
+were seen sitting on deck in earnest conversation. Chester promenaded at
+a distance with some envy in his heart; but he kept away. For fully an
+hour the girl and the elderly missionary talked. Then the minister,
+coming on deck saw them. He, no doubt, thought she was well out of
+harm's way in such company, for he did not know Elder Malby. When he
+caught sight of Chester he went up to him, took him by the arm and fell
+into his stride.
+
+Their conversation began with the common ship-board topics. Then the
+minister asked his companion more about himself and his life. It seemed
+to Chester that he purposely led up to his personal affairs, and he
+wondered why. There were some parts of his history that he did not
+desire to talk about. What did this man wish to know?
+
+"How long did you live in Utah?" asked the minister, after receiving
+little information about Chester's birth and parentage.
+
+"Altogether, about a year."
+
+"And you liked it out there?"
+
+"Very much. The mountain air is fine; and that is truly the land of
+opportunity."
+
+The two swung around the deck, keeping in step. Chester pressed his
+companion's arm close. They reached in their orbit the point nearest to
+Lucy and Elder Malby, then without stopping went on around.
+
+"I knew a man once by the name of Lawrence," said the minister. "I
+wonder if he could be related to you."
+
+Chester did not reply.
+
+"I don't know whether or not he ever went to Utah."
+
+"My parents were not with me in Utah. I went alone, after I was a grown
+man. My mother had lived there many years before, but had left. She
+lived in Chicago the latter part of her life; but she made a trip to
+Utah when she was old and feeble,--and she died there. * * * * Her grave
+is there now."
+
+The minister now was silent. His lips twitched again. Chester once more
+wondered why such things should affect him. The man's arm clung to
+Chester firmly as if he wished support; and Chester's heart warmed to
+him. Was he not Lucy's father? Should he not know all he desired to know
+about the man who had expressed deep regard for his daughter?
+
+"I think you are tired," said Chester. "Let's sit here and rest."
+
+"Yes; all right."
+
+"The man Lawrence whom you knew was not my father," continued Chester.
+"That was my mother's maiden name. I don't know--I never knew my father;
+and shall I say, I have no wish to know a man who could treat my mother
+and his child the way he did. No; much as I have longed to know a
+father's love and care, I cannot but despise a man who becomes a father,
+then shirks from the responsibility which follows--who leaves the burden
+and the disgrace which follow parenthood outside the marriage relation
+to the poor woman alone. Such baseness, such cowardice, such despicable
+littleness of soul!--do you wonder why I don't want to know my father?"
+
+Well, he had done it. Lucy's father knew the truth of his dishonorable
+beginning. This highly cultured Christian minister was no doubt shocked
+into silence by his outburst of confidence. But he must know also that
+this occurred among a Christian community, long before either of the
+parties concerned knew of or were connected with the "Mormons." So
+Chester explained this to the man at his side, who sat as if deaf to
+what was being said. His gaze was fixed far out to sea. His lips did not
+now quiver, but the lines in his face were rigid.
+
+Chester beckoned to the daughter, and when she came, he said:
+
+"I think your father is not well. Perhaps he ought to go below and
+rest."
+
+"Father," cried the somewhat frightened girl, "what is it? Are you ill?"
+
+The father shook himself as if to be freed from some binding power,
+looked at Chester and then at Lucy, smiled faintly, and said:
+
+"Oh, I'm all right now, but perhaps I ought to rest a bit. Will you go
+down with me, Lucy?"
+
+The daughter took his arm and was about to lead him away. He stopped and
+turned again to Chester.
+
+"Excuse me," he said, "but what was your mother's full name?"
+
+"Anna Lawrence."
+
+"Thank you. All right, Lucy. Let's be going."
+
+Chester watched them disappear down the companionway, then looked out to
+sea at the black smoke made by a steamer crawling along the horizon,
+from Liverpool outward bound.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+A number of men and women were sitting on the promenade deck forward
+engaged in an earnest discussion. Just as Chester Lawrence came up and
+paused to listen, for it seemed to be a public, free-for-all affair, he
+noticed that Elder Malby was talking, directing his remarks to a young
+man in the group.
+
+"What is your objective point?" the Elder asked. "What do you live and
+work for? What is your philosophy of life by which you are guided and
+from which you draw courage, hope, and strength?"
+
+"Oh, I take the world as it comes to me day by day, trusting to luck, or
+to the Lord, perhaps I had better say, for the future," replied the
+young fellow.
+
+"What would you think of a captain of a vessel not knowing nor caring to
+know from what port he sailed or what port was his destination? Who did
+not know the object of the voyage, knew nothing of how to meet the
+storms, the fog, the darkness of the sea?"
+
+"Well, I'm not the captain of a ship."
+
+"Yes, you are. You are the captain of your own soul, at least; and you
+may not know how many more souls are depending upon you for guidance in
+this voyage of life which we are all taking."
+
+"That's right--true," agreed a number of by-standers.
+
+"Say, mister," suggested one, "tell us what you think of the
+propositions. You seem able to, all right."
+
+"Well," responded the elder, "I don't want to preach a sermon that will
+bore you; but if the ladies and gentlemen here are interested I shall be
+pleased to give my views."
+
+"Sure--go on," came from others.
+
+One or two found seats, as if they would rather sit through the ordeal,
+others following their example. "Yes; it's more comfortable," agreed
+Elder Malby, as they drew their chairs in a circle. Two people left, but
+two others came and took their places.
+
+"I hope we are all Christians," began the speaker, "at least so far that
+we believe the Scriptures; otherwise my arguments will not appeal to
+you."
+
+A number acknowledged themselves to be Christians.
+
+"Then I may begin by saying that the purpose of this life-voyage of ours
+is that we might obtain the life eternal. 'This is life eternal' that we
+might know God and His Son Jesus Christ who was sent to us. If we know
+the Son we know the Father, for we are told that the Father has revealed
+Himself through the Son. This Son we know as Jesus Christ who was born
+into the world as we were. He had a body of flesh. He was like us, His
+brethren; yet this Being, the Scriptures tell us, was in the 'form of
+God;' that He was the 'image of the invisible God;' that He was 'in the
+express image of His Father's person.' When Jesus lived on the earth,
+one of His disciples asked Him, 'Show us the Father.' 'He that hath seen
+me, hath seen the Father,' was the reply. 'I am the way, the truth, and
+the life; no man cometh to the Father but by me.'"
+
+At this point the Rev. Mr. Strong and his daughter came sauntering along
+the deck. They paused to listen, then accepted the chairs which Chester
+hurriedly found for them.
+
+"I am not stating where in the Scriptures these quotations can be
+found," continued the elder, "though I shall be pleased to do so to any
+who wish to know. Well then, here we have a glorious truth: if we wish
+to know God, we are to study the Son. Jesus is the great Example, the
+Revealer of the Father. He is the Father's representative in form and in
+action. If Jesus, the Son, is meek and lowly, so also is the Father; if
+He is wise and good and forgiving, so is the Father; if the Son is
+long-suffering and slow to anger, yet not afraid to denounce sin and
+call to account the wicked, so likewise may we represent the Father. All
+the noble attributes which we find in the Son exist in perfectness in
+the Father.
+
+"Picture this noble Son, the risen Redeemer, my friends, after His
+battle with death and His victory over the grave! In the splendid glory
+of His divine manhood, all power both in heaven and earth in His hand,
+He stands as _the_ shining figure of the ages. Why? Because He is 'God
+With Us.'"
+
+There was perfect stillness in the group of listeners.
+
+"Thus the Father has shown Himself to us. There is no need for any of us
+to plead ignorance of our Divine Parent. The way is marked out, the
+path, though at times difficult, is plain. The Son does the will of the
+Father. 'My Father worketh hitherto, and I work,' said Jesus. 'The Son
+can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do; for what
+things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.' We, then,
+are to follow Christ, as He follows the Father. Isn't that plain?"
+
+"Do I understand," asked one, "that you believe God to be in the form of
+man?"
+
+"Rather that man is in the form of God, for 'God created man in His own
+image.'"
+
+"In His moral image only. God is a spirit. He is everywhere present, and
+therefore cannot have a body, such as you claim," objected one.
+
+"I claim nothing, my friend. I am only telling you what the Scriptures
+teach. They say nothing about a 'moral image.' What is a moral image?
+Can it have an existence outside and apart from a personality of form?"
+
+There was no immediate response to this. Some looked at the minister as
+if he ought to speak, but that person remained silent.
+
+"The attributes of God, as far as we know them, are easily put into
+words; but try to think of goodness and mercy and love and
+long-suffering and wisdom outside and apart from a conscious
+personality, an individual, if you please. Try it."
+
+Some appeared to be trying.
+
+"Pagan philosophers have largely taken from the world our true
+conception of God, and given to us one 'without body, parts, or
+passions.' The Father has been robbed of His glorious personality in the
+minds of men. Christ also has been spiritualized into an unthinkable
+nothingness. And so, to be consistent some have concluded that man also
+is non-existent; and it naturally follows that God and Christ and man,
+with the whole material universe, are relegated to the emptyness of a
+dream."
+
+"If God is in the form of man He cannot be everywhere," suggested one of
+the ladies. "And that's not a pleasant thought."
+
+"Our friend here," continued the speaker, nodding to Mr. Strong, "quoted
+a passage in his splendid sermon last Sunday which explains how God may
+be and is present in all His creations. Certainly God the Father cannot
+personally be in two places at the same time any more than God the Son
+could or can." The elder took a Bible from his pocket.
+
+"I had better read the passage. It is found in the 139th Psalm. David
+exclaims, 'Whither shall I go from thy _spirit_, or whither shall I flee
+from thy presence?' You will recall the rest of the passage. Is it not
+plain that the Lord is present by His Spirit always and everywhere. His
+Spirit sustains and controls and blesses all things throughout the
+immensity of space. Fear not, my friend, that that Spirit cannot be
+with you and bless you on sea or on land. We cannot get outside its
+working power any more than we can escape the Spirit of Christ now and
+here, even if His glorified body of flesh and bones now sits on the
+right hand of His Father in heaven where Stephen saw it."
+
+As is usual in all such discussions as this, some soon retire, others
+linger, eager not to miss a word. Lucy, you may be sure, was among those
+who remained. Her father also, sitting near to Chester, listened with
+deep interest.
+
+"Just one more thought," continued the "Mormon" elder, "in regard to
+this lady's fear that God may not be able to take care of all His
+children always and everywhere. God is essentially a Father--our Father.
+The fathering of God gives me great comfort. By fathering I mean that He
+has not only brought us into existence, but He has sent us forth,
+provides for us, watches over us. In our darkness He gives us light, in
+our weakness He lends us strength. He rebukes our wrong actions, and
+chastens us for our good. In fact, He fathers us to the end. Is it not a
+great comfort?"
+
+"It certainly is," said Lucy, unconscious to all else but the spirit of
+the Elder's words.
+
+"In this world," said the Elder, "the God-given power of creation is
+exercised unthoughtfully, unwisely, and often wickedly. A
+good-for-nothing scamp may become a father in name; but he who attains
+to that holy title in fact, must do as God does,--must love, cherish,
+sustain and make sacrifices for his child until his offspring becomes
+old enough and strong enough to stand for himself,--Don't you think so,
+Mr. Strong?"
+
+All eyes were turned to the minister who was appealed to so directly.
+Had the reverend gentleman been listening, or had his thoughts been with
+his eyes, out to sea? His face was a study. But that was not to be
+wondered at. Was he not a dispenser of the Word himself, and had he not
+been listening to strange doctrine? However, he soon shifted his gaze
+from the horizon to his questioner.
+
+"Certainly, I agree with you," he replied. "Father and fathering are
+distinct things. Happy the man who combines them in his life--happy,
+indeed."
+
+The afternoon was growing to a close. The sun sank into the western sea.
+The Elder, carried along by the awakened missionary spirit, continued
+his talk. He explained that the Father had by means of the Son pointed
+out the way of life, called the plan of salvation, or gospel of Jesus
+Christ. He spoke of faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of
+sins; for, said the Elder to himself, even the minister has need of
+these things.
+
+Lucy drank eagerly the words of life. Her father sat unmoved, making no
+comment or objection. He had never been one to wrangle over religion;
+had prided himself, in fact, on being liberal and broad-minded; so he
+would not dispute even though he could not altogether agree. The Elder's
+words came to him in a strange way. Had he heard all this before? If so,
+it had been in some long-forgotten past; and this man's discourse only
+awakened a faint remembrance as of a distant bell tolling across the
+hills. Away back in his youth, he must have heard something like this;
+or was it an echo of some pre-existent world--he had heard of such
+things before. Perhaps it was the man's tone of voice, his mannerism
+that recalled, in some way, some past impression.
+
+The Elder stopped. Lucy touched her father's arm.
+
+"Father," she said, "I believe you are cold. I had better get your
+coat."
+
+The minister arose, as if stiffened in the joints by long sitting. He
+reached out his hand to the Elder. "I have enjoyed your gospel talk," he
+said. "May I ask your name, and to what Church you belong, for evidently
+you are a preacher."
+
+"My name is George Malby, and I am an elder of the Church of Jesus
+Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as 'Mormons.'"
+
+"A 'Mormon!'" a number of voices chorused.
+
+Some confusion followed, and the party broke up. Lucy, her father, and
+Chester, still lingered.
+
+"Father," said Lucy, "I had intended to introduce you to Elder Malby,
+but I wanted you to hear, unprejudiced, what he had to say. What he has
+been teaching is 'Mormonism,' and you'll admit now that it is not at all
+bad. You never would listen nor read."
+
+"Lucy--that will do. Good evening, gentlemen. Come Lucy."
+
+Later that same evening when most of the passengers had retired, the
+Rev. Mr. Strong came up on deck again. He took off his cap so that the
+breeze might blow unhindered through the thin, gray locks. He paced
+slowly the length of the promenade deck with hands behind his back and
+eyes alternatingly looking into the dark sky and to the deck at his
+feet. The old man's usual erect form was bent a little as he walked, his
+step broke occasionally from the rhythmatical tread. There was war in
+the minister's soul. Conflicting emotions fought desperately for
+ascendency. Memories of the past mingled with the scenes of the present,
+and these became confused with the future. As a minister of the gospel
+for half a lifetime, he had never had quite such a wildly disordered
+mind. He wiped the perspiration from his brow. He groaned in spirit so
+that moans escaped from his lips. The sea was beautifully still, but
+rather would he have had it as wild and as boisterous as that which was
+within his heart.
+
+The man paused now and then at the rail. The Irish coast was not far
+away, and the lights of ships could be seen, westward bound. The
+minister tried to follow in his mind these little floating worlds; but
+they were too slow. Like the lightning he crossed the Atlantic and then
+with the same speed flew half way across the American continent to a
+big, black, busy city roaring with the traffic of men. Then out a few
+miles to the college, where he as a young divinity student had spent
+some years of his early manhood--and there and then he had met
+her--Also, years later, the woman whom he had married--and at each big
+milestone in his journey of life there had been "Mormons" and
+"Mormonism."
+
+"'Mormonism,' 'Mormonism,'" the man whispered hoarsely.
+"Anna--Clara--Lucy--Chester--and now--and now what! O, my God!"
+
+It was nearly midnight when Lucy, becoming alarmed at her father's long
+absence from his state room, came slowly on deck, stopping now and then
+to rest. She saw him by the rail, went up to him, took him by the arm
+and with a few coaxing words led him down into his room. As he kissed
+her good-night with uncommon fervor, he looked into her upturned face
+and said:
+
+"Are you going to love this young man--Chester Lawrence?"
+
+"Father," she cried, "what do you mean?"
+
+"Just what I say. I am not blind. I made him promise not to seek your
+company or talk religion to you. Tomorrow I shall relieve him from that
+promise."
+
+"O, father!"
+
+"There now, child,--and Lucy, he may talk of religion and love all he
+wants. I think those two things, when they are of the right kind and
+properly blended, are good for the heart, don't you?"
+
+"Yes, thank you, dear daddy--we are so near England now that I may call
+you daddy."
+
+"Then good-night, my girl;" and he kissed her again in the doorway.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+But next morning there was no time to talk of either love or religion
+for Chester and Lucy.
+
+The coast of Ireland had been sighted earlier than had been expected,
+and there was the usual straining of eyes landward. Chester was among
+the first to see the dark points on the horizon which the seamen said
+was the Irish coast, and which as the vessel approached, expanded to
+green hills, dotted with whitened houses. This then was Europe, old,
+historic Europe, land of our forefathers, land of the stories and the
+songs that have come down to us from the distant past.
+
+"Good morning. What do you think of Ireland?" Lucy touched his arm.
+
+"Oh, good morning. You are up early."
+
+"I am feeling so fine this morning that I had to get up and join in the
+cry of 'Land ho.' No matter how pleasant an ocean voyage has been, we
+are always pleased to see the land. Besides, we get off at Queenstown."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Chester. "I thought you were bound for Liverpool?"
+
+"Yes, later; but we are to visit some of our people in Ireland first.
+Papa has a brother in Cork. We intend to remain there a few days, then
+go on to Dublin, Liverpool, London, Paris, etc., etc.," laughed the
+girl.
+
+Chester's heart sank. The separation was coming sooner than he had
+thought. Only a few more hours, and this little sun-kissed voyage would
+end. He looked at the girl by him; that action was not under embargo.
+Yes; she was uncommonly sweet that morning. Perhaps it was the Irish
+blood in her quickening at the nearness of the land of her forefathers.
+Cheeks and lips and ears were rosy red, and the breeze played with the
+somewhat disheveled hair. There was a press of people along the rail
+which caused Lucy's shoulders to snuggle closely to his side. Chester
+was silent.
+
+"Yes;" she went on, "there's dear old Ireland. You see, this is my
+second visit, and it's like coming home. You go on to Liverpool, I
+understand."
+
+"I have a ticket to Liverpool," he said; "but I suppose they would let
+me off at Queenstown, wouldn't they?"
+
+"Why, certainly--how fast we are nearing land. I'll have to go down now
+and awaken father. We haven't much time to get ready."
+
+He would have held her, had he dared. She was gone, and there were a
+hundred and one questions to ask her. She must not get away from him
+like this. He must know where they were going--get addresses by which to
+find them. He had no plans but what could be easily changed. Seeing
+Europe without Lucy Strong would be a dull, profitless excursion.
+Chester's thoughts ran along this line, when Lucy appeared again. The
+color had left her face.
+
+"Father is very sick," she said to Chester. "He seems in a stupor. I
+can't wake him. Will you find the doctor?"
+
+"I'll get him," he said. "Don't worry. We'll be down immediately."
+
+Chester and the doctor found Lucy rubbing her father's hands and
+forehead, pleading softly for him to speak to her. The doctor after a
+hurried examination, said there was nothing serious. A nervous
+break-down of some kind only--no organic trouble--would be all right
+again shortly.
+
+"But doctor, we get off at Queenstown," explained Lucy.
+
+"Well, I think you can manage it. By the time you are ready to leave, he
+will be strong enough. This young man seems able to carry him ashore, if
+need be. Are you landing also," he asked of Chester.
+
+"Well--yes."
+
+Lucy looked at the young man, but said nothing. The doctor promised to
+bring some medicine, then left.
+
+"But Mr. Lawrence--" began Lucy.
+
+"I'll listen to no objections," interrupted he. "I couldn't think for a
+moment of leaving you two in this condition. You're hardly able to lift
+a glass of water, and now you father's ill also. No; I am going with
+you, to be your body guard, your servant. Listen! I'm out to see the old
+world. I should very much like to begin with Queenstown and Cork."
+
+The father moved, opened his eyes, then sat up He passed his hand over
+his face, then looked at the two young people. "It's all right," he
+muttered, then lay down again on the pillow. The doctor came with his
+medicine. There were now heard the noise of trunks being hoisted from
+the hold and the bustle of getting ready to leave the ship.
+
+"Father," said Lucy. "We must soon get ready to leave. Will you be
+able?"
+
+"Yes, yes, child"--it seemed difficult for the old man to speak.
+
+"And Chester--Mr. Lawrence--here is to go with us and help us."
+
+"Yes." He nodded as if it was easier to give assent in that way.
+
+"We'll make all things ready, daddy. Don't you worry. Rest as long as
+you can. It will be some time yet before you will need to get up."
+
+The sick man nodded again.
+
+"I'll remain here while you get ready," said Chester. "Then you may
+attend while I do what little is necessary. I'll let my trunk go right
+on to Liverpool.
+
+Lucy hurried away and Chester sat down by the bed. As he smoothed out
+the coverlet, the minister reached out and took Chester's hand which he
+held in his own as if to get strength from it. There came into the old
+man's face an expression of contentment, but he did not try to talk.
+
+Lucy returned, and Chester hurried to his own room where he soon packed
+his few belongings and was ready. He found the elders on deck watching
+the approach to Queenstown, and explained to them what had happened to
+change somewhat his plans. "I'll surely hunt you up," he said to Elder
+Malby, "and visit with you;" and the Elder wished him God-speed and gave
+him his blessing.
+
+Slowly the big ship sailed into Queenstown harbor, and then stopped. The
+anchor chains rattled, the big iron grasped the bottom, and the vessel
+was still. What a sensation to be once more at rest! Now out from the
+shore came a tender to take Queenstown passengers ashore. Small boats
+came alongside from which came shrill cries to those far above on deck.
+A small rope was thrown up which was caught and hauled in by the
+interested spectators. At the end of the small rope there dangled a
+heavier one, and at the end of that there was a loop into which a
+good-sized Irish woman slipped. "Pull away," came from below, and half a
+dozen men responded. Up came the woman, her feet climbing the sides of
+the steamer. With great good-nature the men pulled until the woman was
+on deck. Then she immediately let down the lighter rope to her companion
+in the small boat, where a basket was fastened and drawn up. From the
+basket came apples, or "real Irish lace," or sticks of peculiar Irish
+woods, all of which found a ready sale among the passengers.
+
+From one of the lower decks of the steamer, a gang-way was pushed on to
+the raised deck platform of the tender, and even then the incline was
+quite steep. This bridge was well fastened by ropes, and then the
+passengers began to descend, while their heavier baggage was piled on
+the decks of the tender.
+
+Lucy and her father soon appeared. Chester met them below and helped the
+sick man up, along the deck, and down the gang-way to the tender, where
+he found a seat. Lucy followed, stewards carrying their hand baggage.
+From their new position they looked up to the steamer. How big it was!
+
+The day was beautifully warm. Well wrapped in his coat, the father
+rested easily, watching with some interest the busy scene around him. He
+being among the last to leave the liner, they were soon ready to be off.
+The gang-way was drawn in again, and the tender steamed away towards the
+inner harbor. The big ship weighed its anchor, then proceeded on its
+course to Liverpool, carrying away its little world of a week's
+acquaintance, to which Chester and Lucy waved farewell.
+
+Queenstown, in terraced ranks, now rose before them. The pier was soon
+reached, from which most of the travelers continued their journey by
+rail. The minister and his party, however, took passage again on a small
+boat for Cork. Everything being new to Chester, and the father being
+quite unable to do anything, the initiative, at least, rested on Lucy.
+With Chester's help, she managed quite well.
+
+For an hour they sailed on the placid waters of the harbor and up into
+the river Lee. The wooded hills, on either hand, dotted with
+farm-houses and villas, presented a pleasing picture. The boat drew up
+to a landing at St. Patrick's Bridge, where Uncle Gilbert met them,
+greatly surprised and alarmed at his brother's condition.
+
+Carriages were waiting. Chester was introduced by Lucy in a way which
+led to the inference that he was a particular friend of the family
+picked up, perhaps, in their time of need. Bag and baggage was piled in
+besides them and they drove away through the streets of Cork and into
+the suburbs. Slowly the horse climbed the hill, but in a short time they
+were at Uncle Gilbert's home, one of the beautiful ones situated among
+the green of rolling hillside and the deeper green of trees.
+
+There was another warm welcome by Aunt Sarah, who took immediate and
+personal charge of the sick man.
+
+"It's a break-down through overwork," she declared. "You Americans live
+at such fever heat that it is no wonder you have no nerves. They're
+burned out of you. But it's rest only he wants, poor man; and here's
+where he'll get it. Don't you worry, Lucy."
+
+Aunt Sarah's masterful treatment of cases such as these took much care
+and anxiety from them all. Away from the bustle and roar of hurrying
+humanity and traffic, resting amid the soothing green, and breathing the
+mild air of the country; the minister ought surely to get well again
+soon.
+
+He would not go to bed, but chose to sit in a big chair with a pillow
+under his head, looking out of the upstairs window which afforded a view
+of the town. The sun came in rather strongly during the afternoon and
+the father motioned Lucy to partly draw the blind. She did so, then drew
+a stool to his chair and seated herself near him. He placed his hands on
+her head, patted it caressingly, smiled at her, but said nothing. It was
+still difficult for him to speak.
+
+Presently, there came a light tap at the door. Lucy arose. It was
+Chester.
+
+"Excuse me," he said, "but the people below are somewhat confused over
+the trunks. I came to inquire."
+
+"Come in," said Lucy. "Let the 'confusion' continue for a little while.
+Come in to where there is peace. Father is feeling better, I am sure."
+
+The invalid turned towards the speakers, then with a movement of his
+head told them to come near. Lucy took her former position, while
+Chester drew up a chair. Yes; he did seem better, there being some color
+in his face to add life to his faint smile.
+
+"Chester," he whispered with effort, as he reached out and took the young
+man's hand, "Chester--my boy--I--am--so--glad--you--came--with--us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+While the father was resting quietly at Kildare Villa, as Uncle
+Gilbert's home was called, Chester and Lucy spent a few days in looking
+about.
+
+"Are there any sights worth seeing around here?" asked Chester of Lucy.
+
+"Are there?" she replied in surprise. "Did you ever hear of the Blarney
+Stone?"
+
+Yes; he had.
+
+"Well, that's not far away; and those were the Shandon bells you heard
+last evening,
+
+      'The bells of Shandon,
+      That sound so grand on
+    The pleasant waters of the river Lee,'"
+
+she quoted.
+
+The fact of the matter was that Chester was quite content to remain
+quietly with Lucy and her father and the other good people of the place.
