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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/9390.txt b/9390.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8517da2 --- /dev/null +++ b/9390.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10967 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Fifteen Years With The Outcast +by Mrs. Florence (Mother) Roberts + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Fifteen Years With The Outcast + +Author: Mrs. Florence (Mother) Roberts + +Release Date: November, 2005 [EBook #9390] +[This file was first posted on September 28, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, FIFTEEN YEARS WITH THE OUTCAST *** + + + + +E-text prepared by Joel Erickson, Tonya Allen, and Project Gutenberg +Distributed Proofers + + + + + + + +FIFTEEN YEARS WITH THE OUTCAST + +By + +MRS. FLORENCE (MOTHER) ROBERTS + +1912 + + + + + + + +[Illustration: MRS. FLORENCE (MOTHER) ROBERTS.] + + + +PREFACE. + + +A missionary, upon returning from his field of labor in India, was +making an effort to stir up the sympathies of the people in behalf of +the heathen. By telling his countrymen of the influence of the gospel +upon the Indians and of the hundreds, even thousands, of them who had +become Christians, he succeeded in creating an interest among many of +his friends. He told many stirring experiences of the difficulties +encountered in the missionary work, and gave affecting accounts of the +persecution of the native Christians because of their turning from +their idolatry and former beliefs. + +A noted English hunter had just returned from a hunting tour in Bengal. +These two men were invited to speak at a certain assembly. The large +audience listened attentively to thrilling experiences of the hunter as +he related the hairbreadth escapes in the jungles and told of the many +Bengal tigers seen and killed. After he had finished his account of his +hunting tour, he was asked to give a report of the missionary work as +he had found it in India. He stated that in all his travels in Bengal +he had not seen a native Christian and, further, that he did not +believe there were any, but that there were plenty of tigers. He said +that he had not seen a missionary on the field and that the +missionaries were deceiving the people by their reports. + +The missionary was stung to the heart. He knew that the people were +almost ready to cast him down in derision because of the powerful +influence this noted hunter had exerted over the audience. When he +arose, trusting the Lord for wisdom that he might be able to convince +his hearers of the real situation of missionary work in India, he +kindly referred to the statements of the eminent hunter and said: "He +has related his exciting experiences in tiger-hunting and has told you +that tigers abound in that country. Why should I believe his word? +Though I spent several years in Bengal, yet I never saw a tiger outside +of a cage nor any one hunting tigers. He says he did not see a native +Christian or a missionary on the field. I have seen hundreds of them, +have lived among them, have taught them, and I am able to verify my +statements. Shall I discredit the statements of the hunter because I +saw no tigers? I was not looking for tigers; therefore I did not go to +the jungles to find them. He was not looking for Christians and +missionaries, and for that reason he did not go to the plains where +they were to be found." The words of the missionary had the desired +effect, and the cause that he represented was sustained. + +It has often been said that the world is growing better and that the +places of vice are few; but if the veil is drawn aside only enough to +give a glimpse of the pitfalls of darkness and sin, one is made to +stand aghast and lift the hands in horror. How little is known of the +next-door neighbor! In our cities many people do not even know the +names or the occupations of those living in the next room or in some +other apartment of the same house. Oft-times dens of vice are almost at +our door, and we know nothing of their existence until we are awakened +by some sad occurrence that might have been avoided "had we known." + +Many parents fear to inform their children of the evils of the world +and of the dives and pitfalls of vice. This false modesty, or failure +to impart knowledge, places children face to face with danger without +their suspecting any harm. + +There are gambling-dens, houses of ill-fame, and various other places +of vice, where young and old are led astray. The "white slave +traders"--those who decoy and sell girls and young women for such +places--are ever on the alert. + +The author of this book has spent years in trying to rescue girls from +such a life, and "Fifteen Years with the Outcast" will undoubtedly do +much to counteract the influence of these places of vice and infamy. + +Fathers and mothers should place this volume in the hands of their +children and should encourage them to become sufficiently informed +concerning such things not only to protect themselves but also to warn +others. + +With a desire that the influence of this book may reach the highest +anticipations of the author I am + +Yours in Him, + +E. E. Byrum. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +CHAPTER I. + +Little Rosa--A Warning to Mothers and Guardians + +CHAPTER II. + +A Visit to Sacramento--The Outcome + +CHAPTER III. + +My First Autoharp--I Forsake All to Follow Jesus + +CHAPTER IV. + +I am Introduced to the Rescue Home Family--A Glorious Test + +CHAPTER V. + +A Crushing Situation--Wonderful Vision--Story of Rita + +CHAPTER VI. + +My First Call to the Prison Work + +CHAPTER VII. + +Leila + +CHAPTER VIII. + +I Bid Farewell to the Sacramento Home + +CHAPTER IX. + +Woodland (Continued)--A Boycott + +CHAPTER X. + +A Brief Call to Sacramento--I Enter the San Francisco Field + +CHAPTER XI. + +I am Introduced to the Dives of Barbary Coast + +CHAPTER XII. + +Mary + +CHAPTER XIII. + +Services in County Jail, Branch No 3 + +CHAPTER XIV. + +Lucy--A Remarkable Experience + +CHAPTER XV. + +We Plan for a Home for Released Prison Girls + +CHAPTER XVI. + +Santa Clara Experiences + +CHAPTER XVII. + +Callie's Wonderful Story + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +Callie and I Visit the Jail, the Morphine Den, and the Mission + +CHAPTER XIX. + +Still Southward Bound--Santa Cruz--Lucy Returns to Her Home + +CHAPTER XX. + +Joe's Story + +CHAPTER XXI. + +I Depart for Pacific Grove--Meet Lucy Again--Her Baptism + +CHAPTER XXII. + +Anna--We Leave for San Jose + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +Northward Bound--The Outcome + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +The Suicide of L----.--Its After-effect + +CHAPTER XXV. + +Good News from Home--Miss Loraine + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +Lucy's Letter--The School Teacher + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +San Quentin--We Secure a Lovely Property + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +God's Best + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +Dedication of Beth-Adriel + +CHAPTER XXX. + +The Juvenile Court Commission--Henry + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +The Annual Board Meeting--Dollie's Story + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +Lost Sheep--The Ex-prisoners' Home--Hospital Scenes + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +A Wonderful Leading--How Girls Are Lured to the Dance-halls + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +The Women of B--- up in Arms--The Sisters Taken Home + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +Santa Cruz--Beba's Letter--The Earthquake + +CHAPTER XXXVI. + +Relief Duty--San Francisco--Miss B---- + +CHAPTER XXXVII. + +The Home Repaired--Mrs. S----'s Experience + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. + +The Annual Board Meeting--Results + +CHAPTER XXXIX. + +A Trip East--I Escape from a Confidence Woman + +CHAPTER XL. + +My Homeward Journey--Land for the Training School and Home + +CHAPTER XLI. + +I Call on the Governor and Then Go South + +CHAPTER XLII. + +Los Angeles Dance-halls and Other Places + +CHAPTER XLIII. + +Woman Employed at Dance-hall Tells of Many Pitfalls + +CHAPTER XLIV. + +Sarah + +CHAPTER XLV. + +The Women Prisoners of San Quentin + +CHAPTER XLVI. + +Vallejo, Mare Island, and Alcatraz + +CHAPTER XLVII. + +Irene's Awful Fate--The Wages of Sin + +CHAPTER XLVIII. + +My Return to the Missionary Field + +CHAPTER XLIX. + +Some Precious Letters from Precious Children + +CHAPTER L. + +Conclusion + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. + + +Florence (Mother) Roberts + +The Dive-keeper's Daughter + +Mary + +The Redwood City Street Meeting + +Scene in a Morphine Den + +"99 years, Mother Roberts!" Poor Joe! + +View of Yard and Prisoners' Quarters, Represa, near Folsom + +Bird's Eye View of San Quentin + +"Everybody helped grease the hill I was sliding down. I soon reached +the bottom" + +Poor Elsie! + +Scene in a Dive Dance-hall + +The Chittenden Home + +Some Mother's Wandering Girl + +San Quentin. Prison Yard + +View of Warden's House, etc., Represa + + + + +LIST OF SONGS. + +Words and Music by Mother Roberts. + +The Messengers (the Doves) + +Her Voice + +Still Nearer + +Was It You? + +The Songs My Mother Sang + +The Value of a Song + +Some Mother's Wandering Girl + + + + +INTRODUCTION + +REPLYING TO YOUR QUESTION. + + +"How did it happen that you became so deeply interested in rescue work, +Mrs. Roberts?" + +Hundreds of times has this question been asked of me in various parts +of this State (California). In order, whenever time and place +permitted, to answer intelligently, I have replied by relating the +story of my conversion, through a vision, which occurred on the +afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 13, 1896. + +For some time prior to this, with my husband, J. H. Roberts, a mining +man, also my son, an only child of fourteen, I had been living about +two and one-half miles from Angels, Calaveras County, California. + +For lack of means to carry on the development work of the mine which +Mr. Roberts was at this time superintending, it closed. In order to +increase finances in our hour of need, I gave piano lessons. My health, +never in those days very robust, soon succumbed to the severe nervous +strain to which it was now continually subjected. + +THE VISION. + +On the never-to-be-forgotten date of my spiritual birth, whilst I was +enjoying a much-needed rest and reading a novel, everything in the room +seemed suddenly to be obliterated from my view; I became oblivious of +my surroundings and was apparently floating in an endless vista of +soft, beautiful, restful light. + +I was quite conscious of rising to a sitting position, pressing my left +elbow into the pillow, and with the right hand rubbing both eyes in an +endeavor to see once more my natural surroundings. But no! Instead, +suspended in this endless light, appeared a wonderful colossal cross of +indescribable splendor. This wonderful cross can be likened only to a +gigantic opal. Its rays of light seemed to penetrate me through and +through as over my mind flashed the thought, "I must have died, and +this is my soul!" + +For one brief moment I closed my eyes, then opened them, and now, in +addition to the vision of the cross, came an added one of such a +glorious Being that words are utterly inadequate to describe him. No +writer, be he ever so skilful, could give a satisfactory word-picture, +and no artist, be he ever so spiritual, could possibly depict the +wonderful majesty of our glorious, loving, royal Redeemer. + +His left arm slowly raised. Presently his hand rested on the right arm +of the cross. Then the wonderful eyes looked into mine. _That one +compelling look drew me--forever--to him._ But that was not all. With +the right hand he beckoned, reaching downward toward me, and I saw the +sweet smiling lips move. Though no sound emanated from them, yet I knew +they framed the one word "Come!" whilst the hand slowly, gracefully +moved, pointing upward toward the cross. A ray of light revealed a +healed wound extending the entire length of the palm. Soon this +invitation was repeated, and so great became my desire to hide (because +of my unworthiness) beneath the cross that I must at this time have +slipped off the bed, for when once more conscious of my natural +surroundings I discovered myself kneeling on the floor. + +Then for the first time in my life I saw myself as I believe God sees. +What a revelation of selfishness and carnality! What a realization of +utter unworthiness! My righteousness was indeed and in truth no better +than "filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6). + +_Could God, would God, forgive?_ + +Mentally I decided that, had I been in his place, lavishing and +bestowing innumerable and untold blessings day after day upon one so +careless, so heedless of his wonderful love, I should find it very, +very difficult, nay, impossible. + +Oh, how I _now_ longed, _now_ yearned, to be different, as I caught the +reflection of carnal nature in the spiritual looking-glass! With all my +soul I implored mercy and pardon. + +Suddenly thick darkness, indescribably thick, seemed to submerge me. I +felt as though I were smothering. I tried to find my voice. Presently +consciousness returned, and the room appeared as natural as ever. I was +crying aloud, "Save me!" At the same time it seemed that something +weighty was rolling up like a scroll off either side of me. I felt +free, light as air, and from that moment began to experience the New +Life, the True Life. _Oh, I was happy! So happy!_ + +One, only one, desire now had possession--that I might forever remain +under this benign influence. Did ever the birds chirp so sweetly! Was +ever parched nature or dried-up grass more beautiful! Oh, why did I +have to come back to this world! But how selfish! Now came the longing +to share my joy with others; I was eager to do so. Would my husband's +visitor never go? Finally I heard him making his adieus. Bathing my +face and smoothing my hair, I went forth to impart the glorious news to +Mr. Roberts. + +Well, he listened attentively, as with soul filled and thrilled with +divine love, I endeavored to describe my wonderful vision. + +"What do you think of it, dear?" I asked. + +"I think you were dreaming," he replied. + +"Oh, but not so! I heard you talking to Mr. Rouse from the time he +came, though I was paying no attention to your conversation. How could +I?" I inquired. + +"Nevertheless, my dear, it was only a dream," he insisted. + +Something (an inner voice hitherto unrecognized) suggested that I ask +what he thought of it, even though it might be but a dream. He admitted +that it was wonderful and beautiful. (Afterwards he told me that he +would not have paid so much attention to my recital had it not been for +the unusual light on my countenance. "You can't think how you looked," +he said. "Your face shone like satin!") + +THE AFTERMATH. + +Immediately following this God-given experience came the desire to +"search the Scriptures" (John 5:39). I regret having to tell you that +my Bible lay very near the bottom of a trunk and that the blessed +volume had not been opened for a shamefully long time. + +It took me, in my spare time, something like three months to read the +book carefully from cover to cover. Not one word escaped me. I found it +to be so interesting--at first as a matter of history--that I began it +all over again. Thus it has been ever since; for to the Spirit-born +child nothing will, nothing can, take the place of the Bible. It is +always new, always refreshing. It is the voice of the tenderest, most +loving of parents, ever ready to answer our questions, comforting when +sorrowful, healing when sick, warning when in danger, ever directing, +admonishing, and encouraging under any and all circumstances. "Oh!" but +you say, "the chastening! You forget that." No, dear one, I do not. All +wise parents chasten their offspring. Would to God they would lovingly, +wisely administer more corrections than they do. The outcome, I verily +believe, would be a wonderful foretaste of heaven on earth. But I find +I am digressing. + +Immediately following my conversion came the desire to impart the +knowledge received, to my friends and neighbors. The result was that a +report somewhat like the following was soon circulated: "Poor Mrs. +Roberts! Have you heard the news? Her husband's financial losses have +affected her mind; she is going crazy. Thinks she had a vision!" etc. +Then I began to realize what it means literally to "forsake all to +follow Christ." Heavier troubles followed, but they did not affect me +as heretofore. I had had the vision, and it had come to stay. + +Illness presently brought me to the very threshold of eternity. With +animation temporarily suspended, but my soul and brain never more +keenly alive, I mentally implored the dear Lord to spare me for a +little while, because I did not now want to come to him empty-handed. +Oh! the longing to win souls, as I lay there helpless yet realizing +what it might mean to be forever debarred from the things which God had +prepared from the foundation of the world "for him that waiteth for +Him" (Isa. 64:4). How eager I was to tell the news to any one, no +matter to what depths he or she might have fallen! It was the immortal +soul that I was now anxious to reach. Lying there, I made an absolute +consecration, promising my heavenly Father that if he would restore me +to health and strength, I would go to whatever place he thought fit to +send me, and never hesitate to stoop to the lowliest for his sake and +theirs. + +RESTORATION. + +_God takes us at our word_. I wonder how many of us realize this? + +Returning health and strength found me located with my family in +Redding, Shasta County. Here my husband and I, in the spring of 1897, +followed our Lord's example in baptism. + +In Redding came many delightful opportunities to engage in church and +personal work for the Master. While I was visiting in Sacramento in the +fill of 1897 and attending revival meetings conducted in the First +Baptist church, came my first real knowledge of the unfortunate of my +sex. + +Previous to this revival the Rev. Mr. Banks, now deceased, anxious for +these special services to be well attended, asked for volunteers from +his flock to distribute in every house in their immediate neighborhoods +a printed invitation. Whoever undertook this work was to pledge +themselves not to pass one house nor miss any opportunity for personal +work. Not two blocks from the place where I was rooming was a district +that I hitherto had never explored--in fact, had purposely avoided. God +now gave me strength to take up this cross, for which may I be forever +humbly grateful. But I shrank at first; for, unable to persuade any of +my acquaintances to accompany me, I had to traverse this neighborhood +alone. Did I say alone? Never did I experience a greater sense of +guardianship, of protection, of being in the best of company, though +these guardians and companions were visible only to the eye of faith +(Psa. 91:10-12). + +That day I saw tears fall, and heard experiences of which I had +hitherto had scarcely any conception. + + Touched by a loving hand, wakened by kindness, + Chords that were broken will vibrate once more. + +Soon after this the first little rescue home for girls in Sacramento +was started by some consecrated young people. It was located on Second +Street near O. I did not have the pleasure of attending the opening of +this "shelter," because of a direct call to service about this time +with some traveling evangelists. I assisted them by giving out the +"good news" in song. + +While I was traveling northward with these evangelists, there came into +my possession, in answer to prayer, my treasured, God-given little +autoharp, No. 1. My second was at one time the property of a now +pardoned State prisoner--his companion in his lonely hours when locked +in his cell. + +"Where were your husband and your son all this time?" you inquire. The +former was away prospecting--his favorite occupation. The latter, +because of his love for the water and his desire to see other +countries, was an employee on an ocean-steamer. + +MY SPIRITUAL MOTHER. + +On Sept. 1, 1902, there passed into eternal rest one of the oldest +members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of San Francisco, Mrs. +Salemma Williams. + +For more than twenty years this dear sainted friend, though I knew it +not, daily prayed and believed for my conversion. Five years before she +was made aware of the fact, her prayer had been answered. Her joy, when +one day I called upon her to impart the welcome news, knew no bounds, +and until she passed away we spent many happy days in each other's +company. A few hours before she went home, she gave her children and me +her parting blessings. The precious prayer of this dying saint as she +held her aged hands on my head comforts, sustains, and encourages me +now, even as it did then, and I believe that it ever will. + +HER BLESSING. + +"Lord, I thank thee for answered prayer. Make this, thy child, +wonderful for thee, Lord, wonderful for thee! for Jesus' sake. Amen." +Though she spoke with great difficulty, yet every word was distinctly +audible. About two hours later she sang (with me) the following lines +as she passed into eternal rest: + + Oh! if there's only one song--I can sing + When in his beauty I see the great King, + This shall my song in eternity be: + Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me! + I am so glad that Jesus loves me! + Jesus loves even me. + +SUMMARY. + +Would that it were in my power to relate better, in "Fifteen Years with +the Outcast," the few incidents of the many which have come under my +personal observation. The real names of the principals of the stories +are withheld, but not so the names of personal friends. + +Dear readers, I am well aware that this book, judged from a literary +point of view, would be regarded as a failure; but I make no +pretensions as a writer, nor do I entertain any aspirations for +literary fame. My sole object in endeavoring to present faithfully a +few experiences of my brief years of service for the Master is to warn +many who are in danger. + +Interspersed between these covers are a few songs, the words of which, +with scarcely an exception, were written in the night, and, for the +most part, were culled from incidents of personal observation and +experience. Much valuable assistance has been rendered by a dear friend +in the transcribing and arranging of the music. + +For those of my readers who do not yet know the dear Lord as their +personal Savior and Redeemer, my sincere prayer is, May they while +perusing these pages catch a glimpse of Him. May they, by faith, "wash +and be made clean," determining, God helping, to shun forever all evil +and evil companions. The sinful life never pays. + +In order to make this book suitable for young people to read, much +concerning rescue work has been withheld. Parents will readily +understand why and will appreciate the omission. Doubtless they will +have little if any trouble in reading between the lines. God grant them +love and wisdom to interpret to their questioning boys and girls, and +may countless blessings from the Shepherd of our souls attend all into +whose hands this book may chance to come. + +Yours, in precious service for Him, + +(Mrs.) Florence Roberts. + +P. S. Since the above was written, I had the occasion to visit one of +our California State prisons (San Quentin). I went at the urgent +request of a young man whom the officials recommended for parole. I had +a portion of the manuscript of this book with me, which the captain of +the guard, at my request, kindly allowed the young man and his +cell-mates to read. In consequence, we are indebted to one of these +dear boys (God bless him!) for some of the illustrations appearing in +this book. Others have been contributed by a young brother and sister +who are devoting their lives to God's service at the Gospel Trumpet +office. + +EXPLANATORY. + +This book was originally prepared for the press under the title, "The +Autobiography of an Auto-harp." It was then written in verse and +liberally interspersed with foot-notes. Upon more mature consideration +and also upon the advice of one of much experience as a writer, I have +rewritten the work and given it the title, "Fifteen Years with the +Outcast." + +Although the change necessitates a continuous repetition of the +personal pronoun "I," a word whose avoidance was the primary object in +writing under the original title, yet the new form is, I believe, much +more interesting. Furthermore, time and experience have occasioned many +needful additions. + +For fifteen years "I have fought a good fight," though not so good as I +would have desired, and although I am in the evening of life, I realize +that I have not yet "finished my course." There is still much more for +me to do in this sorrowful, sin-cursed world. God has, among other +blessings, given me a strong physique. By his unmerited power I am +keeping the faith, growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord +and Savior Jesus Christ. + +My greatest longing and ambition is some day to see Him whom my soul +loveth, "face to face," especially to have the joy of bringing some +priceless trophies to lay at His blessed feet. + +Most sincerely yours, + +Florence (Mother) Roberts. +Gospel Trumpet Company, +Anderson, Indiana. +September 27, 1911. + + + + + +FIFTEEN YEARS WITH THE OUTCAST + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +LITTLE ROSA--A WARNING TO MOTHERS AND GUARDIANS. + + +What I am about to relate is my first experience in rescuing a girl and +occurred not long after my conversion. + +At this time my husband, my son, and I were living in Redding, Shasta +Co., Cal. In the house that we were occupying lived another family +also, the little four-year-old daughter of which was an especial pet of +mine. While she was acting naughtily one day, thus hindering her mother +with the household duties, I bribed her to be good, by promising to go +down-town for some particularly nice candy made by a man who sold it +every day at a certain street corner, displaying it on a tray suspended +from his neck and always handling it with the whitest of cotton gloves. +When I reached the place, he had not yet arrived. Desirous of not +disappointing my little friend and having learned where the man +lived--in a tent on a lot near by--I immediately repaired to the place +designated. There I found a disreputable-looking middle-aged woman and +a forlorn little girl about twelve years old. The girl was in tears. + +Upon my inquiring what was the matter, the woman immediately berated +the child in my presence. Turning to me, she said that this girl was +one on whom they recently had taken pity, and had hired to do chores. + +As there was but one tent, I questioned also as to sleeping +accommodations. It contained a full-sized bed and one narrow cot, +between which was suspended a thin calico curtain. The cooking, eating, +etc., were done out of doors. + +The poor little one continued to cry bitterly. With aching heart I laid +my hand on her bowed head and bade her to be a good girl and try her +best to please and obey her employers, then inquired of her whether she +had ever attended Sunday-school or knew anything about Jesus. She did +not reply. This caused the woman to accuse her of sulkiness, at which +the girl looked up with swollen eyes, full of tears. Oh that look! It +astonished and puzzled me at the time. Hatred? Yes, and despair, and +misery, and yearning. There was a volume in that look, which I could +not then interpret. Beyond words, it troubled me. + +Silently praying, I went on my way. I had walked only a few yards +toward home, when I heard the quick patter of bare feet behind me, and +some one calling, "Lady! Lady!" Turning, I saw the little girl +breathlessly trying to overtake me. Quickly she poured into my ears a +horrible story of wrong, of indescribable wickedness perpetrated on her +for the vile gratification of that man--so celebrated as a candy maker. + +Soon I was in the presence of Judge Sweeney (now superintendent of the +United States mint in San Francisco) relating the awful story of little +Rosa. Immediately after my rehearsal the man and woman were arrested. + +Previous to going to live with these people Rosa had made her home with +a young married sister. The sister had a family of little children and +was poor: so when an opportunity presented itself for an apparently +good home for Rosa in exchange for light services, she quickly, gladly +availed herself of it, without making the _very necessary inquiry_ as +to who this man and woman (strangers in Redding) were or whence they +had come. Thus thoughtlessly did she relieve herself of a solemn +responsibility, the dying request of their mother, who had passed away +when Rosa was much younger. + +A physical examination proved, beyond a doubt, the unfortunate child's +condition, and the law proceeded to take its course. The sister was +(temporarily) made responsible as Rosa's legal guardian. Here I quote +from "The Morning Searchlight" the article headed: + +A SENSATIONAL CASE. + +A little Girl Held Captive by G---- E----. + +A petition for a writ of habeas corpus was filed in the Superior Court +Saturday by Mrs. M---- S----. This is the process by which she hopes to +obtain possession and care of her sister, Rosa L----. The girl is but +twelve years of age, her mother is dead, and she has been deserted by +her father. + +Somehow, she has become acquainted with G---- E----, the street +candy-vender, and has, of late, been living in his tent in the +southeastern part of the city. + +The petition further states: "That as your petitioner is informed and +believes, and therefore alleges the fact to be, that said restraint of +said minor by said E---- is for immoral purposes" + +The hearing of the petition will take place before Judge Sweeney Monday +morning. If the points alleged in the petition are true, E---- should +be dealt with severely. + +The trial was held behind closed doors. Poor little Rosa was too +nervous and frightened to give her testimony with sufficient +intelligence so that the law could deal with the couple as they +deserved. Through some technicality they escaped legal punishment, and +hurriedly stole out of Redding for parts unknown, fearing the vengeance +of an insulted, righteously indignant community. + +The child was soon under the kindly care of a consecrated Christian +couple, and the last time we saw her she wore a smiling and happier +countenance. This dreadful experience, however, permanently wrecked her +health, so that she could be of but slight service to her new +guardians; but they, through wise and loving treatment, through +portrayal of Jesus in word as well as in deed, were doing all they +could do for this little shorn lamb, doing their best to aid in helping +to eliminate her awful past--a task by no means easy. Poor unfortunate, +sinned-against little Rosa! Her life forever blighted through the +shifting and shirking of responsibility on the part of the older +sister, who had promised the dying mother to carefully guard and guide +the little helpless girl. Poor ruined child! Shunned, whispered about +and pointed at by her schoolmates, she, sensitive girl that she was, +suffered so intensely from such treatment that it was deemed advisable +to have her study, as best she could, at home. There she need not be +subjected to the thoughtless torture of children, who, as children +will, had undoubtedly listened to, and learned from, the conversations +carelessly carried on in their presence by parents and other older +people, this unfortunate little girl's cruel, heart-rending fate. + +Did this experience affect my future career? It certainly did. Let me +tell you. I firmly resolved, God helping, to live closer to the Master; +to aid in rescuing the outcast at any cost; to see and love their +souls, forgetting the sinning exterior; to help win them to Christ, +then encourage and further their advancement; constantly to sit so low +at the Savior's feet as to be ever able to discern and obey his still, +small voice; to be sufficiently strong in body, soul, and spirit, as +gladly to respond to his call at any and all times, whether that call +should be in the highways or hedges, streets or lanes, among rich or +poor, the prison boys or the outcast girls. + +Earnestly I prayed, still I pray, for courage to address and warn +parents and guardians of the pitfalls concerning which I have, in +answer to prayer, increased knowledge, having been granted much +practical experience, sharing many a sorrow with others, mingling my +tears and sighs with many a parent, many a wanderer, and many an +outcast, who have poured their troubles into my listening ears. + +The one cry, ever and always, from both parent and child, has been, +"_If I had only known_, I should have been less heedless, but now it's +too late, too late! O God! forgive me for Christ's sake." Does the bird +with the broken pinion ever soar as high again? Only through Christ, +the precious Redeemer of souls, the Great Physician. + +Are we to take warning from the fate of little Rosa--we to whom our +heavenly Father has entrusted the care and keeping of his priceless +jewels until he comes to claim his own? May the Lord help us to learn +and love our lessons; to learn and love them well. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +A VISIT TO SACRAMENTO--THE OUTCOME. + + +At the time of the preceding experience I was the organist of Redding's +Baptist church and also superintendent of its Sunday-school. Aside from +this, there were my household duties--duties never to be neglected, as +some erroneously think, because of drinking in the deep things of God. +Also, there were now many outside calls to rescue or to warn poor, +foolish boys and girls. The heart-aches now commenced in real earnest; +for too many refused to heed, and in many cases the home environments +were of such a nature as to prohibit even an ordinary moral tone, the +unfortunate offspring being the victims of both pre-natal and +post-natal conditions. + +Business now demanded my husband's absence from home for some time. +Taking advantage of the opportunity thus afforded, I, with my son, a +youth aged fifteen, made a necessary visit to Sacramento. Here, in the +First Baptist church, I taught a class of young men in their teens. +Soon after my coming, a revival in the First M. E. church, which I +constantly attended, brought me great blessing from the Lord. This +revival was followed by a similar one at the First Baptist church. + +In order to insure the success of the latter meeting Rev. A. B. Banks, +the pastor, now deceased, a most eloquent and lovable man, whom we +delighted in calling "Father" Banks, announced the necessity of +distributing handbills and asked for volunteers to place one in every +home in the districts in which they lived, and also, wherever possible, +to give a verbal invitation. It so happened that the district in which +my son and I lodged contained the resorts of the wandering girls. Some +of these places were less than two blocks away. + +NO ONE VOLUNTEERED FOR THIS LOCALITY. + +There was a prolonged pause, a painful pause. I felt as though every +eye were upon me, and I experienced a sharp struggle; but hallelujah! +the next moment the Lord had the victory--and my hand went up. Father +Banks fervently said, "God bless you for this, my little sister! and he +will." + +You may be sure I did not want to go alone. I invited several to keep +me company; I prayed the greater part of that Sunday night; I visited +several Christians on Monday morning, stating to them that I had never +been in such a quarter, and was timid. "They all with one accord began +to make excuse." Luke 14:18. + +Oh, how I prayed for grace and strength! As I traversed that district, +believe me, I felt almost the visible presence of angels, and was soon +giving God's message of tender love to inmate after inmate of those +awful dens. + +How did they accept, you ask? Many with tears coursing down their +cheeks. Very few but manifested some feeling. Scarcely any, however, +promised to come out to the revival services. Nearly all declared that +they did not believe they would receive kind treatment if they did +come, and none of them wanted to be looked upon or treated as an +outcast. One girl allowed me to come in and pray for her. Later on she +was most wonderfully saved and sanctified in the rescue home of which I +shall now speak. + +Yes, a rescue home for girls was about to be opened and established in +answer to the prayers of many, especially some of the dear Christian +workers of the "Peniel" Mission situated on K. near Fourth Street. Some +of these I had become acquainted with since the revival meetings +commenced. I learned that Mrs. Glide, a consecrated lady of much means, +had guaranteed the payment of a year's rent on a ten-roomed cottage on +Second and O. Streets. + +Desirous of seeing this home for myself and of assisting, if requisite, +I soon wended my way to the locality named. + +The building was old and rather dilapidated, and as yet it contained +but one piece of furniture, a cheap washstand bureau. Some of the young +men were putting new panes of glass into the windows, others were +papering the walls with odds and ends, which had been donated. Sister +Jennie Cloninger was busy scraping an old bathtub with a piece of +glass, preparatory to painting it, and Sister Eva Shearer had her dress +tucked up whilst mopping one of the floors. Every one was busy and +happy in the Lord's service. + +"Sister Shearer dear, what can I do to help this blessed work?" I +inquired. + +"Sister Roberts, that washstand is all the furniture we have. Please go +in the name of Jesus and ask for donations," she replied. + +Prayerfully I started on my errand, and soon had many promises from +hotel proprietors and others. + +Shortly after this my son, having an ambition to see more of the world, +grew restless. All effort on my part failed to keep him near me. I +simply commended him to the One who has promised that if we are +faithful "our righteousness shall be for our children," and comforted +myself with this promise as I sorrowfully bade him farewell and +returned to my lonely lodgings. Did I say lonely? I made a mistake. To +be sure, I greatly missed my boy, but he was in our Father's keeping, +and I was dwelling in "the secret of his presence" who doeth all things +well. + +Soon afterward I returned to my home in Redding, taking the journey as +a singing evangelist with Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Thurston, an elderly +couple then in undenominational gospel-wagon work. It was on this trip +that, in answer to repeated prayer, I acquired my first autoharp, which +I shall frequently mention in connection with my work. "How did I come +by it?" I will tell you in the next chapter. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +MY FIRST AUTOHARP--I FORSAKE ALL TO FOLLOW JESUS. + + +There it lay, all covered with dust, in that auctioneer's window in +Chico. We had just arrived from Sheridan, Sutter County, where we had +conducted a successful series of meetings. + +In the latter place we had been able to borrow a small organ, and I had +a splendid choir of little children, who crowded our commodious wagon +an hour each evening before service, that time being devoted to +serenading the neighborhood with gospel song. There I saw the drunkard +and the saloon-keeper yield to the blessed influence of the singing by +these sweet, innocent little children of songs such as "Wash me in the +blood of the Lamb, and I shall be whiter than snow." But the time soon +came when we must part with the little organ as well as with the dear +children. + +How I longed and prayed for an autoharp! At this time my pocket-book +was well-nigh empty, my husband having met with total loss in mining +enterprises. I possessed exactly $2.50 on the day when we reached +Chico. + +As I looked in that auctioneer's window, somehow I felt that that +humble, little three-barred autoharp was to be mine. I stepped in, +priced it, and presently told the proprietor what use was to be made of +it. He had at the first asked $5.00; now he offered it, _for such a +cause_, at half price. Hallelujah! How gladly I parted with my last +cent and joyfully walked out with my precious little musical +instrument, destined to go with me on my visits to comfort and help +save the lost. I will tell you of my present one later on. + +Leaving Chico that afternoon, we camped in the evening under some +beautiful live-oak trees, beside a clear, running creek. This was in +Tehama, Tehama County. There, before retiring, and following our family +devotions, I dedicated my little instrument to the Lord's work, praying +as I did so that he would use it absolutely, together with me and my +voice, in helping to win precious souls for his kingdom. + +Soon afterwards I was once more in my Redding home and resuming my +former avocations in the church and Sunday-school. But what had come +over me? what had wrought such a change? For, strange to say, I was no +longer satisfied with simply the church work. I spent evening after +evening and all spare time in the humble little mission down-town or +amongst the outcasts, though never neglecting my home. + +My husband, always a reserved, proud man, one day gave me an unexpected +shock. Without forewarning he quietly, coldly informed me that I must +decide between the rescue work and him. + +"Do you mean it?" I inquired. + +"I certainly do," was his reply. + +Oh, how I agonized with my Lord in prayer as soon as I could have the +privilege! Then I opened his Word for comfort, and my answer was, "Ye +are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." 1 Cor. 7:23. +What did this mean? I was too young a child of the King to comprehend, +and therefore could only wait and pray. So troubled at heart was I at +my husband's pride and growing coldness that I at last visited the +pastor of the church where my name was enrolled. He tried to persuade +me to refrain from any but church work, and also did his utmost to +effect a reconciliation between my husband and me, but all to no +effect. Mr. Roberts refused to listen, and the breach widened. I seldom +crossed my threshold those days, yet yearned to be out in God's field. +Circumstances, which it is neither pleasant nor profitable to relate +here, soon necessitated the breaking up of my home. I was looking to +God for guidance. I did not have to wait long, for a door was soon +opened. A letter from Sister Belle Trefren, of Sacramento, with whom I +had much correspondence, especially relative to the rescue home already +referred to, now for several months occupied, informed me of the severe +illness of its matron. + +"Is it not strange," she wrote, "that in all this great city none come +to her aid excepting for a few hours at a time? If help does not arrive +soon, I fear she will die. Why could not you spend a while with her, +and thus relieve her of this very heavy burden until she is +sufficiently recovered to take her accustomed place again? Besides, +dear Sister Roberts, I have long felt that the Lord wants you to cut +loose from the shore-lines and 'launch out into the deep,' where are to +be found the biggest, best fish. Pray over this, as I am now doing, and +the light will surely come to you." + +I prayed, and the light came quickly. I wrote Sister Trefren that I +might soon be looked for in Sacramento, and that I was simply waiting +on the Lord. + +I soon resigned my church office, and early one bright, beautiful +morning I bade farewell to Redding. Just before the train drew out of +the depot, I opened my Bible. My eyes were focused on these words (many +friends had gathered to bid me Godspeed): "And let us not be weary in +well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Gal. +6:9. I stood on the rear platform of the train, holding up the open +Bible, and soon Redding and friends disappeared from my vision. I was +indeed and in truth now alone with my Lord and on the road to the +little rescue home in Sacramento, with my precious autoharp lying by my +side. + +In the afternoon, as time seemingly dragged and many passengers showed +signs of weariness, I picked up the little instrument. Soon from one +end to the other of the car different ones sang with me familiar song +after song of Zion. The journey ended joyously, some being strengthened +in their faith on that trip, and more than one acquaintance being made +which later ripened into warm Christian friendship. Praise the Lord! + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +I AM INTRODUCED TO THE RESCUE HOME FAMILY--A GLORIOUS TEST. + + +My cherished friend, Sister Trefren was at the depot to greet me, and I +spent that first night under her roof. Early in the morning came a +message from the home, requesting that, if I felt sufficiently rested, +to come to them as speedily as possible. + +She was a beautiful girl--I mean the one who responded to my ringing of +the door-bell. Oh, how she surveyed me (though not rudely) from head to +foot! We shall hear Leila's story in another chapter. Soon I was at the +bedside of the sick matron, who, though hardly able to speak, greeted +me lovingly and tearfully. In a few minutes a trusted girl was given +some directions, and then I was invited into the sitting-room. There +were assembled all the inmates of the home, and I was soon warmly +greeting, first collectively and later individually. + +"My, what an opportunity to study character!" I said to myself as I +observed the twenty-four faces into which I had a bare glimpse. I +presently asked them if they would please kneel and pray with me and +for me, and soon I found myself, for the first time, listening to the +humble, earnest petitions of these precious jewels in the rough. + +Brokenly and tearfully, they thanked God for rescuing them from lives +of sin, shame, and despair; for providing so good a home, food, and +shelter (it was all very modest and humble). Some praised Him for +sanctification as well as salvation. (Perhaps my reader does not know +the interpretation of that word, "sanctification." Briefly, it refers +to a second blessing, following justification, or the forgiveness of +sins; a second work of grace, whereby the nature becomes purified and +kept free from sin by the operation and power of God's Holy Spirit--now +the indwelling presence.) Then how fervent were the prayers for the +healing of the sick matron! and now, "O God, please bless Mrs. Roberts +for coming to her aid and ours," ending by thanking him for answering +their earnest appeal for help in their time of great need. + +I forgot all my own heartaches as I drank in and indorsed every word, +and then, with all my being, offered the closing prayer. Soon the +trials and testings commenced in real earnest. + +In such a place it does not require many days, nay, many hours, to +discover the subtlety of the enemy of souls. For some time my nerves, +never too strong, were so wrought upon that I was under a constant +strain, and more than once, fearing a breakdown, felt that I should be +compelled to relinquish my arduous duties. + +In answer to prayer, our Father, ever mindful of his own, strengthened +me and bestowed the necessary knowledge and wisdom, so that I was soon +able to cope with the situation, which was this: None of these precious +ones had long been established; some were not yet saved. Cravings, in +one form or another, for the old life, perhaps a thirst for liquor, +would at times secretly take possession of one or another, and +frequently some saved girl would come to me, saying, "Sister Roberts, +Mamie [or some other] has gone out without permission." Then I would +quickly telephone to police headquarters to be on the lookout for her +and to have her privately detained until some one from the home could +come. Often we were compelled to tell the erring one that the law would +have to take its course if she rebelled or refused. Sometimes such a +one would almost hate us because she did not comprehend how much we had +the interest of both body and soul at heart. + +Ah! reader, do you realize what it means to "stand still" in the trying +hours? to watch our Father's Spirit working in the lives and natures of +the outcast? Truly it is marvelous, marvelous! Soon I will relate the +story of one of our family, but before I do so, permit me to give you +my first Sunday's experience. I think it will be interesting. + +I arrived at the home on Tuesday. On Friday morning, Sister B----, the +sick matron, said as I stood by her bedside: "Sister Roberts, all our +family of girls whose health will permit are in the habit of attending +Sunday morning worship in one of the churches; in the afternoon, those +who wish, attend the mission; and in the evening we have prayer-service +at home. I shall not, as you know, be able to go with them for some +time to come. That duty devolves upon you, dear, for the present." +Imagine, if you can, my feelings. "Sister, I fail to see that the Lord +requires any such sacrifice on my part," I impulsively replied. "I +think it sufficient to work with and for them _here_ in the home. What +would my former society friends say or think should any chance to meet +me with them?" And the tears of (righteous?) indignation filled my +eyes. "My dear," she gently replied, "take a little time in your room +alone with God. He will make it clear, what he would have you to do." + +Soon I was locked in, where I sat for a few moments on the side of my +little bed, as rebellious and indignant as ever I was in all my life. + +When I grew somewhat calmer, I fell upon my knees and sobbed out my +troubles at the foot of the cross. Painfully, I at last submitted, +_provided it was the will of God_; and in my prayer I requested +"_Should such be thy will_, please see that none of my friends of +social standing chance to cross my pathway on this occasion." Then I +arose from my knees. + +Sunday morning found thirteen girls neatly clad and all impatiently +waiting for my appearance. Never in all my lifetime did I start on a +trip more fearfully or timidly. We had not traveled half a block when, +on turning a corner, I saw a family whom my family and I held in high +estimation. We both received a never-to-be-forgotten shock. I was +greeted with a surprised bow of interrogation from the wife, whilst the +husband very slightly raised his hat. My girls behaved beautifully, +little dreaming the state of my feelings. + +Old Adam dies very hard sometimes, doesn't he? I soon met others and +still others. Never did I so long for even a knot-hole into which to +crawl, but no such place presented itself. Precious Lord, thou knewest +what was for my best interest when thou didst in thine infinite love +and wisdom thus answer such a selfish prayer. + +The next chapter will introduce you to the naughtiest girl in the home. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +A CRUSHING SITUATION--WONDERFUL VISION--THE STORY OF RITA. + + +We had not been very long in the second-from-the-front pew of the First +Baptist church, when Rita, who, at the private suggestion of the +matron, I had placed next to me, began to embarrass and disconcert me +by her actions, causing the rest of the girls to titter (sometimes +audibly) and thus to attract the congregation, also the pastor, so that +finally an usher had occasion to whisper to me, admonishing me to +retire with her, to which she replied, "I ain't agoing out." + +Mortified beyond measure, I let my head sink forward on the back of the +pew in front of me. I soon became oblivious of my surroundings, for _I +was being blest with a wonderful vision._ + +I saw the Garden of Gethsemane. It was night, and sleeping souls lay +all around. One there was who was not sleeping. He was prostrate in +agony of prayer. As he wrung his hands, the blood started through his +pores, and dripped down upon the ground. Then a light shone around him, +a glorious light. Presently he arose, and the place filled suddenly +with soldiers who led him away, shouting in triumph as they did so. +Quickly the scene changed. Christ was now before the high priests. +Again the scene changed. He was passing by a man who was strenuously, +indignantly denying that he knew or had had anything to do with the man +under arrest. Oh! would that words of mine could picture the suffering, +sorrowful countenance, as Jesus gave poor Peter that parting, yearning +look. Pilate's hall was soon in sight, and the men in charge of Jesus +were mocking and smiting him. It was cold, and scarcely dawn of day. +What a throng, as they crowded into the presence of Pilate. + +Again the scene changes. The Christ is being mockingly arrayed in a +once gorgeous, now old, shabby robe. Soon he is wearily pulled and +pushed back to Pilate's hall, where they strip the Son of God in the +presence of that howling mob, and beat him, until the blood streams +down his poor, lacerated back. Surely that is sufficient; but no! they +spit in his face. They press a cruel crown hard down upon his brow. Now +Pilate has washed his hands, and the Savior of the world is led away. +The soldiers are compelling him to bear some heavy wooden beams in the +form of a cross. Oh! can't they see that he is too weak, suffering too +much, to be able to carry such a weight? They do not care; but look! he +has fainted! Some one is helping him now. God forever bless him! 'Tis +Simon the Cyrenean who enjoys that precious privilege. Simon, the +cross-bearer. + +I can not bear to witness any more. But I must. I must watch to the +end. + +Oh! the awful thud, _thud_, THUD, as they hammer the spikes, the cruel +spikes into his hands and feet, and he never once cringes. How can he +be so courageous? + +I am looking up at him now, and he is looking down with such an +uninterpretable look _on me_, and I hear him faintly say: _"For you."_ + +"Yes, Lord, I know." + +"And now won't you try to love my poor shorn little lambs? 'Tis for +them also." + +"Yes, dear Lord, I am trying to." + +"Would you be willing to lay down your life for little Rita, for the +sake of her soul?" + +"Blessed Savior, surely that will not be required, but fill me full of +love, a great love for her soul and other souls. I promise that with +thy help I will do my best, for oh, how I love thee now! how I love +thee! and I will do anything thou dost require to prove my love." + +Some one is pulling my sleeve. I turn my head to find Rita leaning +against me and quietly whispering, "Mother, don't cry; I'll be good. +Don't cry." + +From that time on the change in Rita was unmistakable, and although she +had many hard battles to fight, to lose, and to win, she came out +gloriously victorious. + +"Who was Rita?" I'll tell you. + +Rita was a roguish, fun-loving, childish little woman, twenty-one years +old, who neither acted nor looked her age. Her mother had been a +waitress in one of the dives of a locality called "The Barbary Coast," +San Francisco, where are many low, vile haunts of vice. Her father, she +never knew. She was very dark, apparently part Spanish, quite +attractive, and rather pretty. + +Some time prior to my advent she was brought to the home in a +semi-intoxicated condition by one of the Lord's consecrated +missionaries. Full of mischief and depravity, she was, from the first, +a trouble-maker. From her earliest recollection, her companions had all +been of the type with whom her mother associated; therefore it would +take time, great and loving patience, and a constant waiting on the +Master for her to harmonize perfectly with new environments. + +This poor girl had seen no other life, up to within a few weeks of my +meeting her, than a life replete with vice from one day's ending to +another. Much of the time she had participated. But be it recorded to +the credit of her mother that, to the extent of her knowledge, she had +guarded her girl from criminal assault as long as she was able to +control her, and that, when told of Rita's being in the rescue home, +she seemed greatly pleased that at last her daughter had found friends +who would do their utmost to help her lead a better life. + +Rita had an uncontrollable temper, in consequence of which the entire +household was sometimes made to suffer keenly; but she would eventually +yield to earnest persuasion, then kneel down and ask forgiveness of God +and the family. She was very ambitious to learn to read, being entirely +devoid of education. Different members would take it in turn to teach +her, and it was a proud day when she could decipher a few words in her +Bible. I never shall forget the evening of her first realization of the +price Jesus had paid for her. It dawned upon her soul so suddenly, so +beautifully, following a mid-week prayer-meeting, in which some of the +Christians interested in this work often participated, that a great +shout of joy went up, and when we retired that night, some of us were +too grateful and too excited to sleep. Oh, how the adversary attacked +and tried over and over again to get her back to his territory! He once +so well succeeded that we finally deemed it necessary to exchange her +into another home. I was the one deputized to take her there, and very +soon was introducing myself to Mrs. Elizabeth Kauffman, whose noble +work for the erring, in San Francisco and other places, is known to the +thousands. After placing Rita under her kind care in the rescue home, +then situated on Capp Street near Twenty-first Street, in San +Francisco, I returned to my post of duty in Sacramento, little dreaming +at that time what an important place I was destined, in the future, to +occupy with Sister Kauffman. + +Erelong I learned, through correspondence, that my little Rita (who, by +the way, was the first one outside of my own family to give me the +endearing title of "Mother," which title has clung to me ever since) +had found a warm friend in a deaconess whose name I have forgotten, but +who took a loving interest in her and greatly aided her, especially +from the spiritual point of view. + +Rita, with the approval of her guardians, married a Christian young +man. Together they are bringing up their little ones to know and love +the Savior so precious to them; and, through the daughter's example the +mother, so long a wanderer in paths of degradation, was, I have +understood, finding purity and peace for her soul. At the time of the +earthquake and great fire in San Francisco, Rita and her loved ones, I +am told, escaped without so much as the loss of a dish. This remarkable +fact proves that God is ever mindful of those who put their entire +trust in him and who live as does this precious jewel and her family, +on the promises of the ninety first Psalm. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +MY FIRST CALL TO THE PRISON WORK. + + +After I had been in the Sacramento home about a month, the matron +became sufficiently recovered to go into the country in order to +recuperate. In the meanwhile the dear Lord had laid it upon the hearts +of two consecrated workers to assist me, so that I was now occasionally +free for some outside work. Taking advantage of this, a lady who had +been a constant attendant at the jail services for many years, urged me +to come on the following Sunday afternoon with my little autoharp. +This, by the way, was an every-day friend in our family, for most of +our girls could sing, and we were soon learning many beautiful hymns, +with either my modest instrument or the parlor organ for an +accompaniment. When something would go wrong, the matter would be laid +before the Lord in prayer, and singing was the next thing in order. How +you would have appreciated and enjoyed hearing our family joining in +with all their hearts-- + +I must tell Jesus all of my trials, + I can not bear these burdens alone; +In my distress he kindly will help me, + He ever loves and cares for his own. + +They would repeat it over and over until sweet peace filled their souls +once more. + +But to return to the invitation to the county jail. I begged to be +excused on the ground of sensitiveness. I felt that I could not bear to +look upon any more distress than I was a daily witness to outside of +prison walls. To see human beings caged up like so many wild animals I +thought would be more than I could bear; therefore I unhesitatingly +said so. She continued her pleadings, adding, "O Sister Roberts, you +will never know how much good you could accomplish or how much precious +seed might be sown if you would only come with that little autoharp of +yours." But I was unyielding. She left me with sorrow on her +countenance. + +This refusal was followed by deep condemnation--condemnation which +lasted a whole week. When, at last, I promised the Lord I would take up +this cross and go if once more invited, the burden lifted. + +About two o'clock the next Sunday afternoon I found myself, with a band +of about twenty workers, behind iron bars, looking into the faces of +nearly two hundred men and boys and a few women. Oh! but the tears +flowed from my eyes, especially for the boys, many of whom were so +young, as I wondered what would be the outcome of their present +association and environment. It seemed awful! awful! I sang song after +song; then I was invited to speak. My heart was too full for many +words, but when the invitation was given to seek our Savior, many hands +went up for special prayer. The meeting soon closed. Then as those +terrible but necessary iron doors again unlocked and the prisoners +filed past us one by one to their lonely, cheerless quarters, I made up +my mind to come whenever I could, and, whenever permitted, to do and +say what I could to help he "whosoever wills," also to use my influence +in certain quarters for the betterment of the children prisoners, not +one of whom but doubtless had been cheated out of his birthright by +untutored, ofttimes wilfully ignorant parents or guardians. + +Let me call your attention to one of the women prisoners, whose +peculiarly repulsive countenance was so remarkable that when we came +away from the jail I interrogated one of the workers concerning her. To +my amazement, I was informed that the woman (Nell) was regarded as a +hopeless case, and also that she had enjoyed musical educational +advantages, her people having sent her to Paris to complete certain +accomplishments. There, in that wicked capital, she became very gay, +soon acquired the absinth habit, and rapidly descended in the social +scale, and now she was scarcely ever out of prison. It was very +difficult to realize that this poor soul, who now was never known to +use any but vile language and oaths, was once a beautiful young woman, +a linguist, pianist, singer, also otherwise accomplished person. Though +all efforts (there had been many) in her behalf had proved futile, I +determined to make an attempt to save her. Accordingly I paid a special +visit to the women's quarters. So far as she was concerned, it was all +to no purpose; but oh! praise the dear Lord! I found others who would +heed, and I had a blessed time of Bible reading, song, and prayer with +them. + +One of these was a young girl, Anita, who had been arrested at the +request of her mother--yes, her own mother. "Why, what kind of +unnatural mother could she have been?" you ask. Not different from many +others with whom I have been brought in contact. The daughter implored +me to call on her mother and beg her not to consent to her being sent +to the reform school, the girl solemnly promising good behavior in the +future. How she clung to me as I tried to picture the merciful, loving +Savior. We knelt in prayer in her lonely, dismal cell, where she +followed me in a petition for God to save her soul and show her the +way. Anita appeared to be about seventeen years old; but her mother +with whom a few hours later I had an interview, and a most distressing +one, I assure you, told me that the girl was but fourteen, that she had +been so petted and spoilt from her babyhood up (parents and others, +please take note of this) as to be absolutely unmanageable, that she +was out at all hours of the night, in all sorts of places, with all +sorts of company. + +The mother appeared to regard herself as a very much wronged, greatly +abused parent, and when I gently but firmly endeavored to place the +blame where it belonged, she all but ordered me out of her house. Her +conduct led me to the conclusion that her daughter would be better off +in the place to which she was about to be sent than under the +jurisdiction of such a parent. + +Sad at heart, I returned to poor expectant Anita, remaining some time +to comfort her as best I knew how and promising to write to her and, +God willing, to visit her in her new home. The first promise was soon +fulfilled, and about one year later I had the pleasure of personally +hearing her expressions of gratitude. The discipline had been most +beneficial, and, besides, she was learning to be a good cook and +housekeeper--something that could never have happened in her mother's +home. A few years later, while I was holding a meeting in one of the +local churches, many came forward at the close to greet me. Among them +was a fine-looking young woman with a pretty baby in her arms. "Don't +you remember me, Mother Roberts?" she said. "I'm Anita." Soon she was +telling me of her marriage to a young farmer about eighteen months +previously. The next morning she came in her buggy to take me to enjoy +a few hours in her cozy home. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +LEILA. + + +Leila was that beautiful girl, the first to welcome me as I crossed the +threshold of the home. She was a rather reserved, high-strung, +aristocratic-looking girl, who did not always take kindly to requests +made with regard to little household duties required from each member +of the family, health permitting, of course. + +One day shortly after my advent in the home I had occasion to reprimand +her. She turned on me with such language and so evil, so distressing an +expression as to shock and grieve me terribly. Presently the dear Lord +gained a glorious victory. I hunted her up; for, in her anger, she had +gone into hiding, and, putting my arms about her, lovingly implored her +to forgive, as I had not intended to offend or in any way remind her of +her dreadful past. From that time on we were great friends. Before long +she confided to me her troubles, past and present. + +Her people were poor and proud, and she did not take kindly to her +environments either at home or at school, and did not go quite through +the grammar grades. Her mother, from whom she inherited her temper, +frequently quarreled with her and also disparaged her. At the age of +fifteen, partly because of her restlessness and partly because of her +desire to earn money, for she would no longer go to school, she, being +quite a tall, well-developed girl, procured a situation as waitress in +a wealthy family near her home in the city of San Francisco. She was a +Catholic. Because of her duties, she attended early mass. One Sunday +morning, whilst she was returning from church, her prayer-book +accidentally slipped out of her hand. Upon stooping to pick it up, she +discovered that she was forestalled by a well-dressed gentleman (?), +who handed it to her with an admiring look and most respectful bow. +Raising his hat, he politely passed on. + +As Leila never expected to see him again, imagine her astonishment at +meeting him the following Sunday, when again, with a glance of +recognition, which flattered this poor victim, he most respectfully +raised his hat. The third Sunday the same thing occurred again, but now +instead of passing by, he politely accosted her with words to this +effect: "Good morning, young lady. I trust you will please pardon the +great liberty I am taking. I never more earnestly wished to know of +some one to introduce me, but because I do not, will you not kindly +take the will for the deed, waive all formality, and permit me the +honor of walking at least a portion of your way with you? _I am a +gentleman with whom you need not for a moment hesitate to be seen;_ and +now, may I have the pleasure of learning your name? Mine is Claude +Forrester." + +Poor innocent, ignorant, flattered Leila began blushingly to confide to +this villain her true name, her occupation, and much concerning her +home life. As they neared her employer's residence, they parted, she +promising to meet him for a walk one evening during the week. Her heart +fluttered with joy, her silly head was completely turned at having +captured so fine an admirer, and she could hardly wait for the time to +come when she was to enjoy that promenade. + +You may be sure he was on hand at the designated corner. Leila, in +order to keep the appointment, resorted to falsehood. She asked +permission of her mistress to be allowed to go home for some trivial +article, promising to return by a given time. She kept her word as to +the time, but the leaven of the adversary was rapidly working. He led +her to believe that he was the son of a wealthy widow who expected him +to make "a good match," but that he was in the habit of gaining his +point with this indulgent parent whenever he so desired. He intended, +he said, to confess to his mother that he had fallen in love with the +most beautiful, innocent, and virtuous girl in all the wide world, and +to tell her that he should never be happy again unless she would see +Leila and eventually consent to her becoming his dear little wife. He +told the confiding girl that he intended to lavish on her all his +wealth. He pictured the beautiful garments that she was to wear, the +jewels, the carriage, the home. He promised also to give her private +lessons in order to fit her for her position as his wife. Poor, poor +little girl! Who does not pity this worse than motherless child? + +How distasteful her position now appeared, and how she longed for +Sunday morning when she again would see her grand, wealthy sweetheart! +When they met, he informed her that his mother would like to meet her, +requested her to look her prettiest on the following Tuesday evening, +and to be at the appointed street corner, and said that he would take +her to his home and introduce her to the one now so desirous of making +the acquaintance of the girl with whom he had fallen so desperately in +love. + +Alas, poor Leila! By another falsehood she procured permission to go +out. She was ushered into a fine-looking room in a house on Mason +Street, and soon a grandly dressed lady, young looking to be this +villain's mother, greeted her very cordially, asked many questions, and +then rang for refreshments, which a Chinaman servant soon carried in on +a tray--and _when Leila next awoke it was broad daylight_. What was she +doing in this strange room? + +It wasn't long before she succumbed to all the vices and evil +influences governing the life she was now destined and even resigned to +lead. + +About a year later, when she was no longer of value to her betrayers, +when she was an outcast whom no one wanted--no one but her Savior and +some of the consecrated children of God--at this time she was sitting +on a table in a "Ladies' entrance" department of a saloon. There one of +God's rescue missionaries so lovingly approached her that Leila, +longing to get away from San Francisco for fear of being recognized by +her mother and friends, was easily induced to come to the home, where +she had lived for several months when I first met her. + +The time came when she gave her heart to her Savior and then followed +his example in baptism. It was one of the sweetest experiences of my +Christian life to help prepare her and some others that evening for +this beautiful, sacred ceremony. What a happy, happy family returned to +our home and retired to our rest an hour later! + +But alas! some acquaintance discovered Leila's whereabouts and conveyed +the information to her mother. One day, on coming home from some errand +of mercy, I was informed by the matron, now sufficiently recovered to +be with us once more, that she had a surprise for me, and she asked me +to guess. My first guess was, "My darling boy has come back to me." + +"No; guess again." + +"Then it must be my husband." + +"No; I am going to tell you. Listen! Do you hear that loud weeping in +the parlor?" + +"Yes." + +"It's Leila's mother. She is in a fearful state because her daughter is +an inmate of a rescue home. Come in and help me to try to pacify her." + +It was a difficult task, but on our promising to bring her daughter in +if she would be calm, an effort on her part soon proved successful. +Soon mother and daughter were alone. In about fifteen minutes Leila +called us, and in our presence the mother promised that, if we would +only let her dear child return with her to her own home, _under no +circumstances would she ever remind her of the past_ and also would +make her life pleasanter for her in the future. It was impossible to +refuse. Leila, with tears and prayers, soon bade farewell to us all. + +I would that I might record that in the future it was well with her and +her soul, but alas! I can not. One day her mother, because of some +trivial offense, forgot her solemn promise. Poor Leila flew into a rage +and, without even waiting for her hat, rushed out of the house never to +return, and once more the enemy had her back in his territory. Long but +vainly did we search for her until she was so far gone that she coldly +refused all God's and our overtures of mercy, and no language of mine +could describe her awful physical condition. She was only nineteen, but +an utter wreck, morally as well as otherwise. Her own mother would not +now have been able to recognize her. + +We find no occasion to moralize in closing this story. We know that +your tears will fall and that your heart will ache, but oh! be warned, +and warn others. Full well do we who are rescue workers know there are +_thousands of cases today parallel with this one_. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +I BID FAREWELL TO THE SACRAMENTO HOME. + + +God's "still, small voice" bidding me to prepare for other fields of +labor came very definitely soon after his Spirit gave me the song +entitled "The Messengers," a song which has proven of great value, +especially in the prison work. I informed the matron, who insisted upon +it that I was mistaken and deliberately laying down my cross, but I +knew better; for God's Word makes no mistakes, and the Spirit always +agrees with that Word, which now told me what I must soon prepare for, +saying, "Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and +bring in hither the poor and the maim, the halt and the blind." Luke +14:21. It was most difficult to cut loose from these dear ones, but "to +obey is better than sacrifice." 1 Sam. 15:22. + +Requiring a rest, I took lodging in my former quarters, where, on first +coming to Sacramento, my son and I resided, and there quietly waited on +the Lord; for my having received no monetary compensation whatsoever +from any one placed me in a most blessed position of faith and trust, +which our Father did not long permit to go unrewarded. I told nobody of +my needs, but simply asked God for the things needful, which he sent +through his children. Soon I was supplied with remunerative work +sufficient for my immediate requirements, and, as did Paul of old, I +"labored with mine own hands because I would not be chargeable unto the +brethren." + +During those few days I was a regular attendant each evening at the +Peniel Mission, already mentioned, and there once more met Brother and +Sister Thurston, who, as you will recall, were using a gospel-wagon. +They were now about to respond to a call from Woodland, Yolo County, to +open a mission. Again I was invited to join them. Feeling led of the +Lord, I accepted, and soon we were in our new field of labor. + +[Illustration: SHEET MUSIC + + THE MESSENGERS + + (The Doves.) + + Words and Music by Mrs. FLORENCE ROBERTS. + + The messengers tap on the windows. + The windows of the soul. + They carry this news from our Savior, + "I died that ye might be made whole." + "I died that ye might be made whole, + I died that ye might be made whole." + + The messengers tap on the windows. + And beat their wings on the bars; + They carry the news to the sinner, + "You can become bright as the stars." + "You can become bright as the stars. + You can become bright as the stars." + + The messengers tap on the windows. + Three times they come and they go; + Jesus saith, "Tho' your sins be as scarlet. + Trust me. I will make them like snow." + "Trust me. I will make them like snow. + Trust me, I will make them like snow." + + The messengers tap on the windows; + Behold, I freely forgive + Whoso-ever will come, let him do so, + Partake of salvation and live. + "Partake of salvation and live. + Partake of salvation and live." + + The messengers tap on the windows; + Sweet peace from our Savior they bring; + Sweet peace which is past understanding,-- + The windows now open. Come in. + The windows now open. Come in. + The windows now open. Come in.] + +It was very precious, very blessed. Erelong, however, my companions in +the work received a call to other places, whilst I received a definite +call to remain. That first evening alone on the rostrum--shall I ever +forget it? All day I had been praying (not always on my knees) for a +text for _my first public message_ or sermon, but not one could I +settle on. Whilst the audience was gathering, we sang many hymns. This +was followed by a few voluntary prayers; then came the embarrassing +moment. I was compelled to inform the congregation--and it was a large +one--of my predicament, and besought them to kneel again with me in +brief supplication for a text. "Praise God from whom all blessings +flow!" my Bible fell open, my eyes riveted on these words: "And +immediately the angel of the Lord smote him because he gave not God the +glory, and he was eaten of worms and gave up the ghost." Acts 12:23. + +Positively the message came from the Lord. As I spoke I was as though +in a trance. The altar filled with seekers, and souls stepped into that +precious fountain still open in the house of David. How happy I was! To +God be all the credit, all the glory. + +Amongst the seekers was one who presently told me that for _forty-one +years he had been a drunkard._ He certainly looked as if he had--poor, +bloated, filthy, loathsome, ill-smelling creature. I can not find +adjectives enough to describe him. Everybody avoided him. It surely was +a testing time for me. Also, I had trying experiences thereafter with +this particular soul; for, though he certainly found salvation, he was +such a weakling that he was ever leaning upon the arm of flesh; in +consequence of which I endured much persecution. He haunted me much of +the time, morning, noon, and night, so that I was subjected to unkind +remarks and ridicule; but, remembering the words of our Master in Matt. +5:11, 12 and Paul's in Phil. 2:7, I endeavored to bear this for the +sake of his soul. Much later, when I was in the work in San Francisco, +he took up his abode there, and shortly afterward the blessed Lord saw +fit to provide him with an earthly companion (he was a widower), a most +worthy Christian woman, who tenderly ministered to his needs until +Father called him home, little more than a year following the +earthquake and fire of that great city. Concerning that catastrophe he +wrote me as follows: + +San Francisco, Potrero Camp, Opp. S.P.R.R. Depot, Third and Townsend +Streets, April 29, 1906. + +My dear Sister Roberts: + +We are alive and well. Praise the Lord. On the morning of the +eighteenth we were roughly thrown from our bed by earthquake, and our +house broken all to pieces, and it was afire before we were rescued. + +Two men (God bless them!) took my dear wife and me with ropes, and by +the time we were in the street the house was burning furiously. Two +poor women on the lower floor were burned to death. We lost all we had +except the clothes we had on and our Bibles. These we had been reading +the night before and had left at our bedside. As we went out, we each +took a Bible. I had a very fine collection of religious books, some +very valuable, but all went in smoke; but, thank God! he saved our +lives. I assure you we have thanked him in prayer many times since we +escaped. + +We got over on the Potrero and we had to sit in the hot sun all day the +eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth, and in the cold night wind, and +we had nothing to lie down on nor to cover us to keep the cold out. My +wife asked a woman to loan her a blanket to throw around me. She would +not do it, yet she had enough extra ones for a dozen people. Finally +near morning of the second night a lieutenant from the Presidio +(regular army) came along and saw us sitting in the cold, and asked if +we were so bad off as that. I told him yes. He said he would see about +that. He went and took a heavy pair of blankets from that woman and +brought them to us. We wrapped ourselves up in them and sat down again. +After that we got along comfortably until morning, but the woman took +the blankets away as soon as morning came. + +Then we got into a Santa Fe car, which kept us out of the wind, but we +had no bedding. After two days we all had to get out of the cars, as +the company had to send them to Los Angeles to load them with sugar. +Then we were out of doors again; but, praise the Lord! Mr. John A. +Hedges, a showman, gave us a comfortable house, and he says we can have +it as long as we stay. His dear wife gives us hot coffee and food every +day, and good coffee and food, too. + +They have two fine boys, sixteen and eighteen years of age. The boys +have found jobs to work to help their father and mother. There are +hundreds of able-bodied men around the camp, but they will not work. +They can get from $2.00 to $2.50 a day, but they would rather live off +the liberality of others. But when the soldiers find them they are +forced to work, and they get no pay, only something to eat.... + +I am alone in our little house today. My dear one is out visiting some +friends. She will soon be with me. Sister, she is a dear one to me. God +bless her! + +Mr. A. D. Porter, a banker of Woodland [now deceased], came down to +hunt me up, and had a hard time to find us; but day before yesterday +while looking around and asking for us he met Mr. Hedges, and he +brought him to us. He told us to come to Woodland, and we could have +rooms without cost. He is going to fit up rooms with kitchen and +cooking utensils, etc., so we can live comfortably and without charge. + +We will go on Tuesday or Wednesday, first or second of May. He also +pays our car fare. We are thankful to him for his kindness. So you can +write to us in Woodland. + +You have no idea how often my wife and I have said we wished we could +see our dear Sister Roberts. We can not begin to say all we want to in +a letter. There is so much to talk about at this time. My wife got out +in her night clothes. She did not have a chance to get her hat to cover +her head. Some of the people are very kind to us. + +My wife has got back to camp and is sitting by me while I write. I will +not try to say more at this time. Good-by. I hope you had no trouble at +Beth Adriel [the San Jose rescue home to be referred to hereafter]. God +bless you and your work. With love from + +Brother and Sister Mosby. + + + +God wonderfully strengthened me and aided me to be faithful to this +aged brother's soul, who through that awful demon, liquor, for years +had been well-nigh an imbecile when first we met; and I expect one of +the first ones to welcome me when I reach the glory-land will be my old +friend, Brother Mosby. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +WOODLAND (Continued)--A BOYCOTT. + + +One of the greatest and most agonizing trials of faith and trust +occurred shortly after my being placed in charge of the Woodland +undenominational gospel mission. The test well-nigh prostrated me. A +letter from my son, then in San Francisco, abruptly broke the following +news: + +Dear Mother: + +By the time you receive this I shall be on my way to Manilla. It will +be a good opportunity for experience, and to see the world. I go as an +employee on board the "Logan."