+Traveling around the country would, without doubt, separate them, and
+that disaster would come soon enough, he thought; but when Lucy
+announced that she was ready for a "personally conducted tour to all
+points of interest," he readily agreed to be "conducted." She was well
+enough to do so, she said; and in fact it did look as if health were
+coming to her again.
+
+The morning of the second day at Kildare Villa Chester and Lucy set out
+to see the town, riding in Aunt Sarah's car behind the pony. There had
+been a sprinkle of rain during the night, so the roads were pleasant.
+Lucy pointed out the places of interest, consulting occasionally a guide
+book.
+
+"While viewing the scenery, it is highly educational to get the proper
+information," said Lucy as she opened her book. "It states here that
+Cork is a city of 76,000 people. According to one authority it had a
+beginning in the seventh century. Think of that now, and compare its
+growth with that of Kansas City, for instance."
+
+"I have always associated this city with the small article used as
+stoppers for bottles," said Chester.
+
+"You thought perhaps the British needed a cork to stop up their harbor,"
+said Lucy, gravely; "but you are entirely mistaken. The book says the
+name is a corruption of Corcach, meaning a marsh. The town has, however,
+long since overflowed the water, and now occupies not only a large
+island in the river, but reaches up the high banks on each side."
+
+They were evidently in Ireland.
+
+"A most noticeable peculiarity of Cork is its absolute want of
+uniformity, and the striking contrasts in the colors of the houses. The
+stone of which the houses in the northern suburb is built is of reddish
+brown, that on the south, of a cold gray tint. Some are constructed of
+red brick, some are sheathed in slate, some whitewashed; some reddened,
+some yellowed. Patrick may surely do as he likes with his own house. The
+most conspicuous steeple in the place, that of St. Ann, Shandon's, is
+actually red two sides and white the others,
+
+    'Parti-colored, like the people,
+    Red and white stands Shandon steeple.'
+
+and there it is before us," said Lucy.
+
+The tower loomed from a low, unpretentious church. The two visitors
+drove up the hill, stopped the horse while they looked at the tower and
+heard the bells strike the hour.
+
+"What Father Prout could see in such commonplace things to inspire him
+to write his fine poem, I can not understand," said Lucy. "There is a
+peculiar jingle in his lines which stays with one. Listen:
+
+    "'With deep affectation and recollection
+      I often think of the Shandon bells,
+    Whose sounds so wild would, in days of childhood
+      Fling round my cradle their magic spells--
+    On this I ponder, where'er I wander,
+      And thus grow fonder, sweet Cork of thee
+        With thy bells of Shandon,
+        That sound so grand on
+      The pleasant waters of the river Lee.'"
+
+Lucy read the four stanzas.
+
+"It's fine," agreed Chester; "and I think I can answer your question of
+a moment ago. Father Prout, as he says, listened to these bells in
+childhood days, those days when 'heaven lies about us' and glorifies
+even the most common places, and the impressions he then received
+remained with him."
+
+Lucy "guessed" he was right.
+
+Then they drove by St. Fin Barre's cathedral, considered the most
+noteworthy and imposing building in Cork. "'It is thought probable the
+poet Spenser was married in the church which formerly stood on the
+site,'" Lucy read. "'His bride was a Cork lady, but of the country, not
+of the city. Spenser provokingly asks:
+
+    "'Tell me, ye merchants' daughters, did ye see
+    So fayre a creature in your town before?
+    Her goodlie eyes, like sapphyres shining bright;
+    Her forehead, ivory white,
+    Her lips like cherries charming men to byte.'"
+
+"Well," remarked Chester as they drove homeward, and he thought he was
+brave in doing so. "I don't know about the merchants' daughters of Cork,
+but I know a minister's daughter of Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A., who
+tallies exactly with Spenser's description."
+
+"Why, Mr. Lawrence!"
+
+"I might say more," he persisted, "were it not for some foolish promises
+I made that same minister a few days ago--but here we are. Where shall
+we go after lunch?"
+
+"I thought we were to go to Blarney Castle."
+
+"Sure. I had forgotten. That's where the Blarney Stone is?"
+
+"Sure," repeated the girl mischievously.
+
+So that afternoon they set out. It was but a short distance by train
+through an interesting country. Lucy was the guide again.
+
+"Do you have an Irish language?" asked Chester. "I heard some natives
+talking something I couldn't understand."
+
+"Of course there's an Irish language," explained his fair instructor.
+"Anciently the Irish spoke the Gaelic, a branch of the Celtic. In this
+reign of Queen Elizabeth, the Irish language was forbidden. The English
+is now universal, but many still speak the Gaelic. In recent years there
+has been an awakening of interest in the old tongue. 'One who knows
+Irish well,' an Irish historian claims, 'will readily master Latin,
+French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian;' and he adds that to the
+Irish-speaking people, the Irish language is 'rich, elegant,
+soul-stirring, and expressive.'"
+
+"I can well believe the latter statement when I remember the actions of
+those using it," said Chester.
+
+"Here we are," announced Lucy, as they alighted and walked to the
+entrance of the park. "It will cost us six pence to get in."
+
+Chester paid the man at the gate a shilling. The castle loomed high on
+the side of a hill, its big, square tower being about all that now
+remains of the ancient structure. A woman was in charge of the castle
+proper.
+
+"The stone that you kiss is away up to the top," explained Lucy. "You
+will have to go up alone, as I dare not climb the stairs. I'll wait
+here. But stop a minute; the impressions will be more lasting if you get
+the proper information first. Here, we'll sit on this bench while I tell
+you about the castle."
+
+Chester readily agreed to this.
+
+"To sentimental people," began the girl, as she looked straight at the
+high walls in front, "Blarney Castle is the greatest object of interest
+in Southern Ireland; and, of course, the Blarney Stone is the center of
+attraction. It was built by Cormack McCarthy about 1446. Of the siege of
+the castle by Cromwell's forces, under Irton, we have the following
+picturesque account in verse, which, I must say, has a Kipling-like
+ring."
+
+She opened her book and read:
+
+    "'It was now the poor boys of the castle looked over the
+        wall,
+    And they saw that ruffian, ould Cromwell, a-feeding on
+        powder and ball,
+    And the fellow that married his daughter, a-chawing
+        grape-shot in his jaw,
+    'Twas bowld I-ray-ton they called him, and he was his
+        brother-in-law.'
+
+"The word 'Blarney' means pleasant, deludin' talk, said to have
+originated at the court of Queen Elizabeth. McCarthy, the then chieftain
+over the clan of that name who resided at Blarney, was repeatedly asked
+to come in from 'off his keeping.' He was always promising with fair
+words and soft speech to do what was desired, but never could be got to
+come to the sticking point. The queen, it is told, when one of his
+speeches was brought to her, said: 'This is all Blarney; what he says,
+he never means.'
+
+"Now, this is the reason for kissing the stone up there in the tower.
+Listen:
+
+    "'There is a stone there, whoever kisses,
+      Oh! he never misses to grow eloquent;
+    'Tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber,
+      Or become a Member of Parliament.
+    A clever spouter, he'll sure turn out, or
+      An "out--an'--outer" to be let alone;
+    Don't hope to hinder him, or to bewilder him,
+      Sure, he's a pilgrim from the Blarney Stone.'
+
+"Now, then, these are the facts in the case," concluded Lucy. "Proceed
+to do."
+
+Chester climbed the long stairs to the top. From the western edge, he
+looked down and waved at Lucy, then hurriedly scanned the beautiful
+prospect about him. The wonderful stone then drew his attention. It is
+set in the parapet wall, being one of the under stones in the middle of
+the tower. This parapet does not form part of the wall, but is detached
+from it, being built out about two feet and supported by a sort of
+scaffolding brace of masonry. This leaves a space between the battlement
+and the wall, which in olden times, enabled the defenders to drop stones
+and other trifles on to the heads of assailants one hundred twenty feet
+below. Two iron bands now reach around the famous stone, spanning the
+open space, and fastened to the wall. The aspirant who wishes to kiss
+the stone, must grasp these irons, one in each hand, and hang on for
+dear life. As the stone is underneath the parapet, the feat of kissing
+it is not easy. In the first place, one must lie on one's back, then
+with head extended over the wall, the head must be bent down and back
+far enough to touch the lips to the stone. To perform the feat safely,
+there must be assistants at hand who must hold one's legs in steady
+grip, and others who must sit on the lower part of the body to assure
+the proper equilibrium.
+
+Being entirely alone, it is needless to say, Chester did not kiss the
+Blarney Stone. He was satisfied with reaching under and touching it with
+his hand. Then he returned to Lucy.
+
+"You did not kiss the stone," she immediately declared.
+
+"You know, don't you, that it takes two to kiss--the Blarney Stone?"
+
+"I've heard it so stated. I've never been up to it."
+
+The park around the castle is very inviting, especially on a fine, warm
+afternoon. There are big trees, grass, and neatly kept walks. Chester
+and Lucy sauntered under the trees. A tiny brook gurgled near by, the
+birds were singing. Lucy chattered merrily along, but Chester was not so
+talkative. She noticed his mood and asked why he was so silent.
+
+"I was thinking of that promise. I fear I am not doing right."
+
+"O, that reminds me--Father, of course could not--"
+
+"Could not what?"
+
+"Well, the night before he became so ill on the boat he told me he was
+going to release you from any promise not to meet me and talk religion
+to me."
+
+"Did he say that?" They paused in their walk.
+
+"Yes; and he meant it--he means it now, if he could but say as much."
+
+"I thank you for telling me * * * Let us sit down here on this rustic
+seat. Do you know, I believe your father has gotten over his first
+dislike for me."
+
+"O, yes, he has. I think he likes you very much."
+
+"I was not surprised at his actions when I told him I was a 'Mormon.' He
+can hardly be blamed, in view of the life-long training he has had. And
+then, knowing that you have been in danger from that source before made
+him over-sensitive on the point. I marvel now that he treats me so
+well."
+
+Lucy looked her happiness, rather than expressed it. The guide book lay
+open on her lap. Chester picked it up, looked at a picture of Blarney
+Castle, and then read aloud:
+
+    "'There's gravel walk there,
+      For speculation,
+      And conversation
+    In sweet solitude.
+    'Tis there the lover
+      May hear the dove, or
+    The gentle plover
+      In the afternoon.'
+
+"Lucy," said Chester, as he closed the book, "I'm going to call you
+Lucy--I can't call you Miss Strong in such a lovely place as this. We
+have an hour or two before we must return, and I want to talk over a few
+matters while we have the chance. In the first place, I want you to tell
+me where you are going when you leave Ireland. I want to keep track of
+you--I don't want to lose you. If your father would not object, I should
+like to travel along with you."
+
+"Father may remain here a long time, so long that we may not get to see
+much of Europe, and of course, you can't wait here for us."
+
+"Now listen, Lucy. _You_ are Europe to me. I believe you are the whole
+world."
+
+She did not turn from him, though she looked down to the grass where the
+point of her sunshade now rested. Her face was diffused with color.
+
+"Forgive me for saying so much," he continued, "for I realize I am quite
+a stranger to you."
+
+"A stranger?" she asked.
+
+"Yes; we have not known each other long. You don't know much about me."
+
+"I seem to have known you a long time," she said, looking up. "I often
+think I have met you before. Sometimes I imagine you look like the
+young missionary whom I first heard on the streets of Kansas City; but
+of course, that can't be."
+
+"No; I never was on a mission. But I'm glad you think of me as you do,
+for then you'll let me come and see you in London, in Paris and wherever
+you go. I assure you, it would be rather uninteresting sight-seeing
+without your presence, if not always in person, then in spirit. After
+all, much depends on the condition of the eyes with which one looks on
+an object whether it is interesting or not."
+
+Then the talk led to personal matters. He spoke of his experiences in
+Utah--some of them--and she fold him her simple life's story. Her mother
+had died many years ago; she had no very distinct recollection of her.
+She and her father had lived with housekeepers for many years. What with
+school and home, the one trip before to Europe, a number of excursions
+to various parts of her own country, her life had passed very smoothly
+and very quietly among her friends and books. As Chester listened to her
+he thought how like in some respects her story was to that of Julia
+Elston's. And as she sat there under the trees, she again looked like
+Julia, yet with a difference. Somehow the first girl had vanished but
+she had left behind in his heart a susceptibility to a form and face
+like this one beside him. Julia had come into his heart, not to dwell
+there, but to purify it, adorn it, and to make it ready for someone
+else;--and that other person had come. She filled the sanctuary of his
+heart. Peace and love beyond the telling were inmates with her. Had he
+not come to his own at last.
+
+That afternoon, as he sat with Lucy under the trees at Blarney,
+listening to her story, told in simplicity with eyes alternating between
+smiles and tears, he felt so near heaven that his prayers went easily
+ahead of him to the throne of mercy and love, bearing a message of
+praise and gratitude to the Giver of all good.
+
+These two were quite alone that afternoon. Even the care-taker went
+within the thick walls of the castle, remembering, perhaps, that she
+also had been young once. Birds may have eyes to see and ears to hear,
+but they tell nothing to humans.
+
+On the way back to Cork there was only one other passenger in the
+car,--an Irish girl carrying a basket in which were two white kittens.
+About half way to the city, the train stopped, and much to the
+travelers' surprise, a company of about two hundred Gordon Highlanders
+boarded the train, filling the cars completely.
+
+"What," asked Chester. "Have the Scotch invaded Ireland?"
+
+"I suppose it's a company just out for a bit of exercise," suggested
+Lucy.
+
+Their bare, brown legs, kilts and equipment were matters of much
+interest to Chester. When the train arrived in Cork, the soldiers
+formed, and with bagpipes squeeling their loudest, they marched into St.
+Patrick's street. Chester and Lucy and the girl with the basket
+followed.
+
+"This is quite an honor," remarked Chester, "to have a company of
+soldiers come to meet us, and to be escorted into town by music like
+this. How did _they_ know?"
+
+"Know what?" escaped from Lucy before she discerned his meaning.
+
+"Why, you silly man," she replied, "the honor is for the kittens!"
+
+Uncle Gilbert met them at the door. "Your father is sleeping--getting
+along fine," he explained. "Now then, young man, did you kiss the
+Blarney Stone?"
+
+"Why--no--I--"
+
+"You didn't! You missed the greatest opportunity in your life."
+
+"Oh, no, I didn't." replied Chester. "Far from it."
+
+Lucy, rosy red, fled past her teasing uncle into the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+A warm, gentle rain was falling. No regrets or complaints were heard at
+Kildare Villa, for, as Uncle Gilbert said, the farmers needed it, he and
+his people were comfortably housed, and the excursionists--meaning
+Chester and Lucy--would do well to remain quiet for a day.
+
+The minister had so far recovered that he walked unaided into the large
+living room, where a fire in the grate shed a genial warmth. Chester and
+Lucy were already there, she at the piano and he singing softly. At
+sight of her father, Lucy ran to him, helped him to a seat, then kissed
+him good morning.
+
+"How much better you are!" she said.
+
+"Yes; I am glad I am nearly myself again--thanks to Aunt Sarah," he
+said, as that good woman entered the room with pillows and footrest for
+the invalid, who was made quite comfortable. Then the aunt delivered him
+to the care of the two young people, with an admonition against drafts
+and loud noises.
+
+"All right, daddy; now what can we do for you?" asked Lucy.
+
+"You were singing--when I came in. * * * Sing the song again."
+
+"But loud noises, you know."
+
+"Sing--softly," he replied.
+
+The two went back to the piano. Lucy played and both sang in well
+modulated, subdued voices,
+
+    "Jesus, I my cross have taken
+      All to leave and follow Thee;
+    Naked, poor, despised, forsaken,
+      Thou, from hence my all shall be.
+    Perish every fond ambition,
+      All I've sought, or hoped, or known,
+    Yet how rich is my condition,
+      God and heaven are still my own."
+
+They sang the three stanzas. The two voices blended beautifully. The
+father asked them to sing the song again, which they did. Then they sang
+others, some of which were not familiar to the listener.
+
+    "Oh, how lovely was the morning,
+    Brightly beamed the sun above."
+
+"What was that last song?" inquired the father.
+
+The two singers looked at each other as if they had been caught in some
+forbidden act.
+
+"Why"--hesitated Lucy, "that's a Sunday School song."
+
+"A 'Mormon' song?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Sing--it again," he said as he lay back on his pillows, closed his eyes
+and listened.
+
+"Do you know any more--'Mormon' songs?"
+
+Lucy, of course, did not know many. Chester managed "O, my Father," and
+one or two more. Then Lucy closed the piano and went back to her father,
+where she stood smoothing gently his gray hair. Thus they talked and
+read and sang a little more, while the rain fell gently without.
+
+"This is a beautiful country," said Chester, looking out of the window.
+"I do not blame people who have money, desiring to live here." Lucy came
+to the window also, and they stood looking out on the rain-washed green.
+The father lay still in his chair, and presently he went to sleep.
+Chester and Lucy then retired to a corner, and carried on their
+conversation in low tones. Faint noises from other parts of the house
+came to them. From without, only the occasional shrill whistle of a
+locomotive disturbed the silence. The fire burned low in the grate.
+
+Suddenly, the father awoke with a start. "I tell you he is my son," he
+said aloud. "I am his father, and I ought to father him--my heart goes
+out--my son--"
+
+"What is it, father?" cried Lucy, running to him, and putting her arm
+around his shoulders.
+
+The father looked about, fully awakened.
+
+"I was only dreaming," he explained. "Did I talk in my sleep?"
+
+Just then Uncle Gilbert came in. He announced that tomorrow he would of
+necessity have to leave for Liverpool. It would be a short trip only; he
+would be back in two or three days, during which all of them should
+continue to make themselves comfortable.
+
+"George, here, is getting along famously," he declared. "A few more days
+of absolute rest, and you'll be all right, eh, brother?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+Aunt Sarah now announced luncheon, and they all filed out of the room.
+
+That evening the two brothers were alone. "I want to talk to you," the
+visitor had said; and his brother was willing that he should. Evidently,
+something weighed heavily on his mind, some imaginary trouble, brought
+on by his weakened physical condition.
+
+"Now, what is it, brother," said Gilbert as they sat comfortably in
+their room.
+
+"You know that in my younger days I had a little trouble"--began the
+minister, now speaking quite freely.
+
+"I don't recall what you mean."
+
+"When I was studying for the ministry--a woman, you--"
+
+"O, yes; I remember; but what of it? That's past and forgotten long
+ago."
+
+"Past, but not forgotten. I have tried to forget, the Lord knows, by
+long years of service in the ministry. I hope the Lord has forgiven--but
+I forgotten, Oh, no."
+
+"Look here, brother, you are over-sensitive just now because of your
+physical condition. You have nothing to worry over. That little
+youthful indiscretion--"
+
+"But there was a child, Gilbert, a boy."
+
+"Well, what of it?"
+
+"That was my boy. I am his father. What has become of him? Where is he
+now? Flesh of my flesh, is he handicapped by the stigma I placed upon
+him? Is he, perchance, groveling in the gutter, because I cast him
+off--had no thought or care for him--"
+
+"Now, look here--"
+
+"Listen. I became a father, then shirked the responsibility of
+fatherhood. A new word rings in my ears, 'FATHERING.' I can see its
+mighty import. I who have spoken the words of the great Father for these
+many years, have not followed His example. Listen, brother: if that son
+of mine is alive, and I believe he is, I am going to find and claim
+him--and not once more do I preach until I do."
+
+The brother was somewhat alarmed, showing it in his countenance.
+
+"You may think I am out of my head; but I never was saner in my life. My
+thoughts are as clear as a bell, and now that I have said what I wanted
+to, I feel better. That's all--don't you worry about me. Now go to bed.
+You are to be off in the morning, you know. Good night."
+
+As Gilbert walked out, his mind not altogether clear about his brother,
+Lucy was at the door waiting to bid her father good night.
+
+"May I come in?" she asked.
+
+"Yes; come along."
+
+"I wanted just to say good night."
+
+"That's right, my girl; and where is Chester?"
+
+"He--I don't know. I think he's retired."
+
+"You're looking so well, these days. Are you happy?"
+
+"Yes, daddy; so happy--and so much better, I believe."
+
+"All right--there now, good night. If Chester is without, tell him to
+come in a moment."
+
+She kissed him again, then slipped out. Presently, Chester entered.
+
+"Did you wish to see me, Mr. Strong?"
+
+"Yes--that is, just to say good night--and to tell you that I am
+better--and also to thank you for taking such good care of Lucy."
+
+"Why, I assure you--"
+
+"Wait a moment. Stand right where you are, there in that light--you'll
+excuse a sick man's humors, I know; but someone told me today that we
+two look very much alike. I was just wondering whether it was a fancy
+only--but I can't tell, nor you can't tell. It always takes a third
+person to say."
+
+"Yes; I suppose it does," laughed Chester. "But I don't object to the
+resemblance."
+
+"Nor I, my boy. Come here. Continue to take good care of Lucy. She's a
+good, sweet girl." The man arose, as if to be off to bed. Chester put
+his arm around him.
+
+"Let me help you," said the young man. "You are not very strong yet."
+
+"Thank you." He put his arm about Chester's neck so that the stronger
+man could nearly carry the weaker. As they walked slowly across the room
+under the lamps anyone could see a striking resemblance between the two
+men. As they said good night and parted at the father's door, the older
+man's hand patted softly the young man's cheek. Chester felt the touch,
+so strange that it thrilled him. "That was for Lucy's sake," he said to
+himself as he sought the quietness of his own room.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There were no apparent reasons why Chester Lawrence should not accompany
+Uncle Gilbert to Liverpool, so neither Chester nor Lucy tried to find
+any. Plans for meeting in London and on the continent were fully matured
+and understood. The separation would be for a week or fortnight at most.
+Lucy and Aunt Sarah waved their goodbyes as the train drew out of Cork
+for Dublin.
+
+Chester now understood why Ireland was called the Emerald Isle. Green,
+green, everywhere--fields and hedges, trees and bushes, bogs and
+hills--everything was green. Uncle Gilbert gave him full information on
+all points of interest.
+
+At Dublin they had a few hours to wait for the boat, so they looked
+around the city, not forgetting the beautiful Phoenix Park. It was
+evening when they went on board the steamer and to bed. Next morning,
+they were awakened by the rattling of cables and chains as they slid
+into a dock at Liverpool.
+
+Chester and Gilbert Strong parted company at Liverpool, the latter to
+attend to the business which had brought him there, the former to seek a
+place of lodging. First he found 42 Islington, the headquarters of the
+mission, introduced himself to the elders in charge, and asked them to
+direct him to some cheap, but respectable lodgings. He was shown to a
+nearby hotel where the missionaries usually put up, where he obtained a
+room. Then he went to the steamship company's office at the pier,
+obtained his trunk, and had it taken to his lodgings. After a bath, a
+general clean-up and change of clothing, he was ready for the town, or
+all England for that matter.
+
+He went back to "42" for further information. He noticed that the slum
+district of the town pressed closely on to the office quarters, and he
+saw some sights even that first afternoon which shocked him: dirty,
+ragged children, playing in the gutters; boys and girls and women going
+in to dram shops and bringing out mugs of beer; men and women drunken.
+One sight specially horrified him: a woman, dirty, naked shoulders and
+arms; feet and legs bare; a filthy skirt and bodice open at the breast;
+hair matted and wild; reeling along the pavement, crying out in drunken
+exclamations and mutterings. It was the most sickening sight the young
+man had ever seen, and with perhaps the exception of a fight he
+witnessed some days later between two such characters, the worst
+spectacle of his life.
+
+All this sordid life so strange and new, drew the attention of the young
+westerner. Especially did 42 Islington interest him; for this was an
+historic spot for "Mormonism." From here the early missionaries had sent
+forth the message of salvation to Great Britain, in fact, to the whole
+of Europe. Here within these dingy rooms had trod the strong, sturdy
+characters of the pioneer days of the Church. Perhaps in some of these
+rooms Orson Pratt had written his masterly presentation of the gospel.
+In those days, very likely, there were not so many noises of traffic and
+restless humanity. Perhaps such men could take with them the peace and
+sublime solitude of their home in the Western Mountains into the
+confusing din of the big city, and remain undisturbed. And these were
+happy, even as the present elders were, laboring, with a clear
+conscience for the salvation of souls. There came to Chester, as he
+thought of these things, an expression he had read: "Outside things
+cannot make you happy, unless they fit with something inside; and they
+are so few and so common that the smallest room can hold them."
+
+That same evening there was a meeting of the Saints which Chester
+attended. The congregation was small, much smaller even than those of
+Chicago. Most of the people present appeared to be of the humbler,
+working classes; but there was the same light in their faces as that
+which shone in faces on the other side of the world, when enlightened by
+the Spirit of God. Everywhere, Chester noticed, this Spirit was the
+same, giving to rich and poor, learned and unlearned alike, the joy of
+its presence.
+
+"Come around tomorrow, and we'll take a look about the city," said one
+of the elders to Chester. "Sitting cramped over a desk day after day,
+makes it necessary for me to get out once in a while."
+
+The afternoon of the following day, Chester called for his friend in the
+office, and they set out. "I want you to get rid of the first
+impressions of Liverpool," explained the elder. "I want you to get away
+from the noise and dirt to the green and quiet and beauty of the town."
+
+First they took a car to the Botanical Gardens, looked at the flower
+beds and inspected the palm-house. Then they walked across the open to
+the farther side, followed a short street or two into the big, open
+grass-covered Wavertree Playground. Thence it was a short walk to Sefton
+Park with its varied and extensive beauties. They watched the children
+sail their toy crafts on the lake. There were some men even, trying out
+model boats. The bird cage was interesting. The grotto, as usual, was
+hard to find. The palm-house took a good part of their time, for the
+beautiful statue of Burn's Highland Mary, gleaming white from a bed of
+green, took Chester's attention, as also the historical figures
+surrounding the house. One of these was of Columbus with an inscription
+claiming that he had very much to do with the making of Liverpool,
+which is no doubt true.
+
+The weather was fine, the air was balmy; many people were out. Chester
+and his companion strolled about the walks and across the velvety
+stretches of grass. They watched for a time, a "gentlemanly game of
+cricket," but it was too slow altogether for the Americans.
+
+It was well towards sundown when the two young men took a car back to
+Islington. "Another day we'll see Newsham Park, and the country around
+Knotty Ash way. Then again, there is some beautiful country up the
+Mersey and across to Birkenhead." The visitor was grateful for these
+offers.
+
+That evening Chester addressed some post-cards to his few friends in
+Chicago, one to Hugh Elston, one to Elder Malby in London, and one to
+Lucy May Strong, Kildare Villa, Cork, Ireland. He lingered somewhat over
+this latter, lost somewhat in wonder at recent events. Was not this
+ocean trip and the Irish experience a dream? The noise and smoke about
+him were surely that of Chicago, and he was sitting in his room there in
+his normal condition of homelessness and friendlessness? Had he not that
+day been out with an elder from the Chicago Church office to Lincoln
+Park and the lakeside? Surely Lucy and the minister, and Kildare Villa
+and Blarney were figments of a pleasant dream! Chester walked back and
+forth in the small room. He stopped before a dingy map of Great Britain
+on the wall. His finger touched Ireland, moved southward, and stopped
+at Cork. Yes; there _was_ such a place, any way, so there must be
+Shandon Bells and the Blarney Stone, and a rustic seat under the trees
+at Blarney Castle. Well, if all else under the sun were imaginary, that
+hour of bliss at Blarney when Chester told Lucy he loved her, and Lucy
+told Chester the same sweet words--that was real. He would live in that
+reality, for it far surpassed his dreams.
+
+Chester looked again at the post-card he had addressed to Kildare Villa,
+placed it aside, and wrote in its place a long letter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+Twenty miles out of London. The sun is shining, and the train glides
+along by green fields, hedges of hawthorn, and blossoming trees. England
+looks to be the huge, well-cared-for farm of a very rich man. This may
+be explained by the fact that England is an old country, having been
+plowed and planted and harrowed for close on to a thousand years before
+America was discovered. This long period of cultivation gives the
+country-side a mellowness and well-groomed look. The vaporous sunlight
+softens all the outlines, hides the harsh features, and gives the
+landscape its dreamy, far-away, misty loveliness. There seems to be no
+angles in the scene; field melts into field, and hedge into hedge, with
+here and there a ribbon of a road which seems to join them rather than
+to separate them. The houses are of brick or of stone, many partly
+hidden under the climbing ivy or roses.
+
+Chester Lawrence is accompanying Elder Malby eastward from London
+through Kent to Margate and Ramsgate on the coast. Elder Malby is to
+attend to some Church duties, and Chester, by invitation, was glad to
+accompany him. It was the young man's policy to keep in touch as much as
+possible with the elders and their work, and he was getting somewhat of
+the missionary spirit himself. He was greatly enjoying this ride
+through the beautiful country.
+
+"It's really wonderful," said Chester, looking out of the car window,
+"this coming from London into the country. Where are all the people? Are
+they all in town? Some cows are browsing in the pastures, and sheep
+scurry about as the train flies by, but where are the people who have
+made this great garden?"
+
+"You must remember," explained Chester's companion, "all this has not
+been done hurriedly by many people within a short time. What the
+Englishman doesn't do today he can do tomorrow; and so centuries of work
+by a few men has produced what we see."
+
+"Well, I do occasionally see a few slow-moving men and women, somberly
+clad in grays and browns. These, I suppose, are the sturdy supporters of
+their country."
+
+"Here is something I clipped from an American magazine," said Elder
+Malby, "which impressed me with its peculiar truth." He read:
+
+"'England is London says one, England is Parliament says another,
+England is the Empire says still another; but if I be not much mistaken,
+this stretch of green fields, these hills and valleys, these hedges and
+fruit trees, this soft landscape, is the England men love. In India and
+Canada, in their ships at sea, in their knots of soldiery all over the
+world, Englishmen must close their eyes at times, and when they do, they
+see these fields green and brown, these hedges dusted with the soft
+snow of blossoms, these houses hung with roses and ivy, and when the
+eyes open, they are moist with these memories. The pioneer, the sailor,
+the soldier, the colonist may fight, and struggle and suffer, and
+proclaim his pride in his new home and possessions, but these are the
+love of a wife, of children, of friends; that other is the love, with
+its touch of adoration, that is not less nor more, but still different,
+that mysterious mingling of care for, and awe of, the one who brought
+you into the world.
+
+"'This is the England, I take it, that makes one feel his duty to be his
+religion, and the England that every American comes to as to a shrine.
+When this is sunk in the sea, or trampled over by a host of invading
+Germans, or mauled into bankruptcy by pandering politicians and sour
+socialists, one of the most delightful spots in the whole world will
+have been lost, and no artist ever be able to paint such a picture
+again, for nowhere else is there just this texture of canvas, just this
+quality if pigment, just these fifteen centuries of atmosphere.' I think
+this sums it up nicely," commented Elder Malby.
+
+"Ireland is a pretty fine country, too," said Chester, with far-away
+tone, still gazing out of the window.
+
+Elder Malby laughed heartily, in which his companion joined. Chester had
+told him his Irish experiences.
+
+Ramsgate is a pretty town on the east coast. It being Sunday, the shops
+were closed and the streets quiet. After some enquiries and searching,
+the local elder was found in the outskirts of the town. The two visitors
+were warmly received. A good old-fashioned English dinner was served,
+after which the few Saints living in the vicinity gathered for meeting.
+Never before had Chester Lawrence experienced the comforting Spirit of
+the Lord as in that service when he partook with those simple,
+open-minded people the sacrament, and listened to their testimonies, in
+which he mingled his own.
+
+After the services, there was the usual lingering to shake hands and
+exchange good words. In the midst of the confusion of voices and
+laughter, a large man appeared in the open doorway, and immediately
+there was a hush. It was the parish priest, round and sleek, yet stern
+of countenance. He looked about the room and found a good many of his
+neighbors present.
+
+"Well, good people," said he, "what are you doing here?"
+
+The local elder explained civilly the purpose of the gathering.
+
+"But these men who are holding these services are 'Mormons,' and I come
+to warn you that they are wolves in sheep's clothing. Beware of them,
+let them alone," said the priest in rising accents.
+
+The people stood about the room, quietly listening. Elder Malby and
+Chester were yet by the table which had served as a pulpit, and to them
+the priest advanced.
+
+"Are you the 'Mormon' elders?" he demanded.
+
+"We have that honor," serenely replied Elder Malby.
+
+"You ought to be ashamed to come here to a Christian community with your
+vile doctrine. I warn you to keep away."
+
+"Will you be seated, sir?" asked Elder Malby, who took charge of the
+situation. A number of people, who had evidently followed the priest to
+see the "fun," came in and gathered round.
+
+"I'll not sit down. I'll deliver my message to you all," he declared as
+he turned to the people. "You may not believe what I say about these
+men, that they are not what they pretend; but let me read to you from an
+American paper--printed in their own land. Listen:
+
+"'So fully apparent is the pernicious activity of "Mormonism" of late,
+that a general campaign of opposition is being urged against them in
+various parts of the country. It has been conclusively shown, by
+students of the question, that the "Mormon" Church is simply a great
+secret society, engaging in criminal practices under the cloak of their
+religion--"
+
+There was a hum of protest in the room. Elder Malby raised a hand of
+warning to let the intruder proceed.
+
+"'The attitude of "Mormonism" towards moral questions and its disregard
+for the laws, have been shown again and again. "Mormon" missionaries are
+now making a systematic canvas of every state in the Union, as well as
+in Great Britain and other foreign countries. Every home, especially of
+the poor and uneducated is to be visited. It would therefore be the part
+of wisdom to give a timely word of warning. This is a time to cry aloud
+and spare not, lest many be led astray by these pernicious teachings.'"
+
+The minister followed up this reading by a stream of personal abuse
+against "Mormons" in general and Elder Malby--whose name he knew--in
+particular. Chester watched with keen interest the proceedings. Elder
+Malby's face was a study. The angry priest paused, then stopped.
+
+"Are you through, sir?" asked Elder Malby quietly. There was no reply,
+so he continued. "If you are, I wish to say a word. You are entirely
+mistaken, my dear sir. I have not come here to mislead or to teach any
+such doctrine as you claim. True, I am now an American citizen, but I
+was born an Englishman. This is my native country, and I have as much
+right to be here as you have; and, thank God, this country provides for
+free speech and allows every man to worship God according to the
+dictates of his conscience. I love this, my native land--I love these,
+my people. That's why I am here to preach to them the gospel of Jesus
+Christ."
+
+"You're a farmer, and not a minister," sneered the priest.
+
+"Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a tent-maker," replied the Elder
+calmly. "I suppose, sir, that if either of these men came here to
+preach, you would look upon their occupation as a reproach."
+
+There was no reply, so the "Mormon" continued. "It is true I am a
+farmer. Some of my friends here know that, because sometimes I assist
+them in the fields. And I have given them some helpful American hints
+too, have I not, Brother Naylor?"
+
+"Aye, that you have."
+
+"Religion is not a thing apart from daily life," said Elder Malby,
+speaking more to the listening people than to the priest. "A truly
+religious person works with hands and brains as well as prays with lips
+and heart. Let me tell you, good people, the 'Mormons' have shown to the
+world that heart and hand, faith and works must go together. A religion
+which withdraws itself apart from the common people into seclusions of
+prayer and contemplation alone is of no value in this world. The
+activities of this life and this world is the proper field for religion,
+for it is here that we prepare for a future life. The "Mormon" minister
+can plow, if he is a farmer, as well as preach. He digs canals, makes
+roads through the wilderness, provides work and play for those who look
+to him for guidance. Again, let me call your attention to something the
+"_Mormon_" preacher does: he preaches for the love of the souls of men,
+and not for a salary."
+
+"You're a tramp," said the priest.
+
+"Not exactly, my friend," replied the Elder, looking into the priest's
+face. "I pay my way, from money earned at home on my farm. Most of the
+people here know me, but some are strangers. Let me tell you, briefly,
+my story."
+
+"Go on," some one near the door shouted.
+
+"I was born a few miles from here. My parents were very poor, but honest
+and respectable. I had a longing to go to America, so by dint of long,
+hard work and saving, I obtained the passage money. On the way I became
+acquainted with the Mormons.' I knew they were the people of God, and I
+went with them to the West, which was a new country then. I was a
+pioneer. I took up wild, unbroken land, built me a cabin and made me a
+farm. It was hard work, but, the exhilaration of working for one's self
+gives courage and strength. Now I have a good farm, and a good house. I
+am not rich in worldly wealth. We must still economize carefully.
+Here--would you like to see my home in America?"
+
+He took from his pocket a photograph and handed it to the nearest
+person, who passed it on. "That house I built with my own hands, most of
+it. Those trees I planted. I made the fence and dug the water ditch.
+That's my wife standing by the gate--yes, the only one I have, or ever
+had--that's my youngest child on the porch, the only one at home now.
+The others have married and have homes of their own. Here, I remember, I
+received a letter from my wife yesterday. Would you like to read it,
+sir?" addressing the priest who was now preparing to leave.
+
+"The letter will prove that I am not a tramp, sir. Read it aloud to
+these people." The Elder held the letter in his extended hand.
+
+"I'll have nothing further to do with you. I don't want to read your
+letter," retorted the priest.
+
+"Read it, read it," came from a number; but the priest, unheedingly
+passed out of the door and down the path. The gate clicked.
+
+"I'll read it," volunteered a man, one of the strangers who had come in
+later. He took the letter, and read so that all might hear, which was
+not difficult in that quieted room:
+
+"'Dear George: By this time I suppose you are in Old England again, and
+have fairly started in your missionary work. We received your card from
+Chicago and your letter from New York. I hope you had a pleasant voyage
+across the ocean, and were not seasick.
+
+"'We are all well at home, only a bit lonesome, of course. Janie misses
+you very much. She hardly knows what to do with herself in the evening.
+I was over to George's last night, and when I came in the door the baby
+cried "grandpa" before she saw who it was. The little thing looks all
+around and can't understand why you don't come. Lizzie's baby has the
+measles, but is getting along nicely.
+
+"I drove around by the field from meeting last Sunday. The wheat is
+growing fine. The Bishop said it was the finest stand he had ever seen.
+George and Henry are now working on the ditch, and they said they'd work
+out your assessment while they were about it. We have had a good deal of
+rain lately.
+
+"'I spoke to Brother Jenson about those two steers. He said prices were
+low at present and advised me to wait a little while before selling
+them. If you need the money very soon, of course I'll tell him to take
+them next time he calls. My eggs and butter help us out wonderfully, as
+we two don't require much. The Sunday eggs, you know, go towards the
+meeting house fund, and Janie claims the "Saturday crop." She needs a
+new school dress which Lizzie has promised to make.
+
+"'Now, that's about all the news. I hope your health will continue good
+and that you are enjoying your mission. Don't worry about us. The Lord
+will provide. We want to do our part in sending the gospel to those who
+have it not. Our faith and prayers are always with you.
+
+"'Your loving wife,
+"'JANE MALBY.
+
+"'P.S. I forgot to tell you that the Jersey cow you bought from Brother
+Jones has had twin calves, both heifers. Isn't that fine? J.M.'"
+
+The reader folded the letter and handed it back to its owner. The
+postscript saved the situation, for the wet eyes found relief in the
+merry laugh which it brought forth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+On Chester's return to London, he found the following note from Lucy:
+
+"We're all coming--father and Uncle Gilbert and I. What do you think of
+that? Father is well enough to travel, and he has prevailed upon his
+brother to accompany us. In fact, I think that Uncle imagines we are two
+invalids and need his care--I'm glad he does. I'm so busy packing, I
+haven't time to write more. Will tell you all about it when I see you.
+Meet us at St. Pancras station Thursday, at 6 p.m.
+
+"With love from
+
+"LUCY."
+
+Elder Malby accompanied Chester to the station to meet his friends from
+Ireland. The two brothers were fairly well acquainted with London, so
+they had no trouble in finding a hotel in a quiet part of the city.
+Lucy's father seemed himself again. He walked with a cane, which,
+however, may have been his regular European custom. Lucy was uncommonly
+well, declaring that the long journey had not tired her a bit.
+
+Plans were discussed in the hotel that evening, and it was finally
+decided to go to Paris by way of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels. The
+stages would have to be easy for the sake of the "two invalids," as
+Uncle Gilbert put it, to which Chester heartily agreed.
+
+Late the next morning, for the travelers needed the rest, Chester called
+for them, and the party of four saw a little of London from the top of a
+'bus. The weather continued fair, and as the summer was well advanced,
+the air was warm. The sightseers had a simple luncheon at a small cafe
+which Uncle Gilbert knew near the British Museum, and then they
+continued their rambles until the close of the afternoon, when Chester
+put them down at the "Mormon" mission headquarters.
+
+Elder Malby received them warmly, provided easy seats for Lucy and her
+father, and took hats and wraps under protestations that they were not
+going to stay. A number of missionaries came in and they were
+introduced. Lucy beamed with delight, her father unreservedly told the
+young men they were from America,--and western America at that; but
+Uncle Gilbert was not quite at his ease among the new company. He knew,
+of course, that these people were "Mormons," and his knowledge of
+"Mormons" and their ways, although somewhat vague, was not reassuring.
+
+When the good-natured English housekeeper announced that supper was
+ready, it seemed impossible to do otherwise than to follow her and Elder
+Malby down to the large basement room. In fact, Lucy, without any ifs or
+ands took her father's arm and led him along. Uncle Gilbert thought he
+had never seen her in such a bold frame of mind.
+
+Certainly, Chester, Elder Malby, and the housekeeper must have plotted
+to bring about that little supper party. The dining room was severely
+bare, but scrupulously clean. That evening the threadbare table cloth
+had been replaced by a new one. The usual menu of bread, milk, and jam
+was augmented by slices of cold meat, a dish of fruit, and a cake. Two
+small bouquets adorned the ends of the long table.
+
+"Visitors," whispered one of the elders to another.
+
+"Extraordinary visitors," replied the other. "Just like home when Uncle
+John came to see us."
+
+The housekeeper even furnished tea for the Rev. Mr. Strong and his
+brother. Lucy said she liked milk better, so she filled her glass along
+with Chester's and the other "Mormons." She chatted freely with the
+young elder near her, learned that he was from Idaho, that he had been
+away six months, that he had not been home-sick, and that he was not
+married. The elders were to hold street meetings that evening after
+supper.
+
+"I should like to go with you," she said; but Chester, overhearing the
+conversation, told her that for various reasons, such a course would not
+be wise.
+
+Afterwards, there was some singing in the office-parlor, then Chester
+went with the party to their hotel.
+
+"I believe papa is being favorably impressed," said Lucy to Chester
+before they parted. "I wish he could see as I do."
+
+"That would indeed be something to be thankful for," agreed Chester.
+
+The following afternoon the continental party took the train to Harwich,
+then boat for the Hook of Holland, where they arrived next morning. A
+short ride by rail brought them to Rotterdam.
+
+Uncle Gilbert had seen the city before, but the quaint town interested
+the others for the first time. "Everything is clean in Holland but the
+canals," some one has said. In Rotterdam, the ancient windmills, with
+huge spreading arms, stand in the midst of modern shops, and the
+contrast is strange.
+
+Uncle Gilbert directed the party to the Delftshaven church, explaining
+that in this ancient building the Pilgrim Fathers worshiped before they
+set sail for the New World. Then the sight-seers took train for The
+Hague, ten miles away. They visited the House of the Woods, where the
+Peace Congresses are held, observed Queen Wilhelmina's residence from
+without, looked at some of the famous paintings in the art gallery, then
+shuddered over the instruments of torture on exhibition in the "Torture
+Chamber" found in the old prison. There were some gruesome articles
+here.
+
+"All in the name of religion," remarked the minister, shaking his head.
+"It seems to me that in those days men taxed their ingenuity to find new
+and more terrible means of inflicting pain. And men suffered in those
+days because of religious belief."
+
+Someone had expressed himself on the subject in these lines, which they
+read from a card:
+
+    "By my soul's hope of rest,
+    I'd rather have been born, ere man was blessed
+    With the pure dawn of revelation's light;
+    Yea; rather plunge me back into pagan night
+    And take my chances with Socrates for bliss,
+    Than be a Christian of a faith like this."
+
+Out from the depressing gloom of the prison, they took the electric car
+to Scheveningen, the famous sea-side resort. The season was hardly begun
+yet, so there were but few visitors. However, the sands dotted with
+their peculiar wicker shelters and the beautiful blue North Sea were
+there. Out on the water could be seen the little "pinken"--the fishing
+boats, their sails red and taut or white and wing-like, speeding before
+the wind. The waves swept in long straight lines, and broke on the sands
+in muffled sound. The scene was restful, so the party was served with
+something to eat and drink on a table within sound and sight of the open
+sea.
+
+That evening, back in Rotterdam, Chester and Lucy, while the two
+brothers took their ease "at home," found the Mission headquarters,
+introduced themselves to the elders, and spent a few hours very
+pleasantly with them. They learned from the missionaries that the Dutch
+were for the most part, an honest, God-fearing people, quite susceptible
+to the gospel. There were no meetings that evening, but in lieu
+thereof, the presiding elder took them out and introduced them to some
+of the Saints. Then, when they came back to the office, the housekeeper
+served them with cool milk, white bread, sweet butter, and whiter
+cheese.
+
+The next day the tourists went on to Brussels, stopping a few hours only
+at Antwerp, which city was a surprise. As Chester said, "I remember
+seeing such a place on the map, but I had no idea it was such a fine,
+large city.
+
+They saw many wide streets lined with the most unique houses, many of
+them having "terraced gables" facing the street.
+
+"This is certainly the town for fancy 'gingerbread' decorations,"
+commented Chester, as they observed the net-work of cornices and forest
+of pinnacles. There was even a full-sized mounted charger on the topmost
+point of a seven-story building. The Cathedral, with its tall sculptured
+tower, was no doubt an architectural marvel. A brief visit was made to
+the art gallery, "full of Ruben's fat women," as Uncle Gilbert expressed
+it.
+
+"'Anvers,'" read the minister from a post-card. "I thought this was
+Antwerp?"
+
+"Antwerp is the English of it," explained Uncle Gilbert.
+
+"Well, I think names--names of cities and countries, at least, should be
+the same in all languages. At any rate, they could be spelled alike. If
+this town is Anvers, why not call it that?"
+
+Sunday evening brought the party to Brussels, or Bruxelles, in the
+original. The life and gaity of the city were in full swing, and most of
+the shops were doing their usual business. Uncle Gilbert did not want to
+remain long, but Lucy said she wished to visit the battle-field of
+Waterloo, and one or two points of interest in the city. So the evening
+and the next day were consumed. The battle-field is reached by train
+from the city. From the Waterloo station, there is a mile or two of
+walking or riding in carriages to the immediate field of battle. A great
+pyramid of earth covered with grass to its summit marks the spot where
+the conflict raged the fiercest. From the top of this monument a fine
+view is had. What was once a bloody battle-field was that day decked
+with growing fields, dotted with feeding kine. Lucy had again to be
+denied the pleasure of the view from the top. She sat in the wagon below
+and got what she could from the man who had been left with the horses.
+It was all very interesting, but Lucy was so tired when they got back to
+the hotel that she could not see more of Brussels.
+
+Next morning they went on to Paris. All but Chester had been in this gay
+city before. The weather was getting quite warm, so the two brothers did
+not care to follow the strenuous pace set by Chester in his sight
+seeing. During the heat of the day they kept quietly within their rooms
+or strolled leisurely along the shaded boulevards. Chester, by promising
+to take the utmost care of Lucy, was permitted to take her with him to
+visit some of the sights. She knew enough French to make herself fairly
+well understood, and that was a great help.
+
+So these two rode and rambled about Paris for nearly a week, sometimes
+with the father, sometimes with Uncle Gilbert, but more often by
+themselves. The days were fine. The parks and boulevards were gay with
+people. They made purchases in the shops along Rue de Rivoli and at the
+Bon Marche, the great department store which Lucy declared they could
+equal in Kansas City. They gazed for hours in the Louvre Art Gallery,
+coming back time and again to look once more at some picture. The Venus
+de Milo had a fascination about it which drew them into the long
+gallery, where at the extreme end, the classic marble figure stands
+alone.
+
+They rode on the Seine, wondering at its clear waters. They walked about
+the open squares and gardens all of them of historic significance. They
+promenaded, very quietly, it is true, along the Champs Elysees. They
+lingered about the Petit Palais, one of the most beautiful of Paris
+buildings because of its newness, its clean, chaste finish, and the
+artistic combination of marble, pictures, and flowers. Was it any wonder
+that amid all this interesting beauty Chester's and Lucy's eyes and
+hands frequently met to express what words failed to do?
+
+The four sight-seers were at Napoleon's Tomb, admiring the wonderful
+light effect.
+
+"Every time I visit this place," said Uncle Gilbert, "I like to read a
+summary of Napoleon's career which I found and clipped. Would you like
+to hear it?"
+
+The others said they would, so Uncle Gilbert read:
+
+"Egyptian sands and Russian snows alike invaded; a revolution quelled,
+an empire created; his own brethren seated on thrones of vassal
+kingdoms; a complete code of jurisprudence formed for France from the
+wrecks of mediaeval misrule; the most profound strategist of the ages;
+denounced by nations as the 'disturber of the peace of the world;'
+violating the marriage law of God and man; himself a dwarf in height,
+and lowering the physical stature of a generation of his countrymen
+through the frightful carnage of wars undertaken largely for his
+personal aggrandizement; succumbing in the moment of final victory to
+insidious disease; twice expatriated, dying in exile across the seas,
+after twenty years; in life, the idol of a race and the detestation of
+the rest of the continent; and now, a handful of dust, his spirit in the
+presence of its Maker.'"
+
+This reading furnished a text for the minister, who talked rather more
+freely than he had recently done. Notre Dame lay in their route that
+afternoon, so naturally enough, they went in, Uncle Gilbert remarking
+that this was a fit place for the minister to conclude his sermon.
+
+"What a dark, musty place," said Lucy.
+
+"It fits in very well with their religion," suggested Chester. "A lot of
+outward show, but within, dark and dead."
+
+Uncle Gilbert, though living in Ireland, was not a Catholic, so he took
+no offense at this remark.
+
+Then while they were "doing" churches, they visited that of St. Sulpice,
+a very large edifice, in the floor of which is a brass line which marks
+the Meridian of Paris. At the left of the entrance sits St. Peter in
+life-sized bronze, in possession of the Keys. The naked big toe of this
+figure is easily reached by the worshipers.
+
+"I have heard of people kissing images of the Saints," said Chester,
+"but I have never seen anything of the kind. Let us rest here a while,
+to see if anything happens."
+
+Lucy was glad of the suggestion as she was more tired than she wished to
+acknowledge. The big church was cool and quiet. Worshipers singly and in
+twos were coming and going. Presently, a woman, and presumably her
+daughter, came in, and as they passed St. Peter they leaned forward and
+kissed the shining, metal toe. They passed on to a confessional where
+the priest could be seen and faintly heard behind the latticed window.
+
+All this was exceedingly interesting to the young people. The two
+brothers were absorbed more in the building itself than what was going
+on within; even to what their two young people were doing. Chester,
+surely was prompted by a spirit of sacriledge when he took from an inner
+pocket a picture post-card he had bought in Ireland.
+
+"The kissing of the toe reminded me of it," said he, as he handed the
+card to Lucy, who looked at the picture of an Irishman in the act of
+kissing his sweetheart, Blarney Castle being shown in the distance.
+Underneath was the following:
+
+    "With quare sinsashuns and palpitashuns,
+      A kiss I'll venture here, Mavrone;
+    'Tis swater Blarney, good Father Mahoney,
+      Kissin' the girls than that dirty stone."
+
+Lucy's father tapped her on the shoulder. "You're in a church. Behave
+yourself," he said. "Come, let's be going."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+It was evident that, notwithstanding the good intentions which all
+persons concerned had of not overreaching in the sight-seeing business,
+Lucy, at least, was feeling its effects. That she would have to remain
+quiet for some days was the verdict of the physician which her father
+called. There was no immediate danger, said he to Chester, but the heart
+action was feeble. A week of absolute rest would remedy that.