... + +Hoping to see you again in about three months, I remain. Your loving +son, + +Charlie. + + + +To leave me, with only this for a farewell! "O God!" I cried, "I am +indeed bereft of all my earthly treasures." No word from my husband had +reached me for many months, although occasionally I had, through +interested friends, been able to locate him. He never, from the time of +my leaving home, contributed one cent toward my support. So I was +given, as but few are given, a glorious opportunity to trust daily, +hourly, and prove our dear heavenly Father--and he never has, nor ever +will be, delinquent, unless I fail in my love and duty. + +No collections were taken in the mission. Freewill offerings supported +this work, which system gave occasion for some blessed testings; for +sometimes rent-day would find us with an empty treasury, together with +God's warning not to appeal to any but him. My cupboard was empty at +times. I prayed, and he bountifully replenished it. + +The first Christmas season in Woodland was a notable one. We were to +give a dinner to the converts. Many were the gifts of edibles. +Christmas eve found Sister Simpson and me very busy preparing and +cooking, aided by two prospective guests. While I was thus engaged, a +message arrived requesting me to go quickly to a certain street and +cabin, where a girl lay dying. Carrying my Bible and little autoharp, +my constant companions, I soon arrived at the place designated. + +Poor Nell! How grateful I am that God ever permitted me to meet you, +for now--not until now have you felt your great need. We spent a very +precious, profitable time in that mean, forlorn abode. Soon Nell gladly +yielded to Jesus; then whilst I was softly singing, "Jesus knows all +about our struggles," she went to sleep. Commending her for all time +and eternity to His loving keeping, I stole softly out. + +Early on Christmas morning word arrived that Nell had never awakened, +but had passed quietly away, shortly after midnight. Hers was the first +funeral service at which I officiated. It was well attended. Instead of +eulogizing the dead, as is common on such occasions, I delivered, for +the blessed Master, a precious fruit-bearing message to the living. +Hallelujah! + +The passing of Nell did not prevent our having a happy Christmas. All +my guests, save two sisters, who were gospel workers, were wonderfully +redeemed, blood-washed men and boys. After all of us had enjoyed to our +hearts' content the good things to eat, we lingered round the table +relating one experience after the other. Some of the boys had been in +prison time and again, and they rehearsed some of their escapades +whilst serving the devil. All agreed that the primary cause of their +downfall was disobedience to parents or guardians when very young, a +continuation of this in youth, then the tobacco and liquor habits in +connection with disobedience. Then, nothing but sorrow; now, nothing +but peace and joy if they would only remain true to our wonderful +Redeemer. Doubtless most of my readers have never attended such a +dinner party. Let me tell you something. We had for our guest--_the +King_. To be sure, we did not see him with these fleshly eyes, but the +spiritual vision wonderfully revealed his presence, beyond a doubt, to +each of us. It was a "feasting with my Lord." + +In the days gone by, before becoming acquainted with my Savior, I had +both entertained and been entertained sumptuously; but never, never had +I so enjoyed a banquet, never had I been more happy than with these +guests. + +In the summer-time of that year following these occurrences we were +boycotted. Strange and various worldly procedures for the raising of +money in the different churches were causing much comment. The matter +reached my ears, and, like Jeremiah and some of the other prophets of +old, I proceeded to tell Father what a stumbling-block this was to both +sinner and saint and how it grieved my soul, and besought him to warn +them. + +He gave me answer from Isaiah, sixth chapter. (Please read it.) He +spoke to my soul in the night, saying, "Thus saith the Lord, Say unto +these people, Thou shalt read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest, +Ezekiel, third and fourth chapters, also Matthew, sixth chapter, +twenty-fourth verse." He brought Isa. 6:6-8 so before my mental vision +that I lay on my bed trembling from head to foot. + +A union prayer service, the last of the season, was to take place in +one of the churches on the following Wednesday evening. I was impressed +on Tuesday to announce to the mission audience that we should on that +occasion attend this union service. I made no mention to them of the +message the Lord was trusting me to give, nor did I know how he would +have it delivered. My soul was heavily burdened, and a great fear took +possession of me, as I entered the basement of that church, which was +soon filled with members and pastors representing the various +denominations, also many of the mission attendants. The subject I well +remember--"The Forgiving Spirit." It was beautifully discussed and +handled, causing me to think that under these circumstances the Lord +would possibly excuse me. In order to find out, I reverently opened my +Bible. My eyes fell on one word in big capitals--"JONAH." Oh! I must +obey; but how? I waited and watched. Soon came a call for voluntary +prayer, and I received my cue when Brother Smith of the Seventh-day +Adventists prayed. Testimony was next in order. Following one or two +brief testimonies, I mechanically arose, and gave out the message just +as it had come to me from the Lord, and then sat down--_a great burden +now off my soul_. Painful silence followed, but finally a brother +(Sunday-school teacher) arose. "Let us see what this means," he said. +"I will read Ezekiel 3"; and he proceeded to read. Then a brother on +the opposite side spoke--"I will read Ezekiel 4." Pastor M--- next +said, "And I will read Matt. 6:21, after which we will proceed with +our testimonies." But they did not. They could not. After a long +silence only one arose. She gave an honest answer, promising God never +so to offend him in the future. + +On my way home Satan said to me, "Now you're in for it." Sure enough. I +comforted myself by audibly singing as I walked along, "Jesus Lover of +My Soul." Maybe you think I was frightened and miserable. Not so. I +could not have been happier; for the load was lifted, my conscience was +clear. + +On the following Monday evening we expected one of the pastors, by +previous appointment, to preach in the mission. We waited. He never +came. I was sent for to come to his parsonage the following morning, +and there I learned this: "At a special ministerial meeting, which took +place on Monday morning, the Woodland pastors took action with regard +to the attitude assumed toward the churches by the woman, Mrs. Florence +Roberts, now in charge of the City Gospel Mission. A motion was made, +seconded, and unanimously adopted to boycott said mission and said +worker." + +Was the mission thereafter a failure? No, praise the Lord! It +prospered, and it still prospers in the hands of the various workers +the Master sends from time to time. He kept me there three years, and +never did I lack for the things needful. In that time was I absent +twice for short periods, but the mission nightly continued its precious +office work under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +A BRIEF CALL TO SACRAMENTO--I ENTER THE SAN FRANCISCO FIELD. + + +Both those periods of absence were occasioned by the return of my son, +who now had made two trips to and from the Philippines. After the +second one he decided to return to Sacramento, if I would make a little +home for him. His stay was of but a few months' duration +notwithstanding our cozy, comfortable quarters, for the spirit of +roving still possessed him, and erelong he shipped as an employee on +one of the large passenger steamers bound for Australia. Then, at the +repeated requests of many, I returned to Woodland, from which place I +eventually accepted a call to the rescue work in San Francisco. There I +made my home with Sister Kauffman, whose name and calling has already +been briefly mentioned. For a long time we worked together for the +inmates of The Home of Peace, and each Sunday morning at 9:30 o'clock +I, with other Christians, could be found at the county jail, No. 3, +adjacent to the Ingleside district and about three and one-half miles +distant from the city center. Of this branch of the work we will speak +hereafter. + +The duties and the expenses of the San Francisco home were great; for +there was always a large family, most of whom, on coming, were +destitute of decent apparel, and, with scarcely an exception, all +needed physical treatment, some permanently, so that we toiled +incessantly either in the sewing-room, the sick-room, or the nursery, +where were several dear little babies. Who does not love a baby? You +can not imagine how attached we were to them, soon forgetting their +unfortunate advent, and doing what we could to instruct and aid their +untutored young mothers. The feeding of the family was alone often a +problem (I mean as to the source), so that we had to be very much in +the spirit of prayer. + +Sometimes our Father would see fit to test us to the limit, for +instance: Shortly after my coming, the one in charge of food supplies +said, "Sister Kauffman, we are out of everything. There is only enough +for today, and perhaps tomorrow morning's breakfast." The worker whose +business it was to visit The Mission merchants for any donations of +food, etc. came home late that afternoon with but meager results for +her day's hard labor. In the morning, following earnest prayer with the +family gathered around that poorly supplied breakfast table, Sister +Kauffman and I started out to plead for absolute necessities. All +without exception commended this laudable work for the wandering girls, +but oh! the excuses. To this day I am amazed at many of them. In one +office was a portly, good-natured-looking gentleman puffing away at an +expensive cigar. (Reader, there was a time in my life when I enjoyed +the fragrance of a good one, for my husband was a smoker.) He declared +that he could not afford to assist _one cent's worth, that he was too +poor_. I dared to inquire gently how many cigars he smoked daily and if +they were not at least twenty-five cents for two. "Worse than that," he +proudly replied; "twenty cents apiece. But I only smoke half a dozen a +day at the most. I'm not an inveterate smoker; besides, it's my only +bad habit." When I told him that the cost of one day's smoking would +feed all our hungry family with a substantial meal, he turned his back +and began to get busy at his desk, and thus we considered ourselves +dismissed. There was excuse after excuse, refusal after refusal, +principally on the plea of there being so many appeals for charity +equally worthy and only a limitless pocket-book being requisite to meet +the many demands. + +Noon-time discovered us in front of the _Call_ building, corner of +Market and Third Streets, both of us faint, weary, hungry, and slightly +discouraged, yet still hopeful. We stood on the street corner for a few +minutes holding each other's hands, and, unknown to the passers-by, +praying for strength of body and soul, imploring our heavenly Father to +renew our faith and courage. After resting a little while on one of the +stone seats near Lotta's Fountain, we once more began to toil up office +stairs or ride in elevators. At four o'clock we were near the city +front in the wholesale district. Still our faith was being tested, for +most of those from whom we had expected help had either gone for the +day or were absent from some other cause. At last I weakened. + +"Sister Kauffman, I can stand this awful strain no longer," I said. +"Perhaps God has sent in food to the girls during our absence. Let us +try to get back home." We could not telephone. That would mean a +nickel, and we didn't have it. "Once more, dear, once more we'll try," +replied courageous Sister Kauffman. So we ascended a long flight of +stairs, only to find the door fast locked. Bless her noble soul! she +was just as tired, weak, and hungry as I, but infinitely less selfish. + +As we came out on the sidewalk, she suddenly remembered one who had +some time previously promised help whenever she happened in that +vicinity again. It was but half a block distant. Thither we dragged our +weary bodies. When we reached the top of that stairway, a gentleman was +just in the act of locking a door. His greeting was: + +"Well, well, Sister Kauffman, how do you do, and how are all your +family? You're just in time. I was about to go home. Glad to make your +acquaintance, Sister Roberts. Ladies, come in a moment and rest after +your hard climb." He handed a piece of money (five dollars) to Sister +Kauffman, remarking as he did so that he had been saving it for her +several days. + +Then something happened--something totally unlooked for by any of us +three. Sister Kauffman and I burst into tears and wept unrestrainedly +for several minutes, whilst the kind friend retired, I suppose, to a +remote corner of the large room. Presently, when we had become somewhat +calm, we told him what we had endured since early morning. It was not +at all strange (now was it?) that this good-hearted man, during our +short recital, resorted to frequent use of his handkerchief. But it was +now fast growing dark, and we had to hurry. + +Many samples of canned goods were upon the shelves. (This was a +wholesale commission merchant's office.) He filled my net shopping-bag, +made up another package, then forth we went with smiling faces and +happy hearts. Presently he helped us on to our car, then left us. "Oh! +Sister Roberts dear, we'll have to break our five dollars to pay our +car fare," said Sister Kauffman. When the conductor came our way and +she inquired whether he had change for five, he answered, "Your fares +are paid." God bless that noble-hearted, thoughtful gentleman. I do not +remember his name, but I do hope he will read or hear of this. Whether +he does or not, the generous deed is, I feel sure, recorded to his +credit in heaven. + +When we turned the corner of our street, some of the family, +disregarding the rules, rushed out to greet us and to help us in with +our load. Soon our five dollars was purchasing bread, potatoes, and +other things for an immediate meal, to which we all quickly sat down, +and, after reverently thanking our heavenly Father ate--shall I +say?--yes, _ravenously_. + +Reader, do not imagine this as being a common every-day experience. By +no means, although we were ever subject to tests in one form or +another. This taught us to pray more, and not to labor quite so +hard--an excellent and profitable lesson; also, to pray God to reprove +those who, though well able to help, had refused. "For inasmuch as ye +did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me." Matt. +25:45. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +I AM INTRODUCED TO THE DIVES OF BARBARY COAST + + +Sister Kauffman was well acquainted with the dives of Barbary Coast, +she having occasionally to seek some one inquired for, or perhaps a +lost member of the family returned to former haunts of sin. The next +time she had occasion to go, I requested that I might accompany her. +She very gladly consented. + +At nine o'clock that night we were in a horrible neighborhood. I had a +tight grip on her arm, and no wonder, for we were now where every vice +and crime were common and reigned supreme. + +Plainly do I still see the first place we entered. It was called "The +Klondyke." "Come, sister, don't be afraid: God is watching over us," +whispered Sister Kauffman as she walked me through a screen door and +into that gaudy, low barroom, where were congregated a most deplorable +mixture of degraded men and youth in various stages of inebriety. The +place reeked with the vile odors of whiskey, beer, tobacco, +uncleanliness of body, etc., so that my stomach revolted, and I felt as +if I should be compelled to return to the fresh air; but Sister +Kauffman, who had obtained permission from the proprietor (tending +bar), took me through another doorway, which led into a dance-hall. +Positively I was as though rooted to the spot, and I said to myself, +"This is even worse than anything of which I read or hear." I do not +dare to describe the situation; for I know that young people are going +to read this book and I have not the least inclination to sully their +minds. Suffice it to say, I was looking upon a shameful scene of total +depravity participated in by both sexes, some of whom were little more +than in their teens. + +An intoxicated girl sidled up to me. How sickening was that vile breath +in my face as she said. "Say, what yer got in that case?" It was my +auto-harp. "Sing something for her, Sister Roberts," said Sister +Kauffman, at the same time drawing the girl and me into a remote +corner. I sent up to the throne of grace a quick, silent petition, and +the answer immediately returned, for strength came. Taking my little +instrument in my arms. I commenced, with shaky voice, the song that you +will find between these pages entitled, "Her Voice." "Don't, oh! don't! +Oh! for God's sake don't!" sobbed and shrieked that poor wanderer as +she threw herself upon me and buried her head, with its tawdry covering +and matted mop of dirty hair, in my lap. + +[Illustration: SHEET MUSIC + + Andante + + HER VOICE. + + Words and Music by Mrs. Florence Roberts. + + (Illustration) + + 1. Hark! I hear the sweet-est music Float-ing + 2. Once a-gain I hear sweet voi-ces I've not + 3. Years have passed since they have left us, Still the + + (Illustration) + + round me o'er and o'er, Such a min-gling of sweet + heard for man-y years, Join-ing in the heav'n-ly ten-der + mem-o-ry Of these sing-ing saint-ed + + (Illustration) + + voi-ces, Sing-ing as in days of yore; And I + cho-rus; And my eyes are filled with tears, As I + loved ones Lin-gers round my heart to-day. Now I'm + + (Illustration) + + feel such peace and glad-ness Steal-ing o'er me ten-der-ly, + hear my saint-ed moth-er, With the loved ones free from care, + wait-ing and I'm lis-t'ning For the one that I love best. + + (Illustration) + + As I hear my moth-er sing-ing, "Je-sus + Sing a-gain as in my child-hood, Of no + Je-sus, bid-ding me to blend My voice in + + (Illustration) + + loves me, e-ven me, loves me, e-ven me." + sor-row o-ver there; sor-row o-ver there, + sing-ing with the blest; sing-ing with the blest. + + + Refrain. 1st Verse. + + (Illustration) + + "I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Je-sus loves e-ven me." + + Refrain. 2d Verse. + + (Illustration) + + "There'll be no more sor-row there, There'll be no more + + (Illustration) + + sor-row there; In heav-en a-bove, where + + (Illustration) + + all is love, There'll be no more sor-row there." + + Refrain. 3d Verse. + + (Illustration) + + "In the sweet bye and bye We shall + + (Illustration) + + meet on that beau-ti-ful shore; In the sweet bye and + + (Illustration) + + bye, We shall meet on that beau-ti-ful shore." ] + +This drew the attention of the dancers, causing a temporary halt. One +of her companions tried to pacify her and to draw her away, but she +resisted and only clung the closer. I forgot the awful surroundings as +my heart went out in tenderest pity. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I +offered soothing words and inquired if I could help her, if I could +comfort her. Presently she said: "Lady, God must have sent you here +tonight. I'm sober now; I was drunk when you came in. I want to let you +know my mother is dead." How she sobbed! The dancing was resumed, +whilst the girl, somewhat recovered, continued her story. "She only +left me a year ago. She was a good Christian, my mother was; and just +before she died, she sent everybody out of the room so as to have a +talk with me. 'Hazel,' she said, 'You've given me a heap of trouble and +anxiety, but I forgive you, dear, I forgive you. Now kiss Mother, and +promise to be a better girl. I've been praying many a long day for you, +my child. I'm going to leave you. The doctor says I may not see +morning. Don't cry, dear. Don't cry.' .... And then she prayed aloud. +'O God! make my naughty girl a good girl. Save her soul, O God, and may +I some day meet her in heaven. Please, God. for the dear Savior's sake. +Amen.' ... Just look how I've kept my word! What's your name, lady?" + +"You may call me Mother Roberts, dear, and, furthermore, you may come +with me and that other lady over there, to our home if you wish." + +Before we left that place, and between dances, a man sitting in drunken +stupor on a bench suddenly tilted back his hat, stared at me, and +accosted me thus: + +"Howdy-do, Mother Roberts." + +"My! who is this that recognizes me in such a den?" I questioned +myself. "Who are you, my man, and where have we met?" I inquired. +Imagine my chagrin at his replying: + +"In the jail at Sacramento." + +"How awful! What will these people think--that I am an ex-jail bird?" +Such were the thoughts that were running through my mind. + +"Yep; you gave me a speel there, and I don't forget it. Say, kids, this +'ere woman's all right. I wish I'd a minded wot she said, 'n I wouldn't +be 'ere ter night." + +Hearing these last words, Sister Kauffman, who had been busy dealing +with many souls all of this time, said: + +"If you mean that, come with Mother Roberts and me down to the mission, +a block away. The dear young men workers there will be only too glad to +help you." + +Then we immediately wended our way out. I with my precious autoharp +under one arm and the infinitely more precious human treasure's arm +tucked safely under my other. We soon reached the humble mission, left +the man in safe keeping, and took a homeward-bound car, retiring about +2 A.M., grateful and almost too happy to sleep. + +Hazel stayed with us some time and then obtained a permanent situation +in a Christian family as their trusted domestic. + +The ice, now broken, soon thawed, and night after night two or three of +us workers went to the slums, dance-halls, and dives, endeavoring to +rescue some mother's wandering boy or girl. Did we always succeed? By +no means. Often the small hours of the morning found us wending our way +homeward weary and disappointed, but never greatly discouraged. At the +least, we sowed the precious seed, claiming God's promise in Isa. 55:11 +as we did so. + +Many a time I have seen a girl quickly tuck away in the bosom of her +dress some little tract (we always were well supplied), perhaps bearing +these words. "Jesus the Savior loves you, and sent me to tell you so"; +for not always, by any means, would the proprietors or proprietresses +permit us to converse with their victims. Sometimes we were so +fortunate as to procure a girl's lodging-house address; then we had the +gratification of calling there in the daytime and privately dealing +with her, always with more or less good results. On such visits I took +the autoharp; for singing is a great, indeed I may say, an invaluable +aid in this work. + +On one occasion, when three of us were seeking the lost, making saloon +to saloon, dance-hall to dance-hall visits, we went into a place where +my attention was immediately drawn to a beautiful, modest-looking young +lady (about seventeen years old) standing alongside of a gorgeous bar +and trying to repel the advances of a pompous, sporty-looking +middle-aged man. The man behind the bar was frowning and saying to her, +"Here, none of those monkey-shines, miss. You tend to business. D'you +hear?" Sister Kauffman and the other worker had gone into the +dance-hall in the rear. Quickly stepping up to the girl, I inquired of +her what he meant, what so young and modest a girl was doing there, and +whether she did not desire to leave, and implored her to let me aid in +rescuing her from her wretched life. Quickly she told me that she was +motherless and also that she had been home from an Eastern school only +about twenty-four days. "My child, what has happened that you are +here?" I inquired, astonished beyond measure. Before she could reply +the big blonde man tending bar said: + +[Illustration: THE DIVE KEEPER'S DAUGHTER] + +"Here you" (addressing me), "make yourself scarce. You and your kind +are ---- ---- hoo-doos to our business" + +"Please, please go," the girl pleaded. + +Just at this juncture Sister Kauffman and her lady companion came +through the dance hall double doors. The latter held them wide open and +in her loud, penetrating voice slowly uttered these words: + +"What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own +soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" ... + +"Come, Sister Roberts." + +"Yes, in a minute," I replied as I motioned to them I would join them +outside. + +"I will not leave," I said to the girl, "unless you give me some good +reason for not accompanying me, seeing you express a desire to be +rescued." + +"---- ---- ----!" shouted the man, "if you don't clear right out, I'll +brain you" He held suspended in the air a full soda water bottle, one +of the heaviest. + +The girl, pushing me away from her, said, "Go! go! He'll do it." And +then she whispered: + +"_He's my father_." + +I rushed out, excitedly informed my companions, and then quickly sought +a policeman, who, when I informed him, simply shrugged his shoulders +and remarked: "I can't interfere. The man has a license, his daughter +isn't of age, he's her legal guardian. Don't know what you can do about +it; you'll have to consult higher authority than me"--a course which we +proceeded to follow in the morning. + +In the evening we visited that same place, accompanied by an officer in +private clothes. A large, showy woman and also a bar-tender stood +behind the bar. "Are you the party what was here last night trying to +make trouble?" she inquired. "Well, you're left. The bird has flown. +Ha! ha! I'm running this place now, and I don't need your help, +neither. Don't you come here while I'm in charge of it," etc. +Evidently, the policeman first accosted had given the alarm. I have +never heard what became of that poor girl and her wicked, unnatural +father. A tenderhearted woman in that awful neighborhood, one who had +tried to protect her, told me this: + +The girl's mother died when she was a babe. The father (not then a +saloon man) sent her to New York to be raised by her aunt. When old +enough she was placed in school. The aunt died. She was removed to +another school, and there she remained until called for by her father, +who all these years had been her provider. He brought her to San +Francisco, where he now kept a dive and dance-hall. She being a rather +timid girl, it can be readily understood why she submitted to his +authority and tyranny. + +My mind now reverts to two of the soldier boys, returned from the +Philippines and seated one night in one of those places where we were +permitted to work and also to sing. Toward the close of the song, + + Can a boy forget his mother's prayer, + When he has wandered God knows where? + +I discovered them with their arms about each other's shoulders and both +with the tears silently coursing down their cheeks. Setting my +instrument on one side and remembering my own dear son, the daily +object of my prayers, I essayed, in earnest, gentle tones, to admonish +them. Both acknowledged having been carefully reared by Christian +mothers, one of whom was dead. Had they been my own, I could not have +more earnestly pleaded with them. In consequence of my admonition they +soon took their departure, promising as they did so never again to +cross the threshold of any place where they would be ashamed to have +their mothers find them, and also to seek once more their neglected +Savior. Both were soon reclaimed; for I had the pleasure of meeting +them later in a house of worship on the Army's camp-grounds, at the +Presidio. + +Christian parents, you that through death or other means have been +deprived of the companionship of your children, why not occasionally +join some of the rescue workers in their efforts to save somebody's +wandering boy or girl, instead of sitting in a rocking-chair, nursing +your sorrows? Speak the kindly, loving word of warning or advice; +encourage the wayward son or daughter to reform; and thus better your +condition as well as theirs. This will _surely_ bring an indescribable +peace and satisfaction to the soul, assuage much grief, and help to +promote the Master's kingdom. He takes us at our word. We sing: + + I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord. + Over mountain, or plain, or sea, + I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord, + I'll be what you want me to be. + +Do we mean it? + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +MARY. + + +Of all the pathetic stories from members of our family, I deem Mary's +far in excess of others though all, without exception, are woefully sad +God knows. + +One day a telephone call came to us from the city and county hospital, +situated in a suburb known as The Potrero, inquiring if we had room for +a delicate young mother with her three-weeks-old babe. They informed us +that her time as a patient had expired and, moreover, that they had +just been quarantined for smallpox, but that she had as yet suffered no +exposure. The workers were quickly consulted, also a few trusted +converted girls, and together we knelt in prayer and then consulted +God's Word. Praise his name! we opened it on the ninety-first Psalm. +What better assurance than in verses 10, 11, and 12? + +Soon we were welcoming one of the most forlorn specimens of humanity +the home had ever received. Jack, the delicate-looking baby, had the +facial expression of a tiny old man, but oh! such beautiful eyes! We +realized that both would require very tender care for some time to +come. When Mary became able to work, she rendered valuable service, for +she liked to cook and was efficient and economical. Whilst she was thus +occupied, her babe was being well cared for in the nursery. + +Several months passed by, during which every means was resorted to in +order to help Mary learn to seek and find her Savior, but all without +avail. + +Little Jack, never very strong, was taken seriously ill and soon, from +the waist down, was paralyzed. Mary now relinquished all other duties +in order to nurse her sick treasure. We never witnessed greater love +and devotion. For ten days before he died, she did not leave his +bedside one moment longer than necessary, never changed her clothes, +excepting once, and never lay down to sleep. On more than one occasion +it became my privilege to share the night vigils, for which she was +sincerely grateful. How my heart yearned for this poor, hopeless +mother! How I longed to impart to her the secret of salvation and of +the Burden-bearer! + +"Mary," I said, "if you would only try my Savior, dear, I assure you +that you would feel better, body and soul, I've never heard _your_ +story; won't you tell it to me whilst we're watching beside Baby?" + +"I've never felt as if I could before, but I will, Mother Roberts, I +will." + +"I lost my father and mother when I was quite small, and my +grandparents raised my little brother and me. I never remember when +they didn't have beer on the table for dinner and supper, and if +company came in, they always treated them. If I didn't feel quite well +or was tired, Grandmother would say, 'Have a drop of beer, Mary child, +it'll do you good and put new life into you.' It took some time to get +used to liking it. I didn't enjoy the bitter taste at first, but by and +by I loved it--yes, really loved it. + +"I grew up, and, like many another girl, had my young friends come +calling. I liked Tom S---- best of all, and one day promised I'd marry +him if the old folks would agree. They were awfully pleased, and _soon +let Tom and me go about alone everywhere_. He was a baker, and a good +one. Earned fine wages, so that I was expecting to have a very +comfortable home. + +"_I wish Grandmother or some one had talked plainly and honestly to me +about a few things, but they didn't; so what did I know when Tom told +me that in God's sight an engagement was as good as a marriage and that +we'd soon, for the sake of appearances, and to comply with the law, go +through that ceremony_. My God! Why didn't some one warn me? Oh! Mother +Roberts, very few girls loved a man better than I loved Tom. + +"By and by Grandmother says, 'What's become of Tom? I haven't seen him +lately. I didn't know he'd left his job.' So I told her his work was +slack and he'd gone away to hunt a place where he could get better pay. +You'll not be surprised to hear she soon grew suspicious, and one day I +was obliged to confess. + +"Did I tell you Tom drank beer? Oh yes, and enjoyed it with me and them +many's the time. + +"Was he a stranger to me and my folks when I first met him? Well, no, +not exactly, although I must confess I knew very little about him +before he was introduced by one of my girl friends at the baker's and +confectioner's ball. _Oh but he was an elegant dancer! and that got me, +in the first place._ + +"My! but didn't Grandmother take on something awful! She ordered me out +of her sight up to my little bedroom till Grandfather should come home. +I sat there listening to her wailing and moaning and asking the dear +Mother of God what she had done that such a cruel, cruel misfortune +should have befallen her. Poor Granny! Mother Roberts, I was longing to +go down and comfort her, but I durs'n't. So all that I could do was to +walk the floor, or sit and cry. Sometimes I tried to tell my beads, but +I couldn't take any pleasure in them. They didn't comfort my poor, +sinful soul one bit. I wished I could die then and there, but what was +the use? I couldn't, though I thought fear would indeed kill me when I +heard Grandfather come in and knew Grandmother was telling him. I heard +him raving and cursing while she was begging him to keep quiet for fear +the neighbors would hear. + +"Pretty soon he opened the door that led upstairs. 'Mary,' he shouted, +'you --- ---- come down and be ---- quick about it, I tell ye.' And +when I did, he said, 'I'll see whether we'll own any one what will +disgrace their poor, respectable, honest grandparents, _what has +brought ye up in the way ye should go_, in their old age! Out ye go, +and be ---- quick about it.' I can see him now, and Grandmother, who +was sitting at the kitchen table, sobbing with her head buried in her +apron. I crawled on my hands and knees toward him; I begged him not to +turn me out; I clung to him so that he could hardly walk, while he, in +his rage, was backing along the hall out toward the front door, and +then he managed to open it, me still clinging to him, and threw me, +with a curse, out into the dark, cold, wet night. + +"I lay there on the doorstep until I found I was getting a soaking, and +then I went to a neighbor about a block away, who always had been very +kind to me, and had a girl of her own a little younger than me. Did I +tell her? Of course I did; I had to. So she took pity on me and let me +sleep there that night on a shake-down in the parlor, although Mattie +(her daughter) had a large bed to herself, and I told her not to go to +so much trouble, that I could sleep with her as I'd done before, many's +the time. But she said girls would get to talking, and she didn't want +her innocent Mattie to know a girl could ever bring such disgrace on +honest, respectable parents. But she didn't know how Mattie and I used +to talk for hours after we'd get in bed at night, about our 'fellers' +and such like, but now, who was I that I should tell her mother this? + +"In the morning after breakfast (she kept Mattie out of sight +somewhere) she took me into the parlor, shut the door, and said: + +"'Mary child, I'm sorry for you, I am indeed, but I can't keep you +here. You know where the county hospital is, don't you? Well, you go +there, and they'll take you in. They'll take such cases as yours. +Here's a quarter to pay your car fare. You needn't let on you stopped +with me. You may be sure _I_ won't, for I respect your Grandfather and +Grandmother highly. I don't want them to find out I know anything about +your trouble or that I took you in. Why, they'd never speak to me +again. There, there, don't cry. Good-by and good luck to you, Mary.' + +"I got on a car and pretty soon was asking the gate-keeper of the city +and county hospital how I should apply to get in. 'Patient?' he asked. +'Yes, sir,' said I. So he directed me to the office. A lot of people +were there, waiting their turn. After a while a doctor interviewed me +in a little office. He asked me a good many questions. No, I didn't lie +to him, but I told him as little as I could. He said, 'We can't take +you in yet. Come on such a date,' and put my name on a book, then wrote +on a card something about admitting the bearer, Mary H----, maternity +ward, with his name and the day I was due there. I told him I'd no +place to go; he said I was able to work for a while. So I went out to +try and find some work. Before evening I got a job washing dishes and +preparing vegetables in a small restaurant, for the sake of my board +and bed, and I stayed there until it was time to go back to the +hospital. + +"I forgot all my troubles for a while when Jack came.... Mother +Roberts, how can I think God is good? He's going to take my baby from +me; he's going to let him die. I can't stand it. I'll kill myself--yes, +I will...." + +Two nights later little Jack still breathed, though scarcely +perceptibly, and again I shared poor Mary's vigil. About midnight I +asked if she felt able to finish her story. Presently she continued: + +"When my little Jack was three weeks old, the nurse of our ward took +down the card from the head of my bed, and told me I could go now. I +was dismissed, and they wanted my corner for another patient. + +"I stood outside the big gate that afternoon wondering where I could go +and holding my pretty little Jack against my breast. I'd a nice warm +shawl, so he was good and comfortable. A thought like this struck me. +'Grandfather is so fond of babies. I'll go there. _Perhaps when he sees +the dear, innocent little baby, he'll forgive me and take me back.'_ It +seemed as though I would never reach their house [in the neighborhood +of Sixth and Clara Streets, reader], and I had to rest on some one's +doorsteps very often, I was that weak. It was pretty near dusk when I +knocked on the door, and the fog was coming in. Grandmother opened it. +She threw up her hands when she saw me; didn't ask me in, but hollered +for Grandfather to come, and _come quick_, which he did. Oh! Mother +Roberts, to my dying day I'll remember how he cursed me when he saw me +and my baby's darling face, and then he closed the door with an awful +bang. Well, I was dazed like for a little bit, then Baby cried. I sat +on somebody's doorstep and nursed him, then kept on walking and +resting; going, I hardly knew where. + +"It must have been well after seven o'clock when I found myself on +Montgomery Avenue and not very far from North Beach. My! but I was +faint, although I'd had a good meal at the hospital at noon, but you +know a nursing mother needs plenty of nourishing food and often. I saw +a light in a little notion shop, and went in and asked the woman if she +could spare me a bite to eat. Bless her kind heart, she gave me a big +bowl full of bread and milk, and warmed some stew, and helped me make +Jack clean and comfortable, but she had no place for me to sleep, which +she told me sorrowfully. Her family was large, and she did not have a +bit of extra bedding, besides she was poor. I was feeling better now +and more cheerful. My! 'tis wonderful what a good meal can do for you +when you're hungry, isn't it? I thanked her kindly and told her I'd +soon find friends; then went out on the street and began to watch the +faces. At last I stepped up to an elderly laboring man, told him I had +lost my way, was broke, a stranger, and a widow, and asked him if he +could direct me to a respectable lodging-house, which he did (bless his +kind heart!) and paid the woman for a night's lodging, she asking no +questions; and soon I was in a clean little bed with my Jack. I don't +think my head had hardly touched the pillow when I was fast asleep, all +of my troubles forgotten. + +"Morning came all too soon. And now what was I to do? I dressed, then +made baby as comfortable as I could under the circumstances, went down +the stairs, meeting no one as I passed out of the house into the +street. Pretty soon I'd made up my mind. I'd walk down to Meigg's wharf +(not far away) and with my darling would drop quietly off the end of it +into the bay; and I was soon looking into the nice quiet water, just +about to fall in when I heard a voice, for sure I did, Mother Roberts, +saying, 'Don't Mary.' Maybe you don't think I was scared as I looked +all around and could see no one nearer than a block and a half away, +and that was a man piling up some lumber on a wagon; besides, the voice +I heard was a woman's, not a man's. I began to back away from the +water, wondering if I'd heard an angel speak.... + +"Yes; I admit I am naturally superstitious, but don't you think in a +case like this, it's a good thing?" + +"Yes; I do, Mary, but go on, dear, I'm anxious to hear what became of +you." + +[Illustration: MARY.] + +"I went back to the woman who gave me my supper, and she gave me my +breakfast, then advised me to put my baby with the sisters of Mount St. +Joseph. _But I never could do that, could you?_ I said good-by to my +kind friend and started out for where, I did not know. All of a sudden +I said to myself, 'I'll go back to the hospital and offer to scrub and +do chores; anything, so they'll take me and my baby in.' It took me +till nearly one o'clock to reach there. Every time I sat down to rest +and a policeman came along, I'd get up quickly and walk on, for fear he +might arrest me as a suspicious character. + +"The man at the gate didn't want to let me in; said they had been +obliged to quarantine; but I rushed past him up to the office, threw +myself at a doctor's feet, and begged him for God's sake not to send me +away. He sent for the head nurse; they gave me my dinner, made Baby +nice and clean and comfortable, and pretty soon one of the nurses came +and told me they had found me and Baby a good home, and here I've been, +as you know, ever since. But oh! Mother Roberts, my little Jack is +going to die, he's going to die!... + +"Four days since you opened your beautiful eyes and looked at Mother, +Precious. Four long, long days.... + +"_Mother Roberts, I think I would believe and trust God if he would +only let my baby look at me once more before he goes. I really think I +would."_ + +"Kneel down with me, Mary, and we'll ask him," I said. + +We clasped hands over the foot of that little bed, and if ever I +prayed, I prayed then that the merciful Father would, for the sake of +his Son our Savior, and for his own glory, open the eyes of the babe +once more before the angels took him home. The poor worn-out mother +sobbed herself to sleep, her head resting on little Jack's lifeless +feet. I watched, earnestly and intently watched, for my prayer to be +answered. Toward daylight I observed a slight movement of the little +head. "Wake up! wake up, Mary!" I cried, whilst I shook and continued +to shake her. The voice awoke many of the family, who quickly hastened +to the sick-room. Mary with bloodshot eyes gazed at the baby. Soon his +beautiful eyes opened wide, with a long, loving look at the faithful +mother, then closed; and now the angels had him forever in their +keeping. + +"O God, O God, you are good, you are good," sobbed poor Mary. "I'll +never, never doubt you any more." And she never did. From that day, +and, so far as I know, up to the present time, Mary has been one of our +Father's and Savior's loyal subjects. + +As soon as able, she took a situation, so as to earn money to pay +Jack's funeral expenses and to purchase the lot where lie his earthly +remains. I was told that her mistress accepted the Savior because of +her faithful daily walk. Later, her brother, returned from the +Philippines, claimed and took her back there with him, where, +doubtless, she is seeking and finding jewels for the Master's crown. + +"What became of the grandparents--the ones responsible before God for +her misfortunes?" During the first few weeks of Mary's stay under our +roof, Sister Kauffman and I called on them, hoping so to picture the +Savior's tender mercy and love as to be able to touch their hearts, to +discover to them their self-righteous condition, and to get them to +realize where the blame really lay. All our efforts were fruitless. The +earthquake and fire of San Francisco swept away all their property, and +in all probability they perished in the flames, for they were never +again heard of. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +SERVICES IN COUNTY JAIL, BRANCH NO. 3. + + +Come with me this beautiful Sunday morning. Join with me and this +faithful band of young workers from various denominations, in the nine +o'clock services, and satisfy yourself as to the good they, by the +grace of God, are able to accomplish. + +Good morning, gate-keeper. Have the rest of the band arrived yet? + +Yes? + +Then we'll pass in. + +We enter the beautifully laid-out grounds surrounding the women's +quarters. What lovely lawns! What a variety of fragrant flowers! But we +must hurry, for we can not afford to miss the services. We ascend the +long flight of steps and are now greeted by the superintendent and his +wife, the matron. Next we traverse a long, wide hallway. Turning to the +left, we mount a few steps, and then come up against a solid iron +double door. Through an aperture in one side of it we get a glimpse of +the throng within. The door is unlocked for our admission, and, passing +through, we find ourselves facing anywhere from forty to sixty girls +and women, for the most part neatly attired in dark blue-print gowns. + +"What a heterogeneous gathering we are confronting! Some look so +refined; doubtless they are from the better walks of life. Why are they +here?" + +For offenses of various kinds too numerous to mention. "That dignified, +white-haired woman, third row on our left?" + +Ask me about her later on. I will tell you on our way home. + +"That pretty fair-haired girl about sixteen?" + +Vagrancy. Her sentence expires in two weeks. We're trying to persuade +her to come to our home, because her own is undesirable. Both of her +parents drink; her older sister has taken the downward course and +refuses all our overtures; and her two brothers are constantly in +drunken bouts and then imprisoned. + +"That old, old woman; what of her?" + +She's awaiting her trial for malpractice. She'll probably have to serve +time in San Quentin penitentiary. But I'll tell you more by and by. + +Brother Edstrom of the Y. M. C. A. speaks--"Let us all heartily join +in singing, 'Pass me not, O gentle Savior,' Gospel Hymns No. 27." How +they sing! and what beautiful voices some of the prisoners have! + +"Brother St. John, will you lead in prayer?" + +[Illustration: SHEET MUSIC + + STILL NEARER + + Words and music by Mrs. FLORENCE ROBERTS + + (Illustration: music) + + 1. Oh, help me live near thee, my Savior, Oh, keep thou me + 2. I love thee, my Fa--ther, and Sav--ior, For what thou hast + + (Illustration: music) + + close by my side; I need thee, Lord, dai--ly and hour--ly, + done for me; Me, one of the great-est of sin-ners, + + (Illustration: music) + + My Coun-sel-or and my Guide. I can--not have thee too + I mar--vel, such welcome from thee! Won-der--ful con-quest o'er + + (Illustration: music) + + near me, Ei-ther by day or by night; For when thou art nigh + the Sa-tan's Al--lur--ing paths of sin; My Sav-ior, to thee the + + (Illustration: music) + + tempt-er doth fly, Thou dost help me to put him to flight, + glo--ry all be, Now help me some lost ones to win. + + REFRAIN. + + (Illustration: music) + + Near--er, still near--er, Come to me o'er and o'er. + + (Illustration: music) + + Near-er to thee, Sav-ior, I'd be, Now and for--ev--er--more] + +Without exception all kneel as the consecrated young brother makes +fervent, passionate appeal to the throne of mercy and grace. + +"Will one of our congregation now call for a song?" + +"No. 18." + +"Very good, we will sing No. 18." + + Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, + Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; + Weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen, + Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save. + +You can't keep back the tears as you listen, and this is not to be +wondered at. + +"Sister Burton, we will now listen to your reading of the fifty-fifth +chapter of Isaiah." + +"Sister Roberts, I see you have your autoharp with you. Please favor us +with one of your God-sent songs." + +"Nearer, Still Nearer." + +The prisoners sing refrain twice over with me and then request a +repetition. It is inspiring to hear them, it surely is. + +"We will now spend a few minutes in testimony. Who will be the first to +witness for Jesus this morning?" + +Three or four are on their feet at once, some thanking God that, even +though they are behind prison bars, he has washed away their sins in +the precious blood of Jesus, and declaring their intention of leading +clean lives, lives that will honor the Lord; adding that they are +asking him to give them honest jobs in respectable quarters, so that +they need never again be obliged to return to their former environments +of vice and degradation. And so on, until time for testimony is up. + +"How many desire an interest in our prayers, that you may lead lives +that will fit you for heaven instead of sending you down to an awful +hell? Please raise your hands. One, two, three, six, ten; nearly all +who have not testified. God bless you! Let us pray." + +Brother Edstrom so earnestly petitions the loving Father for mercy and +pardon for these poor souls that some of them weep audibly. Again we +all join in singing; the benediction is pronounced; then those +conducting the meeting repair quickly to the men's quarters in an +adjacent but separate enclosure. There a similar service is held, after +which the majority hurry away to the various houses of worship for the +eleven o'clock services. + +When not otherwise engaged, I find it pleasurable as well as profitable +to linger, but on this occasion I shall not remain. As we walk along, I +will keep my word concerning some of the inquired-about inmates. + +The dignified, white-haired woman spends the greater part of her time +in that prison-house. + +She is addicted to the morphine habit, and, in consequence, she resorts +to any means to procure the drug. It has made a petty thief of her, +thus causing her frequent arrest and incarceration for three or six +months. + +She was the wife of a prominent professional man, and, so far as this +world's goods are concerned, she enjoyed everything that a loving +husband was able to lavish on her. At the time of, and following, the +birth of her third child, the attending physician, in order to assuage +her excruciating pain, administered morphine. She continued to resort +to it, and _soon she was its slave_. Everything known to human skill +was done to cure her of the habit, but without much effect. She began +to inject the drug into her flesh with a hypodermic needle and also to +mix it with cocaine. Thus she soon became a mortification to her +husband, relatives, and friends, and erelong they felt that she had +forfeited all claims to their consideration. They forsook her, +absolutely refused to recognize her. In process of time the husband +procured a divorce and sole guardianship of the children. + +Soon she disappeared from her home neighborhood and for the future was +lost sight of by all except police judges, and officers, prison +companions, and habitue of morphine dens. Every home missionary I know +of in San Francisco had made some attempt or sacrifice for the +redemption of this unfortunate woman, but apparently with little, if +any, effect. One day she told me that _I was wasting my time, for she +loved her drug better than her God_. I wondered if she really meant it. + +You ask if this is an exceptional case? Not by any manner of means. I +am able to relate many others, all different in detail, but all alike +in the main, the family physician being primarily responsible. + +My heart goes out tenderly for the younger inmates of the prison, most +of whom are there for a first offense, and who are now in great danger +of contracting bad habits, such as cigarette-smoking, from older +offenders. "What!" you exclaim, "do they permit women and girls to +smoke?" I'm sorry to tell you it is only too true. Furthermore, the +weed is procured from those in authority over them. And from that habit +and others acquired during incarceration, deeper demoralization +results, so that many come forth worse than they ever were before their +imprisonment. Nevertheless, realizing the limitless value of even one +soul, the home missionary keeps, ever keeps in view Gal. 6:9--"And let +us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we +faint not." + +With but very few exceptions the prisoners of both sexes admit that +liquor or drugs, or both have cursed their lives, made every type of +criminal out of them, forfeited them their liberty, some for life, aye, +even life itself. I have dealt with some of the ones condemned to die. +I learn this from their own lips. + +When, oh! when will that awful octopus, that curse of the world be +destroyed? When, oh! when will our lawmakers and our officers eliminate +forever the accursed poisons that ruin men and women both physically +and morally? + +What chance do God's consecrated workers have, with this band of demons +confronting them on every hand, dragging souls down to hell every hour +of the day, yea, every minute? + +'How long, O Lord, how long?' Psa. 94:3. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +LUCY--A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE. + + +Following the services one Sunday morning, several of the inmates +waited on me in a body. "Mother Roberts," the spokesman began, "there's +a dying girl in one of the cells in the smaller dormitory. She's +spitting blood something dreadful, and she's so bad. Bad and all as +some of us are, we're scared the way she goes on. Her language is just +awful! She never comes out to the services, yet she's been here for +months. Says she has no use for 'them hypocrites,' and 'don't want none +of 'em near her.' Says she'll curse 'em if they do come. Say, Mother +Roberts, couldn't you make some excuse to get into her cell? We haven't +the heart to see her deliberately go to hell." + +For a few minutes silence reigned, whilst I thought and inwardly +prayed. Then I felt it to be of the Lord to carry out an impression to +walk quietly into her cell as though by mistake, trusting the Divine +Director for results.... + +Propped up in one corner of her bunk, wrapped in grey blankets, +reclined a hollow-eyed, ghastly-looking girl, gasping for breath. Some +blood was trickling from the corners of her mouth. She glared at me, +tried to speak, but failed. Quickly I took out my handkerchief, dipped +it into the granite ewer close by, and wiped her poor face and mouth; +then she whispered, "Again." Repeatedly this was done, the Spirit of +God all this time impressing me not to utter one word aloud, yet giving +me a wonderful, most blessed realization of his presence and power. +After I had made her as comfortable as surroundings would admit, she +presently slept. Then I quietly tip-toed out; exacted a promise from +her companions not to reveal my identity, which promise they faithfully +kept, though under difficulties; had a conference with Mrs. Kincaid, +the matron; then went away. + +I returned the following morning and for four more consecutive days. +Still the dear Lord did not permit me to speak. On Friday afternoon as +I was about to leave her (by the way, she had observed almost stolid +silence so far), she called me to come back. + +"What is it, dear?" I asked. + +"Say, do you mind telling me who you are?" + +"Why? Why do you wish to know?" + +After a prolonged silence I once more was about to depart, but she +called again: + +"I'll have to say it." + +"Say what, Lucy?" + +"Say this: _you act like a Christian_." + +Oh! praise God, praise God! the ice was broken, and my pent-up soul gave +vent to a copious flow of refreshing tears, as I bowed in gratitude at +that prison bunk, beside that wandering sick girl, and poured out my heart +in earnest prayer for the dear Father to guide her into all truth, and to +make me ever-wise in my administrations to the needs of herself and +others. Then, kissing her on the brow, I left her. + + [Illustration: SHEET MUSIC + + WAS IT YOU? + + Words and Music by Mrs. FLORENCE ROBERTS. + + + Some one spoke to me of Je--sus, Said he'd come to call on me, + Some one told me how he suf-fered, Said, "For you and me he died." + Some one gave the in--vi--ta--tion, And we bowed in humble prayer; + Lov--ing Sav-ior, how I thank thee Some one came to me that day-Oh, + I know that man-y oth--ers Would be glad if "some one" came. + + + Said no mat-ter how I'd fall--en, He from sin would set me free. + "Does, oh, does he love so dear--ly? Tell me more of him," I cried. + Soon I felt my sins for-giv--en; Thro' his grace I'll meet you there, + Some one rep-re-sent-ing Je--sus, And I turned thee not a--way. + Bring-ing lov--ing in--vi--ta--tion From their lives of sin and shame. + + + Some one told me how he loved me, And was knocking at my door; + Some one told me he is com-ing Soon to take his loved ones home,-- + There in mansions bright with glo-ry. Oh,'tis won-der-ful to me + Bless, oh, bless that loving some one, Sent by Je-sus Christ our Lord; + In--to lives of peace and glo--ry, Thro' the blood of Christ the Lamb: + + + He had oft-en stood there plead-ing, Had been man-y times be-fore. + Told me he was there to par--don, If I now to him would come. + That the vil-est he is seek-ing From their sins to set them free! + Help me, now that I am blood-washed, Wit-ness to thy precious word. + Send me pray-ing, bless-ed Je--sus, With that song, "Just as I am." + + + Was it you? Was it you? Was it you?] + +On the following Sunday I returned and found her eager to see me, also +much improved in health. After our greeting she told me that she had +been trying to discover who I was, but that no one would inform her. +"Ain't they the limit?" was her smiling expression. + +"You'll tell me, won't you? Say, who was that singing out in the big +dormitory a while ago?" + +"Every one was singing, Lucy." + +"Oh, yes, I know, but I mean some one sometimes alone and playing +something that sounds like a guitar-mandolin like we have at home?" + +"Would you care to hear her?" + +"Sure I would. Please go ask her to come in." Soon I returned with my +precious little instrument. + +"Is that it? Wouldn't she come?" + +"Of course she would. Listen. Lucy." + + + * * * * * + +Oh! those blessed tears she shed as she pillowed her head on my breast; +those blessed, blessed tears! + +"Come tomorrow, please come." + +"God willing, Lucy, yes." + +"Why do you say, 'God willing'? Of course he'll be willing." + +And I went forth, scarcely able to contain myself for very joy. + +The next morning I returned and spent many hours with this precious, +very precious jewel. There was no longer any restraint. She listened +eagerly whilst I imparted choice portions of the Word. (Reader, the +utmost precaution had to be used, for she had not yet accepted her +Savior. Believe me, there is danger of excess in surfeiting with the +Bible. I lovingly admonish you to seek earnestly for divine wisdom with +regard to dealing with souls. My lessons on those lines have thus far +been dearly purchased; for I have ignorantly, zealously, made many +mistakes, thus for the time being, hindered, more than aided their +spiritual progress. To illustrate: A janitor's child has a toy broom. +Papa has just swept one part of the hall and is about to remove the +accumulated dust. "Papa, let me help you," and forthwith the child +sweeps a large portion of the dust over the already cleaned floor. Papa +sighs, sadly smiles, says nothing, but patiently proceeds to clean up +again. Reader, I'm sure you see the point.) + +Not many days thereafter, when Lucy was again able to be up and +dressed, she asked me to pray for her, and before we rose from our +knees, she knew my Savior was hers. Even so, yet she still smoked +cigarettes. This grieved my soul, but I waited until of her own accord +she inquired whether I thought it a sin to smoke. She excused herself +on the plea that smoking quieted her nerves and also induced sleep. She +told me, however, that she was now trying to curtail, as she had +hitherto indulged in as many as twenty a day. I asked if she would wish +her dear Redeemer to see her rolling and smoking cigarettes, referred +her to Rev. 22:11, and soon, without further comment, took my +departure. + +She was able to attend services the following Sunday. I still see her +eagerly absorbing everything said and sung. As soon as the meeting +closed, she took possession of me, marshaled me to her cell, kissed and +seated me, and then said: + +"I want to tell you something so badly, I could hardly wait until the +others were through. Mother Roberts, after you left last Wednesday, I +got to thinking about my filthy habit, so I went on my knees, and did +what you told me; I prayed, if it wasn't right, for God to make me hate +it. My! but I was nervous an hour later, and _had_ to have a smoke. I +woke up in the night wanting another, so rolled my cigarette and was +just in the act of lighting it when something seemed to say, 'Lucy, if +you'll let it alone you shall never need one again!' I put out the +match and lay down, but I couldn't sleep. I was that nervous; so I +reached over to the window ledge, picked up my cigarette, put it +between my lips once more and struck a light, when again I distinctly +got that impression. Oh! but I was tempted, so for fear I would weaken +I got out of bed, and with my bare feet crushed the dirty weed all to +smithereens. I slept soundly till morning, and woke up smelling the +odor of tobacco-smoke. Mother, I want to tell you the strange part of +it; the smell actually made me sick at my stomach. How do you account +for that? To be sure, I'm very nervous, but nothing on earth could +tempt me to smoke again."... + +Dear Lucy grew in grace very rapidly. Erelong she confided who her +family were, also read me portions of their letters, and at her request +I wrote to her mother, who soon replied at length. + +The time was approaching when my dear spiritual daughter would soon +have her freedom; but I learned that, for good and sufficient family +reasons, it would be impossible for her to return to them for some time +to come. The mother wrote, asking if it would be possible for me to +assume temporary guardianship. + +Owing to impaired health, I was not at this time residing at the Home +of Peace, but instead was occupying quiet quarters in the cottage of a +sister missionary, who was absent much of the time and who, in return +for light services, gave me the use of a nice large room furnished for +light housekeeping. I asked and obtained her permission to have Lucy +share the room with me--this with the proviso that Lucy's identity be +closely guarded. Also, I obtained sanction from the judge (who, when +sentencing her, ordered her removed from San Francisco at the +expiration of her term) to keep her with me, but under close +surveillance. + +Lucy joyfully placed herself in my keeping, without knowing what +disposition was to be made of her. Frequently she petitioned to be +lodged in my immediate neighborhood. In reply, I simply smiled. You can +not imagine how much I was enjoying my delightful secret nor with what +pleasure I prepared new clothing purchased with the money sent by her +own dear mother. Lucy and I were now counting the days, soon the hours. + +My pretty room, with its folding-bed, organ, sideboard, decorations of +glass and chinaware, underwent, the day before her freedom, an extra +cleaning in preparation for my guest, and I arose at three o'clock the +following morning in order to add finishing touches and also to prepare +for an immediate meal on our return. At five o'clock I boarded a car, +which shortly before six landed me in front of the long driveway +leading to the prison grounds. + +Lucy was ready even to her hat and gloves. She was regaled with such +remarks as, "Oh, but you're the lucky girl!" "Wish some one would take +a like interest in me," "Come back and see us once in a while," or, +"Won't you write me? It'll be such a comfort to hear from you, Lucy." +Next she received very kind, parental advice from the Captain and Mrs. +Kincaid. Then we went down the steps and terraced walks, the door in +the prison wall swung wide open, and once more Lucy was free. + +But why does she stand stock still? Why inhale such long, deep breaths? + +"Isn't it lovely, Mother Roberts, lovely, lovely!" + +"The air is just as fresh in the garden we have just left, Lucy dear." + +"No doubt, but this is freedom! Praise God, this is freedom! Good-by +[this to the guard on the lookout]. When I come again, it will be to +preach the gospel. God bless you. Good-by. Come, Mother, I'm ready." + +I was loathe to check her enthusiasm on the way home, but had to do so, +in order not to attract the attention of the passengers. We reached our +street. I opened the door with my latch-key, led the way up-stairs, +entered my room, and bade her welcome in the name of the dear Lord. She +had prostrated herself at my feet, but I quickly raised her, and we +knelt in prayer and thanksgiving. _It was worth all the gold in the +Klondyke to me to hear that girl's prayer_. She couldn't eat, and I +didn't do much better. The rest of the day Lucy spent in writing a +long, long letter to her parents. If I remember right, she covered +thirty pages of ordinary letter paper. + +Bedtime arrived. + +"Where am I to sleep, Mother dear?" Lucy inquired. "With me, Lucy, here +in the folding-bed," I answered. + +"Mother, do you mean it? Would you let me sleep with you?" + +"Why not, dear? You're my honored guest. You're my spiritual daughter. +Jesus says, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of +these, ye have done it unto me.' Don't you understand, Lucy? In +entertaining you, I am entertaining Jesus." + +"My! Mother, how you must love me! Oh but God will bless you for this!" + +Sure-enough he has, over and over, countless times, aye, even up to the +present moment. We shall hear more of Lucy in the next chapter. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +WE PLAN FOR A HOME FOR RELEASED PRISON GIRLS. + + +Hours had slipped away. We had both been silent, but I wondered whether +Lucy, like myself, was not sleeping, but simply resting quietly for +fear of disturbing me. One-thirty, then two o'clock. I whispered: + +"Are you asleep, Lucy?" + +"No, Mother dear," she answered; "I haven't slept a wink for thinking +of the goodness of God and wishing lots of other unfortunates had such +good luck as me tonight." + +"I also, Lucy; furthermore, I'm pondering how to proceed to procure +them a home with nice large grounds in which they can work and take +pleasure, but I haven't any means. All I now own is my bicycle. I left +it for sale in Woodland. Perhaps God will soon find a purchaser; if so, +I will take it as a sign that he wants me to travel from place to place +in their behalf. Give me your hand, Lucy." She clasped mine under the +covers whilst I prayed in a low tone, "Father, art thou impressing us +to seek a home for the girls, a home removed from city temptations and +environments? If so, I pray thee, seal the impression with thy Word. In +Jesus' name I ask this"; and Lucy fervently echoed my Amen. Next I +lighted the lamp on the little stand by our bed side, on which lay a +writing tablet, a pencil, and my Bible. Reverently opening the latter, +we found ourselves looking down upon Genesis, twelfth chapter, first +and ninth verses. Thus did our Father seal the impression of the Holy +Spirit with his Word. "We will prepare for a long trip, Lucy," I said, +"and when we start we will journey toward the South." + +Without further notification, I received by mail, within the following +fortnight, a cheque for twenty dollars (purchase price of wheel). This +amount procured us some necessaries, paid a few small bills and our +fares to Redwood City, leaving us with the sum total of sixty cents. + +Before proceeding on this undertaking, we occupied every hour of the +day, with but few exceptions, in active preparation; our evenings and +Sundays we spent in church or prison, or among the outcasts. I am +indebted to Lucy for admission into many heretofore forbidden places, +where she would be invariably welcomed with such a greeting as this: + +"Well, hello, Kid! glad to see you. When did you get out? How's all the +rest of them?" + +"This is my dear Mother Roberts," she would say. "Please welcome her +for my sake. I want to tell you I'm not one of you any longer. I've +found my Savior. Don't I look different? Don't I look happy?" + +"You bet yer life y' do, Kid. Say, we don't mind being preached to if +you'll do the preaching. Go on girlie, pitch in, we-uns would like to +hear from the likes of you, cause we know you," etc. + +The precious girl! How she enthused all of us as she told the wonderful +story and implored them to seek the Savior! Always we finished with +prayer. Even bar-tenders, saloon-keepers, and women overseers over the +girls in the various dives were touched by Lucy's brief messages from +God. The time was all too short on these occasions. As we said our +final farewells (July 1, 1903), it was impossible to count the number +of those who said: "Y've done me good, Lucy, Y've done me good. Yes, I +mean to heed what y've said. I know it's right. Stick to it, girlie, +stick to it." And not a few said they had sold their last drink or had +drunk their last drop. + +I wish you could appreciate how wonderful all this is to me now (Sept. +5, 1911) whilst recalling and writing it, here in my quiet, pretty room +in the Gospel Trumpet Company's home for their consecrated workers. It +seems as though but a few days, instead of years, have elapsed since +that marvelously profitable time. + +In the interval between her coming to me and our departure we visited, +as frequently as possible, the prison, the place of her incarceration. +once taking a modest treat, purchased by a little of Lucy's +pocket-money. I can not describe the appreciation of each prisoner as +they received, at her hands, a small package of something toothsome +done up in a pretty paper napkin, with an appropriate text inscribed +thereon. This distribution was followed by a special meeting, for the +most part conducted by my dear Lucy. + +After the tearful farewells had been said, we went into Captain and +Mrs. Kincaid's quarters, where the latter furnished us with the names +of some for whom she desired our special interest in the event of our +coming in touch with them. They were all ex-prisoners, some of whom we +will hereafter mention. + +As though to give us a specially bright send-off, the sun arose in +glorious splendor on that second day of July. Following a very light +early breakfast, Lucy and I, accompanied to the depot by some Christian +friends, one of whom was the late Brother Mosby, soon boarded the train +at Twenty-fourth and Valencia Streets, and in a short time arrived at +Redwood City. + +"What are we going to do next?" inquired Lucy. "You don't know any one +here, do you, Mother?" + +"No, dear. I'm going to ask the depot-agent if he can tell me who is +the most consecrated Christian in this town." + +Imagine, if you can, his astonishment. + +"Say that over again, madam," he said. + +I repeated my inquiry, whilst he scratched his head and pondered over +this simple but no doubt perplexing question, and also glanced at us as +much as to say, "I wonder if you are altogether right in your minds?" + +Leaving in his keeping our two telescope baskets, containing all our +earthly belongings, we soon reached the residence of the Congregational +minister, only to discover that he, with his family, had left that very +morning for his summer vacation. His neighbors directed us to the +Methodist minister, an old gentleman, who received us very cordially, +said many encouraging words on learning of the nature of our errand, +and wished us God's blessing as we took our departure to the next +place, at that moment unknown. + +I now decided to make our errand known to the editors of the local +papers. We found two, in close proximity to each other. They received +us kindly, inspected the letters of endorsement with which I had +provided myself before leaving San Francisco, and took notes. + +Noon-time found my faith not sufficient to invest our capital or even a +portion of it for the food we now so much needed. Moreover, it was +extremely warm, and we were clad in heavy garments, suitable to the +colder climate from which we had come. I made the same inquiry of the +editor of the _Gazette_ as I had made of the depot-agent, and I shall +never forget the editor's surprised smile as he replied: "Really, Mrs. +Roberts, I'm the last one of whom to inquire, as I make no profession +whatsoever of religion. There is a lady living on the edge of town, +formerly of the Salvation Army; she might do." + +It was a long walk, or rather seemed so. We soon discovered that this +lady was in no position to entertain us over night, and as it was long +past noon, she must have taken it for granted that we had dined. Before +leaving I requested a season of prayer. Her aged mother preceded her, I +followed, then Lucy, who drew tears from our eyes by her fervent +petition for guidance. After we had made our adieus and had walked a +few yards, the daughter called and ran after us, to inform us that she +had just thought of the landlady of the Tremont Hotel (Mrs. Ayers). +"Her dining-room is closed for the season. She is a very kind-hearted +woman. I have no doubt of her inviting you to remain under her roof +when she learns your errand," said this newly-found friend. I thanked +her most sincerely, and we proceeded once more to town. + +I again called upon the _Gazette_ editor, for I had it in mind to hold +a street-meeting that evening and make public announcement of our +errand. He promised the presence of himself and of others in the event +of my doing so. + +"Mother dear," inquired poor, tired, hungry, over-heated Lucy, "I +wonder if God really wants us to hunt a home for the girls, after all? +I can't stand much more." + +"Neither can I, dear child," I replied, "but we'll ask him. Give me +your hand." (We were walking toward the hotel.) + +"Father," I prayed, "hast thou sent us on this errand? If so, please +seal it with money before the day ends. I ask in Jesus' name." And Lucy +sighed, "Amen." + +May God forever bless dear Mrs. Ayers, who cordially welcomed us, +giving us one of her best rooms and expressing her regret for inability +to supply meals; God abundantly bless her and her dear ones. + +We shut ourselves in, knelt together at the bedside, and wept--wept +tears of gratitude, hope, and joy. Still weeping, both of us, in broken +language, thanked the One who never makes any mistakes for guiding us +aright and raising up friends in our trying hour, and closed our +prayers by imploring his pardon for our having not better stood his +testings and by promising with his aid to be braver in the future. + +I now invested a quarter to have our baggage immediately brought from +the depot, then refreshed ourselves, and soon I crossed the street, +returning presently with a nice fresh loaf of bread and a dime's worth +of bologna. On these and water, we humbly, gratefully dined. I have +partaken of many costly, delicious viands, but never in all my +experience have I enjoyed a meal as I did that simple one. Hallelujah! + +The sun was gradually disappearing when Lucy and I crossed the street +and stood on the corner in front of Mr. Behren's bank. We had carried +one of the hotel chairs over with us, for I have never yet learned to +play on my autoharp while standing. I now sat at a convenient angle in +the street. Lucy composed one of my audience on the sidewalk. At first +I felt somewhat timid and very nervous, but not for long. While the +crowd was gathering, I sang the song, + + I know my heavenly Father knows + The storms that would my way oppose + But he can drive the clouds away + And turn my darkness into day. + +The people gathered so fast that before I had finished the second verse +I was well surrounded. + +[Illustration: THE REDWOOD CITY STREET MEETING] + +There was a fair sprinkling of women, also carriages. Before singing +another song, I took advantage of the situation to tell my audience why +I was in Redwood City and on that street corner. If God ever gave me +liberty of speech this was the occasion. After I had finished my +address, which was not very long, one of my audience, named Lewis as I +soon learned, stepped forward, took off his hat, and spoke as follows: + +"Ladies and Gentlemen: I for one am convinced of this stranger's +earnestness and the needs of such a home as she desires to get. Let's +give her a collection. We're going to squander lots of Fourth of July +money day after tomorrow. Here's my quarter, whose next?" + +The money kept dropping, dropping, dropping into that hat, nickels, +dimes, quarters until the sound made me nearly shout for joy. It was +all I could do to contain myself. + +Then some one in a carriage sent a request for me to sing again. I +gladly responded, after which my audience bowed with uncovered heads +whilst I thanked the loving heavenly Father and pronounced the +benediction. Thus gloriously ended my first street meeting conducted +without other human aid. + +We were the happy possessors of $13.20 toward the fund for the promised +home, and no mortals on earth retired that night more grateful and +happy than dear Lucy and her "Mother" Roberts. To God be all the glory +and praise forever. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +SANTA CLARA EXPERIENCES. THE SAN JOSE HOME. + + +All the next day we remained in Redwood City in anticipation of +receiving mail, and our hopes were realized. There were letters of +cheer and encouragement from Mrs. Dorcas Spencer, State Secretary +W.C.T.U.; Mrs. Augusta C. Bainbridge, State Superintendent Purity +W.C.T.U.; Mrs. Elizabeth Kauffman, matron of the Home of Peace; the +chaplain of the Sailors' Home, in which place I had held frequent +meetings; Mr. and Mrs. George S. Montgomery; Judge George Cabaniss; +Captain and Mrs. Kincaid, the superintendent and matron of the county +jail, Branch No. 3, and other friends alike interested. Also, Lucy heard +from her people. It gives me pleasure to copy one of my letters: + +622 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, Cal June 30, 1902. + +Mrs. Roberts. + +My dear Sister: + +How I do praise the Lord for laying that burden on you! I have prayed +for it so long. I knew he would lay it somewhere soon. The Woman's +Christian Temperance Union have a special department for jail work, and +some lovely Christian women in charge. The State, county and local +superintendents of jail, hospital, purity, mother's work, evangelistic +and other departments would be glad to help you. I am State +superintendent of purity. Let me know now I can help you.... If you +want the directory you can get it at headquarters, 132 McAllister +Street. You can show this letter to either of the ladies there, and +they will know I endorse you and your work.... + +Yours in love, + +A. C. Bainbridge. + +We decided to go to Santa Clara on the morrow. Accordingly, the next +day we were mingling with a great throng of merry-makers--_with them, +but not of them_. + +Mr. Lewis' mother, with whom we had dined the previous evening, had +recommended a certain private boarding-house. Hither we repaired, and +were fortunate in finding a Christian hostess, who made us very +welcome. Lucy helped her, she having a great Fourth of July crowd for +meals, whilst I rested. + +On the following day I went forth in quest of means to help swell the +fund started in Redwood City. I walked and talked all day; toward +evening I returned to our boarding-house with only a poor report. Lucy +greeted me cheerfully and said: + +"I'm going to earn your board and mine, Mother dear. The landlady needs +help; so as long as we're here, it will not be necessary to touch the +fund. You needn't think you are to bear all the burden. No, indeed. I'm +going to do my part, too." + +"God bless you, Lucy! I'm so thankful!" I replied. "How good the dear +Lord is and how wonderfully he provides!" + +At the end of nearly a week of toil, I had apparently made little +impression. One night as I sat in our room, too tired to go to the +dining-room, Lucy came in, took off my shoes and stockings, cried over +the swollen, blistered condition of my feet, bathed them, made me +retire, and brought to the bedside a tempting meal. + +The next day, after making a few calls and receiving some small sums by +way of encouragement, I felt impressed to return to our room and then +go to a handsome home directly across the street from the +boarding-house. Soon I was ringing the bell. A lady greeted me with a +lovely smile, bade me enter, and encouraged me in making known my +errand. Calling her husband, she asked me to repeat my story. When I +took my departure, after receiving overwhelming kindness and a cordial +invitation to return when convenient, I held in my hand my first gold +piece for the fund. The donors were Mr. and Mrs. Chas. E. Moore, who +have been my warm, interested, personal friends from that time to this. +They did all in their power to aid me, particularly through +introductions to people of means in their home town. + +Soon I was led to make myself known to the pastors of the various +churches, one of whom agreed to give me an opportunity of addressing an +audience from his pulpit. His name was Thurston, and I shortly learned +that he was a nephew of the people with whom I had traveled in +gospel-wagon work. The following notice in the Santa Clara News of July +7, 1903, heralded the prospective meeting: + +FOR A RESCUE HOME + +Mrs. Florence Roberts, who is known in San Francisco as the Rescue +Missionary and Singing Evangelist, will address the public in the +Baptist church next Sunday on the subject of the establishment of a +non-sectarian home for women near San Francisco. + +She comes highly endorsed by prominent citizens and Christian +societies. There are, she states, thirty-five thousand women on this +coast to be reached, and she is endeavoring to procure funds for a home +to which they can come for reformation. A free-will offering will be +taken at the conclusion of the address. + +Prior to this meeting I learned of a little rescue home in San Jose, +the adjacent city, and one afternoon Lucy and I visited it. We went +without previous announcement, for I wanted to satisfy myself as to its +merits. It was a pretty old-fashioned cottage of about eight rooms, +located at 637 East St. John Street. There were but two girls--one a +mother, the other a prospective one--and, sad to relate, a most +inefficient matron. I quickly took in the situation, and, for the sake +of the inmates, privately decided to accept erelong her invitation to +sojourn temporarily under that roof. + +After I had thoroughly canvassed Santa Clara, I, acting upon divine +directions, took Lucy and went to the San Jose rescue home. + +Before long it became my sorrowful duty to report conditions as they +existed. The president of the board of managers, Rev. J. N. Crawford, +was absent on his summer vacation. Upon learning that the +vice-president, Mrs. Remington (now deceased), was sojourning in San +Francisco, I boarded the train and a few hours later was in earnest +discussion with Mrs. Remington and her friend, Miss Sisson. This +consultation terminated in their sincere plea for me to take upon +myself certain responsibilities, concerning which I promised to pray. +The result was that I felt led to go further south for a while, but not +before some better conditions existed for those two poor girls and +others who might follow. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +CALLIE'S WONDERFUL STORY. + + +One day while I was visiting Mr. and Mrs. Helms, Sr., in Santa Clara, +good friends of the cause, the latter said: + +"Sister Roberts, have you ever met Callie----?" + +"No, Sister Helms," I answered, "but I have heard of her. She was +often, before my missionary work there, an inmate of the county jail, +Branch 3, and gave much trouble when a prisoner." + +"I want to let you know she is wonderfully converted and one of our +most remarkable missionaries. Try and take time to call on her. She +works in the R---- boarding-house and will be glad to see you, for she +knows of you quite well. Ask her to tell you her story. You never heard +anything equal to it; furthermore, you never have, I doubt ever will, +meet any other like her. She is _a living marvel of God's power to save +to the uttermost_." + +The following afternoon, leaving kind-hearted Lucy (without offense to +the matron of the home) to administer to the comforts of the inmates, I +went to the place designated. Soon there came into my presence a +smiling, healthy-looking woman about forty years of age, who told me +that she was the person for whom I had inquired. No sooner did I +mention my name than she threw her arms about me exclaiming, "God love +you, Mother Roberts! God love you! It's good for sore eyes to see +you"--and she rattled on. When I told her the nature of my errand, she +replied that she would come to the home that evening and would then +relate the story of her life and wonderful conversion. She was on hand +at the appointed time, and soon Lucy and I were listening to what I +will now relate. + +"I first saw the light of day in the slums of St. Louis, Mo. I never +knew, nor did any one ever tell me, who my father and mother were. All +I know about those days and up to my fourteenth year is that one or +another of the women of that neighborhood fed, clothed, and sheltered +me. I had no schooling; didn't know how to read or write till a few +years ago. I never heard much besides bad language, seldom saw anything +but drinking, gambling, and so forth; never saw the inside of a church +and seldom saw the outside, 'cause I wasn't out of my own neighborhood +very much. It was too much like a fish being out of water. Never heard +the name of God or Jesus Christ except when they were taken in vain, +and never troubled my head to find out who was God or who was Jesus +Christ. + +"Before I was fifteen years old, I married a gambler. He was a +fine-looking fellow, considerably older than me, and sometimes had a +pile of money. + +"Yes, he gave me what I asked for. Sometimes I spent quite a bit on +dress and treating my friends, 'cause there ain't a stingy bone in my +body. I've no use for stingy folk, have you? + +"Tom wasn't a heavy drinker, but he used to 'hit the pipe.'" + +"What is 'hit the pipe', Callie?" I inquired. + +"Don't you know? Why, smoke opium. Also, he had the morphine habit, and +if anything, that's the worst one of the two, but, between you and me, +there's little or no choice. It wasn't long before I, too, commenced +taking morphine, and kept it up until two years ago. Look here!" + +With that she stripped up the sleeves of her dress, and we were gazing +at arms which from the shoulder to wrist were one mass of tiny bluish +spots. I doubt if there was room to place a pin between them. + +"Oh! Callie, what are they?" + +"Shots--shots from the hypodermic needle that we used to inject the +morphine. + +"Hurt? No, not much; besides, we get to be such slaves to it that we'd +gladly hurt our bodies for the sake of it. It's the most demoralizing, +hard-to-break habit on earth. But glory to God! I'm saved and +sanctified now, and I'll tell you how it came about. + +"I suppose I'd been serving my fifteenth sentence, to say the least, in +Branch No. 3, and they'd put me down in the dungeon, as usual, as they +most always had to do for the first few drays, 'cause I wanted the drug +so bad (they give you some there, but it never was enough) that I used +to disturb everybody, and besides, was very troublesome. I'll never +forget the day when I tried to knock my brains out on the dark cement +floor, but couldn't; so I cried, 'O God! if there is a God, and some of +these missionary folk that come here say there is a God, and a Christ +what can save, _save me, save me, please save me_! I don't want to go +to hell! I've had hell enough! I don't want to go to hell!' + + + * * * * * + +"There was a little quiet-looking old lady visiting the jail that day, +and she asked Matron Kincaid if she couldn't go down and try to help +that poor afflicted soul in the dungeon, and Mrs. Kincaid gave +permission. + +"Mother Roberts, her very presence was soothing, and pretty soon she +put her arm around me and prayed. Oh, how she prayed to her God and +Savior to come, and come quickly, to help and save me through and +through! By and by she told me of Jesus who died for sinners. I +couldn't bear to part with her, but I had to let her go soon, she +promising to come back again. I was still suffering, but after hearing +her, and her being so kind to dirty, loathsome me, I made up my mind +I'd try to 'grin and bear' the misery if it took my very life. + +"Next time she came, I was out of the dungeon, up on the next floor in +my cell. Say, Mother Roberts, you wouldn't have known me if you had +seen me then and as I look now. I didn't weigh ninety pounds. Now I +weigh close onto one hundred and seventy. Praise the Lord! + +"I was always a mass of filth and rags whenever the cops [police] would +run me in. + +"What did they arrest me for? Why for stealing of course. We'll swipe +anything to supply ourselves and our chums with 'dope' [morphine, +cocaine, opium, etc.]