+
+Chester was packed off to Switzerland alone, contrary to the program he
+had looked forward to. Uncle Gilbert did not care to go. Mr. Strong
+would have to remain with Lucy, so if Chester was to see Switzerland, he
+would have to try it alone. When Chester heard of the arrangement, he
+demurred; but when Lucy's father suggested to him that perhaps it would
+be best for her, he said no more.
+
+After Chester's departure, the three settled down to the business at
+hand, that of resting. That was easy enough for Lucy and her father, but
+Uncle Gilbert was hale and hearty, so he continued to make short daily
+excursions to points of interest. They had pleasant quarters, not too
+near the noise of the city. The semi-private hotel had but few guests,
+so the back garden in which dinner was usually served, proved a
+desirable lounging-place.
+
+Uncle Gilbert was away that afternoon. Lucy was resting in her room. The
+Rev. Mr. Strong paced nervously back and forth in the garden for a time,
+then dropped heavily into an easy chair. The French maid, stepping
+quietly about placed a pillow under his head, which kindness he accepted
+gratefully. The garden was still. There were no sharp near-noises, the
+city's activity coming merely as a faint distant hum.
+
+The minister closed his eyes, but he did not go to sleep. His mind was
+too active for that, his nerves were tingling again. The bright, gay
+life about him did not exist for him. That afternoon he lived in the
+past. He marshalled for review contending thoughts, that had for many
+years fought for supremacy. Out of the chaos of conflict no order had
+yet come. He was getting old before his years justified it.
+
+Why should he, a minister of the word of God, be so easily moved by
+strange religious ideas? Faintly as if from some distant, mostly
+forgotten past, there came to him this idea, that the truth, the whole,
+clean, simple truth as it exists in Christ Jesus had been told him, and
+he had rejected it. Why he had done this was not clear to him. He seemed
+to have lived in periods of alternating darkness and light. Then later,
+he had come in contact with so-called "Mormonism." Strange to say, its
+teachings had the same ring as that which he had heard before; but this
+time he rejected it because of its evil name. Once again, a little
+later, these same doctrines had come to him, but they were not welcomed
+when he learned that those who taught them and lived them were simple,
+ofttimes uneducated people, usually called the "scum" of the earth.
+
+The Rev. Mr. Strong had actually given up his pastorship in two places,
+moving westward until he reached Kansas City.--Here for a number of
+years, he had experienced peace, a sort of indifferent peace, he
+admitted, due more to callousness of soul than to anything else. Then
+came Lucy's adventure with the "Mormon" elders on the streets, and her
+visit to "Mormon" meetings. She had brought "Mormon" literature home,
+and he had read it, read it all. He had asked her to bring more. He had
+often sat up till midnight to finish a book, then had railed at Lucy for
+bringing it into the house. And now the conflict was on again, harder
+than ever. He closed his eyes, saying, "No, no;" then opened them again
+to the beautiful light. He stopped his ears, crying, "I will not hear;"
+then listened to the sweet music. With all the force of his life's
+training, he railed against the doctrine; then in silence contemplated
+its glorious truths. He drove the thought of it out of his mind; then
+welcomed it eagerly back. Back and forth, in and out, in doubt and fear,
+in faith and hope his soul had suffered and wrought.
+
+What was the outcome to be? Evidently, the end was not yet; for had he
+not purposely taken this trip abroad, to get away from some of these
+things, and had he not run hard against that which he had hoped to
+escape. And in what form had it now come? In that of his son, his only
+son, the child of his younger days! Surely God was in this thing. "Yes,"
+the man muttered, "God is watching me. I cannot escape. His hand is over
+me. '_If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost
+parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand
+shall hold me!_'"
+
+Uncle Gilbert came in, humming lightly a tune he had caught from the
+band in the cafe. He stopped when he saw his brother apparently asleep.
+He was about to retreat when his brother, opening his eyes, called:
+
+"Don't go; come here. I want to talk with you. I want your opinion on a
+matter."
+
+Uncle Gilbert seated himself to listen.
+
+"You might think it a strange thing for me to ask you about doctrines of
+religion," began the brother, "but sometimes a layman has a clearer,
+more unbiased view than one who has studied one system, and--and has
+made his living from preaching it."
+
+"I fear, brother, you are worrying too much about such things"--
+
+"Not at all--not too much. It's necessary to worry sometimes. I suppose
+that's God's way of arousing people. I am worrying--have been worrying
+for many years--just now I want someone to talk to--I want you to
+listen."
+
+"I'll do that, if that will help you," said the brother as he placed his
+hat and stick on a table and shifted himself into a comfortable
+position. The maid peeped in, but seeing the two men, retired again.
+
+"I have preached hundreds of sermons on the being and nature of God,"
+said the minister, now sitting erect and looking at his brother. "I have
+spoken of Him as a Father, our Father, and all the time He has been out
+in time and space, formless, homeless, unthinkable. He has never
+appealed to heart or brain. Will God ever be more to me than a force in
+and through all nature? Shall we ever see His face? Shall we ever feel
+the cares of His hand and hear His voice, not in a figurative sense, but
+in reality."
+
+"Now brother"--said Uncle Gilbert again.
+
+"Don't interrupt. You do not need to answer my questions--you couldn't
+if you wanted to. Listen. What do you think of this: God is our Father,
+in reality as we naturally understand it--Father of our spirits. We are,
+therefore, His children. That is our relationship. Consequently we are
+of a family of Gods. Admit that our Father is God, and that we are His
+children, the conclusion is absolute. We are not worms of the dust, only
+so far as we degrade our divine nature to that lowness.
+
+"This Father of ours has in the past eternities trod through time and
+space, learning,--yes, suffering, overcoming, conquering, becoming
+perfect, until now He sits in the midst of glory, power, and eternal
+lives. In might and majesty perfect, He can and does hold us all as in
+the hollow of His hand. This little earth of ours, and all the shining
+worlds on high are His workmanship. He holds them also by His allwise
+power. And yet, my brother, come back to this simple proposition, we are
+that great Being's sons and daughters, and if we walk in the way in
+which He walked, we are heirs to all that He has! I am one of a great
+family, so are you,--all of us. Our Father has but gone before and we
+follow. The difference between us is only in degree of development and
+not in kind.
+
+"'O God, I think thy thoughts after Thee,' said Kepler, and thoughts
+lead to deeds.
+
+"Again, the Son, whom we know as Jesus Christ, came to reveal to us this
+Father. He was in 'the form of God.' He was the 'image of the invisible
+God.' Further, this Son was in the express image of the Father's person.
+Jesus Christ was a man like unto us as far as outward form is concerned.
+He is one of this great family, the first-born and foremost of the
+children, it is true, yet one of us--He acknowledged us as His brethren.
+Now, then listen: Jesus follows His Father. 'The Son can do nothing of
+Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He
+doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.' Also, this Son said: 'My
+Father worketh hitherto, and I work.' Now, if we follow in the steps of
+the Son, as He has commanded us to do, and that Son follows in the steps
+of His Father, where is our final destination?"
+
+The brother listened in wonder. The doctrine was, indeed, strange, but
+it was too clear and logical to be the result of a weak mind. The
+minister saw the perplexity in his listener's face and said:
+
+"No, brother, I am not crazy. My mind has never been clearer. I feel
+fine now. I tell you, there is manna for a hungry soul in these things.
+
+"And now again: This life is a school. From the puny, helpless infant to
+old age, life is a development of the attributes with which we come into
+the world. We get all our education through our senses. No faculty of
+mind or body is useless. The perfect man has these all perfectly
+developed. We have at least one example of a perfect man, the
+resurrected Son of God. What was He like? When He appeared to His
+disciples He said, 'Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and
+bones, as ye see me have.' He also ate with His brethren. Here, then, we
+have, one of us, carrying with Him into the celestial world His body of
+flesh and bone. And, mind you, He is the pattern. If we follow Him, we
+also shall take with us these bodies, changed, purged, and glorified of
+course, but yet bodies in every sense. Will not the eye then see
+perfectly, the ear hear every sound in the celestial key? Not only every
+attribute of the mind, but every organ of the body will be prefect in
+its operation. Think what that will mean!"
+
+The speaker paused as if to let his listener arrive at the inevitable
+conclusion in his own mind.
+
+"What will it mean?" he asked again.
+
+"I don't know," replied Uncle Gilbert.
+
+"It will mean fatherhood--eternal, celestialized fatherhood. We shall
+be like Him our Father, not only to beget, but to _father_ a race! Think
+of that! Did you ever think of that? No, of course not--and I--musn't--I
+who--have never yet made a beginning--how can I expect"--
+
+The head fell back on the pillow as Uncle Gilbert quickly came to his
+brother's side. The minister's face was pale, his eyes were closed for a
+moment. Then he opened them, sat upright, ran his hand over his face,
+and smiled at his brother.
+
+"Don't be alarmed," he said, "it was nothing. I'm all right."
+
+He walked about while the maid came in and set the table for dinner. The
+minister linked his arm into his brother's. "Say, brother," he asked,
+"would you not be lonesome up in heaven without Aunt Sarah?"
+
+Uncle Gilbert was seriously alarmed. He had in mind to call Lucy, when,
+providentially she came to them.
+
+"I think your father's not well, Lucy?" said Uncle Gilbert, as she took
+her father's other arm.
+
+"What's the matter, papa?" she asked.
+
+"I am well," protested the father--"as well as I ever was. I've just
+been telling brother here some things--some gospel truths in fact, and I
+guess they're beyond you yet," he said to his brother.
+
+"Well," replied Uncle Gilbert, "I'll admit I've never heard you talk
+like that before."
+
+"Why, I've preached these things scores of times from the pulpit, and my
+congregations have thought them fine. I didn't tell, however, where my
+inspiration came from."
+
+"Where did it come from?" asked Lucy.
+
+"From your books, my dear."
+
+"My books?"
+
+"Yes; from your books on 'Mormonism'."
+
+Had not dinner just then been announced, it is hard to say what would
+have become of Uncle Gilbert's astonishment. Across the table he saw
+Lucy's reassuring smile from which he himself took courage that all was
+well.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+_My Dear Lucy_:--I am writing this in my room high up on the hillside of
+Lucerne, (Luzern) pronounced as if there were a "t" before the "z." The
+day is closing. The light is yet bright on the mountains, but the lake
+lies in shadows. The lamps are being lighted down below in the town and
+along the promenade. I hear faintly the arrival of the steamer at the
+pier.
+
+But let me begin at the beginning, and tell you what I have seen and
+done up to the present. This telling is a poor substitute for the
+reality, I assure you; but as you have never been in Switzerland, you
+might be interested in the sights here--through my eyes! Let me say now,
+before I forget, that at every point of beauty and interest, I said in
+my heart, "O that Lucy could be here to enjoy this!" It really seemed
+selfish in me to be alone. And then, you know, the pleasure of sight
+seeing is materially enhanced when one has a sympathetic companion to
+whom one may exclaim: "Isn't that grand!"
+
+We entered Switzerland at Basel, then journeyed on to Zurich. This is
+Switzerland's largest city, and in my opinion, it is one of the most
+beautiful large cities I have ever seen. Of course, I hunted up the
+Church headquarters, where I was fortunate to meet a friend I had known
+in Salt Lake. He kindly gave me the information I desired about the
+city and even took a few hours off duty to accompany me to points of
+interest.
+
+That evening we went to the Opera house, where Faust was being played. I
+had a great desire to see Faust in the original, and though my German is
+not up to Goethe's standard, I could follow the plot somewhat, and I was
+eagerly watching for Margaret to make her appearance on the stage. After
+a long evening, the curtain went down, and all the people got up and
+left--yet no Margaret had appeared. I was puzzled; but my friend
+explained that the play was only half over. If I desired to see the
+rest, I would have to come back the following evening. What do you think
+of that? Well, I didn't go back--I went to Lucerne, next morning.
+
+I wanted to see the Alps, of course, and we got a distant view only of
+them from Zurich. Here, at Lucerne, we have them in all their grand
+beauty.
+
+I don't mind admitting to you that my purse would not allow my stopping
+longer at the Schweizerhof, than to merely take a good look at the
+exterior. I had with me the Lucerne elders' address, and easily found
+them. They directed me to a friend who had cheap rooms, and it is here I
+am writing to you. The view is just as fine from my window as from the
+big hotel--nay, finer, for I am higher up; and after all, Lucy, the five
+francs' out-look on a beautiful world is enjoyed quite as much as if it
+cost fifteen. I can see the cap or the collar of Mt. Pilatus better
+perhaps than the fat, cross, silk-clad lady I saw on the boat
+yesterday, can see them. (By "cap" is meant a cloud resting on top, by
+"collar" the cloud encircling Pilatus' head.)
+
+This brings me to my trip on Lake Lucerne day before yesterday. We
+started early. The tourist season has hardly begun yet, so we were not
+crowded. There was rain threatening. The mountain tops were hidden by
+clouds, and the prospect was not assuring. However, by the time we
+landed at Brunnen, the clouds had lifted, the sun came out, and the day
+became pleasantly warm. From Brunnen, it was our plan to walk along the
+Axenstrasse, to Fluelen, a distance of five or six miles. There were
+three of us, with an elder for guide. I wish you could have spent that
+afternoon with us--with me, strolling along that wonderful road, cut out
+of the mountain side bordering the lake. The post cards I am enclosing
+will give you an idea of the scenery, and I assure you the blueness of
+the lake is not overdone in the picture.
+
+The road leads along gently sloping hill-sides, covered with farms, then
+it pierces the sheer rock, then again borders the cliff, fifty or one
+hundred feet from the lake below. The trees are in full leaf and some
+are in bloom. The grass is high where we walked, but up towards the tops
+of the mountains, the snow still lies. One of the strange sights is to
+see large, splendid hotels perched in some cranny away up near the
+summit of the peaks. Cog railways now take the tourists up some of the
+mountains.
+
+The region around Lake Lucerne is historic, I am told. Here began the
+Swiss struggle for liberty which we read about. The scene of William
+Tell's exploits are laid here, and we are shown on the shore of the
+lake, Tell's Capelle, said to mark the spot where the apple-shooting
+patriot leaped ashore and escaped from the tyrant Gessler. I do not
+wonder at men, born and reared amid these mountains not submitting to
+the yoke of oppression.
+
+In reading up on Lucerne, I came upon this, taken from "Romance and
+Teutonic Switzerland."
+
+"The Swiss nation was born on the banks of Lake Luzern, and craddled
+upon its waters. First, the chattering waves told the news to the
+overhanging beaches; and they whispered it to the forests, to the lonely
+cedars on the uplands. The blank precipices smiled, the Alpine roses
+blushed their brightest, the summer pastures glowed, the glaciers and
+avalanches roared approval; and, finally, the topmost peaks promised to
+lend their white mantles for the baptism." That's rather nicely put,
+don't you think?
+
+About half way along Axenstrasse, we discovered that we were hungry, so
+we proposed to try one of the farm houses for something to eat. Our
+guide, tried one that looked typical of what we wanted, and the rest of
+us waited by the road, for fully thirty minutes.
+
+At last the elder returned, explaining that he had had no easy task. He
+had to plead with every member of the household, from grandmother to
+daughter, to get them to take us in; but at last he was successful. We
+went into a most interesting room. The finish and furnishings were old
+and quaint, the woodwork bare of paint and scoured clean and smooth by
+years of scrubbing. In time we were served with bread (they were out of
+butter, they said) preserved cherries, walnuts, and hot milk. (Our guide
+said it was safer to have the milk boiled.) We enjoyed the meal amid the
+unique surroundings. The good people were profuse with thanks when we
+paid them in good-sized silver. I believe the elder left a gospel tract
+with them, so who can tell what will be the outcome of our visit?
+
+From Fluelen we took steamer back to Lucerne.
+
+Well, it's getting late. I'd better go to bed. I fear I shall tire you
+by my guide-book descriptions. But this for a good-night's thought: Here
+I am away from you, away from my world, as it were. I can look back on
+my short life, and I can see the hand of an allwise and merciful Father,
+shaping events, ever for my good. Was it chance that we two should have
+taken the same steamer and be thrown together as we were. Not at all.
+There is a power behind the universe--call it what we may--which
+directs. This power will not permit any honest, truth-seeking soul to be
+overcome and be destroyed. I thank the Lord for His blessings to me. Out
+of seeming darkness and despair He has led me to light and happiness.
+And may I say it, we two, because of our cleaving to the light as it has
+been made known to us, have been brought together. Is it not true? I
+wish and pray also that your father may soften his heart towards the
+truth. I sometimes fear that his heart does already accept the gospel,
+but that his will says no. There now, good night.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Good morning. I had a fine sleep. I dreamed that you were with me, and
+we were looking at the Lion of Lucerne. The dying lion roared, and you
+clasped me so tightly in your fright, that I awoke,--all of which
+reminds me that I have not told you much about this city or its sights.
+
+The Lion, I suppose is Lucerne's most distinctive curiosity. As you will
+see by the card, it is a large figure of a lion carved out of the solid
+rock in the hillside. Thorwaldsen furnished the model. It was made to
+commemorate the bravery of the Swiss guards who fought in the service of
+Louis XVI at the outbreak of the French Revolution.
+
+Switzerland is sometimes called the playground of Europe. Down on the
+promenades by the lakes, one may see people from "every nation under
+heaven" nearly. By the way, who do you think I met, day before
+yesterday? Why, our would-be gallant ship-board friend. Strange to say,
+he was sober, and more strange, he appeared pleased to see me. He wanted
+to take me to all kinds of places, and treat me to all kinds of good
+things; but further, strange(?) to relate, I shook him for the company
+of a few native saints, for there was a meeting that evening which I
+attended. I had to speak too, in English, of course, with one of the
+missionaries interpreting. It was an odd experience.
+
+The postman has just been here with your note. I was very sorry the news
+from you was not better. I am blaming myself for tiring you out too much
+with my sight seeing. Send me at least a card everyday to this address,
+_please_. I have thought to go through the country to Bern, but I
+suppose all the lakes and mountains of Switzerland look much alike. I am
+quite satisfied with Lucerne. I was very much interested in what your
+father said about "Mormonism." If our prayers are of any avail, we'll
+"get him" yet.
+
+Before I close this long letter, and I must do so now--I want to tell
+you of an incident that occurred yesterday. I was taking a stroll up
+above the town, by myself, for I will admit I was in a "mood." There are
+a lot of monks in Lucerne. You can see them on the street, fat,
+rolly-poly looking men, bare, oddly-cropped heads, and outwardly clad in
+what looks like a dressing gown. Well, I was curious to see the convent
+where the monks live a life of ease, I suppose to get used to the
+eternal "rest" which they expect when they get to heaven, of which I
+have my "doubts." However, I did not find the convent, nor did I see any
+monks, but as I was walking along an unfrequently traveled road, I met a
+little boy and girl, walking towards me, hand in hand. They were crying.
+When they saw me, they wiped their eyes and stopped. I saw they were
+poorly clad, and, somewhat dirty. I became interested in them, but they
+were so shy that it was with difficulty I got them to remain. They
+looked at the coppers I held out, but they did not move until I placed
+a silver piece beside them. Their eyes rounded out, then, and the little
+girl became brave enough to come and take them. Well, I tried my German
+on them, but they were, evidently, too Swiss to understand me--I was at
+the time making a whistle from a small willow which I had cut from the
+wayside. I seated myself on the bank and went on making my whistle. The
+children watched me pound the bark, then twist off the loosened peeling,
+and finish the whistle. When I blew it, they laughed. I handed it to the
+boy, who timidly put it to his lips. They sat down by me, and I made a
+whistle for the girl, then a third, bigger one, which I stuck into the
+boy's pocket, telling him to take it home. You ought to have seen the
+changed expression on those two dirty faces when they left me, blowing
+happily on their willow whistles.
+
+I was lonesome no longer. What a little thing will bring joy into a
+dreary life!
+
+Love to all with heaping measures for you, from
+
+Yours as ever,
+
+CHESTER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+A week of comparative quiet brought little change for the better to
+Lucy, so it was decided that they would by easy stages, get back to
+London, thence to Cork and Kildare Villa. Lucy kept Chester informed of
+their doings, saying as little as possible about her health. As she did
+not wish to deprive him of the full enjoyment of his visit to
+Switzerland, she did not send him word of their intentions, until they
+were ready to leave. They would go by way of Calais and Dover, the
+short-water route, she wrote him.
+
+When Chester received this information he hastily cut short his sight
+seeing, and started for London by way of Rotterdam. The long ride alone
+was somewhat tiresome, and he was glad to meet again some of the elders
+in the land of canals and windmills.
+
+Just before the train rolled into Rotterdam, Chester thought of Glen
+Curtis. It came to him as a distinct shock when he realized that he had
+entirely forgotten to enquire about Glen on his former visit. "Well,"
+said he to himself, "so easily do our interests change from one person
+to another." But now he must find his old friend. He could freely talk
+to him now even about Julia Elston.
+
+Chester learned from the elder in charge at the office, that Elder
+Curtis was released to return home in a few days. He would be in
+Rotterdam shortly. When? In a few days. But Chester could not wait that
+long, so he took train to the city where Glen was laboring, and found
+him making his farewell rounds.
+
+"Well of all things," exclaimed the elder, as Chester took him firmly by
+the hand.
+
+"I'm the last person on earth you expected to see here in Dutchland, I
+suppose?"
+
+"You certainly are. And what are you doing here?"
+
+Chester told him as they walked arm in arm along the quiet streets of
+the town.
+
+"And now you're going home. We'll go together," exclaimed Glen.
+
+"I wish we could," said Chester, "but I fear that my party is not ready,
+and Lucy is not well enough to make the trip, I fear."
+
+"Lucy?"
+
+Chester smiled goodnaturedly, then told him freely of Lucy. "And when
+you get home, you can tell Julia all about me and mine. It will please
+her, I am sure. By the way, how is it between Julia and you? I haven't
+heard lately."
+
+"All right," said Glen.
+
+"You're a lucky boy," declared Chester, "to get such a girl. There's
+just _one_ other I would rather have."
+
+"I'm glad you think so."
+
+"Of course you are--for--oh, for everybody's sake."
+
+Chester had to return to Rotterdam the same day, so he claimed. Glen
+could not keep him longer, and reluctantly waved him off at the station.
+
+The boat was slow from the Hook, at least it seemed so to Chester, and
+there was a high sea which nearly upset him. He got to London too late
+in the evening to call on the Strong's, but next morning he was out
+early.
+
+Lucy met him in the hall with a cry of delight.
+
+"You've come," she whispered as he pressed her close. "Oh, I thought you
+never would."
+
+"My dear, why did you not say? Why did you let me leave you at all?"
+
+"I didn't want you to miss anything on my account--but never mind that
+now--come in. Papa and uncle will be glad to see you. Do you know," she
+added with evident pleasure, "papa has been _nearly_ as anxious about
+you as I have,--has continually asked me about you,--and I had to let
+him read your lovely long letter."
+
+"You did? Well, it's all right. There's no harm done, I'm sure. He might
+as well know everything."
+
+"Oh, he knows a lot already."
+
+They went into the house, and found seats until the others should
+appear.
+
+"Your face shows signs of suffering, Lucy; but otherwise you look quite
+well."
+
+"That's just it with my trouble. I usually deceive my looks; but I feel
+better already; and now, let me tell you something else: Father has
+nearly consented to my being baptized!"
+
+"Lucy!"
+
+"It's true. I've been pleading with him--and preaching to him too; and
+the other day he said he would think about it. That's a concession, for
+he has always said _he would not_ think of such a thing."
+
+"I'm so glad so very, very glad, Lucy."
+
+"And Chester, I believe it's you who have made the change in him. He's
+been so different since you have been with us. He hasn't been so angry
+with me when I talked of 'Mormonism.' He has let me read my books
+without any remonstrance. And do you know, even Uncle Gilbert is
+affected. He and papa must have had some profound discussions about us
+and our religion for he has asked me to lend him some books. He'll no
+doubt want to know from your all about Utah and the people out there."
+
+"And I shall be pleased to tell him," said Chester.
+
+The father stood as if hesitating, in the doorway.
+
+"Come in, papa," said Lucy. "Chester's come."
+
+"Yes; I see he has," replied the father as he came to greet the young
+man, and shake his hand warmly.
+
+"I'm glad, with Lucy to see you with us again."
+
+"And I am glad to be with you," said Chester honestly.
+
+The morning was spent together. The beginnings of a London fog kept them
+in doors, which was no hardship, as the three seemed to have so much to
+talk about. After lunch, the fog changed its intentions, lifted,
+disappeared and let the sun have full sway. To be sure, some smoke still
+lingered, but out where the Strongs were staying it only mellowed the
+distances.
+
+That afternoon it occured to Chester that the relationship now existing
+between him and Lucy called for a further understanding with the father.
+He knew, of course, that the father's attitude toward him had changed;
+Lucy's words and the father's actions justified him in the thought.
+
+Chester managed to accompany the father in his stroll in the park that
+afternoon, and without delay, he broached the subject so near his heart.
+The minister listened quietly to the young man plead his case, not
+interrupting until he had finished. They seated themselves on a bench by
+the grass. The father looked down at the figures he was drawing with his
+cane on the ground and mused for a moment. Then he said:
+
+"Yes; I have given my consent, by my actions, at least. I have no
+objection to you. I like you very much. Lucy does too, and fathers can't
+very well stop such things. But there still remains the fact that Lucy
+is not well. There is no telling how long she can live, and yet I have
+heard of cases like hers where marriage has been a great benefit."
+
+"I thank you for your kind words," said Chester. "Let me assure you I
+shall be controlled by your judgement as to marriage. We are neither of
+us ready for that. Of course, I sincerely hope she will get stronger. I
+think she will; but meantime you have no objection to my loving her, and
+doing all for her that my love can do?"
+
+"Certainly not, my boy, certainly not." The father placed his hand on
+the young man's shoulder as he said it. Chester noted the faint tremor
+in voice and hand, and his heart went out to him.
+
+"You are a comfort and a strength to Lucy--and to me," continued Mr.
+Strong. "We miss you very much when you are away. Can't you stay with us
+right along. Perhaps that's not fair to ask--your home and friends--"
+
+"I have no home, my dear sir; and my friends, are few. I told you, did I
+not, my history?"
+
+"Yes, you told me, I remember."
+
+"And remembering, you think no less of me."
+
+"Not a bit--rather more."
+
+"Let me serve you then, you and Lucy. If you need me, I equally need
+you. Let me give what little there is in me to somebody that wants me.
+My life, so far, has been full of change and somewhat purposeless. I
+have drifted about the world. Let me now anchor with you. I feel as
+though I ought to do that--"
+
+The man clung closer to Chester, who, feeling a thrill of dear
+companionship, continued:
+
+"Let me be a son to you always, and a sister to Lucy, until it can be
+something more."
+
+"Yes, yes, my boy!"
+
+Others were out basking in the warm sun that afternoon. Those that
+walked leisurely and took notice of events about them, were impressed by
+the affectionate behavior of the two men. Lucy Strong was herself out.
+She was curious to know what had become of Chester and her father,
+besides, the sun was inviting. She soon found them, herself
+undiscovered. She paused, examined the flower beds, and became
+interested in the swans in the lake. Her face beamed with happiness when
+she saw them, for their shoulders were close together and Chester had
+her father's hands clasped firmly in his own. She tiptoed up behind them
+on the grass, then slipped her hands over each of their eyes.
+
+"Guess," she laughed.
+
+"A fairy princess," said Chester.
+
+"Mother Goose," responded the father.
+
+They moved apart and let her sit between them.
+
+"The rose between," suggested Chester.
+
+"The tie that binds," corrected the girl, placing an arm about each of
+them.
+
+Then they all laughed so merrily, that the infection reached a ragged
+urchin playing on the gravel-path near by.
+
+"My dear," said the father. "Chester has promised to stay with us, and
+be--"
+
+"Your man--about--the--house," finished Chester.
+
+"Which we certainly need," agreed Lucy. "Two people, Strong by name, but
+mighty weak by nature, as my old nurse used to say, require some such a
+man. I'm glad father picked you."
+
+"He chose us, rather, Lucy," said the father.
+
+"Well, either way."
+
+"Both," affirmed Chester, at which they all laughed again.
+
+A carriage with liveried coachman and footman, and containing two ladies
+drove by. The little boy had to leave his gravel castle while the wheels
+of the carriage crushed it to the level. The boy looked at the ruins a
+moment, then at the departing vehicle. Then he started his building anew
+safely away from wheel tracks.
+
+"A young philosopher," remarked the minister, observing the occurrence.
+
+"Papa," said Lucy, after a pause of consideration, "you have made me so
+happy to-day. You can make my joy complete by granting me one other
+thing."
+
+"What's that?" asked he unthinkingly.
+
+"Let me be baptized," she replied softly.
+
+The father's body stiffened perceptibly, and his face sobered.
+
+"Believe me, papa, I _am_ sorry to have to annoy you so much on the
+matter; but I can't help it. Something within me urges me on. I can't
+get away from the testimony which I have, any more than I can get away
+from my shadow."
+
+"You can get away from your shadow," said the minister.
+
+"Yes; by going into the dark, and that I do not want to do. I want to
+live in the light,--the beautiful gospel light always."
+
+Chester listened in pleased wonder to Lucy's pleadings. He added nothing
+as she seemed able to say all that was necessary. In time the father's
+face softened again, and he turned to Chester to ask:
+
+"What do you think of such arguments?"
+
+"They're splendid--and reasonable--and true, sir."
+
+"Of course, you would say so. Well, I'll think about it, Lucy."
+
+"But, papa, you've been thinking about it a lot, and time is going. Say
+yes today, now--here with Chester and me--and the Lord alone. Besides,
+papa, now I ought to be one with Chester in _everything_. That's right,
+isn't it?"
+
+"Yes; that's right."
+
+"So you consent?"
+
+"I didn't say that."
+
+"You must. I'm of age anyway, and could do it without your consent; but
+I don't want to. I want your blessing instead of your disapproval on
+such an important step."
+
+"Could she stand the ordeal, do you think?" asked the father of Chester.
+
+"In a few days when she gets a little stronger--yes."
+
+"Well, let's walk a bit. You two go ahead. I must think."
+
+The two did as they were told nor looked back. The one was not thinking
+clearly and logically, so much as he was fighting over the eternal
+warfare of conviction against policy. He also knew. He had received more
+of a testimony than he ever admitted, even to himself. If he should do
+as his innermost conscience told him, he also would join Lucy in baptism
+of water for the remission of sins; but that thought he pushed from
+him. He, an old man in the ministry, to now change his faith--to cut
+himself off from his life's work--no, that would never do. It was
+different with Lucy, quite another thing. She had set her heart on it
+and on Chester, and it would be best for her--yes, it would be best for
+her.
+
+When Chester was saying good-night to Lucy that evening, the father came
+out into the hall to them.
+
+"Chester," said he, "tell Elder Malby I should like to see him to
+morrow. He is the one that attends to baptism into the Mormon Church,
+isn't he?"
+
+"Yes," replied Chester. "I shall tell him."
+
+"Oh, papa, you dear, good papa!" exclaimed Lucy throwing her arms about
+him.
+
+"There, there now, behave--say good-night to Chester."
+
+But she clung to him and kissed him through her tears of joy. Then she
+went to Chester.
+
+The father turned to go.
+
+"Wait a moment, papa," said Lucy: "I want to go with you."
+
+With a parting kiss for Chester, and a murmured good night, she took her
+father's arm and led him in.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+Lucy gained in strength so rapidly that within a week it was thought
+safe to let her be baptized. Her father, Uncle Gilbert, Chester, the
+housekeeper at headquarters and one other sister were present at the
+Baths. Elder Malby performed the ordinance. Three others were also
+baptized at the same time.
+
+Uncle Gilbert was very curious as also a little nervous at what he
+called the "dipping." He couldn't see why the ceremony required a whole
+swimming pool when a few drops sprinkled on the forehead, had, as long
+as he had any recollection, been sufficient. The father witnessed the
+ordinance unmoved. Lucy went through the ordeal bravely, and when she
+came out from the dressing room where the sisters had helped her, he
+kissed her placidly on the forehead.
+
+The party took a cab to the mission headquarters, where a simple service
+was held of singing and prayer, Elder Malby making a few remarks on the
+meaning and purpose of the ordinance of baptism. The newly baptized were
+then confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+Saints. Then the housekeeper invited them all down to the dining room,
+and again there were a few simple special features in celebration of the
+happy occasion.
+
+And it was a happy time in the one only way which comes from duty done.
+A sweet, quiet peace abode in every heart. Was not the Heavenly Father
+well pleased with these as He had been when the Son had done likewise.
+And the Holy Ghost, the Comforter from heaven rested upon them softly as
+a dove,--that was the secret of their supreme joy.
+
+As Lucy had predicted, Uncle Gilbert's curiosity brought him to Chester
+for more information regarding Utah and the "Mormons." The very next day
+after the baptism, Uncle Gilbert met Chester before he entered the
+house. They greeted each other pleasantly, and then Chester inquired
+about Lucy, and how she was feeling.
+
+"Lucy seems to be all right," was the reply, "though her father isn't so
+well this morning. He had a bad night but is sleeping now. That's why I
+met you here, so that he might not be disturbed by the bell."
+
+"I'm sorry," said Chester. "These attacks seem to be coming frequently."
+
+"My brother has not been well for years. For a long time he has had to
+fight hard with himself and his nerves. Sometimes they get the best of
+him for a time, and, of course, as he gets older, he has less strength.
+I wish we could get him to Kildare Villa. He would be himself again down
+there."
+
+"We were to have gone in a day or two, were we not?"
+
+"Yes; but he can't leave yet--Do you want to see Lucy?"
+
+"Just for a few moments; she'll be busy with her father."
+
+Uncle Gilbert went in the house, considerately sending her out alone.
+She was radiantly beautiful to Chester that morning in her soft white
+dress, fluffy hair, and glowing eyes; but he only looked his love for
+her, and said:
+
+"Good morning, _Sister_ Strong."
+
+"Good morning, _Brother_ Lawrence," she responded.
+
+"How are you feeling?"
+
+"I am feeling fine. But poor papa--"
+
+"Yes; Uncle Gilbert told me."
+
+"We'll have to remain here until he gets over the attack. Uncle is
+anxious to get home, and I must admit I'd rather be at Kildare Villa
+than here."
+
+Then Uncle Gilbert came out with hat and cane. He was going for a walk
+with Chester, he said, for it would be wiser not to disturb the sleeper.
+He explained to Lucy that her father was getting a much needed rest, and
+that she was to see to it that he was not disturbed. Chester would
+"keep" with his Uncle Gilbert for a few hours.
+
+The morning was fair, so the two men struck out for Hyde Park. They
+walked across the big stretches of grass, then rested on a seat by the
+Serpentine. As yet, not many people were about, and the London hum had
+not risen to its highest pitch.
+
+Uncle Gilbert wanted to know about Utah, and Chester entered into a
+detailed description of the state and her people.
+
+"I have, of course, heard of the Mormon people; but I will admit my
+ideas are somewhat vague. My brother, as a preacher, must of course,
+have come in contact with all sorts of religious professions. He seems
+to know considerable about Mormonism. Where did he learn that?"
+
+Chester explained what part Lucy had played in this.
+
+"Well, he agrees very much with her belief, for I have heard
+conversations which lead me to that conclusion. Of course, all that is
+their business, not mine particularly. Let's walk out in the middle of
+the park where we can make believe we are not in London, but out in the
+beautiful green country which God has made."
+
+The grass being dry, they could sit down on it to rest.
+
+"As you are, I presume, to become a member of the family some day," said
+Uncle Gilbert, "I am going to tell you something about my brother. It is
+not a pleasant subject, but I have concluded that you can be told. It is
+a family secret, you must understand, and must be treated as such. It is
+only because I believe your knowledge of the truth may help my brother
+that I am telling you this.
+
+Chester thanked him for his confidence. He would be glad to help in any
+way he could.
+
+"Well, the story is this: My brother in his younger days before he was
+married, had an unfortunate experience with a young woman. There was a
+child as the result. The woman, as nearly as I can make out, married
+well enough, and later, joined the Mormons and went to Utah. She did not
+take the child with her, for some reason unknown to me, at least; and
+so the boy--for it was a boy--became lost to his father, and as far as I
+know, to his mother also. I don't suppose all this worried my brother as
+a young man; but recently, within the past few years, I should say, his
+conscience seems to have pricked him severely. He has some vigorous
+views of fatherhood and the obligations flowing therefrom--and I can't
+say but he is right--and now he worries about his own great neglect. He
+has talked to me about it, so I know. Sometimes he worries himself sick,
+and then his nervous trouble gets the overhand."
+
+Chester lay on the grass looking up into the sky, complacently chewing a
+spear of grass, while Uncle Gilbert was talking.
+
+"What was the woman's name?" asked Chester.
+
+"I can't recall it just now. In fact, I don't think I ever heard it.
+Now, another thing that you must know, and you must not be annoyed at
+this: at times, I believe he imagines you to be that boy of his."
+
+Chester sat up, and exactly at the moment when he looked into the face
+of Uncle Gilbert a cog in the machinery of his own thoughts caught into
+a cog of the wheel within wheels which the man at his side had been
+revealing. The cog caught, then slipped, then caught again. Wheels began
+to revolve, bringing into motion and view other possible developments.
+
+"That's only when his illness makes him delerious," continued Uncle
+Gilbert. "As I said, you must pay no attention to him under those
+conditions, but I thought you ought to know."
+
+"Yes; yes," whispered the young man--"Thank you." For him, Hyde Park and
+London had disappeared: all earthly things had become mist out of which
+he was trying to emerge.
+
+"You don't know the woman's name," Chester asked again, with dry
+lips--"Tell me her name."
+
+"I don't remember. I'm not sure, but I believe I have heard my brother,
+in his times of delerium speak of Anna."
+
+"Anna. Anna," repeated Chester, as he stared into space. Uncle Gilbert
+looked at the young man, and then repented of telling him. He was a
+little annoyed at his manner. He arose, brushed the grass from his
+clothes, and said:
+
+"Well, let's be going."
+
+Chester went along mechanically. At the Marble Arch Uncle Gilbert was
+about to hail a bus, when Chester stopped him.
+
+"You'll excuse me, wont you for not returning with you--I--I--"
+
+"But I gave my word to Lucy that I would bring you back."
+
+"Yes; I know, I'll come after a while--but not now--you go
+on,--I--I--there's your bus now; you had better take it."
+
+Uncle Gilbert, still a little annoyed, climbed on the bus and left his
+companion looking vacantly at the line of moving busses.
+
+Chester went back into the park. There was room to breathe there and
+some freedom from fellow beings. He left the beaten paths. Oh, that he
+could get away from everybody for a time! Old Thunder out among the
+Rocky Mountains would be an ideal place just now.
+
+The wheels of thought went surely and correctly. There was no slipping
+of cogs now. _The Rev. Thomas Strong was his father._
+
+Every link in the chain of evidence fitted. There was no break. He went
+over the ground again and again. There came to him now facts and
+incidents which he had heard from his foster parents, and they all
+fitted in other facts and strengthened his conclusions. Now he also
+remembered and understood some of his mother's remarks about ministers.
+Yes, Thomas Strong was his father! Lucy's father! Why, he and Lucy were
+brother and sister!
+
+It is quite useless to try to tell all that was in Chester Lawrence's
+thoughts and heart from then on all that afternoon. He did not know,
+neither did he care how long he lay on the grass in the park, but there
+came a time when his solitude became unbearable, so he walked with
+feverish haste into the crowded streets. The lamps were being lighted
+when he came to the Thames Embankment, where he watched for a time the
+black, sluggish water being sucked out to sea by the outgoing tide. Then
+he walked on. St. Paul loomed high in the murky darkness. He got into
+the ridiculously narrow streets of Paternoster Row, where he had on his
+first visit bought a Bible. The evening was far spent and the crowds
+were thinning when he recognized the Bank of England corner.
+
+Realizing at last that he was tired, he climbed on top of a bus going in
+the direction of his lodgings, where he arrived somewhere near midnight.
+He went to bed, but not to sleep for many hours.
+
+"Lucy, you are my sister. I love you as that--but my wife you never can
+be--" yes; he would have to tell her that. But why had this father of
+his let him and Lucy go on as they had? He had told his father the
+secret of his life. He remembered distinctly his father's actions how he
+had even called him "son," which he had thought at the time was for
+Lucy's sake. Knowing him and Lucy to be brother and sister, why had he
+permitted them to form ties such as had been formed? Was it a plot on
+his father's part to again bring misery to human souls, to make to
+suffer those that were of his own flesh and blood? No, no; that was
+impossible. Surely he was not that kind of man.
+
+More clearly now the panorama of his life came before him. Where was the
+Lord in all this? He had thought the Lord had led his steps wonderfully
+to so meet one who made his life supremely happy--but now--the darkness
+and the despair of soul came again--was this not a hideous nightmare?
+The day would bring light and peace.
+
+Towards morning, Chester dozed fitfully, and at last when he awoke the
+day was well advanced. He and Uncle Gilbert had been in the park--uncle
+in reality now. Yes; it all came to him again. It had been no dream.
+
+Chester got up, soused himself in cold water, then as he was dressing
+said to himself. "Well, what's to be done? I must make this thing sure
+one way or another." Perhaps there may be a mistake, though he could not
+understand how. He would go direct to Thomas Strong and ask him.
+
+He had no appetite for breakfast, so he ate none. As early as he thought
+wise, he set out. How should he meet Lucy? What could he say? If he
+could only evade her.
+
+No; Lucy was watching for him, with a worried expression on her face,
+which deepened when she saw Chester's.
+
+"I must see your father," he said with no effort to even take her hand.
+
+"Papa is not any better, I fear."
+
+"But I must see him. Where is Uncle Gilbert?"
+
+"Shall I call him?"
+
+"Yes, _please_."
+
+Lucy returned, and Uncle Gilbert met Chester in the hall.
+
+"He is very nervous again this morning, and I don't think you ought to
+excite him," explained the brother.
+
+"I must see him--just for a minute. I'll not engage him in any extended
+conversation."
+
+"That you cannot do as he can hardly speak. His trouble affects him in
+that way."
+
+"Let me see him just for a moment--alone, please. Is he awake?"
+
+"Oh yes; he's not that bad. Go in a moment, then, but be careful."
+
+Chester passed in where the minister sat in an arm chair, propped up
+with pillows, signs of Lucy's tender care. As Chester entered, the man
+smiled and reached out his hand. The resentment in the young man's heart
+vanished, when he saw the yearning in the suffering man's face. Yet he
+stood for some time rooted to the spot, looking at the man who was no
+doubt his father. Every line of that face stood out boldly to Chester.
+How often, in his boyhood days he had pictured to himself what his
+father was like--and here he was before him. In those days he had nursed
+a hatred against that unknown sire, but now there was no more of that.
+If only,--Chester kneeled by the side of the minister's chair, letting
+the old man cling to his hand. He looked without wavering into the drawn
+face and said:
+
+"Are you my father?"
+
+The man's hand dropped as if lifeless, but Chester picked it up again,
+holding it close.
+
+"Tell me," he repeated, "are you my father?"
+
+"Yes," came slowly and with effort, as tremblingly the father put his
+hands first on Chester's shoulders as he kneeled before him, then raised
+them to his head, asking, "Do--you--hate--me? Don't--" That seemed to be
+all he was able to articulate.
+
+"No, no; I do not hate you; for are you not--are you not my father!"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The son put his arms around his father's neck and kissed him. The father
+patted contentedly the head of the young man, as a parent fondly
+caresses a child. They were in that position when Lucy tapped lightly on
+the door, opened it, and came in.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+Chester got away from Lucy and Uncle Gilbert that morning, without
+betraying his father's secret, which had now also become his own. If his
+father had kept the secret so long, it was evidently for a purpose; he
+would try not to be the first to reveal it. He kissed Lucy somewhat
+hurriedly, she thought, as he left.
+
+The sooner he got away the fewer of his strange actions he would have to
+explain. He did not look back when he walked away for fear that Lucy
+would be watching him from window or door.
+
+He went back to his own lodgings rather more by instinct than by
+thought. He slipped into his room, looked aimlessly about, then went out
+again. He must be alone, yet not confined within walls. The park was not
+far away, but he walked by it also, on, on. This London is limitless, he
+thought. One could never escape it by walking. He met other men some
+hurrying as if stern duty called, others sauntering as if they had no
+purpose in life but quiet contemplation. He met women, and if he could
+have read through their weary eyes their life's story, he would not
+perhaps, have thought his own was the most cruel. A little boy was
+gathering dust from the pavement, and Chester was reminded of that other
+little fellow's structure which the carriage wheels had demolished.
+Well, he was under the wheel of fate himself. He had heard of this
+wheel, but never had he been under it until now!
+
+Chester found himself a street or two from the mission office. He would
+call and perhaps have a talk with Elder Malby. Why had he not thought of
+that sooner? He quickened his steps, and in a few minutes he was ringing
+the bell. He heard it tingle within, but no one responded. He rang
+again, and this time steps were heard coming up from the basement. The
+housekeeper opened the door.
+
+"Good morning," she greeted him with a smile.
+
+"Good morning, is Elder Malby in?"
+
+"No; none of the elders are in. They are out tracting, I think--but
+won't you come in?"
+
+"No, thank you, I wanted to see Elder Malby."
+
+"Well, _he_ might be back at any time--come in and rest. You look
+tired."
+
+"Well--I believe I will."
+
+He followed the motherly housekeeper into the office parlor, where she
+bade him be seated. She excused herself as her work could not be
+neglected--Would he be interested in the London papers, or the latest
+_Deseret News_. She pointed to the table where these papers lay, then
+went about her work.
+
+Chester looked listlessly at the papers, but did not attempt to read.
+Presently, the housekeeper came back.
+
+"I'm having a bite to eat down in the dining room. Come and keep me
+company. The Elders don't eat till later, but I must have something in
+the middle of the day."
+
+Chester went with her into the cool, restful room below, and partook
+with her of the simple meal. Not having had breakfast, he ate with
+relish. Besides, there was a spirit of peace about the place. His aching
+heart found some comfort in the talk of the good woman.
+
+Shortly afterwards, Elder Malby arrived, and he saw in a moment that
+something was the matter with his young friend.
+
+"How are the folks," he asked, "Lucy and her father?"
+
+"He is not well," Chester replied.
+
+"That's too bad. And you are worried?"
+
+"Yes; but not altogether over that. There is something else, Brother
+Malby. I'll have to tell you about it. Will we be uninterrupted here?"
+
+"Come with me," said the elder and he took him into his own room up a
+flight of stairs. "Now, then, what can I do to help you?"
+
+"You will pardon me, I know; but somehow, I was led to tell you my story
+on ship-board, and you're the only one I can talk to now." Then Chester
+told the elder what he had learned. When he had finished, the elder's
+face was very grave.
+
+"What ought I to do?" asked Chester; "what can I do?"
+
+The other shook his head. "This is a strange story," he said; "but there
+can be no doubt that you are his son. You look like him. I noticed it on
+ship-board, but of course said nothing about it. But you _do_ look like
+him."
+
+"Do I?"
+
+"Yes; but why he encouraged you to make love to your sister--that is
+beyond me--I--I don't know what to say."
+
+"Oh, what _can_ I do?"
+
+There was a pause. Then the elder as if weighing well every word, said:
+
+"My boy, you can pray."
+
+"No; I can't even do that. I haven't said my prayers since this thing
+came to me. What can I pray about? What can I ask of God?"
+
+"Listen. It is easy to pray when everything is going along nicely, and
+we are getting everything we ask for; but when we seem to be up against
+hard fate; when despair is in our hearts and the Lord appears to have
+deserted us, then it is not so easy; but then is when we need most to
+pray."
+
+"Yes, yes, brother, true enough; but what's the use?"
+
+"Look here, once before, in your life, you felt as you do now; and you
+told me yourself that not until you said both in your heart and to God
+'Thy will be done' did you get peace. Try it again, brother. There is no
+darkness but the Light of Christ can penetrate, there is no seeming evil
+but the Lord can turn to your good. What did Job say of the Lord?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.' And you are not yet as
+Job. He lost everything. You have gained a father and a sister. That,
+certainly, is something."
+
+"Yes, it is; and yet in the finding of these two, I have lost--well--you
+know--"
+
+"Yes; I know; but the Lord can even make that right. Trust Him, trust
+Him, always and in everything. That's my motto for life. I can not get
+along without it."
+
+"Thank you so very much."
+
+They talked for some time, then they went out for a walk.
+
+"But you haven't time to spend on me like this," remonstrated Chester.
+
+"I am here to do all the good I can, and why should my services not be
+given to those of the faith as well as to those who have no use for me
+nor my message? Come along; I want to tell you of another letter which I
+received from home,--yes, the twin calves are doing fine."
+
+Chester smiled, which was just what his companion wanted. "You remain
+here today," continued the elder. "The boys will be in after a while,
+and then we shall have dinner. After that, if you are still thinking too
+much of your own affairs, we'll take you out on the street and let you
+preach to the crowd."
+
+"That might help," admitted Chester.
+
+"Help! It's the surest kind of cure."
+
+Chester remained with the elders during the afternoon and evening, even
+going out with them on the street. He was not called on to preach,
+however, though he would have attempted it had he been asked.
+
+Chester slept better that night. He felt so sure of himself next morning
+that he could call on Lucy, and do the right thing. He did not forget or
+neglect his prayers any more, and he was well on the way of saying
+again, "Thy will be done," in the right spirit.
+
+Uncle Gilbert met Chester at the door, not very graciously, however. He
+replied to Chester's inquiries sharply:
+
+"My brother is quite ill, brought about, I have no doubt, by your unwise
+actions of yesterday morning. What was the matter with you? I don't
+understand you."
+
+Chester did not attempt any explanation or defense.
+
+"And Lucy, too, was quite ill yesterday--no; she is not up yet--no; I
+don't think you had better come in. I shall not permit you to see my
+brother again until he is better."
+
+"I'm very sorry," said Chester. "I must see Lucy, however, and so I'll
+call again after a while." He walked away. He did not blame Uncle
+Gilbert, who was no doubt doing the best he knew, although somewhat in
+the dark. He walked in the park for an hour and then came back.
+
+Lucy met him at the gate. She was dressed as if for walking. Her face
+betrayed the disturbance in her soul, and Chester's heart went out in
+pity for her.
+
+"Yes," she said simply, "I was going out to find you, I heard Uncle
+Gilbert send you away. Shall we walk in the park?"
+
+"Yes; I am glad you came out. Is your father worse this morning?"
+
+"I don't think he is worse. He is simply in the stage of his attacks
+when he can't talk. I'm sure he'll be all right in a day or two; but
+Uncle Gilbert don't understand."
+
+"And you, Lucy--you must not worry."
+
+"How can I help it? Something is the matter with you. Why do you act so
+strangely?"
+
+They found the bench on which they were wont to rest, and seated
+themselves.
+
+Chester could not deny that he had changed; yet how could he tell her
+the truth? She must know it, the sooner the better. It might be many
+days before her father could tell her, even if he were inclined to do
+so. The situation was unbearable. She must know, and he must tell her.
+
+"Lucy," he said after a little struggle with his throat, "I have
+something to tell you,--something strange. Oh, no, nothing evil or bad,
+or anything like that."
+
+He took her hands which were trembling.
+
+"You must promise me that you will take this news quietly."
+
+"Just as quietly as I can, Chester."
+
+"Well, you know how excitement affects your heart, so I shall not tell
+you if you will not try to be calm."
+
+"And now, of course, I can be indifferent, can I, even if you should
+say no more? Oh, Chester, what is it? The suspense is a thousand times
+harder than the truth. What have you got to tell me? What passed between
+you and papa last evening? Is it--have you ceased to love me?"
+
+"No, no, Lucy, not that. I love you as much as ever, more than ever for
+something has been added to my first love--that of a love for a sister."
+
+"Yes, Chester I know. When I was baptized--"
+
+"No; you don't know. I don't mean that."
+
+"What _do_ you mean?"
+
+Oh, it was so hard to go on. One truth must lead to another. If he told
+her he was her brother in the flesh as well as in the spirit, she would
+want to know how, why; and the explanation would involve her father. He
+had not thought of that quite so plainly. But he could not now stop. He
+must go on. He felt about for a way by which to approach the revelation
+gradually.
+
+"You have never had a brother, have you?" he asked.
+
+"No."
+
+"Would you like to have one?"
+
+"I've always wanted a brother."
+
+"How would I do for one?"
+
+She looked at him curiously, then the sober face relaxed and she smiled.
+
+"Oh, you'd make a fine one."
+
+"You wouldn't object."
+
+"I should think not."
+
+"But, now, what would you think if I _was_ your real brother, if my name
+was Chester Strong?"
+
+"I'd think you were just joking a little."
+
+"But I'm not joking, Lucy; I am in earnest. Take a good look at me, here
+at this profile. Do I look like your father?"
+
+She looked closely. "I believe you do," she said, still without a guess
+at the truth. "Your forehead slopes just like his, and your nose has the
+same bump on it. I never noticed that before."
+
+"What might that mean, Lucy?"
+
+"What might what mean?"
+
+"That I look like your father."
+
+He had turned his face to her now, but she still gazed at him, as if the
+truth was just struggling for recognition. The smile vanished for an
+instant from her face, and then returned. She would not entertain the
+advance messenger.
+
+"I don't object to your looking like my papa, for he's a mighty fine
+looking man."
+
+"Lucy, you saw what your father and I were doing last night?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What did you think--what do you now think of us?"
+
+"Again, Chester, I don't object to you and father spooning a bit. In
+fact, I think that's rather nice."
+
+Chester laughed a little now, which loosened the tension considerably;
+but he returned to the attack:
+
+"Lucy, what would you think if your father had a son who had been lost
+when a baby, and that now he should return to him as a grown man?"
+
+"Well, I would think that would be jolly, as the English say."
+
+"And that his son's name was Chester Lawrence?" he continued as if there
+had been no interruption.
+
+Now the cog in Lucy's mental make-up caught firmly into the machinery
+that had been buzzing about her for some time.
+
+"Are you my brother?" she asked.
+
+"Yes; I am your brother."
+
+"My real, live, long lost brother?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Now I see what you have been driving at all this time. You say you are
+my brother, that my father is your father. Now explain."
+
+"That's not so easy, Lucy. I would much rather your father would do
+that. But I can tell you a little, for it's very little I know--and,
+Lucy, that little is not pleasant."
+
+"But I must know." Her face was serious again. She was bracing herself
+bravely too.
+
+"I was born outside the marriage relation, and your father was my
+father!"
+
+That was plain enough--brutally plain. The girl turned to marble. Had he
+killed her?
+
+"Go on," she whispered.
+
+"No more now--some other time."
+
+"Go on, Chester."
+
+Chester told her in brief sentences the simple facts, and what had led
+to his discovery of the truth just the other day. It was this that had
+caused the change she had noticed in him.
+
+"Lucy, I was not sure," he said, "so I went to your father last night
+and asked him pointedly, directly, and he said 'Yes.' That explains the
+situation you found us in. My heart went out to my father, Lucy; and his
+heart went out to his son."
+
+"The son to which his heart has been reaching for many long years,
+Chester. Yes, I see it plainly.... You have told the truth ... you are
+my brother--you--"
+
+She trembled, then fell into his arms; but she controlled herself again,
+and when he kissed her pale face and stroked her hair, she opened her
+eyes and looked steadily up into his face. Thus they remained for a
+time, heedless of the few passers-by who but looked at a not uncommon
+sight. She closed her eyes again, and when she opened them Chester was
+struggling hard to keep back the tears.
+
+To tell the truth, both of them cried a little about that time, and it
+did them good too. They got up, walked about on the grass for a time
+until they could look more unmovedly at their changed standing to each
+other. Then they talked more freely, but things were truly so newly
+mixed that it was difficult to get them untangled. At last Lucy said she
+would have to go back to her father--our father, she corrected.
+
+"And he knows, remember," said Chester to her. "I and you also know. We
+know too," he added, "that the Lord is above, and will take care of us
+all."
+
+"Yes," said Lucy.
+
+Then they went back. The father was still very ill. Chester did not try
+to see him, for Uncle Gilbert had not relented.
+
+"I'm going to see Elder Malby this afternoon," said Chester. "This
+evening I shall call again. Meanwhile"--they were alone in the hall
+now--"you must keep up your courage and faith. I feel as though
+everything will yet turn out well."
+
+He took her as usual in his arms, and she clung to him closer than she
+had ever done before.
+
+"Chester," she said, "I can't yet _feel_ that there is any difference in
+our relationship. You are yet my lover, are you not?"
+
+"Yes, Lucy; and you are my sweetheart. Somehow, I am not condemned when
+I say it. What can it be--"
+
+"Something that whispers peace to our hearts."
+
+"The Comforter, Lucy, the Comforter from the Lord."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+The delay in getting back to Kildare Villa was making Uncle Gilbert
+nervous. In his own mind, he blamed Chester Lawrence for being the cause
+of much of the present trouble, though in what way he could not clearly
+tell. The young man's presence disturbed the usual placid life of the
+minister. Why such a disturber should be so welcomed into the family,
+the brother could not understand. Perhaps this new-fangled religion
+called "Mormonism" was at the root of all the trouble.
+
+In his confusion, Uncle Gilbert determined on a very foolish thing: he
+would get his brother and Lucy away with him to Ireland, leaving Chester
+behind, for at least a few days. Of course, a young fellow in love as
+deeply as Chester seemed to be, would follow up and find them again, but
+there would be a respite for a time. With this idea in mind, Uncle
+Gilbert, the very next day, found Chester at his lodgings; and
+apparently taking him into his confidence, told him of his plan. Chester
+was willing to do anything that Uncle Gilbert and "the others" thought
+would be for the best. Chester was made to understand that "the others"
+agreed to the plan, and although the thought sent a keen pang through
+the young man's heart, he did not demur.
+
+It must also be admitted that Uncle Gilbert was not quite honest with
+Lucy, for when he proposed to her to get her father to Ireland as soon
+as possible, she understood that Chester was lawfully detained, but
+would meet them perhaps in Liverpool. Though she, too, felt keenly the
+parting, yet she mistrusted no one.
+
+So it came about that Lucy and her father were hurried to the station
+early next morning to catch a train for Liverpool. The minister was
+physically strong enough to stand the journey, but he mutely questioned
+the reason for this hasty move. Chester had absented himself all the
+previous day, and he did not even see them off at the station. Lucy
+could not keep back the tears, though she tried to hide them as she
+tucked her father comfortably about with cushions in the first class
+compartment which they had reserved.
+
+Uncle Gilbert's victory was short lived, however; no sooner did the
+ailing man realize that Chester was not with them than he become visibly
+affected. He tried hard to talk, but to no avail. He looked pleadingly
+at Lucy and at his brother as if for information, but without results.
+Lucy's pinched, tear-stained face added to his restlessness, and there
+was a note of insincerity in Uncle Gilbert's reassuring talk that his
+brother did not fail to discern.
+
+That ride, usually so pleasant over the beautiful green country, was a
+most miserable one. It was so painful to see the expression on the
+minister's face that Uncle Gilbert began to doubt the wisdom of the plan
+he was trying. Lucy became quite alarmed, and asked if they ought not to
+stop at one of the midland cities; but Uncle Gilbert said they could
+surely go on to Liverpool.
+
+"But we can't cross over to Ireland. Father could not possibly stand the
+trip," she said.
+
+The uncle agreed to that. "We'll have to stop at Liverpool for a day or
+so--I have it!" he exclaimed, "Captain Andrew Brown is now at home. He
+told me to be sure to call, and bring you all with me. He has a very
+nice house up the Mersey--a fine restful place. We'll go there."
+
+And they did. Lucy could say nothing for or against, and the father was
+so ill by the time they reached Liverpool that he did not seem to
+realize what he was doing or where he was going. A cab took them all out
+from the noises of the city to the quiet of the countryside. It was
+afternoon, and the sun shone slantingly on the waters of the river,
+above which on the hills amid trees and flowering gardens stood the
+house of Captain Andrew Brown.
+
+As the carriage rolled along the graveled path to the house, the captain
+himself came to meet them, expressing his surprise and delight, and
+welcoming them most heartily. The minister was helped out and into the
+house, where he was made comfortable. Lucy was shown to her room by the
+housekeeper. Uncle Gilbert made explanations to the captain of the
+reason for this untoward raid on his hospitality.
+
+"I'm mighty glad you came," said the captain. "You couldn't possible
+have gone on, and as for stopping at a hotel--if you had, I should never
+have forgiven you."
+
+The sick man would not take anything to eat. He lay as if half asleep,
+so he was put to bed. Lucy remained with him during the evening. Once in
+a while he would open his eyes, reach out his hand for hers and hold it
+for a moment. Poor, dear father, she thought, as she stroked his hair
+softly. What could Chester mean to leave his father, even for a few
+days? He ought to be here.... She could not understand. Was it all just
+an excuse to get away from them? to get away from this newly-found
+father and sister? She would not believe that of Chester. That couldn't
+be true, and yet, and yet--
+
+She turned lower the light, went to the window, and looked out on the
+river. A crescent moon hung above the mist. The water lay still as if
+asleep, only broken now and then by some passing craft. The breeze
+played in the trees near the window and the perfumes of the rich flower
+beds were wafted to her. The girl stood by the window a long time as if
+she expected her lover-brother to come to her through the half darkness.
+Perhaps, after all, it was better he did not come. Perhaps he had acted
+wisely.
+
+The father lay as if sleeping, so she continued to look out at the moon
+and the water. Her heart burned, but out of it came a prayer. Then she
+quietly kneeled by the window sill, and still looking out into the night
+she poured out the burden of her heart to the Father whose power to
+bless and to comfort is as boundless as the love of parent for child.
+
+Captain Brown was not an old man, yet in his fine strong face there were
+deep lines traced by twenty years on the sea. Ten years on the bridge
+basking in the sun, facing storm and danger had told their tale. He was
+in the employ of a great navigation company whose ships went to the ends
+of the earth for trade. He had built this home-nest for wife and child,
+to which and to whom he could set the compass of his heart from any port
+and on any sea. Three years ago wife and child had taken passage over
+the eternal sea. Now he came back only occasionally, between trips. His
+housekeeper always kept the house as nearly as possible like it was when
+wife and child were there.
+
+"I have a week, perhaps ten days ashore," explained Captain Brown next
+morning at the breakfast table, "and I was just wondering what I could
+do all that time--when here you are! You are to remain a week. Tut, tut,
+business"--this to Uncle Gilbert who had protested--"you ought not to
+worry any longer about business. Aren't we making you good money? Oh, I
+see! Aunt Sarah; well, we'll send for her. Your father can't possibly be
+moved, can he, Miss Lucy?"
+
+"He's very comfortable here," replied Lucy.
+
+"To be sure he is--and you, too, look as though a rest would help you."
+
+"I have to get back soon--ought to be in Cork tomorrow, in fact," said
+Uncle Gilbert.
+
+"Well, now Gilbert, if you _have_ to, I've no more to say--about you.
+Go, of course; but Lucy and her father are going to stay with me. I'm
+the doctor and the nurse. You go to Aunt Sarah, for that's your
+'business reason' and it's all right--I'm not blaming you--and in a week
+come back for your well brother."
+
+"Yes, that might do," agreed Uncle Gilbert, with much relief in his
+manner of saying it. "I don't like to impose on you--"
+
+"Look here--if you want to do me a favor, you go to your wife and let me
+take care of these people. In fact," he laughed, "I don't want you
+around bothering. The steamer sails for Dublin this evening."
+
+Out of this pleasant banter came the fact that Uncle Gilbert could very
+well go on his way to Ireland. His brother was in no immediate
+danger--in fact that morning he was resting easily and his power of
+speech was returning. Gilbert spoke to his brother about the plan, and
+no protest was made. So that evening, sure enough, Uncle Gilbert was
+driven in to Liverpool by the captain, where he set sail for home.
+
+No sooner was his brother well out of the way than Lucy's father called
+to her. He had been up and dressed all afternoon. He was now reclining
+in the captain's easy chair by the window. Lucy came to him.
+
+"Yes, father," she said.
+
+He motioned to her to sit down. She fetched a stool and seated herself
+by him, so that he could touch her head caressingly as he seemed to
+desire.
+
+"Where is Chester?" he asked slowly, as was his wont when his speech
+came back.
+
+"In London," she replied. "He could not come with us."
+
+"So--Gilbert said;--but I--want him."
+
+"Shall we send for him?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The father looked out of the window where shortly the moon would again
+shine down on the river. He stroked the head at his knee.
+
+"Lucy, you--love me?"
+
+"Oh, father, dear daddy, what a question!"
+
+"I--must--tell you--something--should--have told you--long ago--"
+
+It was difficult for the man to speak; more so, it appeared, because he
+was determined to deliver a message to the girl--something that could
+not wait, but must be told now. Impatient of his slow speech, he walked
+to the table and seated himself by it.
+
+"Light," he said; and while Lucy brought the lamp and lighted it he
+found pencil and paper. She watched him curiously, wondering what was
+about to happen. Was he writing a message to Chester?
+
+From the other side of the table she watched him write slowly and
+laboriously until the page was full. Then he paused, looked up at Lucy
+opposite, reached for another sheet and began again. That sheet was also
+filled, and the girl's wonder grew. Then he pushed them across the
+table, saying, "Read;" and while she did so, he turned from her, his
+head bowed as if awaiting a sentence of punishment.
+
+A little cry came from the reader as her eyes ran along the penciled
+lines. Then there was silence, broken only by her hard breathing, and
+the ticking of the clock on the mantel. Then while the father still sat
+with bowed head, the girl arose softly, came up to him, kneeled before
+him, placed a hand on each of his cheeks, kissed him, and said:
+
+"You are my father anyway--always have been, always will be--the only
+one I have ever known. Thank you for taking me an outcast, orphaned baby
+and adopting me as your own. Oh, I _love you daddy for that_!
+
+Just a few days before a son had found a father at this man's knee; now
+by the same knee Lucy first realized that this man was her father only
+in the fact that he had fathered her from a child; but as that, after
+all, is what counts most in this world, she thought none the less of
+him; rather, her heart went out to the man in a way unknown before.
+
+"Chester doesn't know this?" she asked. "Chester is _not_ my brother?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Oh, he must know this--he must know right away," she panted.
+
+"Yes--I meant to tell--but I couldn't--" said he.
+
+"I know daddy dear; I know, don't worry. We'll send for him right
+away--poor boy. There's Captain Brown now. I'll run down and ask him to
+send a telegram. Yes, I have his address."
+
+She kissed him again, holding his head between her palms, and saying
+softly, "Daddy, dear daddy." Then she sped down to where the Captain was
+talking in the hall. The Rev. Thomas Strong looked up, listened to their
+conversation, and then smiled.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+The reason why Chester permitted Lucy and his father to set out for
+Ireland without him was because he trusted Uncle Gilbert--and the Lord;
+however, it was no easy matter to be thus left behind. Surely, he would
+be more of a help than a hindrance on the journey. He forced himself to
+lie abed the morning they were to be off, until after the train left.
+Then, knowing he was safe from doing that which his Uncle had desired
+him not to do, he leisurely arose, very late for breakfast.
+
+The problem with the young man now was what to do while he was waiting.
+London sights, even those he had not seen before, were tame now. The
+newly-found father and sister had already left him. Had it not been a
+dream, and was he not now awake to the reality of his old life?
+
+He found himself once more attracted to the Mission headquarters. Elder
+Malby was at home that morning. Chester told him the latest development.
+
+"Has she--have they--deserted me, do you think?" asked Chester.
+
+"No--I don't think so," replied the elder thoughtfully. "Lucy did not
+impress me as a girl who would do that. I see no reason for such
+actions, but perhaps Uncle Gilbert was right. Your father needed to get
+away from you to readjust himself to the new condition."
+
+"Well, perhaps,--but what can I now do? this waiting will be terrible."
+
+"You'll come with me this morning. I have some calls to make."
+
+And so all that day Chester remained with Elder Malby, visiting Saints
+and investigators, adjusting difficulties, and explaining principles of
+the gospel. It was a splendid thing for the young man, this getting his
+thoughts from self; and before evening, he had obtained so much of the
+missionary spirit that he asked to be permitted to bear his testimony at
+the street meeting. "The louder the mob howls and interrupts, the better
+for me," he declared. "You remember the other evening when a young
+fellow stood within a few feet of you and kept repeating: 'Liars, liars,
+from Utah'?"
+
+"Yes; I remember."
+
+"I'd like to talk to that fellow tonight."
+
+So Chester talked at the street-meeting that evening, but to a very
+orderly lot of people. After the services, many pressed around him and
+asked him questions. One young man walked with him and the elders to the
+mission office. They talked on the gospel, and Chester forgot his own
+heartache in ministering to another heart hungering for the truth.
+
+The next morning, Chester tried again to remain in bed, but this time
+without success. He was up in the gray awakening city, walking in the
+park, listening to the birds near by and the rumbling beginnings of
+London life. After breakfast, he went again to the Church office.
+
+"You must excuse me for thus being such a bother," he explained to Elder
+Malby, "but--but I can't keep away."
+
+"I hope you never will," replied the elder, encouragingly. "It is when
+men like you keep away that there is danger."
+
+"What's the program today?"
+
+"Tracting. Do you want to try?"
+
+"Yes; I want to keep going. Yesterday was not bad. I felt fine all day."
+
+That afternoon Chester had his first trial in delivering gospel tracts
+from door to door. He approached his task timidly, but soon caught the
+spirit of the work. He had a number of interesting experiences. One old
+gentleman invited him into the house, that he might more freely tell the
+young man what he thought of him and his religion, and this was by no
+means complimentary. An old lady, limping to the door and learning that
+the caller was from America, told him she had a son there--and did he
+know him? Then there were doors slammed in his face, and some gracious
+smiles and "thank you"--altogether Chester was so busy meeting these
+various people that he had no time to worry over those who now should be
+nearly to Kildare Villa in green Ireland.
+
+While he was eating supper with the elders, which Elder Malby said he
+had well earned, a messenger came to the door. Was one Chester Lawrence
+there? Yes.
+
+"A telegram for him, please."
+
+Chester opened the message and read:
+
+"Come to Liverpool in morning. All well. Tell me when and where to meet
+you--Lucy."
+
+Chester handed the message to Elder Malby.
+
+"Once more, don't you see," said the elder, smiling, "all is well."
+
+"Yes; yes," replied Chester in a way which was more of a prayer of
+thanksgiving than common speech.
+
+Early the following morning Captain Brown was rewarded for his gallant
+lack of inquisitiveness regarding the sending and the receiving of
+telegrams by Lucy coming to him with her sweetest smile and saying:
+
+"Captain Brown, was that horse and carriage you used yesterday yours?"
+
+"Oh no; that belongs to my neighbor--only when I am not using it. Do you
+wish a drive this morning?"
+
+"I want to meet the noon train from London at Lime Street Station; and
+if it wouldn't be too much trouble--"
+
+"Not at all. My neighbor is very glad to have me exercise the horse a
+bit. Can you drive him alone?"
+
+"I'm a little nervous."
+
+"Will I do for coachman?"
+
+"If you would, Captain?"
+
+"Then that's settled. I'll go immediately and make arrangements;" which
+he did.
+
+"Papa," said Lucy to her father, "the captain will drive me to the
+station. You'll be all right until we get back?"
+
+"All right, yes; don't worry more about me. I'm getting strong faster
+than I ever did before. See."
+
+He paced back and forth with considerable vim in his movements. "Why,"
+he continued, stopping in front of Lucy and kissing her gently on the
+cheek, "I feel better right now than I have for a long time--better
+inside, you know."
+
+Lucy did not understand exactly what he meant by the "inside," but she
+did not puzzle her head about it. She was happy to know that her father
+was so well and that Chester was speeding to her. The day promised to be
+fair, and the drive to the station would be delightful. She was looking
+out of the window.
+
+"Lucy," said her father, placing his hand on her shoulder, "you need not
+tell Captain Brown the little secrets you have learned; and I think your
+Uncle Gilbert need not know any more than he does. It is just as well
+for all concerned that these things remain to outward appearances just
+as they have in the past."
+
+"All right, papa."
+
+"We--Chester and you and I will know and understand and be happy. What
+else matters?"
+
+"What, indeed."
+
+"Now, there's the captain already. He's early; but perhaps he intends
+driving you about a bit first."
+
+That was just it. The morning air was so invigorating, Captain Brown
+explained, that it was a pity not to feel it against one's face. He knew
+of a number of very pretty drives, round-about ways, to the station, and
+the fields were delightfully green just then.
+
+In a short time away they rattled down the graveled road, the father
+waving after them. It was a good thing, said Lucy, that strong hands had
+the reins, for the horse was full of life. They sped over the smooth,
+hedge-bordered roads, winding about fields and gardens until they
+arrived at Calderstone Park. Here the captain pointed out the Calder
+Stones, ruins of an ancient Druid place of worship or sacrifice. Then
+they drove leisurely through Sefton Park, thence townward to the
+station.
+
+They had a few moments to wait, during which the driver stroked the
+horse's nose, talking to him all the while not to be afraid of the noisy
+cars. The whistle's shrill pipe sounded and the train rolled in. The
+captain stood by his horse, while Lucy went to the platform, and met
+Chester as he leaped from the car.
+
+"Oh, ho," said the captain to his horse, when he saw the meeting. A
+partial explanation was given him of the "certain young man" whom they
+were to meet.
+
+The captain held the carriage door open to them like a true coachman.
+"Take the back seat, please," he commanded, after the introduction; "in
+these vehicles, the driver sits in front."
+
+The captain drove straight home, so in a very-short time they were set
+down at the steps.
+
+"Go right in," he said. "I'll take the horse back, and be with you
+shortly."
+
+The housekeeper met them in the hall, took wraps and hats, and directed
+them upstairs where the "gentleman" was waiting. Lucy had had no
+opportunity to tell Chester the secret about herself, so she would have
+to let his father do so. They walked quietly to the father's room and
+opened the door softly. He appeared to be sleeping in his chair, so they
+tip-toed into another room.
+
+"Is he better?" asked Chester.
+
+"Nearly well again." They did not seat themselves, but stood by the
+table. She came close to him, smiling up into his face and said,
+"_Everything's_ all right, Chester."
+
+"Yes, of course," he replied. "You are looking so rosy and well, I
+forget you are an invalid."
+
+"Don't think of it. I'm going to live a long, long time, Chester--with
+you. Listen, dear, and don't look so worried. Things have changed again.
+I don't need to break good news gently, so I may tell you now, papa--I
+mean, your father, has been telling me something I never dreamed
+of--Chester, listen. I'm not your father's child--only by
+adoption--you're not my brother, only of course in the brotherhood of
+the faith."
+
+"Lucy, what are you saying?"
+
+"I am telling you the truth--as I was told it. He adopted me as a
+baby--I was an orphan--I am not your sister. Chester--I--"
+
+He seized her hands, and held her at arms length, while his eyes seemed
+to devour her. She could not repress the tears, and when he saw them, he
+drew her close and kissed her.
+
+"Lucy, not my sister, but my sweetheart again, my little wife to
+be--what--does it all mean?"
+
+There came a loud knock at the door, and the father entered without
+being bidden. He walked firmly up to them, placed a hand on each
+shoulder, and said:
+
+"My son, I have to ask your forgiveness again. I intended to tell you
+about Lucy as soon as you learned the truth about yourself, but I was
+hindered. Don't think, my boy, that I would purposely cause you
+suffering. What Lucy has told you is true, and I am so glad that the
+misunderstanding and the mixups no longer exist between us."
+
+The three now found seats and talked over the new situation in which
+they found themselves, not forgetting the part Uncle Gilbert had taken
+in recent events, until the strenuous voice of Captain Brown had to
+supplement the housekeeper's bell, before the three would come down for
+luncheon.
+
+Those were golden days to Chester, Lucy, and the Rev. Thomas Strong. Out
+of restless uncertainty, doubts, fears, and heart-aching experiences
+they now had come to a period of peaceful certainty. Out of straits they
+had come to a quiet sun-kissed harbor.
+
+Captain Brown looked on all this happiness approvingly. His shore leave
+was going splendidly. The neighbor's horse and carriage were often
+brought into requisition, and the father would not be denied his share
+of these drives. The captain's own boat, long since unused, was put into
+commission, and with the captain at the tiller the whole family sailed
+over the placid Mersy. The moon grew rounder, and as the evenings were
+warm, the boat often lingered in the moonlight. Then songs were sung,
+Chester and Lucy singing some which the father recognized as "Mormon,"
+but which the captain knew only as beautiful and full of sweet spirit.
+
+During those days when the visitors remained with the captain rather
+more for his own sake than for any other reason, there was just one
+little cloud in Chester's and Lucy's sunlight. That was that the father
+took no abiding interest in the religion which now meant so much to
+them. Once or twice the subject had been carefully broached by Chester,
+but each time the father had not responded. He made no objections. The
+young man sometimes thought there would be more hope if he did. However,
+he and Lucy were not discouraged. They reasoned, with justice, that it
+was no easy matter to change a life-long habit of belief and practice.
+They comforted each other by the hope that all would be well in the end.
+Had they not already ample evidence of God's providence shaping all
+things right.
+
+It was plainly to be seen, however, that the father took great comfort
+in his new-found son; and well any father might, for Chester was a
+strong, open-spirited, clean young man. Father and son strolled out
+together, Lucy sometimes peeping at them from behind the curtain, but
+denying herself of their company. Chester, by his father's request, told
+him more of his life's story. The father wished to live as much as could
+be by word-telling the years he had missed in the life of his son; and
+the father, for his part, acquainted Chester with his more recent years.
+"I married quite late in life," said the father, "a sweet girl who did
+much for me. That we had no children was a great disappointment to both
+of us, and when we saw that very likely we never would have any of our
+own, we found and adopted Lucy. She would never have known the truth
+about that had not you come and compelled me to tell it. But it's all
+right now, and the Lord has been kinder to me than I deserve."
+
+    "'God moves in a mysterious way,
+      His wonders to perform,'"
+
+quoted Chester.
+
+    "'He plants his footsteps in the sea
+      And rides upon the storm,'"
+
+mused the father.
+
+At another time the father said to Chester:
+
+"My boy, it would please me if you would take my name. You need not
+discard the one you already have, but add mine to it--yours by all
+that's right."
+
+"Yes, father."
+
+"I have no great fortune, but I have saved a little; and when I am gone,
+it will be yours and Lucy's--I'll hear no objections to that--for can't
+you see, all that I can possibly do for you will only in part pay for
+the wrong I have done. You say you have no definite plans for the
+future. Then you will come with us to Kansas City, where I expect to
+take up again my labors in the ministry, at least for a time."
+
+Lucy came upon them at this point.
+
+"Chester has promised to take my name," explained the father.
+
+"That will make it unnecessary for you to change yours," said Chester,
+as he put his arm around her.
+
+A week passed as rapidly as such golden days do. Chester sent the latest
+news to Elder Malby. Uncle Gilbert, always impatient, wrote from Kildare
+Villa, asking when they were "coming home." Captain Brown had made a
+number of trips of inspection to the docks to see how the loading of his
+ship was progressing.
+
+At the captain's invitation they all visited the vessel one afternoon.
+
+"Why," exclaimed Lucy in surprise, when she saw the steamer at the dock,
+"you have a regular ocean liner here. I thought freight boats were small
+concerns."
+
+"Small! well, now, you know better. Come aboard."
+
+He led the way on deck, and then below.
+
+"This ship is somewhat old," explained Captain Brown, "but she is still
+staunch and seaworthy. As you see, she has once been a passenger boat,
+and in fact, she still carries passengers--when we can find some who
+would rather spend twelve days in comfort than be rushed across in six
+or seven by the latest greyhounds. I say, when we can find such sensible
+people," repeated the captain, as he looked curiously at his guests.
+
+The dining room was spacious, the berths of the large, roomy kind which
+the grasp for economy and capacity had not yet cut down.
+
+"This is a nicer state room than I had coming over," declared Lucy. "Why
+can't we return with Captain Brown?"
+
+"I should be delighted," said the captain. "The booking offices are on
+Water Street."
+
+"When do you sail?" asked the father.
+
+"In three days, I believe we shall be ready."
+
+"And your port?"
+
+"New York."
+
+"Your cargo?"
+
+"Mixed."
+
+"Any passengers?"
+
+"A dozen or so--plenty of room, you see. We'll make you comfortable,
+more so than on a crowded liner. Think about it, Mr. Strong."
+
+"We shall," said Lucy and her father in unison.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+And thus it came about that the party of three visiting with Captain
+Andrew Brown, decided to sail with him to New York. A few more days on
+the water was of no consequence, except as Chester said to Lucy, to
+enjoy a little longer the after-seasickness period of the voyage. As for
+Chester himself, he was very pleased with the proposition.
+
+A visit to the company's office in Water Street completed the
+arrangement. "Yes," said the agent, "we can take care of you. There will
+be a very small list of passengers, which gives you all the more room.
+Besides, it's worth while to cross with Captain Brown."
+
+As the boat did not lay up to the Landing Stage, but put directly to sea
+from the dock, the passengers were stowed safely away into their
+comfortable quarters the evening before sailing. When they awoke next
+morning, they were well out into the Irish sea, the Welsh hills slowly
+disappearing at the left. Chester was the first on deck. He tipped his
+cap to Captain Brown on the bridge as they exchanged their morning
+greetings. The day was bright and warm, the sea smooth. Chester stood
+looking at the vanishing hills, glancing now and then at the
+companionway, for Lucy. As he stood there, he thought of the time, only
+a few days since, when he had caught his first sight of those same green
+hills. What a lot had happened to him between those two points of time!
+A journey begun without distinct purpose had brought to him father and
+sweetheart. Outward bound he had been alone, empty and void in his life;
+and now he was going home with heart full of love and life rich with
+noble purpose.
+
+Chester's father appeared before Lucy. The son met him and took his arm
+as they paced the deck slowly. The father declared to Chester that he
+was feeling fine; and, in fact, he looked remarkably well.
+
+"I am sorry we did not hear from Gilbert before we sailed," said the
+father; "but I suppose the fault was ours in not writing to him sooner."
+
+"He barely had time to get the letter," said Chester.
+
+"I suppose so. But it doesn't matter. We should only have just stopped
+off at Kildare Villa to say goodbye, any way."
+
+"It's a pity we don't stop at Queenstown. He could have come out on the
+tender."
+
+"Perhaps he would, and then perhaps he wouldn't. It would depend on just
+how he felt--halloo, Lucy--you up already?"
+
+"I couldn't lay abed longer this beautiful morning," exclaimed Lucy as
+she came up to them. "Isn't this glorious! Is Wales below the sea yet?"
+
+"No; there's a tip left. See, there, just above the water."
+
+"Goodbye, dear old Europe," said Lucy, as she waved her handkerchief.
+"I've always loved you--I love you now more than ever."
+
+Father and son looked and smiled knowingly at her. Then they all went
+down to breakfast.
+
+Just about that same time of day, Thomas Strong's delayed letter
+reached his brother in Cork. Uncle Gilbert read the letter while he ate
+his breakfast, and Aunt Sarah wondered what could be so disturbing in
+its contents; for he would not finish his meal.
+
+"What is it, Gilbert?" she asked.
+
+"Thomas, Lucy, and that young fellow, Chester Lawrence are going
+to--yes, have already sailed from Liverpool with Captain Brown."
+
+"And they're not coming to see us before they leave?"
+
+"Didn't I say, they're already on the water--or should be--off to New
+York with Captain Brown--and he doesn't touch at Queenstown, and in that
+boat--"
+
+Uncle Gilbert wiped his forehead.
+
+"I'm sorry that they did not call," commented Aunt Sarah complacently;
+"but I suppose they were in a hurry, and Captain Brown will take care of
+them."
+
+"In a hurry! No. Captain Brown--" but the remark was lost to his wife.
+He cut short his eating, hurried to town, and, in faint hopes that it
+might be in time, sent a telegram to his brother in Liverpool which
+read:
+
+"Don't sail with Captain Brown. Will explain later."
+
+This telegram was delivered to Captain Brown's housekeeper, who sent it
+to the steamship company's office, where it was safely pigeon-holed.
+
+The morning passed at Kildare Villa. The telegram brought no reply. In
+foolish desperation, hoping against hope, Uncle Gilbert took the first
+fast train northward, crossed by mail steamer to Holyhead, thence on to
+Liverpool, where he arrived too late. The boat had sailed. He went to
+the steamship company's office in Water Street, and passed, without
+asking leave, into the manager's office. That official was alone, which
+was to Gilbert Strong's purpose.
+
+"Why did you permit my brother to sail with Captain Brown?" asked he
+abruptly.
+
+"My dear Mr. Strong," said the manager, "calm yourself. I do not
+understand."
+
+"Yes, you do. You know as well as I do that his ship is--is not in the
+best condition. You ought not to have allowed passengers at all."
+
+"Sit down, Mr. Strong. The boat is good for many a trip yet, though it
+is true, as you know, that she is to go into dry dock for overhauling on
+her return. Has your brother sailed on her?"
+
+"He has, my brother, his daughter and her young man. I suppose there
+were other passengers also?"
+
+"Yes; a few--perhaps twenty-five all told. Don't worry; Captain Brown
+will bring them safely through."
+
+"Yes," said Gilbert Strong, as he left the office, "yes, if the Lord
+will give him a show--but--"
+
+He could say no more, for did he not know full well that at a meeting of
+company directors at which he had been present, it had been decided to
+try one more trip with Captain Brown in command, and the fact that the
+boat was not in good condition was to be kept as much as possible from
+the captain. A little tinkering below and a judicious coat of paint
+above would do much to help the appearance of matters, one of the
+smiling directors had said. And so--well, he would try not to worry. Of
+course, everything would be well. Such things were done right along,
+with only occasionally a disaster or loss--fully covered by the
+insurance.
+
+But for all his efforts at self assurance, when he went home to Aunt
+Sarah he was not in the most easy frame of mind.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The little company under Captain Brown's care was having a delightful
+time. The weather was so pleasant that there was very little sickness.
+Chester again escaped and even his father and Lucy were indisposed for a
+day or two only. After that the long sunny days and much of the starry
+nights were spent on deck. The members of the company soon became well
+acquainted. Captain Brown called them his "happy family."
+
+And now Chester and Lucy had opportunity to get near to each other in
+heart and mind. With steamer chairs close together up on the promenade
+deck where there usually were none but themselves, they would sit for
+hours, talking and looking out over the sea. "Shady bowers 'mid trees
+and flowers" may be ideal places for lovers; but a quiet protected
+corner of a big ship which plows majestically through a changeless, yet
+ever-changing sea, has also its charms and advantages.
+
+On the fourth day out. The water was smooth, the day so warm that the
+shade was acceptable. Chester and Lucy had been up on the bridge with
+Captain Brown, who had told them stories of the sea, and had showed them
+pictures of his wife and baby, both safe in the "Port of Forever," he
+had said. All this had had its effect on the two young people, and so
+when they went down to escape the glare of the sun on the exposed
+bridge, they sought a shady corner amid-ships. When they found chairs,
+Chester always saw that she was comfortable, for though well as she
+appeared, she was never free from the danger of a troublesome heart. The
+light shawl which she usually wore on deck, hung loosely from her
+shoulders across her lap, providing a cover behind which two hands could
+clasp. They sat for some time that afternoon, in silence, then Lucy
+asked abruptly:
+
+"Chester, you haven't told me much about that girl out West. You liked
+her very much, didn't, you?"
+
+"Yes," he admitted, after a pause. "I think I can truthfully say I did;
+but this further I can say, that my liking for her was only a sort of
+introduction to the stronger, more matured love which was to follow,--my
+love for you. I think I have told you before that you bear a close
+resemblence to her; and it occurs to me now that therein is another of
+God's wonderful providences."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"Had you not looked like her I would not have been attracted to you,
+and very likely, would have missed you and my father, and all this."
+
+"I'm glad your experience has been turned to such good account. Now, I
+for example, never had a beau until you came."
+
+"What?"
+
+"Oh, don't feign surprise. You know, I'm no beauty, and I never was
+popular with the boys. Someone once told me it was because I was too
+religious. What do you think of that?"
+
+"Too religious! Nonsense. The one thing above another, if there is such,
+that I like about you is that your beauty of heart and soul corresponds
+to your beauty of face--No; don't contradict. You have the highest type
+of beauty--"
+
+"Beauty is in the eyes that see," she interrupted.
+
+"Certainly; and in the heart that understands. As I said, the highest
+type of beauty is where the inner and the outer are harmoniously
+combined. I think that is another application of the truth that the
+spiritual and the mortal, or 'element' as the revelation calls it, must
+be eternally connected to insure a perfect being. Somehow, I always
+sympathize with one whose beautiful spirit is tabernacled in a plain
+body. And yet, my pity is a hundred times more profound for one whom God
+has given a beautiful face and form, but whose heart and soul have been
+made ugly by sin--but there, if I don't look out, I'll be preaching."
+
+"Well, your congregation likes to hear you preach."
+
+Space will not permit the recording of the number of times emphasis was
+given to various expressions in this conversation by the hand pressure
+under the shawl.
+
+"Now," continued he, "I can't conceive of your not having any admirers."
+
+"I didn't say admirers--I said beaux."
+
+"Well, I suppose there is a difference," he laughed.
+
+"Of course, I have known a good many young men in my time, but those
+matrimonially inclined usually passed by on the other side."
+
+"Perhaps they knew I was coming on this side."
+
+"Perhaps--There's papa. He looks lonesome. We ought to be ashamed of
+ourselves to hide from him as we did yesterday."
+
+"I agree; but he'll find us now."
+
+Lucy drew the father's attention, and he found a chair near them.
+
+"Isn't the sea beautiful," said Lucy, by way of beginning the
+conversation properly, now a third person was present. "And what a lot
+of water there is!" she continued. "What did Lincoln say about the
+common people? The Lord must like them, because he made so many of them.
+Well, the Lord must like water also, as He has made so much of it."
+
+"Water is a very necessary element in the economy of nature," said the
+father. "Like the flow of blood in the human body, so is water to this
+world. As far as we know, wherever there is life there is water."
+
+"And that reminds me," said Lucy eagerly, as if a new thought had come
+to her, "that water is also a sign of purity. Water is used, not only
+to purify the body, but as a symbol to wash away the sins of the soul.
+Paul, you remember, was commanded to 'arise, and be baptized, and wash
+away thy sins'." Lucy looked at Chester as if giving him a cue.
+
+"In the economy of God," said Chester, "it seems necessary that we must
+pass through water from one world to another. In like manner, the
+gateway to the kingdom of heaven is through water. 'Except a man be born
+of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God' is
+declared by the Savior himself."
+
+Whether or not the father understood that this brief sermonizing was
+intended primarily for him, he did not show any resentment. He listened
+attentively, then added:
+
+"Yes; water has always held an important place among nations. Cicero
+tells us that Thales the Milesian asserted God formed all things from
+water--Out in Utah, Chester," said the father, turning abruptly to the
+young man, "you have an illustration of what water can do in the way of
+making the desert to blossom."
+
+"Yes; it is truly wonderful, what it has done out there," agreed
+Chester. Then being urged by both his father and Lucy, he told of the
+West and its development. He was adroitly led to talk of Piney Ridge
+Cottage and the people who lived there, their home and community life,
+their trials, their hopes, their ideals. Ere he was aware, Chester was
+again in the canyons, and crags and mountain peaks, whose wildness was
+akin to the wildness of the ocean. Then when his story was told, Lucy
+said:
+
+"I know where I could get well."
+
+"Where?" asked Chester.
+
+"At Piney Ridge Cottage."
+
+Chester neither agreed nor denied. Just then a steamer came into sight,
+eastward bound. It proved to be an "ocean grayhound," and Captain Brown
+coming up, let them look at it through his glass.
+
+"She's going some," remarked the captain; "but I'll warrant the
+passengers are not riding as easy as we."
+
+"Somehow," said the father, "a passing steamer always brings to me
+profound thoughts. Now, there, for example, is a spot on the vast
+expanse of water. It is but a speck, yet within it is a little world,
+teeming with life. The ship comes into our view, then passes away.
+Again, the ship is just a part of a great machine--I use this figure for
+want of a better one. Every individual on the ship bears a certain
+relationship to the vessel; the steamer is a part of this world; this
+world is a cog in the machinery of the solar system; the solar system is
+but a small group of worlds, which is a part of and depends on,
+something as much vaster as the world is to this ship. This men call the
+Universe; but all questions of what or where or when pertaining to this
+universe are unanswerable. We are lost--we know nothing about it--it is
+beyond our finite minds."
+
+Captain Brown stood listening to this exposition. His eyes were on the
+speaker, then on the passing steamer, then on the speaker again.
+
+"Mr. Strong," said he, "at the last church service I attended in
+Liverpool, the minister was trying to explain what God is,--and just
+that which you have said is beyond us, that vast, unknown, unknowable
+something he called God."
+
+"Oh," exclaimed Lucy, involuntarily.
+
+"I'll admit the definition is not very plain," continued the captain.
+"We get no sense of nearness from it. I would not know how to pray to or
+worship such a God; but what are we to do? I have never heard anything
+more satisfactory, except--well, only when I read my Bible."
+
+"Why not take the plain statement of the Bible, then?" suggested
+Chester.
+
+"I try to, but my thinking of these things is not clear, because of the
+interpretation the preachers put upon them--excuse the statement, Mr.
+Strong; but perhaps you are an exception. I have never heard you
+preach."
+
+The minister smiled good-naturedly. Then he said, "Chester here, is
+quite a preacher himself. Ask his opinion on the matter."
+
+"I shall be happy to listen to him. However, I have an errand just now.
+Will you go with me?" this to Chester.
+
+Chester, annoyed for a moment at this unexpected turn, arose and
+followed the captain into his quarters.
+
+"Sit down," said the captain. "I was glad Mr. Strong gave me an
+opportunity to get you away, for I have a matter I wish to speak to you
+about, a matter which I think best to keep from both Mr. Strong and
+Lucy--but which you ought to know."
+
+"Yes."
+
+The officer seated himself near his table on which were outspread charts
+and maps. About the table hung a framed picture of the captain's wife
+and child, a miniature of which he carried in his breast pocket.
+
+"In the first place," began Captain Brown, "I want you to keep this
+which I tell you secret until I deem it wise to be published. I can
+trust you for that?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+Always in the company of the passengers, Captain Brown's bearing was one
+of assurance. He smiled readily. But now his face was serious, and
+Chester saw lines of care and anxiety in it.
+
+"I am sorry that I ever suggested to you and your friends--and my dear
+friends they are too," continued the captain, "that you take this voyage
+with me, for if anything should happen, I should never forgive myself.
+However, there is no occasion for serious alarm--yet."
+
+"What is the matter, captain?"
+
+"I have been deceived regarding the condition of this ship. I was made
+to understand that she was perfectly sea-worthy--this is my first trip
+with her--but I now learn that the boilers are in a bad state and the
+pumps are hardly in a working condition. There is--already a small leak
+where it is nearly impossible to be reached. We are holding our own
+very well, and we can jog along in this way for some time, so there is
+no immediate danger."
+
+Chester experienced a sinking at the heart. From the many questions
+which thronged into his mind, he put this:
+
+"When might there be danger?"
+
+"If the leak gets bad and the pumps can not handle it. Then a rough sea
+is to be dreaded."
+
+"What can we do?"
+
+"At present, nothing but keep cool. You are the only one of the
+passengers that knows anything about this, and I am telling you because
+I can trust you to be wise and brave, if necessary. If things do not
+improve, we shall soon be getting our boats in shape. We shall do this
+as quietly as possible, but someone might see and ask questions. We
+shall depend on you--and I'll promise to keep you posted on the ship's
+true condition."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"And now," said the captain as his face resumed its cheerful expression,
+"I must make a trip below. When you see me on the bridge again, come up
+and make that explanation which Mr. Strong said you were able to do. I
+shall be mighty glad to listen to you."
+
+Chester protested, but the captain would not hear it. "I'll be up in the
+course of half an hour," said the seaman. "Promise me you'll come?"
+
+"Of course, if you really wish it?"
+
+"I was never more earnest in my life. My boy, let me tell you
+something'. I have listened at times to your conversation on religious
+themes--you and Lucy have talked when I could not help hearing--and I
+want to hear more--I believe you have a message for me."
+
+There was a smile on the captain's face as he hurried away. And
+Chester's heart also arose and was comforted, as he lingered for a few
+moments on the deck and then joined Lucy and his father.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+
+In blissful ignorance of any danger, the passengers and most of the crew
+went the daily round of pleasure or duty. The games on deck, the smoking
+and card-playing in the gentlemen's room, the sleeping and the eating
+all went on uninterrupted. Captain Brown, though quieter than usual, was
+as pleasant and thoughtful as ever. The sea was smooth, the weather
+fine, and the ship plowed on her course with no visible indication that
+she was slowly being crippled.
+
+Lucy had for her use, one of the largest and best ventilated rooms in
+the ship. It was so pleasant there, that she spent much of her time in
+its seclusiveness. It is needless to state that Chester shared that
+comfort and seclusion. Reading, talking, building castles which reached
+into the heavens, these two basked in the warm light of a perfect love.
+After a little buffeting about in worldly storms, two hearts had come to
+rest; and how penetratingly sweet was that serene peace of soul. In him
+she saw her highest ideals realized, her fondest hopes and dreams come
+true. In her he found the composite perfectness of woman. All his
+visions from early youth to the present materialized in the sweet face,
+gentle spirit and pure soul of Lucy Strong!
+
+Chester, the day after Captain Brown had told him about the condition of
+the ship, found Lucy in her room. She was not well, the father had
+said, so Chester sought her out. She was reclining on the couch. His
+heart, burdened with what he knew melted towards the girl. He drew a
+stool up to her, and kissed his good-morning.
+
+"Not so well today?" he asked.
+
+"No; my heart has been troubling me all night; but I'm better now."
+
+"Now, see here, my girl, I'm the one that ought to be ill."
+
+"How's that?" she smiled at him.
+
+"Have we not exchanged hearts?"
+
+"Oh, I see. Yes; but the strength only went with mine. The weakness I
+retained. It would not have been fair otherwise."
+
+She sat up and pushed back her hair. He seated himself near her and drew
+her in his arm. He held her close.
+
+"Some things," said he, "we can not give, much as we would like. Some
+burdens we must carry ourselves."
+
+"Which I take it, is a very wise provision," she added.
+
+There was silence after that. It was not easy for either of them to
+talk, each being constrained with his own crowded thoughts. Chester
+listened to the rhythmic beat of the machinery, and wondered vaguely how
+long it would continue thus, and what would happen if it had to stop.
+
+"Chester," said Lucy at last, "what if I should die?" She clung to him
+as she said it.
+
+"But, my dear, you're not going to die. You're going to get completely
+well again--You're going to stay with me, you know."
+
+"That's the worst, when I think of it--the thought of separating from
+you--O Chester, I can't do that--All my life I've waited and watched for
+you, and now to leave you, to lose you again--and we've been together
+such a short time! I can't bear to think of it." The tears welled in her
+eyes.
+
+"Then, my sweetheart mustn't think of it. We are going to be together,
+we two. 'Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will
+lodge ... where thou diest will I die, and there will I be buried!'
+quoted the young man, knowing not the prophetic import of his words. She
+leaned on his shoulder, and he stroked the hair from her forehead.
+
+"Did you have a talk with Captain Brown?" she asked. "Did you answer his
+questions?"
+
+Chester started, then understood. "Oh, yes," he replied. "Yesterday on
+the bridge we talked for an hour. He asked me all manner of questions,
+and I think I satisfied him. He had heard of Mormonism,' of course, but
+never of its message of salvation. I believe he's converted already."
+
+"I'm so glad, for he is such a nice man. Chester, I wish your father
+were more susceptible to the gospel. I can't understand him. He never
+opposes, nor does he now find fault with me; but as for himself--well,
+he says he's going back to the pulpit."
+
+"I am just as sorry as you, on that score; but we can but do our best,
+and let the Lord take care of the rest."
+
+Now when their thoughts ranged from self to others, Lucy felt so much
+better that she declared she was ready for the deck. So leaning on
+Chester's arm, they carefully climbed the stairs, and came to the open.
+There was a breeze, and a bank of clouds hung low to windward. Chester
+adjusted Lucy's wrap closely as they paced the deck slowly. The clouds
+lifted into the sky, shutting out the sun. On the horizon, winkings of
+lightning flashed. Evidently, a storm was coming.
+
+Captain Brown was quiet at the luncheon table. Chester noted it, and
+afterwards, followed the captain to the bridge.
+
+"How goes it?" asked Chester.
+
+"Not well," was the reply. "Do you see that list to larboard."
+
+"I don't understand."
+
+Without pointing, which action others might see, the captain explained
+that the ship tilted to one side, also that there was a slight "settling
+by the head," that is, the ship was deeper in the water forward than at
+any other part. Chester noticed it now, and asked what it meant.
+
+"It means," explained the captain, "that we are slowly
+settling--sinking, in plain words. The pumps can not manage the water
+coming into the hold. There is also some trouble with the cargo, which
+causes the list or leaning to one side. From now on, I shall be on the
+lookout for assistance, which I think, will come in ample time--Now
+tell me more about this new prophet, Joseph Smith."
+
+For an hour they conversed. Then the captain had to go below again, and
+Chester went in search of Lucy. A number of the passengers were standing
+near the larboard rail. They noticed the slope of the deck, but did not
+realize its meaning, and Chester did not enlighten them. A peculiar
+heart-sinking feeling persisted with him, which the coming storm did not
+alleviate.
+
+The captain was not in his place at dinner, which was all the more
+noticeable, because it was the first time he had been absent. Some of
+the passengers were beginning to feel the effects of the higher seas,
+and they did not eat much. Very few went back to the deck from the
+table. Lucy and the minister were among those who went to bed, but
+Chester, clad in water proofs was easier on deck.
+
+The wind was blowing hard, increasing in time to quite a gale. The waves
+broke over the ship's prow, slushing the forward deck and driving all
+who were out either back or to an upper deck. Chester kept away from
+Captain Brown on the bridge, where he no doubt would remain throughout
+the night.
+
+Darkness came on thick and black. The wind howled hideously around
+smoke-stack and rigging. The rain came in storms, then ceased only to
+gather more strength for the next squall. How well the ship was standing
+the rough weather, Chester did not know, and certainly the other
+passengers had no fears, as most of them were asleep. Chester went down
+the companion-way, glanced into the vacant saloon and hallways, and
+paused at Lucy's door All was quiet, so she was no doubt asleep. His
+father was also resting easily. He went on deck again.
+
+As he mounted the steps to the tipper deck, he saw a brilliant light
+shine from the bridge. It flashed for an instant, flooding the ship with
+light, then went out. "The captain is signalling," thought Chester. In
+five minutes the light flashed again, thus at regular intervals. The few
+passengers who saw this, becoming alarmed, rushed to the bridge with
+anxious questions. The captain met them at the foot of the stairs.
+
+"My friends," he said in wonderfully calm tones "there is no occasion
+for alarm. The weather is very thick, and as we are in the path of
+steamers, these lights are set off as a warning." This explanation, as
+Chester knew, was not all the truth, but the captain did not want a
+panic so early in the trouble. The passengers seemed satisfied, but they
+lingered for some time watching the lights and the remarkable effects
+they had on the ship and the heaving sea. The captain touched Chester
+who was still standing near the steps.
+
+"You go to bed and get some rest," he said. "You may need all your
+strength later. There is no danger tonight. Go to bed."
+
+Chester took the captain's advice. He went to bed, but it was not easy
+to go to sleep, so he did not do this until well towards morning.
+
+The storm was still on next morning when Chester awoke. He dressed
+hurriedly, listened again at Lucy's and his father's doors, but hearing
+nothing went on deck. The day was well advanced. The wind seemed not so
+strong as the night before, and the waves were not so high. However, the
+sea was rough enough to add to the danger of a sinking ship. Chester
+noticed the "list to larboard," and the "settling at the head," and
+found both of these dangerous conditions worse. The most careless
+observer would not now fail to see that something was the matter. And,
+in fact, as the passengers came on deck that morning, most of them late
+and looking bad from threatened attacks of sea-sickness, they
+immediately remarked on the slanting deck. Anxious enquiries from
+officers and seamen brought no satisfactory reply. Had there been a
+large number of passengers, there would likely have been an unpleasant
+panic that morning.
+
+The breakfast was late, and very few of the passengers were there to
+partake of it. Captain Brown was in his place, greeting the few who
+slipped carefully into their seats. As the meal progressed and not over
+half of the usual company put in an appearance, the captain consulted
+with the second officer and the steward. Then at the close of the meal,
+the captain arose and said:
+
+"My friends, I wish you to remain until we can get all who are able to
+join us here. I have something to say which I want all of you to hear.
+So please remain seated. The steward will see that no one leaves the
+room."
+
+One by one the absent passengers were brought in. Thomas Strong was
+among them, but not Lucy, for which Chester was thankful. The steward
+reported that all who were able were present, and then amid a tense
+silence, emphasized only by the creaking of the ship and the subdued
+noise of the sea without, the captain said:
+
+"I am sorry to have to tell you that the ship is in a sinking condition.
+There is a leak which we have been unable to stop. Two of our boilers
+are already useless and it is only a matter of time when the water will
+reach the others. I have not said anything about this until now, for I
+have been hoping to meet with some vessel that could take us off. So
+far, none has appeared. However, we are in the steamer zone, and we have
+many chances yet. Today sometime or tonight we must take to the boats,
+and what I want to impress upon you especially is that you, all of you,
+must control yourselves. Do not give way to excitement or fear which
+might hinder you from doing what is best. I tell you plainly, that the
+worst we have to fear on that score is the crew. They are already near
+to mutiny. The first officer and others are guarding their exits and
+keeping the stokers at their posts. They are a rough lot of men, and it
+will not do to let them get beyond our control. I shall, therefore, ask
+the help of every man present. When it comes to launching the boats, it
+must be done in order. There are boats enough, but there must not be any
+crowding. With the present rough water it will be difficult to get the
+boats off. It is necessary, therefore, that the greatest care be taken.
+Now, then, that is all. Go about quietly. Each man and woman get a life
+belt ready, but you need not put them on until you are told. The steward
+will give the order."
+
+He ceased, turned, and hurried up the companionway. There was silence
+for a moment, then a woman screamed, which signaled a general uproar of
+cries and talk. Out of the confusion came quiet, assuring commands, and
+in time the little company had scattered. Chester and his father went
+out together, along the hallway to Lucy's room. They looked mutely at
+each other, not knowing what best to say.
+
+When they stopped at Lucy's door, Chester asked of his father if she was
+up.
+
+"Yes," he replied; "but she is not well. How shall we tell her the evil
+news?"
+
+"We must manage it somehow, for she must know--poor little girl!"
+
+Between them, they managed to tell Lucy of the situation they were in.
+During the telling, she looked at one and then at the other in a dazed
+way, as if she could not believe there were any actual danger. They
+repeated to her the assurances the captain had given.
+
+"Can we go on deck?" asked Lucy at last. "I want to get into the air
+where the sky is above me."
+
+They found a protected corner in the smoking-room where Lucy was content
+to sit and look out of the open door to see what was going on about the
+deck. Officers were inspecting the boats to see that all were ready in
+case of need. The work of the crew and the movements of the passengers
+were accompanied by a certain nervousness. That the ship was slowly
+settling could plainly be seen by all on board.
+
+Towards noon, the forward hatch was opened, and soon there was a rattle
+of chains and clang of machinery. Then up from the hold come bales,
+boxes, and barrels which were unceremoniously dropped into the sea. The
+cargo must go. No help had yet been sighted, and if they were to remain
+afloat much longer, the ship would have to be lightened. "What a pity to
+waste so much," said some, forgetting their own peril for the moment;
+but human life is worth more than ships or cargos.
+
+Very few cared to respond to the call for luncheon which the stewards
+bravely kept up. The women who were too frightened to go below were
+served on deck, being urged to eat by solicitous friends.
+
+All afternoon the unloading went on. The ship moved slowly leaving a
+train of floating merchandise in its wake. On the bridge the captain or
+one of the officers paced back and forth with glass in hand eager to
+catch the call of the man in the crow's nest if he should catch sight of
+other vessels. But none were seen. The afternoon closed; darkness came
+on. Then the light burned again from the bridge and the fog-horn added
+its din to the dreariness.
+
+Lucy kept to her position near the open deck. She would not go below, so
+wraps and pillows were brought her and she was made as comfortable as
+possible. Chester remained with her most of the time, the father came
+and went in nervous uncertainty. Captain Brown stopped long enough to
+tell Chester that since most of the cargo was overboard, they would
+float a little longer, but they were to be ready at any time now to
+leave the ship. The boats were provisioned, it was explained, and the
+passengers would be allowed to take with them only what could be carried
+in a small bundle. Very likely, they would not need to desert the ship
+before morning, so they had better rest.
+
+But there was neither rest nor sleep that night. Chester tucked his
+father into a seat, placed a pillow for his head, then, seeing that Lucy
+was comfortable, sat down by her. She lifted the cover from her
+shoulders, and extended it to his. It dropped to his lap also, so thus
+they sat in the dim glow of the electric light. Life belts were within
+easy reach.
+
+It was well past midnight when the lights went out. Then the beat, beat
+of the engines grew less, became fainter, and then like a great heart,
+ceased. The ship was dead, and lifeless it must float at the mercy of
+wind and wave. Then from below came the cries of men, and there were
+hurried steps and sharp commands on deck. Chester stepped out to see
+what it was. Captain Brown and the first officer stood by the entrance
+to the boiler rooms with gleaming revolvers in their hands, holding back
+an excited crowd of stokers.
+
+"Back, every one of you!" shouted the captain. "I shall kill the first
+man who comes out until he is given permission."
+
+The mass of half-naked, grimy men slunk back with curses and
+protestations. "The ship is sinking," they cried, "let us get out."
+
+"Steady there now." commanded Captain Brown. "There is plenty of time.
+We shall let you out, but it must be done orderly. One at a time now,
+and go get your clothes. Then stand by, ready for orders from the
+engineer. Do you agree?"
+
+"Yes, yes." They filed out one and two at a time, disappearing in the
+darkness. Lanterns, prepared for this emergency, flashed here and there.
+Chester obtained one and placed it on the table of the smoking room.
+
+Presently the stewards could be heard running about the ship saying:
+"Ready for the boats, ready for the boats--Everybody on the boat deck!"
+The frightened passengers crowded up the steps in the half-darkness, the
+gleam of lanterns showing the way. Men were clearing the davits, and
+presently the first boat was ready to be filled.
+
+Captain Brown was in command. He now looked out into the night, then
+down to the rough sea, hesitating for a moment whether or not the time
+had come. He did not wish to set these men and women afloat in small
+boats on such a sea if he could possibly help it; but a settling
+movement of the ship, which perhaps he only felt, decided him. He
+detailed six sailors to the boat that was ready, then said:
+
+"The women first--no crowding, please--stand back you!"--this to a man
+whom panic had seized and who was crowding forward.
+
+Sharp, clear, came the orders, and everyone understood. Some husbands
+were permitted to go with their hysterical wives. Presently, "That will
+do," ordered the captain. "There are plenty of boats, and there need be
+no overloading. Lower away."
+
+The first boat went down and was safely floated and rowed away from the
+sinking ship. The sailors were busy with the second boat. Captain Brown
+caught sight of Chester. "Where is Mr. Strong and Lucy. This is your
+boat. Bring them along."
+
+"When do you go, Captain?"
+
+"I? On the last boat. Hurry them along, my boy."
+
+Just as Chester turned, there came from the other side of the ship the
+noise of shouting, rushing men. The commands of officers were drowned in
+the confusion. The frantic stokers had got beyond the control of the
+officer, and they rushed for the boats. Davits creaked, as the boats
+were swung out. The crazed men pushed pell mell into them. One boat was
+lowered when only half full, and by the time Captain Brown reached the
+scene, the second boat was full, ready to be loosened.
+
+"Hold," he commanded, as he held aloft his lantern and his revolver
+pointed directly at the man who held one of the ropes.
+
+"Out of there, every one of you--out I say--you first," to a man just
+climbing in.
+
+The stokers were not sailors--the riff-raff of many ports they were; and
+now with them it was every man for himself. This feeling without proper
+knowledge worked their undoing. The ropes were released, one before the
+other, and the loaded boat bumped down the side of the vessel, one end
+dropping before the other, spilling the screaming, cursing men into the
+water. Down the boat slid until one end touched the waves, the rope ends
+flying loosely so that they could not be reached by those on the deck. A
+wave hit the boat as it hung and swamped it.
+
+"My God," exclaimed the captain, "two of our boats are lost. There is
+only one more left."
+
+Chester Lawrence stood still and watched by the lantern's light what was
+going on. He pressed forward in time to hear Captain Brown's remark
+about the boats. Then together they crossed to the other side where that
+last boat hung ready to be filled. And there was need for hurry now.
+Slowly, but surely, the ship was sinking, and any moment might bring the
+final plunge.
+
+"Load the boat," shouted the Captain, "women first." The half dozen
+women found places.
+
+"Where's Lucy?" he enquired, looking around for Chester who had
+disappeared. Lucy was not in the boat. The Captain was sure she had not
+gotten away with the first boat. Chester would bring her.
+
+"Now, fill in," was the order. "Mr. Strong, where are you? Is Mr. Strong
+here?" But he was not to be found.
+
+One by one the few remaining passengers took their places, then the
+crew.
+
+"Is there room for more?" asked the Captain of the officer in the boat.
+
+"I fear not, sir," came the reply.
+
+"Some of the men get under the seats," ordered the Captain. "Now, then
+in with you men. Don't go yet. There is yet a woman aboard. Hold fast
+there, officer, until I find her." He rushed down the stairs with his
+lantern, calling for Chester. "Where are you--for God's sake come
+quick!"
+
+"Here I am sir," replied Chester as he came nearly carrying his father.
+
+"Where is Lucy?"
+
+"Lucy is not coming, sir. She does not need to--she has gone
+already--she--"
+
+"What? What is it? We need to hurry, my boy!"
+
+"Lucy is dead!"
+
+"Dead!--Bring Mr. Strong along. The boat is waiting."
+
+The boat hung by its davits, ready for lowering.
+
+"We are full," said the officer, "and the deck is cleared. There is need
+for hurry, sir."
+
+"There is," replied Captain Brown. "Make room for two more."
+
+"We can't do it sir--not in this sea--we are overcrowded now."
+
+"You must--close up, lie down, make room."
+
+One of the officers offered to get out, then another did the same, but
+the captain would not hear. "No," he said, "you men have families."
+
+Still the boat hung there in the darkness. What could be done? The waves
+rolled beneath, the wind moaned in the rigging.
+
+"We might risk one more, sir," came from the boat.
+
+The captain looked at Chester, big, strong, full of youth, and then at
+the slender, gray-haired man. What a pity, and yet he knew the younger
+man would have to remain. That is the law of the sea.
+
+"I'll not go," said the father. "You go, Chester."
+
+"No, no; we'll manage somehow; but you must take the chance. Here, help
+him in."
+
+Captain Brown stood by with lifted lantern. He did not dictate which of
+the two should go. He had no need of that. He saw Chester lift the old
+man in his arms, hold him for an instant close to him, kiss him and
+murmur, "Goodby father, and God bless and preserve you"--then he handed
+him over to outstretched hands in the boat.
+
+Captain Brown and Chester Lawrence stood by the railing and watched the
+boat lowered. Then when they knew it was safely riding the waves, they
+turned to each other.
+
+"Where is your life-belt?" asked the Captain. "Get it, and put it on."
+
+"Is there a chance?"
+
+"There is always a chance. Come. We shall go together, one way or
+another--the way God wills."
+
+They walked along the slanting deck down to where Lucy lay on the couch
+in the smoking room. Chester did not notice the life-belt on the table,
+but he lifted a lantern to Lucy's face, kneeled by it, and kissed it
+tenderly. "Lucy," he said, "my sweetheart, where are you? Don't you want
+me to come too?" He stroked the still face, and smoothed back the hair
+as he was wont. "Aren't you afraid in that new world to which you have
+gone--aren't you as lonesome as--I am? O Lucy, Lucy!"
+
+"Come put on this belt," said the captain, touching him on the shoulder.
+
+"I'm coming with you, Lucy," continued the young man. "Nothing shall
+part us--as I have told you--we two,--O, my God, what can I do?"
+
+The captain led Chester away from the dead, out to the open deck, and
+buckled around him a life-belt. "Wait here" said the officer. "There is
+a chance--I'm going to see. I'll be back in a minute."
+
+Chester was alone, and in those few minutes the wonderful panorama of
+life passed before him. He lived in periods, each period ending with
+Lucy Strong. His boyhood, and his awakening to the world about
+him--then Lucy; his schooldays, with boys and girls--out from them came
+Lucy; his early manhood, his forming ideals--completed in Lucy; his
+experiences in the West, and at Piney Ridge Cottage, and then came, not
+Julia, but Lucy; then the gospel with its new light and assurance of
+salvation; and this coupled with Lucy, her faith and love, burned as a
+sweet incense in the soul of Chester Lawrence. Fear left him now. He
+heard sounds as if they were songs from distant angel-choirs. Words of
+comfort and strength were whispered to his heart: "Though I walk through
+the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art
+near me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me...." Eternity! Why, an
+immortal soul is always in eternity; and God is always at hand in life
+or in death.... Death! what is it but the passing to the other side of a
+curtain, where our loved ones are waiting to meet and greet us!
+
+Chester stepped back to Lucy. It was dark where she lay, but he passed
+his hand over her form to her face, touching tenderly her cheek and
+closed eyes. The flesh was not yet cold, but he felt that the soul whom
+he had come to know as Lucy Strong was not there.
+
+Captain Brown called through the darkness. Chester groped into the open
+again. Was that the captain's figure on the bridge, looming black
+against the faint light in the eastern sky? If it was, Chester was in no
+condition to know, for just then there came a great sinking. A roar of
+waters sounded in his ears, there was a struggle, a moment of agony,
+and then the darkness of oblivion.
+
+When he awoke again, he had passed over the storm-whipped bar into still
+waters. There Lucy met him, and together they sailed, guided by the
+unerring Light of God into the Harbor of Eternal Peace and Rest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+Thomas Strong was a guest at Piney Ridge Cottage. It had taken him a
+full year to get over the effects of that dreadful sea disaster wherein
+a son, a daughter, and a dear friend had been lost, and to finally make
+his way westward to the people to whom both son and daughter had
+belonged. He had arrived during apple-blossom time, and the
+white-haired, sad-faced man who seemed to have had all mortality burned
+from him by fiery trials, was kindly received by Mr. Elston, his
+daughter Julia and her husband, Bishop Glen Curtis. These listened to
+his strange story, and were profoundly moved by its tragic ending. They
+urged him to remain with them, Julia giving him the room on the attic
+floor which previously was hers. He was grateful for all these
+kindnesses, saying he would be pleased to visit with them for a time.
+
+Out under the apple trees in the growing orchard Hugh Elston made for
+their guest a seat, where during the day he would sit as one alone,
+listening and waiting here in this spot away from the noise and traffic
+of the world for a final message which the God of the Universe might
+send him. As far as his strength would allow, he liked to walk along the
+country roads, which now extended for many miles from Piney Ridge, and
+chat with the neighbors about the country and its prospects. He also
+made some minor excursions up the hillsides, but in this direction he
+could not go far. Frequently he stopped to rest by the enclosed graves,
+where he sat on the grass, and with hands on cane, looked wonderingly at
+the two graves, side by side.
+
+But whispered messages from out the blue or storms of heaven did not
+come to this man. Neither were there angels sent to tell him what to do;
+but the Lord had one more thing--simple indeed--to bear upon the
+reluctant heart of Thomas Strong.
+
+In the little attic room which Julia had turned over to her guest were
+many books, papers, and magazines. She had told him that everything in
+the room was at his service, and so the visitor made good use of the
+kind offer. One day he found a small book which had the name Anna
+Lawrence--Chester's mother--written on the fly-leaf. Curiously turning
+over the pages of the volume, which was simply a school book of the kind
+he remembered in his youth, he found between the leaves an old letter.
+He unfolded the deeply creased sheets, looked at the strange
+handwriting, saw that it was dated thirty years ago, and addressed to
+"Miss Anna Lawrence" and signed by a name unknown to him. There could no
+harm come from reading this message from the past, so he drew his chair
+up to the window, and read:
+
+
+"_Dear Friend Anna_:
+
+"It is three months now since I left home for this mission, and not
+having heard anything yet from you, I thought a few lines from me might
+help you get started in the letter-writing direction. I am enjoying my
+mission very much, which perhaps you cannot understand, but it is true,
+nevertheless. I came to this place yesterday and have already delivered
+some tracts. Most of the people are against us, specially is this the
+case with preachers. They get after us roughly. My companion isn't as
+old as I am, and goodness knows, I'm young and green enough; but we're
+both studying hard, and the Lord is with us, which, after all, is our
+chief concern.
+
+"I hope you are getting along at school. Do you remember the fun we had
+last vacation? I heard that our friend Sue is about to be married, but I
+suppose you know all about that.
+
+"But I must tell you about something that happened to us before coming
+here. It was in a place not far from Chicago, and my companion and I
+were tracting as usual. I took one side of the street and he took the
+other. Well, along about noon when it was time we should quit, my
+companion didn't make his appearance. I waited a long time, then crossed
+the street to look for him. The weather was warm and people were mostly
+out of doors in the shade. I heard what sounded like a big discussion on
+a porch behind some vines. I went up, and sure enough, there was my
+companion and another young fellow having it out in great shape. The
+young man sat in his shirt sleeves on a table, and the way he was giving
+it to that poor friend of mine was a caution. I learned that the young
+fellow was studying for the ministry, and because of that, he considered
+himself just the person to give it good and hard to a 'Mormon'
+missionary.
+
+"Well, the fellow sat there on the table, his legs swinging as if he
+didn't care a--rap. There was a Bible and some other books on the table,
+but they had got beyond the use of books. The young fellow ridiculed the
+Prophet, poked fun at his revelations, and said the 'Mormons' were a bad
+lot altogether. Said they deserved to be driven from decent society into
+the desert as they had been. He kept it up like that, and then he said
+something odd. 'I wouldn't have your religion at any price,' he said.
+'Get out with you.'
+
+"My companion sat there, not saying a word. I saw the tears come into
+his eyes. He wiped them away hurriedly. Then his face became pale, and
+it seemed to me that a light actually shone from it. As I told you, he
+is just a boy, and as I looked on him then, I thought of the boy
+prophet, and what my father has told me so often about him. Well, when
+the fellow got through with his abuse, and jumped from the table as if
+we were dismissed, my companion arose and in a voice wonderfully gentle
+yet vibrant with power, said:
+
+"'Yes, we will go, but not before I tell you this: You know not what you
+say, therefore, you are forgiven, as far as I am concerned. My parents
+were driven from this state. All they had was destroyed by mobs. My
+mother died on the plains and her body lies there to this day. All that
+mortal man can suffer and live my people have suffered, and all for the
+sake of the truth, the gospel that I have brought to you this day, and
+which you so scornfully reject. And now I tell you in the name of the
+Lord, some day you will receive this gospel--but not until you have paid
+for it, and paid for it dearly. Like the merchantman in the parable,
+_all that you have_ will you pay for this Pearl of Great Price! Good
+day, sir.'
+
+"We both left him standing somewhat dazed, but I tell you--"
+
+The letter dropped to Thomas Strong's knee, as he looked up and out at
+the closing day. He arose, went to the glass door which opened on to the
+little porch, stepped out into the air that he might breathe easier.
+What he saw was not Old Thunder Mountain, or the wide extent of the
+Flat, dim now in the twilight, but a vine-enclosed porch and the pale,
+peculiar face of a boy telling him the words he had just read. * * * *
+There had been other boy prophets besides the first great one; and yes,
+oh Great God, one old, broken man had paid the price.
+
+The vines on the upper porch of Piney Ridge Cottage now also formed a
+cover, and in their shadow Thomas Strong kneeled and prayed as he had
+never prayed before.
+
+An hour later, Julia, wondering what their guest was doing in his room
+so long without a light, called to him softly at the foot of the stairs.
+
+"Yes," he replied, as if he did not realize for the moment who was
+calling, "I'm coming--I'm coming now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+The first Sunday in the month was Fast Day at Piney Ridge the same as in
+all wards of the Church. The Bishop had some visiting to do that morning
+so he did not get to Sunday School; but he returned about eleven o'clock
+and found the horses hitched to the white-top buggy ready to take all
+the household to meeting.
+
+"Are we all ready?" he asked as he came into the house.
+
+"Just about," replied his wife who was putting the finishing touches to
+the baby's bonnet. "Here, hold him." She placed the baby in Glen's arms.
+The father somewhat awkwardly tossed him up and down.
+
+"Now be careful," admonished the mother, "don't muss his clothes up like
+that. Today is his first public appearance, you know."
+
+"Your coming out, eh?" he asked of the baby. "Well, we'll have to be
+good, won't we."
+
+This was in the front room. Thomas Strong sat, hat in hand, ready, while
+he smiled at the bear-like antics of the happy father with his first
+baby. Then when the mother came in with hat on, the old man arose
+slowly, went to the organ and looked at a photograph of Chester
+Lawrence, which had recently been framed and now held the place of honor
+on the organ. The Bishop, seeing the movement, lifted the baby to the
+picture.
+
+"I believe there _is_ a resemblance," he remarked. The old man only
+smiled.
+
+Hugh Elston now drove up to the door. The young mother climbed into the
+front seat, and then was given the baby. Grandpa Elston took a back seat
+by Thomas Strong, while the Bishop sat by his wife to drive. Then they
+were off.
+
+"Did I tell you," said Mr. Strong to his companion, "that I got a letter
+from my brother last evening?"
+
+"No; you did not."
+
+"Well, he's been recently to London and visiting with Elder Malby. It
+seems he can't keep away from that man, and I must say Elder Malby is a
+wonder. Such a spirit he has with him--"
+
+"The missionary spirit, Brother Strong--the spirit of the Lord."
+
+"Yes, yes," mused the man--"strange--and he but a hard-working farmer--I
+wouldn't be surprised if Brother Gilbert came to America and out west
+here. He intimated as much in his letter. Poor brother, he also has
+suffered."
+
+"If he comes, give him our invitation to visit with us."
+
+"Thank you, that I shall."
+
+"Perhaps he will accompany Elder Malby when he is released."
+
+"Invite them both," said the other. "We shall all like to see them very
+much."
+
+There was a brief silence, as the horses trotted along. Thomas Strong's
+gaze roved across the Flat to the mountains, then rested again on his
+companion. Presently, he said:
+
+"Brother Elston, the other day you were speaking of vicarious work for
+the dead, 'temple work' you called it. I understand the doctrine of
+baptism for the dead, but some other things are not quite plain--for
+instance, having the dead married, made husband and wife, which they
+would have been had they lived and had the chance--well, you
+understand."
+
+Yes; Hugh Elston understood, and made his explanations to his companion,
+who listened attentively and exclaimed at its close:
+
+"I am so glad--for Chester's and Lucy's sake--so glad!"
+
+In good time they arrived at the meeting house. The Bishop busied
+himself with the business before him. The good people of the ward came
+in, exchanged the usual greetings, then found seats. There were flowers
+on the sacrament table as usual, and the meeting house looked sweet and
+clean--a fit place in which to worship the Lord.
+
+The opening hymn in which the congregation joined was:
+
+    "God moves in a mysterious way,
+      His wonders to perform;
+    He plants his footsteps in the sea,
+      And rides upon the storm."
+
+At the close of the song, Thomas Strong nodded his head and whispered,
+"Amen."
+
+Then after prayer and the sacrament, the Bishop announced, "All mothers
+who have babies to be blessed will please bring them forward, and all
+who were baptized yesterday will kindly take their places on the front
+seat."
+
+Julia, with rosy face, bore her baby to the front, followed by another
+mother with less timidity. A little girl tip-toed along the aisle, and a
+boy, "just turned eight" trod heavily forward. Then Thomas Strong also
+arose, and silently took his place on the front seat alongside the
+mothers with the babies and the children.
+
+The sun shone through the uncurtained window and lay as a broad strip of
+light along the front seat. The little boy was nervously twitching his
+feet, the little girl's hands were folded serenely, the babies cooed.
+The white-haired man sat with the children, now one with them and of
+them in very deed. His face was as a child's, as was indeed his heart.
+The meeting was still, silenced by the strange, solemn occasion. Then
+the Bishop, assisted by his counselors and Patriarch Hugh Elston laid
+their hands on the three who had been baptized in water for the
+remission of sins and now bestowed on them the Holy Ghost. Then the
+officiating Elders came to the mothers.
+
+"Brother Elston," said the Bishop, "bless the baby."
+
+Hugh Elston took Julia's baby into his arms, where he lay cooing into
+the men's faces as they gathered around. The Patriarch, in slow,
+carefully chosen words, gave the babe its name and a blessing:
+
+"Chester Lawrence--for this is the name by which you shall be known
+among the children of men--"
+
+There was a moment's pause in the blessing. Thomas Strong glanced up to
+the men, then looked at Julia in surprise.
+
+"Oh," said he softly, "my boy's name shall live--Thank God."
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Story of Chester Lawrence, by Nephi Anderson
+
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