. That last time I'd been sentenced for three +months. When my time was up, my missionary friend called for me, and we +came down on the train to San Jose. She hired a hack at the depot; +wasn't she considerate? God bless her! + +"When we reached this home, the matron [Sister Griffith] met me at the +door, and, said she, 'Welcome, dear child, welcome in the name of the +Lord.' Then she put her arm around me, and led me into this very room +we are sitting in now. I fell in love with her right on the spot. She +had a lovely face and the beautifullest white hair I ever saw. + +"I asked her to please let me go to bed, and would she gave me a room +where I couldn't escape; also to please take away all my clothes, all +but the bedding and a nightdress. I told her I'd come there to fight it +out, that I'd been in hell on earth for years, _that for twenty-seven +years I'd been a 'dope' fiend_, and that I wanted all of them who knew +how to pray to pray for me, 'cause I knew there was a Christ and a God, +but I hadn't found him yet. She did as I asked, and after a while tried +to get me to eat, but I couldn't. Did you know the 'dope' fiends lose +their appetites for everything but the drug? Yes, they do. I often +wondered what kept us alive. It surely wasn't the food we ate. + +"My, what a struggle I had! what a fight for the next three weeks! for +I was determined from the time my sentence expired, never, if it killed +me, to touch the poison again, and I was bound to keep my word. God +alone knows what I suffered. One morning a little before daylight (I'd +heard the clock strike one, two, three, somewhere) all of a sudden the +room was lit up with a strange soft light, and somebody was whispering +(or it seemed like whispering), 'Daughter, be of good cheer. Thou art +healed.' Oh but I felt beautiful, beautiful! and soon slept the +sweetest. Not an ache or pain. Just like a new-born baby. When I woke +up I could tell the girls were at breakfast. I took my stick and +knocked on the floor. Pretty soon Sister Griffith came up, and I told +her. She cried with me for very joy, and knelt by my bedside to thank +God for answer to prayer, then went down to tell the family. Glory, +glory be to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! I was saved and I knew +it--saved through and through. + +[Illustration: SCENE IN A MORPHINE DEN] + +"From that on I gained rapidly, enjoyed my meals, and pretty soon was +able to go down-stairs. No fear any more. I've never wanted the drug +from that day to this, and I'm trying by the grace of God to help other +poor souls like afflicted. Say, Mother Roberts, when you go to San +Francisco again, will you let me go with you? I want to surprise the +folk at the jail and in the morphine dens; besides, I'll show you a +place you never have seen or heard tell of, where these poor souls +live--a place condemned by the authorities, but not torn down yet." + +I told her that, God willing, I should be very glad to have her +accompany me. Then she took out of her pocket a letter, saying, as she +did so, "I wrote this to some one you know." (Here she described one of +the poor prisoners.) "You can take it up to your room and read it if +you like, and mail it for me tomorrow, please." + +Soon we joined the rest of the family in their evening devotions, and +Callie went back to her place. + +I read and reread that wonderful letter before retiring, and as soon as +convenient the next morning I telephoned to Callie to ask whether I +might copy it before mailing it. She gladly gave me permission, and now +I give you the letter almost word for word: + +San Jose, Cal. Aug. 18, 1903. + +Dear Nan: + +No doubt you will be somewhat surprised to receive this from me, but it +is surprising--and wonderful the way God has of lifting us up out of +sin. Now what has been done for me will be done for you if you will +only let him have his way with you. Surely "the way of the transgressor +is hard," and the devil is a poor pay-master. I know you are so tired +of that life that you will be willing to say, "O Lord, anything but +this; 'better a dry crust of bread with quietness than a house full of +sacrifice, with strife.'" The truth is a bitter pill, and many have +choked to death on it, but while "the mourners go about the streets," +the truth goes on just the same. Now my greatest sacrifice was -- --. +With him the house was full of strife, for I had to produce for it all, +and no peace in the end; so to get away from the whole thing and keep +out of San Quentin [one of the State prisons] I had to not only die to +him, but myself. So now, glory to God! I am sanctified and my sins and +dead yesterdays are under the blood, and Just as the branch is to the +vine, I am joined to Christ and I know he is mine. + +Nan, as I look back to Mrs. J----'s time [a former jail matron] and the +hell we had, trying to live through, and of poor Minnie B---- and +Minnie E----, who have gone out in the darkness--[Minnie B---- was +dead, Minnie E---- dying, when the trusty rushed into the room where +the matron, Mrs. J----, was engaged in a game of cards, and begged her +to come quickly, to which she replied, "Let her die; 'tis a pity a few +more of you don't go the same way" and then coolly continued the game +she was playing.] If we had continued along on that plane, such would +have been our fate also; but he, our Lord, is so patient and +long-suffering that the moment we are willing to give up and let him +have his way with us, then the work begins for our good. Now, Nan, I am +only too glad to be able to help you in any way I can. + +I owe the H---- of T---- $10. I stole $40 for "dope" from them while in +the "hypo" state. I have now paid back $30, and when your time is up, I +will be able to pay your fare down here, and your board until you can +see and know for yourself what real liberty there is in Christ. + +Everything did not go just as I liked at first; but, as you know, a +good thing is not easily gotten, and if you will only try half as hard +for liberty in Christ as you do for those you love, it will not be long +ere you are out and out for Christ, and your dead yesterdays will be as +though they never had been, and if you will let me be a mother to you, +I would divide my last drop of blood to save your soul. + +O God! bless my erring sisters, "who love not wisely, but too well, +bearing their sorrows alone in silence with an anguish none can tell." +Now, dear, weigh this well, and "choose this day which you will +serve,'" God or mammon. T am not the only "hypo" fiend that the Lord +sees fit to take out of hell; so be of good cheer, for he has said, "I +will never leave thee nor forsake thee." + +Start in with a fervent prayer, saying, "Create in me a clean heart, O +God, and renew a right spirit within me." Just as soon as you are +willing to take your Savior for your satisfying portion every door of +hope will be open to you with outstretched arms. My strength is in God +and I want you to feel some of it. I do not know the extent of it. + +Poor M--! I feel sorry for her. Mrs. Roberts called on me. She is O K, +and her heart is in her work. Dear child of God, she is sowing seeds of +kindness all along her line. May God bless her! The little lady who is +with her [Lucy] speaks highly of you. Nan, and we all see the Lord in +you if you will only give up all to him. Tell Mrs. ---- I still have +faith for her [the dignified-looking white-haired prisoner already +spoken of], for God is still looking around for the impossible things, +to move mountains. Love to K--, G--, Mrs. S--, Mollie R--, and all the +rest of the girls. + +Now, Nan, we have seen the tough side of life together, so come on out +and up, and say, "With the help of God I will be a woman." That is not +your element by right, Nan, so the sooner you seek, the sooner you will +find. + +Now, good-by, and may God and his holy angels guide and protect you, +and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless until +the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. + +Give my love to all the girls. I pray for you all every day. + +Callie ---- + +P.S.--To Mrs. Captain Kincaid. I know you will be happy to know I am +still true to God. It pays in the end for if we sow to the flesh, we +reap corruption, and if to the Spirit, everlasting life. I am a Bible +student, and as soon as the Lord can trust me with the seal of the Holy +Spirit, I am to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the power of God +unto salvation Glory, glory, glory for liberty in him!... + +I still have your present in mind. It is forthcoming in the near +future. + +Respectfully yours, + +Callie ----. + +The only alterations I made in this remarkable letter were in some real +mines, the spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Otherwise it is +her language, word for word. + +Oh! bless the dear Lord forever! What an example of + + "Whilst the lamp holds out to burn, + The vilest sinner may return"! + +Later we paid our proposed visit to San Francisco. Our experience on +that occasion will be found in the next chapter. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +CALLIE AND I VISIT THE JAIL, MORPHINE DENS, AND THE MISSION--THE +OUTCOME. + + +Some time elapsed before we took that trip together. I have much to +relate regarding the occurrences during the interval, but first let me +write about our San Francisco trip. + +Shortly before Christmas occasion required my presence in San +Francisco. I notified Gallic, and one morning bright and early we +reached that city. We immediately repaired to Branch No. 3. + +(Before I give an account of our experiences, please allow me to relate +an incident that occurred on the train. In a seat almost parallel with +the one we occupied sat two women, one of whom was richly dressed. She +repeatedly looked my way. Her face seemed familiar. Presently I +ventured to accost her with that fact. She smilingly replied: "Of +course it is. I'm ---- ----. You came to my house in Santa Cruz dressed +in a Salvation Army bonnet. If it hadn't have been for that, you would +never have got in. One of my girls left because of what you said and did +that day. I'll be glad to have you call. I always want to help save a girl +if I can. Perhaps you can persuade her sister." Hallelujah! "It came to +pass" less than a month later.) + +The gate-keeper passed us into the grounds, and soon I was being warmly +greeted by Mrs. Kincaid. Presently I inquired if she recognized my +companion. She smilingly shook her head. + +"You've met her many times, Mrs. Kincaid," I said. + +She guessed any but the right person. Finally she said slowly: + +"It might be Callie----; but she was nothing but a bag of bones; as +forlorn-looking a specimen of humanity as I ever looked upon, whereas +this woman is fine-looking, robust, and has a splendid expression. +Surely it can't be Callie!" + +"But it is Callie. Look!" And Callie proved her identity by pulling up +her sleeve--convincing evidence beyond a doubt. Never did I see matron +more delighted. Presently, following some rapid questions and answers, +she said, "How would you like to surprise your former companions, +Callie?" + +"Just what I was hoping for, Mrs. Kincaid," Callie answered. + +"Very well; I'll have all of them called into the large dormitory. You +wait here a few minutes." + +There was an enthusiastic welcome for me, but no one recognized my +companion--_no, not one_. She stood beside me, speechless and +trembling. Finally I said: + +"Speak to them, dear." + +"I can't," she whispered, and the tears were in her eyes. + +"Girls, I've brought some one with me today whom you all know and know +well, but I see you do not recognize her." (A long silence.) + +"Who is she?" some one asked. (Another long silence.) + +"Show them who you are, Callie." + +"Callie? Callie ----? Surely not, Mother Roberts. She was," etc., etc. + +But she was showing them; choking down her sobs of joy, or rather, +trying to, as she rolled up her sleeves to convince them. Even so, they +found it very difficult to believe, very, very difficult. + +I gladly retired to a remote part of the dormitory, a grateful observer +temporarily forgotten, whilst Callie was being questioned and +overhauled by about seventy delighted women and girls. They went into +raptures of joy, they shouted, they wept, they hugged and kissed her, +until she was obliged to say, "Sit down. I want to talk to you. Do, +please." + +Intense silence reigned whilst she related the wonderful story of her +conversion and sanctification. There was not a dry eye present. Then +she gave an invitation. Without one exception all responded and then +knelt. She prayed--oh! how she prayed! and some of the women wet the +boards with their tears whilst they, too, called upon Callie's Savior +for pardon and mercy. How I wish we might have stayed there the +remainder of the day! but we could not, for my time was limited. +Feelingly and reluctantly we said our "farewells," promising to come at +some future time if God so willed. + +Before we left, they all lovingly inquired for Lucy, sending her many +kind messages of love and remembrance. + +When we returned to Mrs. Kincaid's quarters, she inquired if I should +like to see a photo of Callie as she formerly looked? + +"Indeed, I would," I replied. + +Well, to this day I do not wonder at their failure to recognize her. +_In that picture she looked like a dirty, emaciated, old vagabond._ +This is the best I can do in the way of description, dear reader. I +wish I had a copy of her "Before and After" to put in this book. You +would be sure to say, "Mother Roberts did not exaggerate one iota." If +any of you know Mrs. Kincaid, go to her and ask her whether she won't +please show it to you.... + +We were soon on the street-car, and then downtown, where I quickly +transacted my business, after which I was once more at Callie's +disposal. + +I followed her to a place on the south of Market Street, to a building +which resembled a deserted, tumble-down stable or blacksmith's shop +plastered with old hand-bills and posters. There were some dirty old +window-frames in the second story, but I do not believe there was one +whole pane of glass left. + +"This is the place, Mother Roberts," said Callie. + +"Surely no human beings dwell in such a terrible place as this, +Callie," I replied. + +"You come with me and see for yourself," she rejoined. "Don't you +remember what I told you? I said I would take you to a place you didn't +dream existed. This is the one." + +Sure enough. _And this was once her home!_ She opened a disreputable +door, and we climbed a dirty and fearfully rickety stairway; next we +groped our way along a dark passage. "Mind, there's a broken board! +Look out you don't break your ankle," said Callie. She spoke none too +soon. I narrowly escaped an accident. Now we turned a corner and got a +little better light, this disclosing another old partly-broken-down +stairway with nearly all the balustrade gone. Up these we climbed, +hugging, as we did so, the filthy wall, for safety. On reaching the top +she rapped gently an a cracked door, but received no answer. She rapped +louder. Still no answer. Presently some one called from somewhere +below. Then she rapped still louder. This time a man's voice inquired, +"Who's there?" There was the sound of shuffling footsteps, and then the +door opened, disclosing two women, one young, one old, and three men, +all young, but all old-looking, cadaverous, starved, ragged, filthy, +and indescribably loathsome. Furthermore, the odor issuing through that +open doorway was almost intolerable. + +Callie knew all, with the exception of the young girl, and called each +by name; but, as usual, they did not recognize her, and, in the same +manner as heretofore described, had to be convinced, whilst she again +rehearsed her wonderful experience. Presently she said: "I'm going to +hunt up some of the others, and I'm going to ask this lady to sing for +you while I am gone. She's brought her autoharp with her." + +[Illustration: SHEET MUSIC + + THE SONGS MY MOTHER SANG. + + Words and Music by Mrs. FLORENCE ROBERTS. + + DUET Or SOLO. + + 1. One day I found a precious book + Containing many a gem + Of song my mother used to sing + It takes me back again + Across the vista of the years, + When, by her loving voice, + Melodious invitation came + To make the Lord my choice. + + 2. She sang about the previous blood + Christ shed on Calvary; + And how, to save our souls from hell, + He died in agony. "Come, sinners, to the gospel feast" + Methinks I hear her still + Singing, as silently she prayed + "Lord, break that stubborn will." + + 3. This blessed soldier of the cross + To her reward has gone; + But oh, the tender memories + She left in sacred song. + And, tho' I wandered far from God, + And wasted many years, + The songs my mother used to sing + Will oft-times bring the tears.] + +Up to this time I had not uttered a word. The scene had practically +rendered me temporarily speechless; but now I took a few steps into the +room, whilst one of the men found an old soap box and turned it upside +down for me to sit on. At a glance I saw vermin crawling in the cracks +of the filthy floor. Oh! it was awful! Soon, however, I lost sight of +my loathsome surroundings, for in answer to silent prayer the dear Lord +was giving me a message in song. Never was there closer attention than +while they listened to the song which you will find between these pages, +entitled "The Songs My Mother Sang." Then I knelt and prayed, and prayed. +"On that dirty floor?" you ask. Yes, dear reader; I quite forgot the dirt +and the vermin. I only saw souls going to hell if they didn't get help +from God. (Afterwards I observed that neither vermin nor dirt clung to +me.) + +When once more conscious of my surroundings, I discovered how dirty +their faces were, for now there were clean channels on many cheeks. +Their tears! One girl and two men agreed to forsake sin, and I was +happy in the thought of conveying her to San Jose on our return next +day, whilst Callie planned for the men. We did what we could for the +time being and then went out into the fresh air. I asked Callie how +many lived under that roof. To my amazement, she said, "All told, about +forty just at present." + +Her next mission was to the various places from which she had pilfered, +and they were many. One was a harness-shop. She addressed the old man +thus: + +"How d'you do, sir? Do you remember me?" + +"No, mam, I don't. Who are you?" + +"I'm a woman who once stole a dog collar from you while your back was +turned. I've come to pay for it. I'm converted now, but I used to be a +'dope' fiend." + +"You were? You don't look like it." + +"No, because God, for Jesus Christ's sake, forgave all my sins, cured +me of all my bad habits, and has set me on the solid Rock, and I'm on +my road to heaven. When you knew me I was on my road to hell." + +"But I never knew you." + +"Yes, you did. I'm Callie ----." + +"What! You don't say so! Well, well! wonders will never cease. It's +enough to make a man believe there is a personal God, I declare it is!" + +Callie availed herself of this opportunity, and when we left there, the +harness-maker had promised to serve her wonderful Savior and he kept +his word. + +Next we visited the rescue home, where we were received with open arms +by dear Sister Kauffman. After having a precious time with her family +and partaking of her hospitality, we went down-town again. There we +spent a glorious evening at a street-meeting. Callie testified. +Afterward we went to the Emmanuel Gospel Mission, where she gave a +message from that most precious parable, "The Prodigal Son." When the +invitation was given, the altar filled with seekers, most of whom went +from there with victory in their souls. + +We were the guests of the mission superintendent and family over night. +Callie was my room-mate. Then it was that I saw what the hypodermic +needle had done for her. _There was no place_ (_save down her spine_) +_that was not marked_, and no wonder, she had been a morphine slave for +twenty-seven years--its abject slave. + +The next morning, as soon as we could politely leave our kind host and +family, we returned to that 'dope' den, Callie to prepare the two +young men, I to take charge of the girl, and all of us to return on an +early train to San Jose. Alas! my girl weakened, and nothing would +induce her to part with her drug; but the men went with Callie to an +adjacent barber-shop for baths, hair-cutting, and shaving. During these +operations Callie and I quickly went to the Salvation Army's secondhand +shop, where Callie procured the men complete outfits of respectable +clothing. What a transformation when we beheld them again! Then we took +them to breakfast; but they ate sparingly, and were not satisfied until +they had taken some of their favorite drug. + +Two and a half hours later Callie and I were it home once more, and our +young men were in the safe keeping of two sanctified brothers. Although +these brethren were severely tried and tested time and again, they so +held on to God for these precious souls that they are now saved and +sanctified and on their road to heaven. + +Gallic kept her situation for some time longer and then went forth to +preach the glorious gospel. The last time I heard of her, she was being +wonderfully blest in preaching in southern California. May God forever +guide this precious woman and keep her true until Jesus calls, "Well +done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy +Lord." + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +STILL SOUTHWARD BOUND--SANTA CRUZ--LUCY RETURNS TO HER HOME. + + +The occurrences of the previous chapter took place several months after +the happenings now to be related. + +The latter part of August found Lucy and me in Santa Cruz, one of +California's beautiful ocean resorts, where again we were fortunate in +securing lodging with a Christian landlady, Mrs. Hedgepeth, who took +pleasure in furnishing much information. She also introduced us to +several, who, later on, became warmly interested in the cause we +represented. + +In the main, ours was now a house-to-house work. Lucy would take one +street, and I another, seeking for means to be applied to the home +fund. For days we met only at noon and eventide, weary in body, often +somewhat discouraged, but always with new and varied experiences. A few +of these we will relate. + +One evening Lucy said: "Mother, I called at a lovely home today where +were a great variety of beautiful birds and strange little animals in +big cages in the yard. The gentleman who was feeding and caring for +them seemed pleased at my interest, leaned over the fence and conversed +with new about them, telling where he had discovered some, how costly +were others, what special care and food most of them required, and much +more; but oh! Mother dear, he had no use, no time for Jesus, or +anything relating to him. He turned away and left me when I tried to +tell him. Isn't he to be pitied? I had better success a few doors +higher up. The lady was very kind. She put her name down for one +dollar. I've collected $---- for the fund today," and she smiled with +joy as she handed me the money. + +One reputed wealthy woman, after hearing my story, highly commended the +enterprise and said, "I would be glad to help you, but all I can spare +I contribute to the Salvation Army." I pleaded further, but in vain. +Later, and quite by accident, we learned that her contribution +consisted in occasionally purchasing a _War Cry_. What a sad, sad +accounting will have to be given by many on that day when the Judge of +all the earth shall sit upon his throne! + +Several of the local pastors manifested most kindly consideration, some +gave lists of names of charitably disposed people, and a few invited me +to share their pulpits. + +Never shall I forget the day when Lucy and I called at a handsome +residence on Washington Street. The door was opened by one of the most +spiritual-countenanced young ladies I have ever had the pleasure of +meeting, and from that day to this she has been one of my warmest, most +loyal friends--Sister B---- G----. More times than I can count I have +acted upon and profited by her wise and kindly advice, and never did +she fail me with sympathy and help in a trying hour. Her widowed mother +was the first large contributor to the fund. Only God knows my heart's +gratitude the day she handed me that cheque for one hundred dollars. + +Through the daughter I learned who had spiritual charge of the jail +work, and soon, acting on her suggestions, made the acquaintance of +Mrs. Mason. She invited us to attend the following Sunday morning +services at 9:30 o'clock. In consequence of my responding, the next +chapter will relate the sad story which came to me from the lips of a +youth sentenced to Folsom penitentiary for ninety-nine years. + +We soon located the neighborhood of the poor wandering girls, where +many gladly bade Lucy and me welcome. Also, we were informed that, +owing to circumstances at that time, the only religious people who +would be admitted to certain houses were Salvation Army lassies. +Learning our errand, one of these kindly disposed women of God +accompanied us, we wearing bonnets loaned for this occasion. The +landlady of one of these houses was the one we met on the train, when +Callie accompanied me to San Francisco on that important trip. + +At this time a gospel-tent was pitched in the rear of the court-house +and city hall. Each night there congregated large numbers of people, +most of whom came from the humble walks of life. In that precious +little tabernacle many souls sought and found salvation. At this time +the services were conducted by Brother Williams and his wife, whilst I +served as organist, and also, occasionally, as the Lord would lead, +delivered His messages. + +One night whilst a girl was at the altar pleading for pardon and mercy, +she was suddenly seized by a dark-haired, portly woman, dragged off of +her knees, and hurried away. This unusual procedure took us workers off +our guard and so startled us as temporarily to disable us from acting +as we otherwise would have acted. The woman ran down the aisle, firmly +gripping the speechless, frightened girl, declaring as she did so that +it was her daughter, that she would see to it that this would not +happen again; then both disappeared in the darkness. How subtle, how +powerful is the adversary of souls! Later we learned that that poor, +poor girl had just escaped from this madam (the pretended mother), who, +suspecting her victim's whereabouts, had stealthily followed. We worked +for her release, but in vain. The girl being of the age of consent, the +authorities could not act. Besides, she was now once more subservient +to the devil's hypnotic power and influence. All we could do was to +hope and pray that the tender Shepherd would, in his own wise way, set +her free from her wretched life and save her from the fate awaiting +her. + +When it became known that two newcomers, practical rescue workers, were +in town, we were soon overwhelmed with responsibilities too many to +shoulder. Moreover, the San Jose and San Francisco rescue homes, +hitherto but little heard of in Santa Cruz, began filling to +overflowing with wandering girls. + +One day Lucy received a special letter, requesting her immediate +presence at home on account of the sudden illness of her mother. We +temporarily parted, I promising to join her (God willing) in October, +in order to spend my birthday with her and her dear ones. How much I +missed my ardent, loving companion I can not say; but as "the King's +business requireth haste" (1 Sam. 21:8), I stifled my feelings and +busied myself more, if possible, than heretofore in meeting +representative people, calling on unfortunates, and, as often as +permitted, visiting the prisoners. + +In one of these I became so greatly interested that I am sure you also +will as you soon read his story. + +Before I left Santa Cruz, the Lord had graciously raised up many +friends in that place. Time and again it has been my pleasure to return +there, always to be warmly welcomed in many homes, and especially +entertained by Sisters Green, Mary Perkins, Van Ness, and Brother +Westlake and wife. The latter were traveling in gospel-tent work when +first I met them. It was when making my home in Redding, where occurred +the rescue of little Rosa. + +Whilst I recall these precious times, so many instances of special +seasons of prayer, special answers, personal kindnesses, and loving +considerations come before my vision that I more than ever desire to +bow humbly before the wonderful heavenly Father in thanksgiving and +praise for graciously permitting so many, many of his loved ones to +cheer, advise, and help me; also for enabling me to look past the +sinful exterior and to see, by faith, the priceless souls of humanity, +souls that are starving and perishing for lack of proper nurture. + +And I am still praying for more strength, more grace, more wisdom, more +love, to aid me and his other chosen missionaries in the winning of +souls and the rescuing of the perishing, for I do not want to go into +his heavenly kingdom empty-handed. Do you? + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +JOE'S STORY. + + +In giving you Joe's story, I realize that I am taking considerable +liberty, having not asked his permission, but I am confident of his +willingness because of the lesson of warning to other boys--and they +are so many--whose early lives correspond to his. I am one of Joe's +interested friends. I have frequently visited him in the prison +adjacent to Folsom, near Sacramento, Cal., and have learned from Warden +Reilly that he is a model prisoner. I am hoping, and praying that, if +it be the will of God, he will soon be out on parole. + +Whilst he was detained in the Santa Cruz jail awaiting a rehearing of +his case, it was frequently my privilege to visit that place through +the week and, with my little autoharp for accompaniment, to sing for +the prisoners. One afternoon, whilst I was sitting by the bars in front +of Joe's cell, and just following that blessed song, "Tell Mother I'll +Be There," he broke into agonizing sobs and tears, and for a long while +could not control himself as he lay prostrate face downward on the cold +stone floor. I waited and prayed, my very soul in agony for his, as I +began to appreciate and realize his awful situation. Stretching forth +my hands through those iron bars, I reverently placed them on his head, +and with all my heart implored our Lord for comfort, mercy, and pardon +for the soul of this stricken young man, who that morning had learned +that the sentence already pronounced at a former trial had been +confirmed and that it was immediately to go into effect. There was no +escaping his fate now. + +I was permitted, by the kind-hearted sheriff, to spend hours with Joe +on that occasion. When his grief had somewhat spent itself, this is +what he said: + +"O Mother Roberts, Mother Roberts! if I only could recall the past! If +I only could! + +"I started in wrong from the time I can remember. Lots of naughty +little things I would do even when I was quite a small shaver. _Some +things I did the folks would think smart and cute. They would laugh and +brag of me to the neighbors, right in my heating, too, and that's where +they made a mistake; for, young as I was, it only made me bolder, also +saucy._ + +"Some of the youngsters in our neighborhood were awful. I do believe +they were born bad; anyhow, I knew they swore, and so did some of their +parents. They gave them many a cuffing, but they didn't care, only +swore worse than ever. My folks used to forbid me to go near them, and +when any of them came into our yard, used to say, You go right home; I +don't want you here. Joe can't play with you.' But Joe did, and that's +the reason Joe has to suffer now." ... + +[Illustration: "NINETY-NINE YEARS, MOTHER ROBERTS!" POOR JOE] + +"Poor boy! don't tell it, if it distresses you so badly," I said; but +he continued. + +"The time came when I was old enough to go to school. These same kids +went to the same one I did, and do you think I could shake 'em? No, +mam; they stuck to me like leeches. They were now harder than ever to +get rid of. In fact, I couldn't, but managed never to let my folks see +me with them if I could help it, and they knew they dare not come near +our house. It didn't take me very long to learn to swear like them, +when in their company. I thought it sounded big and smart, although +deep down in my heart I knew it was wrong. One day one of them got hold +of a deck of soiled playing cards, and the oldest kid undertook to +teach the rest of us how to play casino. It didn't take long to learn. +I used to often get home late from school now, and when asked what kept +me, always told a lie. I hated to do that at first, but it soon got to +be easy. The folks so loved me, had such confidence in their 'smart +little Joe,' that they never suspected, because I learned my lessons +quickly; besides, always had a pretty good report from school. + +"We used to play sometimes in a vacant lot. There was a saloon near by, +and sometimes the man would treat to soda-water, sometimes we paid for +it, and by the time I was thirteen I had learned to love beer and +whiskey, also to smoke cigarettes, which we would make from the tobacco +we kids stole from our fathers' and other people's pockets when their +backs were turned, though sometimes we'd buy it. + +"It began to be hard work to get up in time for breakfast and school of +a morning, and I'll tell you why. When the folks thought, after I'd +said 'Good night' that I'd gone to bed, I'd lock my door, then pretty +soon, in my stocking feet, holding my shoes in my hand, I would drop +quietly out of my window into the garden, and as quick as I could, by +previous arrangement, would join the others in a game of cards for the +smokes or the drinks. Father more than once said, 'Joe, I've heard +you're keeping bad boys' company. I hope it isn't true. If I have your +word for it that it isn't, I'll believe you, because _I've never yet +caught you in a lie_.' I confess I used to feel awfully ashamed and +guilty as I'd say, 'Whoever told you that told you a lie. You know +where I am at nine o'clock, sir.' And he'd say, 'That's so, my boy. +They must have mistaken somebody else for you.' But I knew better. + +"When I was about sixteen, I went to work driving a bakery wagon, so +that I didn't see quite so much of my former pals, but delivering bread +took me into places where no honest or moral man or boy ought to even +dare to set his foot, let alone one like me; so I fell still further. + +"For all that, a pure, good girl fell in love with me, and I with her. +I hated to deceive her, but made up my mind that I would cut it all out +when we were married, if she'd promise to be my wife; and so we became +engaged. But--I didn't cut it out. More than once she said, 'O Joe, +you've been drinking! I smell it.' I'd laugh, and make some kind of an +excuse, and she'd forgive me every time. Say, Mother Roberts, I hated +myself from head to foot for lying as I did to that pure, sweet girl." + +"Go on, Joe, I'm listening." + +"One night I joined the boys in a game of cards in a saloon on Sequel +Avenue. It appears that Mr. L----, the proprietor, who, by the way, was +a veteran G. A. R. man, had received quite a sum of money that day--his +back pension. _As God is my judge, I did not know this when I went in +there that evening._ We had a round of drinks after the first game, and +after the second, another round; then I said 'Good night' and went +home. + +"Father and I slept in the same room, and I hadn't been in bed very +long when a knock came on our door. + +"'Who's there?' asked father. + +"'Me, Constable ----, where's Joe? I want him.' + +"'Joe's out, Constable. What do you want him for?' asked father. + +"'No, I'm not out, Father. Here I am,' I said, at the same time jumping +out of bed. 'What's up?' + +"'Joe, my boy, I'm sorry for you, but you're my prisoner. Dress as +quick as you can and come with me. Mr. L---- was murdered tonight. He +isn't dead yet, but he's dying. You were in his saloon a while ago, +drinking and playing cards, and you are one of the three accused of the +crime of murdering him for the sake of robbing him.' + +"The shock was so awful that I couldn't speak, and oh! poor old father! +He shook me, saying, 'Speak, Joe. Tell the constable it's not so.' + +"Constable, my boy doesn't drink anything to speak of, and I don't +suppose he knows one card from another; do you, Joe?' + +"Nobody answered this, and pretty soon we were in the presence of the +dying man. Oh! Mother Roberts, it was like a horrible nightmare. I was +dazed with the shock and the fright of it all. I could hardly get my +voice when some one asked me where I had spent the evening, and at what +time I had left that saloon. He must have been murdered right after I +left. They tried to rouse him to see if he'd recognize me. He claimed +to, but I'm sure he didn't; for he couldn't see and didn't know what he +was talking about." + +"What of your two companions, Joe?" I asked. + +"One of them was there, in charge of the sheriff; I don't know where +the other one was. From that night up to this we have been here in +prison, though we haven't met. He's in a cell on another floor. He's +sentenced to San Quentin for life. + +"Father mortgaged our pretty home [he afterwards lost it, the mortgage +being foreclosed] and has done everything under the sun he knows of to +clear me, so have my lawyers; but they've failed! Mother Roberts, +they've failed! and I'm to be sent to the penitentiary for ninety-nine +years. Think of it, ninety-nine years! That means that unless the real +murderer turns up, some day I'll die and be buried in a dishonored +grave--and _all through starting out wrong to begin with, then keeping +it up_." + +My heart felt torn all to pieces for this poor unfortunate lad. How I +should have liked to sit beside those bars all night in order to +comfort him! but as that could not be, I presently, after commending +him to an ever-merciful God and Savior, whom he could not, as yet, +accept or understand, took my departure, as sad and burdened a soul as +ever walked the earth. As the tears coursed down my cheeks, I resolved +to try to help him, and, moreover, by repeating his story, to warn +mothers and fathers to guard their little ones closely every hour of +their young lives. Also, I purposed not to spare myself in addressing +them, whether individually or _en masse_, but to confess my own +carelessness and shortsightedness, when, as a young mother, I was much +of the time heedless with regard to my little spoilt son, for _whose +soul and body God was some day going to hold me responsible_. Had it +not been for God's tender mercy and love in pardoning and directing my +future life, in answering my earnest prayers for his tender watch-care +over me and mine, who knows but that my only and well-beloved son might +have shared a similar fate? If he had, I alone would have been to +blame. + +Many and many a time I have been used of God in trying to comfort +stricken mothers who were visiting their children now behind bars. "O +God!" they have cried, "what did I ever do that my child should get +into such trouble as this?" Poor mothers! You were guilty as was I, but +you haven't recognized that fact. Yes, you were; and now you begin to +realize it when well-nigh too late. But it isn't yet. Just kneel down +and throw yourself on the mercies of a merciful, loving God. Confess to +him. Plead with him to forgive you. Ask him to direct every hour, every +moment, of your future. Surrender your children to him; tell him you've +made a blunder of their lives as well as of your own; then wait on him. +Listen to what he says: "Come _now_, and let us reason together,... +Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though +they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and +obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and +rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord +hath spoken it." Isa. 1:18-20. "They that wait upon the Lord, shall +renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they +shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." Isa. +40:31. I have proved, daily am proving, all this, to my constant peace +and satisfaction. So may you, dear reader, _if you will_. God bless you +and yours. + +[Illustration: VIEW OF YARD AND PRISONERS' QUARTERS, REPRESA, NEAR +FOLSOM] + +Not long ago I visited Warden and Mrs. Reilly at Folsom and had a long +interview with Joe. He told me that his poor old father was dead and +that he was now alone in the world. I asked him if he wanted to apply +for parole. "No, Mother Roberts," he answered; "parole is for guilty +prisoners. I want a pardon." "But, Joe," I replied, "if you are +paroled, in two years afterward you can apply for and receive your +pardon." ... I did not prevail, but I am hoping that before finishing +this book I shall receive good news concerning Joe. If so, I will +surely tell you. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +I DEPART FOR PACIFIC GROVE--MEET LUCY AGAIN--HER BAPTISM. + + +Not very long after poor Joe was removed to Folsom, the call of God +took me to another beautiful ocean-resort--Pacific Grove. It was only a +short journey. There was no one to welcome me, for I was a stranger, +but in less than twenty-four hours one of the Lord's loved ones, a +widowed sister, Mrs. Hill, now departed to her eternal home, welcomed +me under her roof. On the following evening I was introduced to Miss +Fannie Rowe and her mother. The former lady, in gratitude to God for +wonderfully raising her up instantly from a state of helplessness and +affliction of many years' duration, had consecrated her all to him, +and, in addition to innumerable responses to calls for prayers and +financial aid, had opened and was supporting a mission in the Grove, +another in the adjacent town of Monterey, and one for the Indians, +situated at The Needles, Ariz. I gladly responded to her kind +invitation to address the patrons of Bethel mission one evening. She +gave liberally toward helping to procure the home for the wandering +girls. + +Many were the private requests for personal work with those who were +too young and inexperienced to realize that their attitude and heedless +words and deeds were having a demoralizing tendency upon themselves, +their schoolmates, and others. This work, let me assure you, dear +reader, calls for special prayer for wisdom, diplomacy, and deep love. +Young people, especially girls at the difficult age (between thirteen +and eighteen), are very hard to persuade, if their earlier training has +not been as wise as it should have been. Therefore permit me to advise +much and earnest fellowship and prayer with the Father before making +any efforts of this nature with them. A false move too often creates +rebellion, frequently followed by disastrous results. + +But to proceed. An invitation came from the chaplain of the Presidio of +Monterey to visit army quarters, situated between the two towns. There +I was taken through every department and afterwards invited to address +a large body of stalwart young soldiers. You may be sure that, as I did +so, my mother heart tenderly went forth to them, as I thought of my own +precious son, who was now on the high seas and whom I had the privilege +of seeing so seldom, and then only for short visits. + +After luncheon with the chaplain and his wife we visited the hospital. +I was, as usual, accompanied by my autoharp, and so was able to give a +little cheer to the many lonely, suffering ones as well as to speak +briefly about the Great Physician and also pray for them. It was all +very sad, yet so precious. I would that I could, in the name of Jesus, +have temporarily mothered one and all of them. They appeared to be so +appreciative, and to be suffering as much from homesickness as from the +many other ailments. + +Every church threw its doors open to me, the interest grew, God blest +my every step, and I (by faith) saw our hopes soon realized. About this +time a letter forwarded from Santa Cruz, postmarked San Jose, reached +me, telling of the return of the president and also the vice-president +of the board of rescue home managers, and urging my return for a +conference with them in regard to much renovation and also enlargement +of their borders, for the present home was now altogether inadequate to +its necessities. + +Earnest prayer failed to bring me light on this matter. I could only +await God's time. Then came a loving letter from my dear Lucy, stating +that her mother had fully recovered and reminding me of my promise to +spend my birthday with her and her dear ones. There being no reason why +I should not accept, I bade farewell to many newly-found friends, and +in a few hours I was being warmly embraced, also overwhelmed with +kindness and gratitude, by my spiritual daughter and her refined, +delicate-looking mother. + +Imagine, if you can, how I, for several days, fared. It was most +embarrassing, but very, very precious to my soul, especially so when +one day Lucy followed her Savior's example in baptism in the presence +of her family, her mother, and me. Placing her wet arms about my neck, +she rejoiced my heart by saying, "O Mother Roberts, I've just had a +wonderful vision of Jesus, and I want to say this to you: Much as I +love my mother and dear ones, I would rather continue with you in the +work if you'll take me; will you, dear?" "Will I? I should say I will," +I answered, and gladly, humbly, thanked and praised God for the blessed +privilege. So not long afterwards we took our departure for Los +Angeles, our next field of labor, and, permit me to add, at this time a +difficult one. There was an agitation on foot for the closing of all +the questionable resorts, and this meant much strenuous, problematical +work on the part of the agitators. Amongst these I make mention of the, +late Rev. Sidney Kendall, a noted writer and rescue worker, a person +who proved to be one of our very valuable friends and advisers during +our sojourn in that great and beautiful city (Author of the "Soundings +of Hell," etc.) + +Matters, through correspondence with the San Jose board, were now +assuming such shape that indications were that we should soon return to +that place. In the meanwhile we were much occupied, through the daytime +largely, in making personal visits to the poor outcasts, who were in +great stress of mind at this time. Consequently, many returned to their +parental homes, others were taken care of or furnished with situations, +but not nearly so many as we could have wished, and all for lack of +finances. Oh, how I have wished that those who pray God's will to be +done in their lives would only mean it and live up to their prayers, +professions, and privileges. What a rich harvest the Master, at the +final summing up, could then reap! but alas! not many live the prayer. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +ANNA--WE LEAVE FOR SAN JOSE. + + +One evening, during the temporary absence of Lucy (on a few days' visit +with friends), Sister Taylor, matron of the Door of Hope, home for +girls, and I were invited by Brother Trotter of the Rescue Mission, +then situated on Main Street near St. Elmo Hotel, to take charge of the +meeting. When the invitation to seek the Savior was given, the altar +filled with many mothers' boys, both young and old, and in all sorts of +condition--semi-intoxicated, ragged, dirty, etc. (Reader, I have seen +this sight scores of times in similar places.) + +Several workers joined us on the platform in aiding the seekers. As I +was kneeling with my autoharp lying across my lap and my eyes closed, I +inadvertently opened them. Out at the open door, about forty feet away, +stood a throng of observers, amongst them a girl. Never did I so long +to leave the platform, but I feared that an interruption might mean +disastrous results to both workers and seekers. Soon the meeting +gloriously closed, the doors were shut, and we were hurrying home. As I +walked up the street with Sister Taylor and presently stood waiting +with her for her approaching car, my lodging being in close proximity, +I told her of my seeing that girl by the door and of my longing to have +obeyed the impulse to go and speak to the stranger. Sister Taylor +comforted me with the assurance of God's never-failing response to the +prayer of faith for even the unknown, and urged me to pray for the +girl. I replied that it would have been infinitely more satisfactory to +have dealt with her face to face. + +Suddenly some one gently touched me on the shoulder. Turning about, I +beheld a tall, pretty, but weary-looking young woman. It was the girl +whom I had noticed in that open doorway. + +"May I speak to you a moment?" she asked. + +"Yes, dear, gladly! I was wishing I might only meet you, for I saw you +looking into the mission just now. Come with me to my room," and I +placed my arm through hers. + +"No, no!" she replied, "you wouldn't want my kind to visit you there." + +"Indeed, I would, and do, dear child, so come along. Good night, Sister +Taylor. Remember us in your prayers." ... + +It was nearly two o'clock in the morning, and Anna had told me her +story--her sad, sad story. Girls, you ought to hear it; so presently +I'm going to relate it for your benefit, but first I want you to know +that before we left my room, she had surrendered her future to her +loving Savior. Before we were off of our knees, she, with the tears in +her eyes, suddenly exclaimed: + +"Oh! I quite forgot, I quite forgot. Let's go quickly. Poor Flora, my +chum, is awful sick, and I came out to hunt her friend and take her +some medicine." We hurried away. + + + * * * * * + +There lay a dark-haired girl moaning and gaping for breath. She managed +to inquire: + +"Who's this, Anna? Who've you brought with you?" + +Soon I was reassuring the poor sufferer, whilst endeavoring to make her +more comfortable. + +"Dear, have you a mother?" I inquired. + +"Yes, only two blocks from here; but she doesn't know I'm anywhere near +her. She never comes near such a neighborhood as this. Don't tell her. +please don't. It would break her heart." + +"Very well, my child; I won't." + +But she hadn't told Anna not to tell; so I excused myself, called Anna +out of the room, and whispered: + +"Get me a certain medicine; and if you know where her mother lives, go +there, gently break this news, and tell her that if she still loves her +child to come immediately with blankets, pillows, and a hack; to be +very, very gentle and quiet with her; to talk as little as possible. +And we will help to take her home; then she must send quickly for a +doctor." + +Before five o'clock poor, forgiven, suffering Flora was in bed in her +mother's home, where we shall leave her for the present, in order that +we may hear Anna's story. + +She said: "I'm not seventeen years old till next month, and I'm +the oldest of five children--three girls and two boys. My father is a +mechanic, but sometimes he's out of work, and then didn't he used to +scold! Just as though we were to blame! Poor Mother! I've often pitied +her for marrying my father, who was naturally cross and ill-tempered +even when things didn't go wrong. Half the time mother daren't say her +soul was her own, and, besides, she was naturally one of those meek, +timid kind that would put up with anything for the sake of peace. + +"Winter before last when he was out of a job for quite a while and +mother was having a hard time of it trying to keep us warm and fed, I +heard of a place in the next town, just a car-ride away, where I could +work for my board and get my fifty cents a day and car-fare if I wanted +to go home at night. It was to work in a nice, genteel restaurant; so I +coaxed mother to let me take it, which she did. I didn't ask father. + +"No, he wasn't what you'd call a drinking man, though he liked a glass +of beer once in a while. + +"I soon caught on now to do my work well; sometimes used to get tips, +but not often, 'cause I had the family and ladies' department to wait +on. There was one swell-looking lady used to eat there, and used to +come to my table whenever she could. We weren't allowed to chat with +the customers, though sometimes we did, if the boss wasn't looking. One +day she told me she was very much taken with me, asked if I had a +mother and father, and several other questions. So I told her just how +it was with us and how I happened to take a situation until father got +back to work. Then she asked where I lived. I told her, but that now I +was only going home once a week in the afternoon for a little while, it +being too dark and cold to get up so early to take my car, and that, +besides, I had to work late sometimes, so the boss gave me one dollar +and fifty cents extra a week to pay my room rent. She asked if I liked +my room. + +"'Well, nothing extra. One can't expect much of a place for one dollar +and fifty cents a week, can they?' + +"She said no, certainly not; but as she had taken a fancy to me, and +had a nice house with a nice little spare room in it, if I liked it +better than where I was stopping, she would rent it to me, and for me +to come and see it that afternoon; which I did. Of course I took it. It +was fine! Worth double. She said she did it to encourage me, and for me +not to say a word to any one about it, as it might make the other girls +jealous; besides, she didn't keep lady roomers. So I promised, and I +kept my word. + +"Some way, I can't just tell how, I got acquainted with one of her +roomers. He soon began to say nice things and make love to me, and we +got so well acquainted that he'd leave his door open when I was off +duty of an afternoon and would call me in for a chat. But one day--oh! +I hate to tell it--he closed the door, and by and by who should walk in +on us but Madam herself. I was scared half to death, she raged so, said +I'd lose my job, threatened to tell my father, and ordered me to leave +her house. By and by she cooled down, and as I'd been crying till I was +a sight, said I needn't go back to the restaurant, she'd take care of +me, because, after all, she was sorry for me, and as things were so bad +for me at home, she'd see what she could do for another situation for +me, so for me to stay in and keep quiet. + +"The next day she said she'd just fortunately received a letter from a +friend of hers in Council Bluffs, Iowa, who wanted a girl like me right +away. I wanted awful bad to go and say good-by to Mother and the +children, but I was too ashamed, so I did as she advised. I just wrote +a little note to tell them I had got a fine situation out of town, and +would soon send full particulars and my address; but I never did, no +not from that day to this. I couldn't. You know I couldn't, and you +know why." + +"Yes, dear child, I know. You fell into the awful clutches of that +procuress and her accomplices. Poor, poor Anna! There are thousands of +cases similar to yours, my poor child. Of course you did not know. They +all say that. But go on with your story, Anna." + +"I was awful homesick, Mother Roberts, and my conscience was hurting +me; my, how it was hurting! There was I decked out in gay cheap silks +and laces, drinking, and smoking cigarettes, and carrying on and doing +things to please people that I just hated; but I had to; there was no +getting out of it. All the time I was longing to go home or to send +money to my mother, though I didn't want to send any that came out of +that house. No, indeed. Besides, I had to give it nearly all to Madam. +One day I told her I was going back home and for her to give me my +money. She told me she didn't owe me any, that I owed her. + +"'What for?' I asked. + +"'For your clothes, jewelry, board, lodging, and the good will of my +house,' she said. + +"'I thought you gave all that to me,' I said. + +"Mother Roberts, you ought to have heard her laugh. It makes me shudder +when I think of it, it was so cruel and fiendish! Presently she added: + +"'You can't leave till you've paid your debts. I'll have you arrested +if you do.' + +"'How much do I owe you?' I asked. + +"'Pretty near six hundred dollars,' she said. + +"I nearly fainted with fright, but what was I to do? _I was afraid to +die, or else I'd have ended it then and there...._ + +"That night I told a friend of mine, a railroad employee, and he said +for me to keep a 'stiff upper lip,' and he'd get me out of there next +trip; so I kept my own counsel, and Madam concluded I'd decided to stay +where I was and make the best of it. She didn't know I was counting the +hours for three days, until my friend got back. + +"When he came, he advised me to play drunk, and to go out with him to +dinner. He said I need never go back; he'd take me with him on his +train when it went out that night. + +"'What about my debt?' I asked him. + +"'Debt nothing!" he said. 'She can't have you arrested. She can't +collect one cent of a debt like _that_. Don't take any clothes, for +fear she'll suspect.' + +"Pretty soon I staggered down the stairs, but I wasn't drunk; no, +indeed. + +"'Where are you going, Anna?' she inquired. + +"'Out to dinner with ----. Any objection?' I asked. + +"'No, only be in in time for business.' + +"Oh, thank God! I never laid my eyes on her again, nor she on me from +that day to this. But I don't want you to get the idea that that escape +from her ended my troubles. By no manner of means. Listen!" And then +she told me of experiences too dreadful for publication--experiences in +Ogden and Salt Lake, Utah; Reno, Nevada. Now she was in Los +Angeles--farther away from mother and home than ever; as unhappy, as +homesick, as miserable a girl as ever trod the earth. When she happened +to be passing the mission door, some one was singing, "Just as I am +without one plea." After that door had closed for the night, she +followed Sister Taylor and me, trying to summon up courage enough to +approach me, fearing that if she did not I should soon get on a car and +her opportunity of ever meeting me would be lost. + +At the time of our meeting, Anna was well-nigh homeless, friendless, +penniless, and, worst of all, Christless. In less than four hours, +praise God! she had her greatest needs supplied, and, best of all, she +had found her Savior. + +In memory of this, one of the songs appearing in this book was +written--"The Value of a Song." It was a particular favorite with our +family in the rescue home, some girl often remarking, "Doesn't it just +seem to fit my case, Mother Roberts?" Then she would get me to relate +the story of Anna or of some other poor unfortunate. Alas! their name +is "Legion." + + + +THE VALUE OF A SONG. + +Words and Music by Mrs. Florence Roberts + +1. A poor girl was wand'ring alone on the street Of a great busy city, +thro' dust and thro' heat, With despair in her heart as she walked to +and fro, When she heard a sweet voice singing softly and low: + +CHORUS + +Just as I am, without one plea, But that they blood was shed for me, +And that thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! + +2. As she noted the words of this beautiful song, Her thoughts wandered +back to the days that were gone; And in fancy she hears her dear mother +once more Sweetly singing the song she now hears thro' that door. + +CHORUS + +3. "O God, I have sinned, I will do so no more, If thou wilt forgive +and a sinner restore; For the sake of my Savior, for mercy I pray: +Lord, give me a home with some Christian to stay." + +CHORUS + +4. "Thou knowest my weakness, my sorrow, my sin, Now grant me, dear +Lord, a new life to begin." And soon came the answer to this earnest +prayer,--A pardon, a home, and motherly care. + +CHORUS. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +NORTHWARD BOUND--THE OUTCOME. + + +More correspondence, also the return of Lucy, decided our length of +sojourn at Los Angeles. After prayerful consideration, we, with Anna, +soon took our departure for San Jose, where we were warmly welcomed by +a now former matron (Callie's dear Sister Griffith). At this time the +family consisted of fifteen girls and two workers. Imagine our crowded +condition! + +The following day the entire board of managers convened, specially to +meet me. After prayer and the reading of Scripture, there was an +earnest discussion regarding the need of an evangelistic and field +worker. Because of my being constantly referred to as the person for +such office, I requested permission to retire for brief prayer, also to +give them more freedom. + +Going to the matron's room, I bowed before the Lord, earnestly +petitioned to know the mind of his Spirit, and sought a test. The test +was this: If it was his will that I accept this office, the board +should, on my return for further conference, give satisfactory answers +to the following questions: "Are you willing to incorporate?" "Are you +willing to change the name of the home?" and "Are you willing to +purchase desirable property?" + +When I was once more in their midst, the president, in the name of the +board, honored me with the above-mentioned call, stating in detail its +necessities. Responding with words of appreciation, I propounded the +three questions named. + +Answer No. 1: "Yes, quite willing, but unable to do so, for lack of +funds. An empty treasury." + +Answer No. 2: "Can you suggest a better name?" + +"Yes, a God-given one," I answered. Then I stated the objection of many +who disliked being styled, "One of the Rescue Home girls." I suggested +"Beth-Adriel," meaning "House of the flock of God." All being delighted +with this name, it was adopted. + +Answer No. 3: "Yes, if you will accept the office of field +representative." + +In the name of the Lord I accepted; then agreed to pay for +incorporation (a matter that was immediately attended to) and to place +the remainder of the money in my possession, minus five dollars, into +the Beth-Adriel treasury. (This sum amounted to over three hundred +dollars.) + +Before the board adjourned, Lucy, at my request, was appointed +assistant matron, and a most efficient one she proved, until illness +compelled her resignation several months later. + +All the details of the preliminaries being duly attended to, I now +proceeded to fill official engagements, the first of which the +following press notice announced: + +Mrs. Florence Roberts, a singing evangelise and noted speaker, will +sing and speak in the Presbyterian church of Los Gatos, Sunday evening. +Mrs. Roberts is the field secretary of the non-sectarian industrial +home for women in San Jose; the same is now being incorporated under +the name of Beth-Adriel. + +The Lord graciously encouraged me with a large and deeply interested +congregation, who contributed liberally toward the fund. (This was in +November, 1903, four months from the time of my leaving San Francisco +for Redwood City with sixty cents in my purse. Traveling and other +expenses came out of the fund. Praise, oh! praise the blessed Redeemer +forever!) + +The following notice is copied from the _San Jose Mercury_, May 7, +1904: + +LAND FOR BETH-ADRIEL HOME. + +The California Non-sectarian Home for Women. + +Three years ago last September a number of Christian men and women +established a home at 673 East St. John Street for unfortunate women +and girls. The work still continues at the same place. Last autumn it +was incorporated, but to adequately carry out the intentions of the +home, there has always been felt the need of a permanent building, +planned with reference to the work. + +Through the generosity of parties interested, there is a little sum on +hand toward the purchase of land. + +The board desires to secure a piece of land from two to five acres, +where the inmates of the home can raise chickens also cultivate +flowers, plants, etc., giving them a percentage on their efforts to +encourage them. + +The opportunity is now given to some philanthropic party to either +donate or sell on easy terms land, as above described, on or near any +one of the car lines. + + + * * * * * + +Immediately following our first Christmas in Beth-Adriel I was taken +suddenly and dangerously ill, so that my life was despaired of. Many +were the prayers for my restoration. How devoted were my dear young +friends, especially Lucy and Anna! Praise God! I was unable to resume +my duties until April, 1904. Then I responded to a call from Boulder +Creek, a lovely town in Santa Cruz mountains; next I went to +Watsonville and vicinity; and after that I returned home for a rest, +for I was not yet very strong. I arrived at home June first. + +Being impressed that my next field of labor was to be in a city in the +extreme northern part of California, I, after a week of loving +intercourse with my precious girls, sailed for Eureka, Humboldt County, +arriving there on June 8, 1904. As usual, the local papers immediately +announced my coming, one saying, through the interviewing reporter, +that I had $1,200 toward purchasing property. + +Two days later I was the guest of Rev. and Mrs. Franklin Baker, whose +home became my headquarters during my stay of over two months' +duration. I was now in an excellent field of labor amongst the fallen. +Moreover, I fulfilled pulpit engagements in practically every church +and organization in Humboldt County. + +From noon until about 5 P.M. each day (with very few exceptions) I was +engaged in house-to-house work in the undesirable districts. After word +had been passed around that I was sincerely the friend of the fallen, +many a poor wandering girl listened with profound respect to God's +loving message in word and song. Even most of the landladies of these +houses of sin and shame invited me in, when convenient. Frequently have +I been humbly asked to join them at their repasts. Never did I refuse. +(Reader, our Savior ate with publicans and sinners; are we, professed +Christians, better than he? God forbid!) What golden opportunity to +converse whilst we ate! How the best, the very best, would then rise to +the surface! On one of these occasions B---- F----, soon to quit +forever this mode of living, said: + +"Mother Roberts, I've a friend close by. She's taken to drinking +heavily lately; otherwise she's refined and accomplished. Can you spare +time to see her today?" + +"Most assuredly, B----. Can you accompany me?" + +She gladly, hurriedly changed her attire, and soon appeared, heavily +veiled. + +"Why are you veiled, B----?" I asked. + +"I don't suppose you will want to be seen walking on the street with +me, Mother Roberts," she replied. + +With my own hands I removed the veil whilst the tears of tender, humble +appreciation and love, gathered and flowed down her cheeks. We were +soon at J----'s place, where B---- knocked at a side door, because of +the noise of carousal in the front of the house. A beautiful but +greatly intoxicated young woman opened the door and began upbraiding +B---- for bringing me. But B---- marched right in, pulling me after +her. + +"We'll go into your bedroom if no one's there, J----," she said, and +forthwith proceeded to do so. + +"B----, you shouldn't have done this. I'm drunk. I don't want a lady +like this one to see me in such a beastly state. You shouldn't have +done it, B----," said poor J----. + +Such a noise of rowdyism was proceeding from the front room that +presently she said: "I'll stop that!" and to me, "Please excuse me a +moment." + +There was a hush and then sounds of several footsteps. She threw her +door wide open, marched them all in, turned the key in the lock, and +put the key in her pocket. What did this mean? I soon found out. + +"Talk to them, too. They all need it as much as I," she said. + +They surely did. All told, there were nine, not including B---- and me. +Four were mere lads, who were so ashamed that they tried to hide their +features by pulling their hats as far over their faces as possible. I +sang a song; they called for another, and still another. During the +singing of the third one, J----, with her beautiful hair streaming +about her face and shoulders suddenly threw herself lengthwise on the +floor, crying out, and calling on God for mercy. Mary Magdalene, +prostrate at the Master's feet, was being reenacted once more. I +quickly knelt, put my arms around her, and prayed and prayed and +prayed. Before I finished, every boy and girl in that bedroom was +kneeling. + +Some of them I again met, though never in such a place. As for J----, +she immediately disappeared, and I have never heard of her since. B---- +went East and became a trained nurse, one who spiritually administers +to the patients in her charge. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +THE SUICIDE OF L----. ITS AFTER-EFFECT. + + +After much effort and following repeated calls with "not at home" +responses, I at last was able to meet one Miss Blank. Seated in her +private reception room, I listened respectfully to her recital of +vindication because of her present position, and then told her the +nature of my errand. + +The door was partially open. A beautiful, very beautiful blonde girl +attired in pale blue stepped partly in, saying as she did so, "May I +come in. Miss Blank?" "No, not just now," was the answer. "I'm engaged +for the next few minutes." At her request I sang. + +I sang a song entitled "My Mother's Voice." I was sitting where I had a +view of a portion of the stairway, and, as I sang, I saw a little blue +slipper and part of a dress. That girl sat there listening. + +I soon left. Before doing so I asked if I might call again, and +received permission. + +The following Sunday evening, after I had addressed a large audience in +the Presbyterian church and just as the meeting closed, two ladies +hastened forward and thus excitedly addressed the pastor (Reverend +S----) and me: + +"Oh! we thought the meeting would never end. Do you know a girl shot +herself just now in Miss Blank's house? She may be living yet. Hurry! +You may be able to get there in time to save her soul before she dies." +I ran, without even my hat, the pastor quickly following. When we rang +the bell, Miss Blank came to the door and, throwing herself into my +arms, exclaimed: + +"Oh! if I had only let her in! if I had only let her in! Mrs. Roberts, +it's the girl who asked to come in the other day when you were calling +on me." + +"Is she living yet? Quick! let me see her. This is the Rev. Mr. S---- +who accompanies me," I said. + +"Too late! Mrs. Roberts, too late! She died in awful agony about twenty +minutes ago. Those two men in the hall whom you saw as you came in are +the coroner and the doctor. Oh! my God! my God! Pray, please pray for +her soul," wailed poor Miss Blank. + +"Miss Blank, she's gone, never to return. We want to pray for your +precious soul," pleaded Brother S----. + +"No, no, oh! no," wept Miss Blank, and nothing we could say or do would +induce her to kneel with us. She only clung the closer to me, and wept +and mourned piteously. + +It was early morning before we left. + + + * * * * * + +All that was mortal of beautiful unfortunate L---- had been removed to +the morgue, and, the name and address of her parents having been +discovered, the following telegram had been sent: "Daughter L---- died +suddenly. What disposition of remains?" As quickly as possible came +this reply: "Embalm. Leave for Eureka immediately." + +(Father's name.) + +On Monday afternoon I was once more with Miss Blank, now sufficiently +calmed to relate this: + +"L---- was taken with a spell of despondency Saturday. [I was there +Friday afternoon.] It wasn't like her, for she usually was the life of +the house. She didn't get up all day Sunday. I went up after dinner to +try to jolly her up, and soon left her, as I thought, more cheerful. +Presently we all were startled by the firing of a pistol, followed by +some one screaming: 'Oh! my God, my God! what have I done? Help me, +please, for God's sake help me!' But she was soon past all earthly aid. +All of us were paralyzed with fear, as you may readily understand." +Then she wept, as few weep, whilst I also in tears sought to comfort +her and to point her to the merciful Savior, but she would have none of +him. All I could do was to wait patiently and pray. + +I went to the undertaker's to view the remains. He and his wife +remarked that they had handled many a corpse, but none so beautiful as +this one. But I was grieving for the lost soul. Where, oh! where was it +now? Where, where were the others going? + +The steamer arrived, and on it not alone the father but also the mother +of beautiful L----. No one had expected the mother. To me was assigned +the painful task of breaking the news to her. I believe I was the most +burdened woman on earth at that hour and time. Rev. S---- introduced me +to the stricken father in the hotel office, who presently took us up to +their room. To my dying day I shall see that scene. After the +introduction to the mother, the father and Brother S---- retired to +another room. I was standing there alone with the mother, who leaned +against the dressing-case, her hands behind her back, gripping the +woodwork. She was a magnificent, majestic-looking lady; the father also +was a tall fine-looking man. It was easy to discover whence the +daughter had inherited her beauty. + +"Who are you?" she gasped. + +I explained. + +"Tell me, did you know my darling girl?" she inquired. + +"No, dear lady, not in life, although I had seen her," I replied. + +"Where? where had you seen her?" she next interrogated. + +"In the house where she boarded," I answered. + +"Was her husband with her?" she inquired. + +"No, not that I heard of," was my reply + +Next came that dreadful, dreadful question. She shrieked it: + +"Tell me, madam, was--it--all--right--with--my--baby--girl?"... + +My tongue clove to the roof of my mouth. I tried to answer. Not one +word could I utter. The mother with the exclamation. "O my God!" went +down in a heap on the floor and I with her. For a long time the silence +remained unbroken. She was the first to speak: + +"It is so kind of you to come; so kind to help me in my terrible +trouble. God will reward you. I never can. Now, dear, I must have +particulars, if its kills me. To help get them, I must tell you this: +My L---- was my youngest, my petted, spoilt, baby girl. Her every wish +was gratified from the time she drew her first breath. Nothing was too +good for her, and no expense spared. We sent her to Europe to complete +her education. Did you ever hear her sing?"... + +Erelong this soul-stricken mother lay in her bed sleeping as only the +grief-exhausted can sleep; then I left for a much-needed rest. After a +few hours I returned. When I left her late that night, she had sent for +poor terrified Miss Blank. + +When I came down-stairs the following morning, Mrs. Baker told me that +some one was anxious to talk with me over the telephone--some one who +would not give her name, only her number. Going to the telephone, I +soon recognized Miss Blank's voice. + +"Good morning, Mrs. Roberts," she begin. "I've been very anxious to get +you, but would not have your rest disturbed, as I was sure you must be +worn out. I've been talking to L----'s poor mother all night long, and +she has agreed to a funeral service which we can attend. Neither she +nor her husband will be present; _only our kind_. We want to know if +you will conduct it for us." + +"Where, Miss Blank?" I inquired. + +"In the undertaker's chapel tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock. They +are going to take her remains back to her old home on Monday's steamer. +Do say you will, Mrs. Roberts, _please_." + +I consented, provided I should be allowed to give a message to the +living. She gladly acquiesced. + +With difficulty I made my way through the crowd that blocked the street +in front of the undertaker's the following afternoon. None were +admitted but L----'s associates. There she lay, apparently sleeping +sweetly, but this was only the beautiful, fast-decaying mortal form. +The remains were surrounded by fragrant tributes of exquisite floral +pieces, and girls dressed in black robes, heavily veiled, and weeping +bitterly. With great effort I at last spoke and sang. I do not remember +if I had a text; I do know that _the message came to the living +straight from the throne of grace_. Even until recently some one has +occasionally reminded me that she was present on that occasion and that +it brought about her reformation. The father and mother departed with +their precious burden the following morning. They came early on board, +in order to avoid curious eyes. I spent the time with the mother in +their stateroom until they sailed. When that casket was lowered into +the hold of the steamer, I so obstructed the doorway that she could not +look past me. + +Before our final parting the poor mother gave a farewell message for +other mothers. It was this: + +"Mrs. Roberts, I was too indulgent, too weak, with my little girl. All +she had to do was to tease until she got her own way even though I knew +it would prove to be detrimental to her good. If I resisted or advised +ever so little, she would overrule every time. + +"When she returned from Europe, she sang in our church choir and proved +to be a great attraction. She and the tenor singer, ---- ----, were +betrothed, and with our consent. He was a schoolmate of hers. For some +trifling offense on his part, she became angry and unfortunately showed +a relentless spirit; consequently, the breach widened. + +"Poor darling! She was so impetuous, so impulsive. I have never quite +recovered from the shock I received when she suddenly announced her +marriage to an utter stranger--an educated young scoundrel, as we soon +learned to our sorrow. Papa and I decided to make the best of it now +the deed was done; so he took him into his employ in order that our +baby girl might be near us. He robbed us in less than six weeks of +several hundred dollars; then Papa told daughter that she was welcome +to her home as long as she lived, but that he must go; that she would +be compelled to choose. I know she did not want to; but, oh! she was so +proud, and she would not give in. She chose her husband, and _that was +the last I saw of her until_--Oh! I can not, can not bear it. Mrs. +Roberts! It is killing me!" + + + * * * * * + +"Miss Blank knows him. She had more than once ordered him out of her +house for abusing L---- and living off her dreadful earnings...." + +When the steamer was far away, almost out of sight, Brother S---- at +last turned to me and asked whether I had seen L----'s dairy, now in +her father's possession. "No," I replied; "I had no idea she had kept +one." Then, as we walked home, he repeated some recent entries in it. I +give them to you as best my memory serves me: + +(Date) "Just as I feared: Bert has been grafting again and has lost his +job...." + +(Date) "We're going to Spokane. My! but I'm homesick; I'd like to give +in, but I won't! I won't!..." + +(Date) "Bert has secured a job at last. Better than nothing--clerking +in the soda fountain department of ----'s drug store. Hope he'll quit +grafting." + +(Date) "I've a good position now in ---- ----'s cloak and suit house. +Afraid I can't keep it long, my health is so poor lately...." + +(Date) "Bert and I had words tonight. He's quit. I suppose he had to." + +(Date) "There's a very pleasant lady in the next bed to mine +[sanitarium]. I'm going back with her when she goes home, and until +Bert is on his feet again...." + +(Date) "How much has happened since I last wrote in my diary! I've some +fine clothes and jewelry. Bert is sporting a suit of fine clothes and +diamond pin, but--I can't write any more." + +(Date) "Miss Blank says Bert will have to keep away. I'm glad of it. +How I hate him!..." + +(Much later) "A lady called yesterday. Wish I might have talked with +her. Sang about mother I wish, oh, how I wish--what nonsense I'm +writing...." + +(Next morning) "I'm so wretched, so very wretched.... Oh! mama, mama, +mama! If you could only read between the lines--" + +And that was all. No name was signed. But--we can all of us read +between the lines, yes all of us. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +GOOD NEWS FROM HOME--MISS LORAINE. + + +Letters from different members of Beth-Adriel board were now constantly +reaching me. They contained interesting accounts of the doings at home +and also much concerning various properties, none of which, from all +accounts, appealed to my fancy. Reader, I was hard to please. I wanted +something better than had as yet been described. Somehow I felt God had +it for us. Sure-enough, as I discovered on my return home in August. + +A letter from the vice-president described a property of ten acres of +orchard and grounds, all under cultivation; a commodious dwelling, +partly furnished; outhouses, etc., situated just outside of the city +limits. It was not for sale; but as the owner, who resided on the +premises, was a Christian man, it was thought that he might, for such a +purpose, be induced to sell. It was deemed best, before approaching him +to await my return. You will be pleased to hear more concerning this +later. Just now I want to tell you about Miss Loraine. + +There was one house in Eureka into which I had never been admitted. One +day whilst I was visiting another, the landlady asked: + +"Have you ever called on Miss Loraine?" + +"I have been there more than once," I answered, "but as yet I have been +unsuccessful in gaining admittance." + +"Would you still go if you could? I can get you in. I am a personal +friend of hers," said Miss ----. + +"Thank you, I shall be very glad to have you make the necessary +arrangements," I replied, upon which she went to her telephone, took +down the receiver, and held the following conversation: + +"Hello! is that you, H----? Good morning...." + +"Quite well, thank you. How are you?"... "I called you up to tell you +of a lady who is calling on me, and who would like very much to meet +you. We all call her 'Mother' Roberts." + + + * * * * * + +"No, she isn't a crank."... + +"Now, look here, H----, you'll have to see her. You ought to know +better than refuse me." + + + * * * * * + +"Well, when will you be at home? At five o'clock? Wait a minute." + +Putting her hand over the mouthpiece and turning to me, she asked: +"Can you call at five this evening?" + +I could; so she made arrangements, hung up the receiver, and then wrote +a note of introduction, wording it thus: + +Dear H---- + +This will introduce my friend, Mother Roberts. She is all O. K. Hoping +you will have a pleasant time together, + +Yours as ever, ---- ---- + +This I presented with my card at Miss Loraine's door at exactly five +o'clock. A Japanese page dressed in uniform ushered me into a +conventional but well-furnished reception-room. There sat a young woman +in a handsome silk negligee, who invited me to be seated, remarking +that Miss Loraine was out, but would soon return, and that she was to +entertain me in the interval. In a few minutes there came up the steps +and then entered the room three splendid-looking young women, richly +attired. The one in black silk, Miss Loraine, received me with all the +manners of a lady of birth and good breeding, and soon asked me if I +would come with her to her private quarters, so that we could converse +undisturbed. I followed her up-stairs into a Dresden-draped bedroom, +where ensued the following conversation: + +"Mrs. Roberts, I feel I owe you an apology for not sooner receiving +you. To be candid with you, my door is closed to all who have not made +previous engagements; then, too, I shrink from the embarrassment of +meeting any ladies from the better walks of life," etc. + +Whilst endeavoring to reassure her, I happened to look at a +silver-framed photograph of a handsome, white-haired old gentleman. +Quickly remarking this, she reverently handed it to me, saying: + +"I notice you are attracted to this. Would you think there was anything +out of the common in any of these features?" + +Upon my replying in the negative, she added: + +"This is the photograph of my dearly loved father. He is stone blind." + +I expressed my astonishment, for there was no indication in the +picture. + +After a pause she said, "Mrs. Roberts, will you please do me a favor?" + +"If it lies in my power," I replied. + +"It does," was her rejoinder. "Will you honor me by dining with me this +evening, half an hour hence?" + +For one second I hesitated, but on interpreting her expression I +instantly replied, "With pleasure," for like a flash came a mental +vision of the King of kings dining with Simon the leper (Mark 11:3-9). +Then she absented herself for a few minutes, doubtless to make +necessary arrangements. + +"I feel disposed, if you care to listen." she said on her return, "to +give you a synopsis of my life." + +I assured her of a great desire to hear it and, if possible, to prove +more than simply a hearer. Briefly, it was this: + +She was an only child of rich parents. She was reared in a luxurious +home, where card-playing, theater-going, dancing, and all other high +society amusements were continually indulged in. When she was entering +her teens and most needed a mother's care, her mother died, and her +father placed her in a fashionable boarding-school. She remained there +until she was seventeen, when he sent her, under the chaperonage of +friends, on a trip to Europe. + +Whilst she was in Rome, she received from her father a cable message +reading, "Come home on next steamer." Upon arriving in New York, she +soon learned from her father's lips of his total failure in business +(he was a stock broker) and also of the fast approaching +affliction--blindness. Property of every description was swept away. +She soon secured a position as nursery governess, but erelong she +realized that she was unqualified, never having been coached for any +but high social life. + +The gentleman (?) whom she had expected to marry some day proved untrue +as soon as her riches fled. + +Just at a time when her employer had gently informed her of her +inability to fill her position of governess satisfactorily and of her +(the employer's) intention of dismissing her, the tempter, in the form +of an unprincipled but well-to-do man about to make a trip to the +Pacific Coast, crossed her path and ensnared her. Under promise of +marriage, she agreed to go with him. After telling her now blind +father, who was being provided for out of her earnings, that she had +secured a position for better pay, but that it would take her away from +New York for a time, she bade him a tearful farewell. + +Before long the rich reprobate deserted her, but he was merciful enough +not to leave her penniless. With a considerable sum at her disposal, +and for advisers one or two whose morals were at a low ebb, she came +North and furnished the house in which I was now sitting. + +She was in constant correspondence with her father, who supposed that +she was married and that the fifty dollars or more (never less) which +he monthly received came from his wealthy son-in-law. And now hear her +own words: + +"Mrs. Roberts, I believe you will give me an honest answer to my +earnest question. Would it be possible for me to secure any honorable +position whereby I might continue to send my dear father fifty dollars +a month, as well as live respectably myself?" + +Reader, what answer would you, had you been in my place, have made? I +was in an awkward position--in the presence of one who had never +attended any but a fashionable church and hence--who knew little or +nothing of God and his Son, one who had never been taught anything +which in the event of accidents or business failures would prove +practical. She was indeed and in truth to be pitied. My reply was a +question: + +"Could you not have kept a respectable lodging-house, my dear Miss +Loraine?" + +"Perhaps, had I been advised by the right kind of people, but I met the +wrong ones," she replied. "As long as my dear father lives," she added, +"I must send him this sum for rent and ordinary comforts. The moment +word reaches me of his demise, I will forever cease living such a life. +I will quietly disappear to some remote corner of the globe." + +Then she showed me a letter just received, one beginning, "My dear Son +and Daughter." How my heart ached as I silently prayed to know what to +do! + +"What about the inmates of your house. Miss Loraine? How do you procure +them?" + +"Pardon me, but I can not explain that. I will say, though, each of +them has a sad story. They are, as you will presently infer from what +you see, refined, more or less talented girls; but they will soon drift +downward. The life is too rapid, and nature will not long stand the +strain and abuse. I never interfere if a girl shows an inclination to +quit; on the contrary, I gladly help her." + +Here a gong sounded, announcing dinner. She preceded me to the +dining-room. When we entered, I saw five handsome young women, whose +ages varied (I should judge) from eighteen to twenty-six. They were all +attired in quiet dress, surely in honor of the occasion, which courtesy +I greatly appreciated. Permission being granted, I invoked a blessing. +The meal was served in courses, and we were waited upon by the Japanese +page. I ate very sparingly, in fact, made only a pretence of eating, +for God's message lay so heavily on my heart that I had to deliver it. +They listened with rapt attention, and all but one shed tears. How +stolid she appeared to be! yet she was possibly the one many months +later most impressed. I met her again. She was home then in her +father's house once more, but was not yet a Christian. + +As for Miss Loraine, I never saw her again, but about a year later I +learned that her father had died and that she had taken her departure +for parts unknown. I can only pray and trust that she will, if living, +turn to the ever-merciful Savior. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +LUCY'S LETTER--THE SCHOOL TEACHER. + + +On July 29, I received several letters, one of which is well worth +copying: + +Beth-Adriel, San Jose, July 27, 1904. + +Mrs. Florence Roberts, Dear Mother: + +I wrote you a letter several days ago, but have had no answer to it as +yet, but thought I would write again, as it seems so long since I saw +or heard from you. + +I wrote and told you all about my trip to San Francisco, and what a +good time I had [on that occasion she visited the jail where she was +once a prisoner and where she was converted on or about Feb. 14, 1903], +but I presume you have been very busy, or you would have answered. + +Well, I can praise God for some wonderful victories, and I do praise +him every day. Just last night I was talking to our matron [Mother +Weatherwax] and saying how perfectly wonderful his strength was; for it +is his strength, and not mine, that has kept me up and is still +keeping--me up from day to day. + +The home is full now.... We have one case of clear-cut answer to +prayer, where it just took real faith to hold on. But isn't it just +like our dear, good heavenly Father to do and answer just the +impossible. It was a case of abduction and attempted seduction of a +lovely Christian girl, the daughter of a Free Methodist minister, into +a terrible house of ill-fame, one of those notorious road-houses, and +it was such a filthy, vile place, that the chief of police [Carroll] +would not let Mother W---- and another lady go with the officers and +the lady's husband after the girl. Thank God, He gave us the law on our +side, and we have the girl here safe and well and doing fine; and I can +say the same for all of the rest of us girls. + +The girl referred to had come from her Eastern home to southern +California for her health. As her means were limited, she sought +employment, and one day answered an attractive advertisement for a +housekeeper for an invalid lady. A favorable reply, urging her to come +at once, quickly came, stating that in the event of her paying her fare +it would be refunded on her arrival, also that she would be met at the +San Jose depot by a lady wearing a bunch of red roses on her left +breast. + +When she arrived, she was welcomed and taken in a hack to the awful +place of which Lucy wrote. She managed to write a note with a match +stem, wrapped the paper round a small piece of rock which she found in +the room where she was imprisoned, and prayerfully threw them through +the grating: toward a man who was watering his horses at the trough and +who evidently knew the nature of this notorious resort. Praise God, the +stone did not miss its mark. The man was wise enough to notify the +authorities, and that place was compelled to go out of business in +short order. + +I have not been able to go to church for three weeks now, but God is +here at home with me, and I am learning more of him every day. My verse +for today was Ezek. 34:12, and I think it is so beautiful, especially +about the dark and cloudy days. + +We went to Alum Rock [a beautiful resort adjacent to San Jose] three +weeks ago Thursday, and I got so badly poisoned [poison-oak] that there +was not an inch of my body that was not covered and my eyes were +swollen shut for two days. I was sick in bed with it all day the Fourth +and here alone; but not alone, for if ever I had a happy day, it was +that. Lots of times I feel discouraged to think I can not remember the +Scriptures that I read, but it was just marvelous the way they would +roll over my mind on those two or three days that I could not see even +to read. I believe God just wanted me to see when my eyes, hands, +tongue and feet were quiet how active my mind was. + +My head and throat are still very bad, and I go to the doctor about +three times a week, but still have those terrible ulcers gathering and +breaking in my head. I am so thin that I can not wear the black dress +you made me at all. Mother W---- says she is afraid something will give +way in my head one of these days. She wants me to go home for a rest, +but if I did, then Mama [her own mother] wouldn't come here for a rest, +and I want her to have a rest, and then, too, I would have to ask them +to send me money to go home on. [Lucy's services were gratuitous.] + +Just the other day I was reading how much Delia did for the Lord in her +short Christian life [Before conversion known as the "Blue Bird" of +Mulberry Bend of New York], and it has made me feel bad; for here I +have been saved over a year, and what have I done? It is said that she +had over six hundred souls in three months, and I can not claim one +that I know of. I know that I have tried to be what God would have me +be, if ever a girl did try. [Indeed, indeed you have, dear child, and +God smiles on you for it.] + +There is one thing sure. I have prayed a great deal for you lately for +ever since two weeks ago Tuesday night, which was our prayer-meeting +night of course, I had a real hard fight with Satan, and he had tried +to get the better of my better self, and Miss Sisson came and told of +your being at a house to see the landlady and then of your going back +in a few days to preach the funeral services over the dead body of one +of the girls [suicide]. Oh, how it helped me to see what I had been +spared from and how much I had to praise God for! and it also showed me +how many prayers you needed to help you in your work, and so I have +held you up more than ever before His throne, and maybe if I can not +reap myself, I can pray for those that are in the field. + +God has been so good that all through my sickness I have missed but two +days' work, that is, there were but two days that I was not able to get +the meals (all of them). It is perfectly wonderful, the strength, +willingness, and determination He will give us if we but want it. + +Sometimes lately when my head has been so bad, I have thought, what if +I should be taken now. It would be grand to go home; but I have talked +with Mother W---- so much lately, and I do not feel I could go till I +have done something for Him who did so much for me. Pray for me, +Mother, that I may get better and do something. I want to go and tell +Mattie [a former companion in sin] and the girls, that what God has +done for me he will do for them. + +I'll tell you what Doctor A---- says is the matter with me. She +examined me, tested my blood, and said it was not in the system from +disease of myself, but that sometime, when my throat was sore, I +inhaled the germs from some sick person, that the throat was just in +the condition for them to germinate, and now my throat and ear are +eaten out terribly. [Cigarette-smoking the probable cause ] She hasn't +said she couldn't cure me, but that it will take a year's solid and +continuous treatment, without any neglectfulness whatsoever. + +Oh! isn't it true that if we sow to the flesh, we must reap corruption. +I know that I did, and am willing to suffer the pain and endure if I +can only tell others--yes--warn them. But I know that I can not do it +away from here until I can do it better here, so I want more courage to +do it better here. + +Mania doesn't know much about my throat, only what Mother W---- wrote +her that tune. + +Oh! this is an awfully long letter, so I must close it. I am nervous +and can't write well. + +Pray for us, as we pray for you. Everybody sends you their love, and +God bless you. + +Your daughter in faith, Lucy ----. + +How I loved to receive her appreciative, newsy letters! but oh, how +they saddened me as I more than ever realized the truth of that +statement that "whatsoever we sow, that shall we also reap," Gal. 6:7. + +But one more incident and story before we leave Eureka. + +One day, on one of my house-to-house visits, and following considerable +disappointment, for so few were at home, or else the inmates did not +want to receive me, I at last received a response from a frail-looking +woman of about twenty-four years of age, who said, "I should very much +like to have a heart-to-heart talk with you, but this is no place for +it. Can you come to my private room in the ---- ---- lodging-house. Go +to room No. --, first floor at 1:30 tomorrow, where we can converse +undisturbed." + +At the appointed time I was kindly received, and soon I was listening +to her troubles; but before rehearsing them she called my attention to +a framed diploma on her wall, a teacher's certificate. + +"Have you taught school?" I inquired. + +She simply answered, "Yes." + +"Are you not taking great chances by having that where strangers can +see it?" I asked. + +"No," she replied; "I do my own work, and have a patent lock, so that +none but my husband and me have access to this room." + +I was still more at sea. Over the head of her bed hung a picture which +I never shall forget. Let me endeavor to describe it: + +The beautiful nude form of a young woman lay on a couch. Horror was +depicted upon her countenance, and she was frantically but vainly +struggling to free herself from the great boa-constrictor which had +coiled his ugly thick body about her. Standing beside her and looking +on with a dreadful expression of devilish satisfaction was a +representation of Satan, whilst coming in at the open door reeled a +young man in a woeful state of intoxication. + +The old, old dreadful story! When, oh! when will they ever profit by +this only too true picture, being really enacted every day, every hour, +by some mother's wandering girl? + +Would that I might be able to tell you that this ex-school-teacher +yielded to our Lord and Savior, but alas! that boa-constrictor had too +firm a grip on her. Listen to her story: + +"Less than four years ago, I was a happy young woman, living with my +parents in the South, in a modest but very happy home, and surrounded +by loving friends. + +"My downfall dates from a picnic. I was exceedingly fond of dancing, +with no ill effect from indulging in what hitherto I had regarded as a +most innocent pastime, but that day I was introduced to one who +peculiarly affected me. Why, I used to laugh to scorn, and express +contempt for, any one who could be so very weak as to succumb to evil +influences through the dance, never dreaming that my day of doom would +come. + +"How I loved him! and how I hugged my secret! At least, so I thought; +but he read me, read me like a book. He was a traveling man, and showed +me many excellent letters. I told my parents, who felt interested, and +the next thing I was enjoying his company in our home, where he made +himself very agreeable to the old people. Soon I was attending several +social functions, some at his invitation, particularly where there was +dancing, for I loved to feel his arms about me, his breath on my cheek. + +"A day came when, for love of him, I bartered my soul. The remorse +which soon followed was so deep that I took what little money I had, +stole away from home, and my relatives haven't seen or heard from me +since, although I hear of them through a trusted friend, who has +promised not to further bruise the old folks' hearts by letting them +know of my downfall or whereabouts. I'm dead to them forever; dead to +them forever!" + + + * * * * * + +"I was the supposed wife of my first love for over a year. How I begged +him to marry me! but he only laughed and asked if I wanted to have him +arrested for bigamy. Then he left me. + +"My baby was born dead. Thank God for that! and now as soon as able, I +must move on. + +"Some of these girls on the downward path are so kind-hearted, Mrs. +Roberts." + +"Yes, Saidie, I know it well," I said. "I've been their friend for +several years, and I know many of them and their good traits and deeds; +but pardon me for interrupting." "I drifted from place to place," she +continued; "now I'm here--here facing an awful future. No God, no home, +sick in body and soul, not fit to live and certainly not fit to die." + +"How happened it that you met the man you called your husband, Saidie?" +I asked. + +"Just as nine-tenths of them do," she replied. "We take up with some +one who is seemingly kind. It's an awful mistake. _They profit at our +expense every day_. They take our earnings of sin, and are often brutal +besides," she sobbed. + +"But does not the vagrancy law protect you?" I asked. + +"No; not so long as they can prove they are working," she answered. "He +is a bar-tender." + +"Saidie, I want you to leave this life," I pleaded. Come with me, dear. +I will treat you as though you were in deed and in truth my own +daughter. + +"Listen, I will even go further; you shall travel with me. I need an +amanuensis and secretary. I am overworked, dear. Say you will, and I +will make all the necessary arrangements." + +How I begged her to consent! I wanted to take her then and there, but, +_unfortunately, no one I knew would harbor, even temporarily, such a +girl, until I was ready to leave--not one_. I could linger no longer +that day, excepting for short earnest prayer, in which she took no +part. We agreed to meet the following day at noon in a certain +restaurant, where we could enjoy privacy. She kept the appointment, but +something--I could only conjecture--something had cooled her ardor. I +apparently made very little headway with the Master's message. She was +silent, obdurate, and she soon left. The next day I followed her up, +only to learn from the scrub-woman that Saidie was intoxicated. Again I +called; for I was to take the next steamer, and felt I must make one +more effort in her behalf. I was told that she had received bad news, +that she was drinking deeper than ever to drown her misery, and that it +would be worse than useless to see her. After returning to San Jose, I +wrote a renewal of my offer, but received no reply. In all probability +poor Saidie, _another victim of the dance_, now lies in one of the +nameless graves. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +SAN QUENTIN--WE SECURE A LOVELY PROPERTY. + + +On or about August 18, 1904, I was in San Francisco. Thence I went to +San Quentin, State's prison, where I was graciously given an +opportunity of addressing over one thousand prisoners and also of +having many individual heart-to-heart talks, the latter a favor which +has been granted me for many years. At this time there was no admission +into the women's quarters; under the new and present administration I +have been allowed this valuable privilege. To see the faces light up +and to hear the hearty expressions from warden, officers, and prisoners +was always well worth a special trip at any time; consequently, I +looked forward with pleasure, though sad at heart, to visiting our +penitentiaries whenever opportunity afforded. Sometimes my efforts +seemed barren of results, but only in eternity may we learn of the good +accomplished through faithful seed-sowing. + +On this particular occasion I had requested of Captain Ellis (captain +of the guard) an interview with a young girl, sentenced for two years +(I think) for robbery. Before leaving me, she told me of an old woman, +a life prisoner, who had not seen the outside of the women's quarters +in over twenty years, and asked me if I would not please give her the +next call. Captain Ellis having consented, I was soon shaking hands +with a very neat, white-haired life prisoner. In a few moments she +asked me if I would have any objection to her gazing out of the window +at the beautiful bay and scenery, it having been so very many years +since she had enjoyed that pleasure. + +You can never know the impression made on me by this humble request; my +only regret may be readily surmised. How I do praise God that he put it +into the heart and mind of the present matron, Mrs. Genevieve +Gardner-Smith, to appeal to kind-hearted Warden Hoyle and the board of +prison directors for a special concession in behalf of all the +well-behaved women prisoners. She asked for a monthly holiday, to +consist of a two-and-a-half hours' walk within the grounds on God's +beautiful green hills, so that these poor women might briefly feast to +their heart's content on the lovely landscape and view of San +Francisco's unsurpassable bay. A motion being made and passed, one of +the many new and excellent concessions is this one of a Sunday walk on +the hills once a month in charge of the matron, after the male +prisoners are locked in for the day. The first time this occurred, some +of these poor women knelt on mother earth and bathed it with their +tears. Ah! reader, are you not, with me, daily demonstrating the fact, +that _only godly wisdom, coupled with love, can win_? + +[Illustration: BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF SAN QUENTIN] + +My visit was all too short. I had to hasten to San Jose, where the +board of Beth-Adriel managers were awaiting my arrival to inspect some +properties. Please, if you can, imagine the welcome home from my dear +Lucy, Anna, and the rest of the family. A warm attachment soon +developed between the new matron, Mother Weatherwax, and me. She held +the matronal office until health no longer permitted. (Our readers will +probably have observed the tendency toward illness on the part of the +workers. In this branch of home missionary work there is a great need +of strong physique and nerves; otherwise there will be frequent +prostration from the constant strain on the system.) + +The first joyous greetings over, next in order was inspection of +property. After many trips for this purpose I at last saw a place which +delighted my heart; but--would the owner part with it? It was the one +spoken of previously--the one consisting of ten acres, a commodious +house, etc. Some of the members of the board knew the owner, Mr. R. D. +Norton. We were all in the spirit of prayer whilst they laid the matter +before him. He asked for time to consider, the ultimate result of which +was his decision to sell it for such a purpose. Oh, how we thanked and +praised our kind heavenly Father! The purchase price was +$10,000--$2,000 to be paid by October 9, the remainder on time at six +per cent interest. Above all expenses, there was now in our treasury +$1,300. We gladly agreed to accept the proposed terms and to wait on +the Lord for enough means to make up the deficit. + +On October 8 while I, with the other members of the board, was in Judge +Rhode's court negotiating for the mortgage, word was sent over the +telephone that Mrs. Mary Hayes-Chynoweth, now deceased, would like to +have me come to her residence, Edenvale, a most beautiful spot adjacent +to San Jose. There was barely time to make the train, but the Lord was +on my side. It being a few minutes late, I caught it, and was shortly +in earnest conversation with this charitably disposed elderly lady. She +asked me many questions and introduced me to her daughters-in-law, Mrs. +J. O. and Mrs. E. A. Hayes, who listened with marked attention to my +recitals. Presently Mrs. Chynoweth said, "Mrs. Roberts, I am going to +request you to excuse me briefly. I wish to pray with regard to this +matter; my daughters will be pleased to entertain you during my +absence." + +In about a half hour she called both of them for private conference, +leaving me with some of the grandchildren. Soon I was invited into the +next room. With a smile, this dear lady said, "I feel that God wishes +me to give you $500." Before I had a chance to speak, the Mmes. Hayes +said, "We will add $100 apiece." Reader, I was too happy to reply +immediately; and when I did, I could but poorly express my gratitude, +first to God, then to them. + +In answer to prayer we had our $2,000--first payment--according to +agreement. Hallelujah! A $10,000 home for my dear prison friends, in +one year, three months, and six days from the day Lucy and I arrived in +Redwood City, strangers, with two telescope baskets containing all our +earthly possessions, sixty cents, and a little God-given faith. +Hallelujah! Did I regret the past toil, privations, and +disappointments? Never, never; but soon went on my way rejoicing, to +secure future support and payments. + +During my absence of little less than one month (for I was to return +for the dedicatory exercises of the new Beth-Adriel, to take place +Tuesday, November 22, 1904) sad news reached me. My poor Lucy was taken +so alarmingly ill as to necessitate her immediate removal to her own +home. Although I have often heard from her, I have never since had the +privilege of meeting her face to face. Her fond dreams of seeing the +beautiful new home she had so greatly aided in procuring, were never, +so far as I know, realized. If she is still living, I hope she may have +the pleasure and satisfaction of reading this book and of knowing how +dearly I loved her and how much I appreciated her every effort. This I +know, that she sufficiently recovered to resume work for the Master; +but on account of the removal of her people, I temporarily lost track +of this trophy for the Master's crown. God forever bless her wherever +she is. + +The night previous to our removal from the little old home on St. John +Street, I was lying on my couch in the parlor, sleepless for very joy, +and reading God's blessed Word. I happened to look up. On the wall hung +a motto bearing these words: + + God has his best for those + Who dare to stand his tests; + His second choice for those + Who will not have his best. + +"Lord!" I said, "I want your best." + +"My child," came my soul-answer, "It is for you; but there are hard +roads still to travel, hard battles to fight and win, privations, +disappointments, losses, much more. 'Can thine heart endure, or can +thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee?' Ezek. +22:14." + +"Lord, thou knowest," I answered. + +Then came a desire to write. I took up tablet and pencil, always ready +to my hand on the little stand by my couch, and spent the rest of the +night writing the verses that you will find in our next chapter. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +GOD'S BEST. + + + _Child, did I hear you say you want my best? + With nothing less--will you be satisfied? + You add you'll follow where I choose to lead, + Though all forsake, e'en to be crucified. + + You ask you know not what ... Well, let it be + As you desire ... And now, a little test: + Your social standing I shall first require; + A humble place must bring to you--my best. + + It hurts? ... Of course it hurts--the snubs, the slights, + From those whose favor you delighted in, + When they were told you'd found "The Priceless Pearl" + And willingly renounced this world for Him. + + The step you've taken, they pronounce insane! + Wilt go a little further on this road?... + Your reputation. How you shrink! Too much to pay? + Child, I do only take you, at your word._ + + _Beloved one, still more I now desire; + Your worldly comforts -- e'en your home which you enjoy. + Can't part with them? Step out, my child, and try; + I promise you I'll substitute -- my joy. + + You do not understand? But soon you shall: + I'm going to trust you in a hard, hard place; + Therefore destruction of your idols I must make, + To help you run --and win- this glorious race. + + Come! take your place within these rescue homes, + Where I have brought some priceless gems of earth, + To cleanse, to cut, then polish for my crown: + Your services I need to enhance their worth. + + The world has long rejected them with scorn, + These human gems from out the mire and dust; + A lapidary I would make of you, + Whilst I some precious gems with you entrust. + + Your patience and forbearance will be taxed + Beyond endurance! And you've none, you say. + Then I must teach these lessons to you, child; + You promised to go with me all the way._ + + The trials are too great! Nay, say not so. + Privations too! and disappointments sore! + And just as the gem begins to scintillate, + My search-light doth disclose some dreadful flaw. + + And you must start anew the task again.... + Cheer up, dear child. I never will forsake. + Come, dry those tears and rest a while with me. + I soon will rectify your very sad mistake. + + Think not you are the only one who fails, + For all have failed. Not all have tried again; + Thus have they missed my best, for which they prayed. + Courage. Be brave. The attempt was not in vain. + + Now then, that gem with such a dreadful flaw, + Bring it to me.... Ah yes! I now will prove + Too soon the surface you did undertake + To polish--e'er the ugly flaw's removed. + + Plunge it anew into the precious blood of Jesus, + Thus anew--the work's begun.... + You're wining? My beloved, obedient child, + Not many live the prayer, "Thy will be done." + + I'm going to prove this precious gem by fire; + 'Tis next in order. This, to consume the dross. + It's size will be reduced. Nay, do not fear; + Perfect and flawless gems must suffer loss. + + For further process, see these varied wheels + For grinding, till the blemished spot we reach. + Not too much haste! Be careful. Watch and pray; + Soon then you'll learn each lesson as I teach. + + You wish to know the names of all these wheels? + These two are Joy and Peace, and this, Long-suffering. + This one is Gentleness, then Goodness next. + Now to the front the wheel of Faith I bring. + + And are these all? Not quite. The Meekness wheel + So gently polishes. Then Temperance comes in + To aid in handling gems with special care: + Thus give the final touch of polishing. + (The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Gal. 5:22-26.) + + You ask what motive power propels these wheels. + Dear child, your teacher is the God above. + He tells you. Surely you have learned his name; + His motive power is Love, and only Love, + + Press on, press on. The secret now you know; + The willing, the obedient stand the test. + Supported by my love, your eye on me, + Surely I have--for you--my very best. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +DEDICATION OF BETH-ADRIEL. + + +We now busied ourselves putting our new home in order. It was a +blessed, blessed day, that day on which the dedicatory exercises took +place (Nov. 22, 1904). They were participated in by an immense +gathering of representative men and women, and account of which you +may, if you so desire, read in the San Jose and San Francisco dailies +of that evening and succeeding morning. Amongst others who delivered +addresses was my now personal friend, Mrs. Mary Hayes-Chynoweth, the +report of whose speech it gives me pleasure to quote: + +She expressed her thankfulness at being present and seeing so many +interested in a line in which she had been working over fifty years. +She emphasized the necessity of having the spiritual life of God in the +heart to live a Christ-like life. She spoke trenchantly of the need of +purity, not only on the part of young girls, but young men and old men, +too. She bespoke the help of all for those engaged in this work. + +Young men need much attention, too. If they had more, there would be +less need to work for women. If the heart is pure, no temptation +outside can have the power to overcome. If every man were in that +condition, there would be no temptation for girls. Let all work +together, men and women, nor one think or claim to be better than the +other, etc. + +The pastors of all the denominations were present, some making brief +addresses, and a most excellent program was enjoyed by all. + +For some time my work, with the exception of taking an occasional trip +after some dear child, lay in the immediate suburban towns, or in San +Jose proper, so that I was able to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, and +New-Year with our now large family. In February, 1905, I again started +out on a protracted trip, through central California, making brief +stops to address audiences in Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Mateo, and, +before going further, Redwood City. There was no trouble now to obtain +a church in the latter town in which to plead the cause so dear to my +heart. The only trouble was that the building could not admit the +overflow of people. Thence I went to San Francisco. There I was warmly +received by dear Sister Kauffman, whose hospitality I accepted whilst I +was filling church engagements and visiting once more the county jail +No. 3. Numberless were the questions propounded by the inmates. Many +had gone, but alas! many more had filled their places. The work +promised to be endless. + +It was early in May when I returned to San Jose. No sooner had I +arrived than the chief of police telephoned me to come to his office at +my earliest convenience. This was by no means uncommon. Frequently +Chief Carroll had some one whom he preferred should have the benefits +of Beth-Adriel rather than be sentenced to a term in jail. + +I hurried to town and was soon in conference with him concerning a +young woman that had arrived in San Jose that morning with a youth, who +was caught in the act of trying to secure lodging for her in a +disreputable house. Evidently it was her first incarceration behind +iron bars. When we approached her cell, we could hear her screaming and +crying with both fear and distress. Upon seeing me, she ceased +temporarily. I put my arm about her in tender pity and tried to say +words of comfort. The Chief had informed me that she had applied to the +health officer for medicine as soon as placed in a cell, her physical +condition being by no means good, in consequence of the sinful life she +had been living. I prevailed upon him to have her committed to +Beth-Adriel, where she was taken late that afternoon. + +At the time we had a new matron, of whom I had heard through +correspondence with the board, but had only just met. My impression of +her was by no means satisfactory, nor was I wrong in my estimate, for +she telephoned to my lodgings to say that, on account of this poor +girl's physical condition, I should have to remove her _immediately_. +On receiving this word, I made application and obtained a pass from one +of the supervisors for her admission into the county hospital, and then +went to Beth-Adriel to convey her thither. Poor, poor child! That +matron had barely allowed her to sleep under the roof, and at daylight +had ordered her out on to the back porch and there had given her her +breakfast in discarded dishes. In fact, the matron treated her as +though she had leprosy or smallpox. By the grace of God I kept silence, +but resolved what should be done when the board convened the following +week. + +I left Martie at the hospital, only to receive word before the day was +over that I had made another mistake, that they did not take cases like +hers. "What is a county hospital for?" I inquired of the one who was +talking to me over the telephone. Answer: "Mrs. Roberts, were we to +take in those kind of cases [venereal] there wouldn't be a building in +California large enough to receive them. We're sorry, but _she must_ be +removed from here." However, as it was late, they isolated her for me +until the morning. In the meanwhile I again conferred with the chief of +police, and also I received a severe reproof from the supervisor for +not informing him of the nature of poor Martie's complaint. + +Upon our discovering that she came from Oakland, Alameda County, I was +requested to remove her early the following morning to that place. Poor +wronged child! She was perfectly pliant in my hands. I felt as though I +could not be tender enough. On the train she told me her story. + +Her father and another man were hung by a vigilance committee in +northern California for highway robbery and murder. The shock and +horror of this cost her mother her life. Martie was an orphan as soon +as she came into the world. Her grandmother cared for her two years, +and then she died. On her death the baby was placed in the Salvation +Army home for homeless children at Beulah. At the age-limit (fourteen) +she was hired out as domestic for a lady about to become a mother, who, +as soon as able again to resume her household duties, discharged the +girl. Then Martie began to drift. No one really cared for the poor +wronged child. For about a year she procured one temporary situation +after another in inferior places, visited cheap vaudeville shows and +dances, and made the acquaintance of undesirable people, amongst whom +was the young man now awaiting trial for vagrancy in San Jose. + +Upon reaching Oakland, I at once repaired with my charge to the office +of the chief of police. He referred me to the mayor, who, in turn, +referred me to the supervisors. Not knowing any of the latter, I threw +myself on the kind mercies of the chief, who, after much difficulty, +succeeded in locating one; and late in the afternoon I procured a pass +for Martie into a certain ward of the county infirmary of Alameda +County. + +Rest assured I did my utmost in the short while at my command to convey +the Master's message of love and pardon for her and "whosoever will"; +promised to write, also soon to visit her; and then, my heart heavily +weighted, bade the poor, wronged girl farewell. It was indeed and in +truth farewell. I never again laid eyes on her, for she disappeared +within two days, and not until I read two years ago of her death by +carbolic acid, did I learn the ultimate fate of this another victim of +pre- and post-natal conditions. + +In consequence of this and other similar cases that were being refused +the home, I realized that we must have a sanitarium on our grounds as +soon as the bulk of the debt had been wiped out. + +On returning, I had a heated discussion with our board, only succeeding +in gaining the reputation of being rather ill-tempered and hard to +please. But oh! dear reader, I was not. I was only zealous, so zealous +for the cause. God knows. Nevertheless, I refused to work until they +promised to be on the lookout for a more efficient matron; +consequently, the next time I met with them, an elderly couple, husband +and wife, were in charge. I perceived, however, that the work was +drifting from its original purposes and fast becoming that for which it +was not incorporated--a maternity home. This tendency was hardly +perceptible at first, but ere-long I discovered to my keen sorrow that +apparently much of my labor had been in vain. What to do or what course +to take I did not know. I prayed earnestly and continued to work, +though with less fervor than at the first. How could I? During my +absence such new rules and regulations were being adopted as made it no +easy matter for any needy girl to become an inmate of Beth-Adriel. + +Feeling, after constant prayer, that my loving Lord would have me +exercise patience and forbearance until the annual board meeting in +January (it was now November). I refrained from further interference or +discussion, and again put a distance between them and me, though I kept +in constant communication with several of the family. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +THE JUVENILE COURT COMMISSION--HENRY. + + +Whilst I was in one of the Coast towns, the mail one day brought me the +following notification, which, rest assured, was at the time as the +"balm of Gilead," leading me to believe that God, who never makes any +mistakes, was going to take me into more definite work for the +unfortunate children. + +Office of County Clerk, Santa Clara County, California. San Jose, Dec. +13, 1905. + +Mrs. Florence Roberts, San Jose, Cal. + +Dear Madam: You will please take notice that pursuant to an order made +this 13th day of December, 1905, by the Honorable M. H. Hyland, Judge +of the Superior Court, in and for the county of Santa Clara, State of +California, in Dep't 2 thereof and duly entered into the minutes of +said Court, that you have been appointed a member of the Probation +Committee of the Juvenile Court, and you are hereby directed to appear +in said Court on Monday, December 18, at 10 o'clock, A M. Very +respectfully, Henry A. Pfister, Clerk. By J. C. Kennedy, Deputy. + +This changed the nature of my plans, though at first not interfering to +any great extent with the work already in hand. + +As never before I began to get insight concerning the disadvantages +under which many a wronged child was, and is laboring, and oh! how I +thank and bless God that there is now protection and help for many +through the officers and the instrumentality of the Juvenile Courts. +This subject, however, will furnish material for another book; +therefore it will be but lightly touched upon at this time, for I want +to have you again visit with me San Quentin and on this occasion become +acquainted with Henry. I first heard of him through Captain Randolph, +captain of the yard, and next through Captain Sullivan; then I obtained +permission from Captain Ellis to interview this young man. + +He was sentenced from ----- County to serve twenty-five years for +homicide. Over seven years had now expired, and seven, I assure you, +seems like twenty-seven, even more, to every one of these poor +prisoners. He was a very bright young man, aged about twenty-five +years, and he had the record of never having yet lost a single credit +since his incarceration. I listened with intense interest whilst he +told me this: + +"I don't suppose I differed much from other boys in my school days, was +just as full of fun and mischief as any of them, but there was no real +harm in me that I knew of. My father is a miner, a prospector, always +on the lookout for, and locating, claims. Mother was always a +hardworking little woman, and raised a large family. We had a neighbor +who didn't like us, neither did he like my dog, which, just as any dog +will, intruded on his premises once too often; so he shot and killed +him, remarking with an oath as he did so, that there'd be more than one +dead dog if we didn't make ourselves scarce--anyhow, words to that +effect. The killing of my pet made me very mad. I am, unfortunately, +very quick tempered, though I soon cooled down. I felt as thought I +could have killed him then and there for his dirty meanness, but pretty +soon father and mother succeeded in quieting me. + +"We had no more trouble or communication with these neighbors for some +time; then one day, when I was playing ball with some of the neighbor +boys with some potatoes, he happened to pass and one of the potatoes +struck him. It didn't hurt him a bit, but he ripped out an awful oath +at me, and called me and my mother by a name that no man with a spark +of spunk in him would stand for a minute. He threatened me at the same +time. I hurried home, changed my clothes, and told my father I was +going over to the county seat (near by) to have him bound over to keep +the peace, as I was afraid he would carry out his threat. Before I left +the house I took down father's gun. 'Henry, what are you doing? You put +that gun right back where you got it,' he said. 'I'll not do it,' I +replied. 'He's threatened to kill me. I'll need it for protection,' and +on I walked, too quickly for him to overtake me. + +"As I was passing ----'s warehouse on the county road, this neighbor +walked into it out of his yard, and just as I came opposite the door he +stuck his head out and put his hand into his hip pocket. Before he got +a chance to shoot, I had shot him through the fleshy part of his right +hip. He lived several days. I feel sure he needn't have died, if given +proper care. + +"I laid a long time in jail before the trial. My people were too poor +to get me all the defense I needed. Unfortunately, my lawyer, though a +brilliant man, was a drunkard. Father impoverished the whole family to +raise money to clear me, all to no effect. I am here for twenty-five +years, when I ought to be out trying to help make them comfortable in +their old age. I hear they are very, very poor. Oh, how I wish I could +help them!..." + +He told me where they lived, and I resolved, God willing, to take a +trip, in the interests of Beth-Adriel, in that direction, and told him +I would try to see them, though making no promises toward aiding him in +gaining his freedom, for as yet I had only his word as to the truth of +this story. + +It was a whole day's journey, and, being very tired on reaching my +destination, I did not look them up until morning. I can yet see that +very clean, poverty-stricken room. I sat on the only chair it +contained, the little mother sat on the bed, the father on an old +trunk. The father hadn't "struck it rich" yet. Prospectors are always +hopeful, sometimes realizing their hopes, but not often. The mother, +whenever able, worked in the fruit. In some way they managed to eke out +a bare but honest living. They could not have been much poorer. + +We discussed Henry's case pro and con. Evidently he had not overdrawn +the truth. Before the day was over we were in consultation with a +friendly disposed attorney, who drew up petition papers. Before these +were out of the printer's hands, I had held conferences with several +people and clergymen, and had also made engagements in the interest of +Beth-Adriel. The Lord was touching hearts and money was being added to +its treasury. Soon I was doing double duty, aided by Henry's father. He +went on his bicycle from place to place in the county where this +homicide had been committed, whilst I took the stage or the train as +the case might require, speaking in his behalf as well as securing +funds for the home. Finally we reached the county seat. There I learned +from many--even officials--that Henry's sentence was unjust; but, +owing to their political positions, I could obtain very few of their +signatures. The judge who had sentenced Henry told me that he could not +sign, he being then the attorney for the widow of the dead man. + +A very severe cold, threatening me with pneumonia caused me to leave +hurriedly for home, where for several days I was well-nigh prostrate. +There were many earnest prayers for my speedy recovery. These the dear +Lord heard and answered, so that before long the work so suddenly laid +down was, through his loving kindness and grace, resumed. + +Henry's father sent by express the package of signatures he had +procured, and I felt the witness of the Spirit that we now had +sufficient. The next move, as I thought, was to present them at +Sacramento to the Governor. He received me most kindly, talked at +length on rescue work, Henry's case and other cases, etc., but informed +me that he would have no jurisdiction to act until the matter had been +duly presented after receiving the written approval of the board of +prison directors. At their next monthly meeting I was present; but, +owing to stress of other matters, Henry's case could not at this time +command their attention, nor for three successive meetings. Then +occurred an adjournment until July. Henry wrote that he could not +conscientiously ask me to come again, but the still, small voice bade +me try once more. Oh, praise the dear Lord for answering many prayers +in his behalf! Henry was granted his parole. The news was telephoned to +me early in the morning. I hurried down to Captain Ellis' office to +offer Henry my congratulations, but, above all, to direct his mind +toward the Author of his freedom. What a blessed opportunity to honor +the Master! and he promised to try to serve him thereafter. + +Then he whispered something to the Captain, who replied, "Certainly, +you have my permission." Excusing himself, he hurried into the inner +yard. Presently he returned with an oblong box. Handing it to me, he +said: "Mother Roberts, I have long observed that your little autoharp +was wearing out. This one, my companion in my lonely hours, must now +take its place. I know the use you will make of it. I wish, how I wish, +you might be able to appreciate with what pleasure I make this slight +token of my eternal gratitude!" + +I had not dreamed of my prayer for a new instrument being answered in +this manner, I having never learned that Henry was musical or possessed +any such thing. It was a much finer one than mine. Had I been presented +with a gold mine, I could not have felt better pleased. From that day +to this autoharp, No. 2, and I have been inseparable. + +But I must proceed. Before taking up other matters, I will add this: +Henry made good for two years, received pardon from Governor Gillett, +married his faithful little sweetheart, and named his first little +daughter after me. A few days ago I received a letter telling of the +birth of another little daughter. He took up a claim, and he is now +farming his own homestead. + +Many were, and no doubt still are, his trials and temptations. Not +always was there victory, but I am sure as he reads this that the tears +will come. He will probably retire to some quiet spot, fall on his +knees in gratitude to God, who pardons our sins even though they be +"red like crimson," and then ask him to guide him in the way he should +go and to help him to bring up his dear little family in the fear and +admonition of the Lord. May God forever bless Henry, his faithful +companion, and his dear children, is my earnest prayer. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +THE ANNUAL BOARD MEETING--DOLLIE'S STORY. + + +I believe the spirit of prayer rested mightily on every one of us +present at that very important business meeting, yet I doubt if any +member realized its vital importance more than I myself. Like David of +old, I inquired of the Lord as to whether to continue with them or +start anew? The token asked was a unanimous reelection to the office he +had called me to fill. It was by ballot, and was unanimous. I was +satisfied, and for another year cheerfully continued to fill the office +of field secretary and evangelist. + +I now visited Sonoma, Mendocino, and other counties in that locality. A +kindly reception awaited me everywhere, and no wonder--I petitioned the +Lord to go before me. He answers such a petition out of Isa. 45:2: "I +will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break +in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron." + +One day whilst I was making calls amongst the unfortunate, I was met at +a certain door by a neat, intelligent-looking young woman, attired as +though for a journey. A glance through the open doorway revealed the +presence of three others; they, however, were in house dress peculiar +to their mode of existence. One of these spoke, "O Dollie, invite the +lady in. It's going to be lonesome without you." She, none too +graciously, extended the invitation. If I had any pride left, I stifled +it for the sake of these poor lost souls, sitting around in their +tawdry finery, smoking cigarettes. My heart went out in tender pity for +them as I attempted to introduce our loving Savior. + +"Hold on," said Dollie, at the same time looking at a beautiful gold +watch on her breast, "I think I will have time before the train comes +[the depot was but a block away] to tell you my story.... + +"When I was fourteen years old, I had the misfortune to lose my dear +mother, who died in childbirth. Father was a very hard-working man, a +mechanic. He broke up housekeeping for two reasons: First, because +mother had been very indulgent, so that I didn't know the first thing +about domestic duties, so wouldn't have been able to even get him a +decent breakfast. Next, because everything spoke to him of mother, whom +he fairly idolized. I used to see him evenings when he came home from +work to the place where we boarded. Seldom in the mornings. Guess I was +too lazy to get up in time for anything but a hasty breakfast, then +hurry off to school. + +[Illustration: "EVERYBODY HELPED GREASE THE HILL I WAS SLIDING DOWN. I +SOON REACHED THE BOTTOM"] + +"We used to have Friday evening dances in our neighborhood, which I +attended with my classmates. My but I loved to dance! It got so that +Friday evening wasn't enough, so many a time found me with some of them +at a hall down-town enjoying the public dance. The school-dance was +always private. It didn't take long for some one to turn my silly head +and make me believe he was dead in love with me. What did a little +fifteen-year-old fool like me know, with no mother to teach her, and no +woman to take a real interest? That wretch could fill me with, and make +me believe, the biggest lies you ever imagined, and I drank it all in +as though it were gospel truth. To this day I sometimes wonder if all +men are liars. + +"I'm not going to mince matters. I fell; and pretty soon _everybody was +helping to grease the hill I was sliding down. In consequence, I soon +reached the bottom._" + +"Some one told father; but I denied everything, yet I was so afraid he +would make the statements be proven, that in my fright I ran away, and +I have never seen him since. He's dead now. Poor father! I expert that, +with his other sorrows, this trouble finished him. + +"Two years later found me in just such a place as you have discovered +me today. One afternoon, a sweet-faced Salvation Army lassie called. +She talked as only you people can talk. I was but seventeen, still +tender-hearted (wish I was yet); so it was not difficult to yield to +her earnest persuasions to kneel beside her while she prayed. There was +another girl in the room at the time, but she had a caller, so got up +and went out. I learnt my first prayer from that Salvation Army girl. +It was 'Our Father.' I used to see it framed on a wall in a house where +my mother visited, but never did I understand it till that day. Then +she asked me to talk to God in my own way. I felt sorry for what I'd +done, and the life I was leading, and said so; so when she explained +how God would forgive me, I believed her and told her I'd quit if she'd +take me away, and she did. I left with her about dusk. She took me to +her lodgings and for several days I shared her bed and board, until she +got me a situation to do light housework at fifteen dollars a month. +Light indeed! It was the heaviest, washing included; but I did as she +suggested--prayed to God to help me as I worked, and he did. They were +Jewish people and so did their own cooking; otherwise I couldn't have +kept my job. + +"Never shall I forget the joy of receiving my first month's wages. As I +looked at that little sum in my calloused hand, I said, 'Dollie, it's +the first honest money you ever earned; doesn't it make you feel good?' + +"Before long my Salvation Army friend was called away to another field +of labor. I promised to write to her, and to this day I am sorry that +through my own carelessness I lost track of her. But I always did hate +to write letters, so it's all my own fault. + +"A girl told me of a nice place out near Golden Gate Park; only two in +family, and twenty-five dollars a month. I called on the lady and she +hired me. My but she had a dainty flat! One peculiarity I couldn't help +noticing. She was always afraid some one was deceiving or going to +deceive her, and would often make the remark, 'No one ever gets the +second chance with me, no indeed.' And I used to say to myself, '_I +wonder what she would do if she found out who Dollie was?_' She was a +Christian. No, I'll take that back. She called herself one, and was the +secretary of the ladies' aid of her church. Sometimes we had teas for +them, and then she would take them all over the house and brag on my +work and me. I knew how to cook pretty well by this time. She taught +me. There was nothing I did not do to try and please her. + +"One day I heard the hall door bang. Some one was coming up-stairs in a +great hurry. Next she threw open the kitchen door, and I shall never +forget the ugly face of her as she said, while I ran in my bedroom with +fright and shut the door, 'Dollie! I want you to pack right up and +leave this house, you ---- ----! How dare you impose yourself on me?' +Oh! I ran and groveled at her feet; I begged; I cried; I besought her +not to turn me away. I told her that I had repented and that God had +forgiven my sins and that _if she was a Christian she'd help me_. That +only seemed to make her madder than ever. 'Pack up your things and get +out. Here's your money. I won't put up with deceit from any one.' + +"I went into my room, and in my rage and despair tore my clothes off +the hooks, emptied the bureau drawers, jammed everything any which way +into my trunk, and in my anger went out, called the nearest express +man, ordered my baggage to my old address, where the Salvation Army +lassie first found me, told all the girls down the row what the +Christians were like, and then plunged deeper than ever into a life of +sin. _My heart, once so tender, is hardened forever._ Save your tears +for some one who is worthy. You can never touch me. I wish to God you +could. I must go; but you're welcome to remain and talk to the others, +if you think it will do any good. Good-by, lady. Good-by, girls. I'll +be back in less than a week"--and she was gone; but oh! could I, could +these girls, ever get over this recital and its impression. + +As soon as I could find my voice, I begged, implored them, not to let +that story further influence them on the downward course. I pictured +the judgment-day with that woman who turned Dollie away being +interrogated by the King of kings, and the terrible doom awaiting all +who did not repent and forsake sin; but, apparently making no +impression, I soon left, unable to proceed further with the work that +day because of the great burden with which this poor girl's story had +weighted me. + +I lay on my bed shortly afterwards, meditating upon the probable +results had this mistress been loyal to her Lord, whom she professed to +love and follow. I tried to picture her as saying: + +"Dollie, a distressing story has reached me. It concerns your former +life, but I know you must have repented, or you would not be doing +hard, honest work for your living. Surely there are many you know and +would like to help lead better lives. It is in my heart to assist them, +Dollie. Let us together look some of them up. I realize that few, +comparatively speaking, attempt this line of work. They think it is too +humiliating, degrading, demoralizing, but it is what our Savior did +whilst on earth, and I have vowed to follow him." + +What think you, dear reader, would have been the outcome? How many +trophies for the Savior's crown would have been hers? How many outcasts +would have been turned from the error of their ways, and, having found +their Redeemer, would have instructed their former companions in sin? +It may never be revealed how many souls were lost through this +professed Christian's shameful unfaithfulness. + +Christ, when teaching occasion to avoid offense, uttered these words: +"It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him through +whom they come. It were better for him that a millstone were hanged +about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend +one of these little ones." Luke 17:1, 2 + +Have you, my reader, helped "grease the hill" that "one of these little +ones" was sliding down, so that she soon reached the bottom? or are you +helping and cheering them on the upward way until they reach the goal? +May God help and bless. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +LOST SHEEP--THE EX-PRISONER'S HOME--HOSPITAL SCENES. + + +Who does not love that beautiful, most pathetic song entitled "The +Ninety and Nine"? but how many have literally helped to emulate the +Great Shepherd's example? Methinks I hear now, as I often have heard, +great throngs singing: + + It may not be on the mountain height + Or over the stormy sea, + It may not be at the battle front, + My Lord will have need of me, + But if by a still, small voice he calls + To paths that I do not know. + I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine, + "I'll go where you want me to go" + +Our Lord takes every one of us at our word, whether we are singing it, +praying it, or testifying to it. He does, indeed. _He takes us at our +word._ How many of us make excuses? Because of this, how many souls are +going to be lost? Oh! the pity of it, the everlasting pity of it!... + +In my possession are several photos. Most of them have been handed to +me by the weeping mothers of lost, stray lambs; some have come through +the mail; all contain the one cry: "Dear Mother Roberts, ... Won't you +please try to find my poor little girl? She may be in prison, or in the +slums, or perhaps sick and dying in some hospital." And then follows a +minute description of every feature, height, weight, peculiarities of +character, etc. Many times the parents admit their own weak traits and +failures. Poor, poor mothers! poor fathers! Not very often do we find +them for you, sometimes where we would rather not; but you said that, +no matter what their condition, I should tell them that you still loved +them and that you would gladly welcome them home. We've found them +sometimes when too far gone ever to come back to their earthly home, +and but just barely in time to be rescued from eternal ruin. + +Not always is the wanderer a girl, either. Sometimes a broken-hearted +parent is looking for a lost boy, and solicits our help. I've met a few +of them in the penitentiary, who have all but sworn me to secrecy. + +"I'll be out soon," they've said. "No need to grieve the old folks at +home by letting them know I've been in trouble." + +"But, my boy," I've replied, "how are you going to account for your +long absence and explain where you have been?" + +"I'll fix it some way. Say I've been traveling or off in the mines. +Anyhow, I'll fix it so they shan't find out." + +"But don't you know, dear boy, you are going to live in constant dread +if you do that? The Bible says, 'Be sure your sins will find you out,' +and also that 'nothing that maketh a lie shall enter the kingdom of +heaven,' I can not write a lie to your parents, and they've written to +me, asking me to try to find you. Besides, you'll need money to take +you home. It is not so easy as you think to step out of here and obtain +immediate employment. Even if you do, some one will be constantly +crossing your path and demanding you to pay him 'hush money' to keep +his mouth shut." + +Then I have recommended them to the care of Mr. Charles Montgomery, +president of the board of prison commissioners, who, through great +self-denial, toil, and energy, succeeded in establishing, little more +than two years ago, a beautiful home and mission for discharged +prisoners. It is located in San Francisco. To it they may go and be +well provided for until employment is procured for them. Truly this is +a most blessed work for the Master. This home is the outcome of a plan +long cherished by Brother Montgomery, who for nearly fifty years has +labored for the reformation and welfare of convicts and ex-convicts. It +is now situated at 110 Silver Street, near Third Street, and is well +worth a visit from those who have the interest of these men at heart. +It was opened June 9, 1909, and it has been doing an immense amount of +good, helping many a discharged prisoner to be once more a desirable +citizen and a man of honor. I would also add that it is a work of +faith. + + + * * * * * + +Will you come with me to one of our county hospitals this afternoon? + +Soon we are kindly greeted by the matron, and almost the next words she +utters after welcoming us are: "I'm especially glad to see you today, +Mother Roberts, because in Ward X a girl who is dying has been asking +if I knew where you were. You're none too soon. She can't last much +longer, poor thing!" and she leads us to the bedside of the dying girl. +I recognize her as Ruby ----, with whom I have more than once earnestly +pleaded to forsake the wretched life she was living, warning her of the +ultimate results of such a course. How changed she is as she lies there +scarcely breathing! She opens her dying eyes at the sound of our +footsteps. "Ruby dear, do you know me?" A barely perceptible nod. "I'm +so glad Jesus sent us to you today, dear child. Won't you take him for +your Savior right now?" In as few words as possible she is told of the +dying thief on the cross. As she can not speak, we ask her to pray with +her mind, whilst we kneel with her hand in ours, calling on Jesus for +mercy, for pardon in this the "eleventh hour." The tears which she is +too weak to wipe away are wetting her pillow, but we observe a look of +peace stealing over her countenance. Soon we leave, believing that some +day we shall meet her among that great throng of the blood-washed. + +Following a mothers' meeting one day in a Northern town a +care-worn-looking woman invited me home with her. Here she related +another heartrending story of a lost girl, an only child, for whom she +had toiled day and night at the wash-tub, so as to send her to school +dressed as finely as the other girls. "I have had to work very hard as +long as I can remember," the poor mother said, "and when I married, I +made up my mind that if I ever had a daughter I would not teach her +domestic duties, for fear she also would have to be a drudge all of her +life." So she raised a lady (?). The girl grew to be very independent +and disrespectful to her breadwinner, her mother, who was a deserted +wife. At the age of sixteen Elsie, without even a note of farewell, +left her comfortable little home and heart-broken mother, never to +return. She had intimated her going, but the mother had attached no +importance to these remarks, but she recalled them after her daughter's +departure. Furthermore, Elsie carried away nearly every dollar of her +mother's meager, hard-earned savings. + +After a long look at a photograph I perceived that, because of a +peculiar mark on the cheek, not removed by the retoucher, perhaps +overlooked, I could readily recognize Elsie. Therefore, when visiting +the slums, jails, and hospitals I kept a lookout for her as well as for +others, and also notified some coworkers. + +One day whilst visiting the old city and county hospital (where Mary's +baby was born), I passed a cot where lay an apparently old woman; she +looked to be fifty and appeared to be in the last stages of some +dreadful form of tuberculosis. _That identical mark was on her cheek_, +but surely this could not be twenty-three-year-old Elsie. Surely not. +So I passed on to the next cot. The impression to return to the former +one was so strong that it was acted upon. Stepping over to her, I +softly said, "Don't be frightened, dear, but is your name Elsie?" The +next moment I was quickly calling the nurse, for I feared the shock had +killed the woman. The nurse came and administered some restorative and +then advised me not to excite the patient further, for she was dying; +but the girl had sufficiently recovered to be able to ask questions. + +"Who told you?" she whispered. + +[Illustration: POOR ELSIE] + +"It won't hurt you if I tell you?" I asked. + +"No; please." + +"Elsie, it was your dear mother, who has never ceased to love you and +to look for you all these years, and has kept the home so pretty and +comfortable, waiting for you to come back." + +"Where is mother? Don't, oh! don't tell me she is here." + +"No, dear, she is at home. It is nearly a year since she asked me to +try to find you." + +"Elsie do you love Jesus?" I continued. "Have you asked him to forgive +you?" + +"It's too late, I've been too bad." + +"We have all sinned, Elsie. 'All have come short of the glory of God.' +May I pray for you?" + +"Yes, if you think he'll hear." + +After my prayer she offered one--so short but oh! so contrite, so very, +very contrite. + +I called again the next day. She could barely speak even in a whisper, +but she managed to let me know that she had had a beautiful dream and +that after her death I was to write her mother that Elsie's last words +to me were, "Tell mother I'll meet her in heaven," but not to let her +know when and where her daughter died. She passed away that night. The +letter to the mother was very brief, and no address given, so that +there was no opportunity of subsequent correspondence. Three months +later news came to me that the poor, loving, well-meaning, though +mistaken mother had gone to join her dearly loved, lost and found Elsie +in that "land that is fairer than day." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +A WONDERFUL LEADING--HOW GIRLS ARE LURED TO THE DANCE-HALLS. + + +Early in March, 1906, I returned to a board meeting at Beth-Adriel, +following which I began speculating as to my next move, for as yet I +had no direct leadings. Before retiring I prayed earnestly to know the +mind of the Spirit. It was in the neighborhood of 2 A.M. when I +awakened with the impression to "Go to B---." As I knew it would be an +expensive trip, I decided to ask the ticket-agent whether he would +grant a stop-over privilege on my half-rate ticket. Learning that he +would, I decided to take every advantage of this and eventually, say +within six weeks, to reach B---. That afternoon, whilst on the train, I +suddenly remembered that I had ordered my trunk checked to B---, and +again I felt that strong impression to _go right through_. So when the +conductor called for tickets, I forfeited all stop-over privileges. + +I arrived there about 2 A.M., and at once went to the leading hotel. +About ten o'clock the following morning I was asking the gentlemanly +clerk a question similar to the one I had asked the Redwood City +depot-agent. It quite disconcerted him for a moment; but, upon learning +my object, he referred me to a Salvation Army woman, whom I immediately +looked up and fortunately found at home. She was pleased to receive one +on such an errand, and agreed to accompany me to the dance-hall and +slum district that night. + +My next errand was room-hunting. Very seldom do I remain more than one +night in a hotel in a strange town, for almost invariably many doors +are soon opened to the non-salaried workers in the Master's vineyard. +Then the next thing is to walk around in order to get my bearings and +familiarize myself with the town, the churches, the press, the pastors, +etc As soon as possible I call upon the pastors and make engagements to +fill pulpits. This privilege, however, is granted only after the +ministers have, to their satisfaction, examined my credentials and +indorsements. + +At seven o'clock that evening I was again with Mrs. Wilson, now attired +in her regulation uniform, and at half-past eight we stood in one of +the popular dance-halls. Here dancing, drinking, smoking, and gambling +were being indulged in by black, white, tan, and mulatto of both sexes. +Barring a few exceptions, I have never seen such an array of the +inferior type of nationalities. The place was crowded; for this was +Saturday night and also St. Patrick's Day. + +[Illustration: SCENE IN A DANCE HALL] + +While Mrs. Wilson was at the bar asking if I might sing and speak, a +slender, fair-haired girl suddenly seized my left hand and quickly +whispered: "Lady, we are trapped. Quick! your number. Where do you +live? Act as though you weren't speaking to me. The proprietor may be +watching. I'll be there at ten in the morning." I immediately gave my +street and number, and she skipped away, just as Mrs. Wilson returned +to tell me that she had not succeeded. This refusal was only what we +had expected. After distributing a few tracts we were requested to +desist; so we concluded to go elsewhere. _That sight was sickening._ +And that refined-looking girl--who was she? What did she mean? We shall +soon learn. + +Other places which we visited that night were equally as bad, in fact, +indescribably so, and they were numerous. However, we did what we +could; but only once could I make use of the autoharp, and then only to +sing to the poor souls coming out of the first dance-hall, for we held +a brief street-meeting. I observed that not one girl or woman put her +head out of the door; afterwards I learned that a fine of $2.50 was +imposed for every offense of this nature between the hours of 7:30 P. +M. and 3:30 A.M. + +Upon returning from my breakfast the following morning, I was informed +by my landlady that two young women were awaiting my return. After the +greeting both commenced to talk so excitedly that I requested one to be +the spokesman for the other. They appeared to be nearly of an age, +about sixteen and seventeen, and were sisters. As nearly as I can +remember, this was their story: + +"We were attending high school several miles from our home. When we +returned home at the time of the spring term, we learned that father's +crops had failed and that mother was almost disabled from rheumatism. +What little reserve fund they had was almost used up for medicines and +necessities; so after a discussion of the matter they agreed to let us +go to the city (San Francisco) to work, provided we should promise not +to separate. This would leave our fourteen-year-old sister to help +mother, and the two boys to assist father. + +"A few days later we, alter kneeling in prayer with our mother, started +on our journey. In a few hours we were asking the matron at the Oakland +ferry-depot for a respectable lodging-house. She directed us, and from +there we obtained situations as waitresses in a first-class private +hotel on Bush Street, where we remained and gave satisfaction for some +time; but one afternoon we were foolish enough to yield to the +persuasions of some of our girl companions to take a car ride to the +Park and Cliff House. I suppose we were enjoying ourselves so much that +we did not realize how quickly the time was slipping away until some +one remarked, "O girls, look at the clock!" It was within fifteen +minutes of the hour when dinner must be served. We all ran for our car. +When we arrived at the hotel, the landlady had put a new crew in our +places. She would listen to no excuses, but told all four of us to go +to the office for what wages were due us. Ours wasn't much, for we had +been sending most of it home right along; so we were soon reduced to +our last dollar. + +"One of the girls who had worked with us told us to go to a certain +employment agency (situated then on Ellis Street). The man behind the +counter seemed to have lots of situations, but only one where we could +work together, and as _neither one of us knew how to cook_, we couldn't +take it. It was for cook and second girl in a private family. 'Hold +on,' he said, as we were about to leave and try some other agency; +'would you be willing to leave town? If so, I have a nice place for two +waitresses in a resort patronized by none but the best people of the +neighborhood.' We told him we couldn't afford to take it unless some +one would advance our office fees and our fares. 'I'll see to that,' he +replied. 'Can you be ready to leave right away?' There was nothing to +prevent, as our trunks were packed with the expectation of obtaining +immediate employment; so all we had to do was to go quickly to our room +with an expressman, then take a car to the depot, where the agent would +meet us, check our trunks, put us aboard our train, and leave us, with +our tickets, bound for B----. + +"My! how we did hurry through! The girls who roomed with us had gone +out; so as our weekly rent was paid in advance, we didn't see even the +landlady when we left our lodgings. We reached the Oakland Mole, took +our train, and after a long day's journey arrived at our destination in +the early morning hours. We were met by some woman, who brought us in a +hack to the place where my sister spoke to you last night--only she did +not take us into the dance-hall, but somewhere up-stairs, into a +comfortable bedroom. In a few minutes she came with a nice meal on a +tray, told us to eat, to put the tray outside the door after we had +finished eating, and then to go to bed and sleep as long as we wanted +to, as she knew we were tired; then she left us. + +"It seemed to be pretty noisy in the neighborhood, but we were too +weary to care, so were soon asleep. When we went to leave that room in +the morning, we found we were locked in. Sister hammered on the door, +and soon the woman came. She told us she had done it to keep the other +lodgers from disturbing us; but before evening we knew that something +was wrong, for she never lost sight of us for a moment. Then she told +us there was going to be a dance that night, and asked us to look our +best. + +"About half-past seven we went with her downstairs and then along a +passage-way into that hall where you found us last night. Sister and I +looked around for a minute, and then both of us said to the woman, +'What kind of a place is this?' There was a long bar, and two or three +young men were cleaning glasses and wiping bottles, and there were lots +of girls in fancy dresses standing around, chatting and some smoking +cigarettes, also a few men, young and old. We were [reader, I will give +you their exact expression] scared stiff. The woman, after introducing +us to a fine-looking young man, said to him, 'These are the young girls +sent by ----, the Ellis Street employment agent.' Then she took us into +the dance-hall a few feet away. She told us that the young man was the +proprietor of the place and that he would be a good friend, as would +she, if we wouldn't 'do any kicking.' About 8:30 the crowd began to +come in earnest, and by 9:30, and from that on, men and girls drank, +danced, and cut up until closing-time. + +"Mother Roberts, I can only liken our first night in that awful saloon +and dance-hall to a bad nightmare. + +"The woman didn't require us to dance unless we wanted to, until the +second night; then she said that _we must_, or else we would be fined, +and that as we already owed our fares, also other debts for incidental +expenses, the sooner we made the best of the situation the better it +would be for us. She called some girls to come and tell us how much +they enjoyed the life they were now leading, and how much money they +were making in percentage on the drinks that were sold across the bar +to the men and them. They said we needn't drink whiskey if we didn't +want to, as we would need to keep our heads if we were going to make +all we could out of the men in getting them drunk." + +"Why didn't you appeal to the authorities, girls?" I inquired. + +"Mother Roberts, _they only laughed at us. We tried. It was no use. +They seemingly stood in with the proprietor_. Millie went to the +post-office, accompanied by one of the girls, an old hand, the second +day after we arrived, to see if any mail had been forwarded, and on the +way back stepped into the ---- Hotel to inquire if they had any +vacancies for two waitresses? The clerk asked, 'What address?' She was +too ashamed to tell him where we really were; so told him to drop a +card into the post-office general delivery as soon as he had situations +for two. About three days afterward she got a post-card saying there +was one vacancy; but we couldn't take it, as we were more determined +than ever not to separate." + +When I told them how it happened that I came, those two poor girls +cried with joy and thankfulness. And now to act quickly. We all knelt +in prayer. They agreed to stay in my room whilst I went out to notify +Mrs. Wilson and the pastors. Never in all my life did I work faster, +and in an hour I had these sisters safely housed with Mrs. W--, as she +would not be suspected of secreting them. At two o'clock the pastors +met me in one of the church studies. They decided to call immediately +for a mass meeting of women on the following afternoon, to be addressed +by me. Notices to this effect were gladly inserted by editors of the +daily papers. _The whole community was astir._ + +In the meanwhile the dive-proprietors were searching for the girls. No +one suspected Mrs. Wilson or me. In fact, those dive-keepers had not +regarded me as any more than an ordinary visitor that night of my +introduction to their dance-halls, and had not noticed the girl +speaking to me. + +Before they left B----, the following article came out as an editorial +in one of the leading daily papers. It appeared on the morning of March +23, 1906. + +HOW GIRLS ARE LURED TO DANCE-HALLS. + +The general interest in the efforts to better the conditions of the +fallen women, make timely a rough outline of the methods by which girls +are lured into the haunts of vice, and kept there until they have lost +all power or desire to escape and win their way back to decency and +respectability. It is not pretended that this line is accurate, or that +it fits any particular case, but the information on which it is based +is gained from what are believed to be reliable sources, and it is not +likely to be misleading: if applied in a general way. + +HOW GIRLS ARE LURED. + +In the first place, of course, no girl that has not made some misstep +or committed some indiscretion, could be enticed to a dance-hall or +kept there for a moment if it were possible to get her inside its +doors. But in every city or village in the country there are persons in +the guise of men [yes, and women also] who are actively interested in +helping girls to make the first misstep. These scouts and envoys of +infamy are at the public dances; they waylay waitresses and working +girls who are struggling to keep themselves on wages that are +insufficient for their actual needs of food and clothing. + +They get into the confidence of these girls, and sometimes when they +are "down on their luck" or when they have committed some act that +makes them ashamed to look their family or their employers in the face, +these men come in the name of friendship and promise to find the +overworked and underpaid girl, or the indiscreet girl, a place where +she can earn money fast and earn it easily. + + + * * * * * + +THE DANCE-HALL LIFE. + +As a usual thing the girls are taken to some place in another town +where they are not acquainted. This suits the girl, because she does +not want to meet her acquaintances, and it suits the man, because it +gives him greater security in his evil transaction. The girl is nearly +always penniless at this stage, and the man advances the money for the +railroad ticket and the necessary food. The first act that lures the +girl to the dance-hall is disguised as an act of friendship, and the +first bond that is placed on her to keep her there is the bond of +gratitude and obligation. In addition to that, where would she go if +she did not like her first glimpse of the dance-hall, an ignorant, +friendless girl in a strange town? + + + * * * * * + +THE "RULES" OF THE HOUSE. + +One of the first things in which the recruit to the dance-hall is +instructed is the rules of the house. She must be on the floor, ready +to dance at seven o'clock, and they must remain on duty until 3 A.M., +or so long as the patrons of the house continue to come and buy drinks. +Between these hours they have thirty minutes for supper. If they are a +minute late or stay a minute over the time allowed for supper, if they +step out on the sidewalk during their hours of duty, if they get drunk, +or if they commit other stated offenses, they are subject to a fine by +the manager of the house, and the fines range from two dollars and a +half up. + +In the beginning of her career the new recruit usually gets fines +charged against her faster than her credits mount up on the manager's +book. But there are other rules, one of the chief of which is to make +the men who come into the dance-hall buy as many drinks as possible, +and if a man comes in who has money, to see that he spends it all +before he departs. The girl is coached in the art of getting the money +from the men, and in some of the worst dives they are told that if they +get hold of a man who has money, and who does not seem inclined to give +it all up, to give the bar-tender a wink when the refractory customer +calls for his drinks, and the bar-tender will "slip him something" that +will make him more amenable. + + + * * * * * + +THE PERCENTAGE SYSTEM. + +The way girls make money for themselves is through percentages on the +liquor which the men they dance with buy. After every dance the dancers +line up at the bar and drink. The drinks for a man and his partner are +twenty-five cents, and the girl's percentage is ten cents. If a man is +liberal and will buy wine at one dollar a bottle the girl's percentage +is forty cents. If he is still more liberal and will buy wine at five +dollars per bottle, the girl gets two dollars and a half. The +percentages are punched on a little card which the girl carries, and +they are added up in the morning. + +The money which the percentages represent, however, is not all paid +over to the girl in the morning. She is given what cash the manager +thinks is necessary to keep her through the day, and the remaining is +credited against the railroad fare that has been advanced, and against +the fines that may have accumulated. If a girl does not like the place +and wants to leave, she is shown her account and informed that there is +a balance due the house, and that it will be necessary to hold her +clothes and other effects. + + + * * * * * + +BECOMES SCHOOLED IN VICE. + +In the meantime the girl is being schooled in vice and crime. She +learns that it is more expeditious sometimes to take a man's money out +of his pockets than to wait for him to spend it twenty-five cents at a +time, buying drinks. No matter whether the house profits by these +thefts or not, they form another bond to tie the girl to a life of +shame; for some one must always know of them, and if the girl is +untractable she is threatened with criminal prosecution. If she commits +no crime, she can still be charged with vagrancy, and it too often +happens that police officers, knowingly or unknowingly, are made the +instruments of persecution and the means for whipping these unfortunate +women into submission to any wrong. + +Dancing all night every night, drinking after every dance, living in +the fumes of liquor and tobacco, and in constant jangle of profanity +and obscenity, how long is required to snuff out every spark of +womanliness that a girl may bring with her to such a haunt? + +DOG-LIKE DEVOTION TO MALE ASSOCIATES. + +And yet there is one trait of her sex that is not snuffed out. It is +the distinguishing trait of womankind and one of the finest traits that +the human race can boast of--the trait of constancy and devotion. + +The lower the fallen woman sinks, the more wrongs and iniquities that +are placed upon her, the stronger it sometimes seems this devotion and +constancy becomes. Nine-tenths of all the women of the tenderloin, it +is stated, have some man, or some animal called a man, about whom this +affection, this dog-like devotion centers. No matter how much he may +abuse her, no matter if he takes every cent of the earnings of her +misery and shame, no matter if he beats and kicks her because she can +not give him more, the girl in nearly every case, is faithful to "the +kid" and the worst fate than can befall her is that "the kid" should +"throw her down." [In other words, forsake her.] + +And "the kid" always throws her down some time; for "the kid" is not +encumbered with any such inconvenient traits as constancy and devotion. + +Then there is carbolic acid, or a long debauch, and a sinking down of +the system, and the horrible disease against which even the county +hospitals, which are open to the criminals and outcasts of society, who +never did a stroke of useful work in all their lives, close their +doors. And then there is the dishonored grave, over which the friends +and the relatives, maybe, are ashamed to weep. + +DANCE-HALLS TABOOED. + +In the enlightened communities, where there is a healthy public +sentiment, dance-halls are no longer tolerated. Their day is over in +California, and in only a few places are they permitted to exist. In +the places where they do exist the communities are still hanging on the +ragged edge of frontier life, where there is little regard for the +common decencies of life. Sacramento recently made a clean-up of its +dives, and disreputable dance-halls were closed up. + +It is recognized by those who are observant, that dance-halls are more +degrading than any other form of dissipation. They are public +institutions with their doors open to all who enter, and those with +money to spend are made welcome. When the money is gone, their welcome +is worn out, and if the person is saturated with liquor, he is kicked +out ignominiously, only to return when he has more money to spend. + +THE RECRUITING STATIONS. + +In the large cities agents ply their trade of securing recruits for the +dives in the interior. Girls on whose cheeks the blush of innocence +still remains, are employed for various respectable positions, and sent +to the interior. They are escorted to the trains, and even in some +instances the proprietors of the dives see that they are on their way +safely to their dens of infamy. A telegram is forwarded informing the +resident manager, that more material for the dive is en route. The +local manager meets the girls at the train with a hack and when they +arrive at the place, almost invariably at night, they find their trunks +have preceded them. They learn little of their surroundings in the late +hours of the night, and when they do realize their positions, they feel +altogether lost, without money or friends. + +RECENT CASES SUBMITTED. + +The foregoing is not always the case. Some know the place of their +destination, but some of them do not. Not long ago a Los Angeles girl +answered an advertisement for work and was told a respectable position +awaited her in R----. Just as she prepared to board the train for the +mining town, she was taken in custody. On investigation it was learned +that she was destined for a notorious dance-hall in R----, that even +the respectable people of the town had not been able to close up. + +About two weeks ago a woman was arrested in R---- and is awaiting trial +in the United States court in Los Angeles for using the mails for +immoral purposes. It is alleged that she was an agent for a dance-hall +in R---- and had sought to obtain recruits for the dive. + +Those in a position to know, state that the dance-halls are far more +infamous than the real palaces of degradation. They are the +stepping-stones to the other places, and lead on to destruction, +preceded by misery and shame.... + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +THE WOMEN OF B----- UP IN ARMS--THE SISTERS TAKEN HOME--MORE ABOUT +B-----. + + +MRS. FLORENCE ROBERTS STIRS HER AUDIENCE. + +Addressed Church Full of Women--Her Pathetic Stories listened to +Attentively--Much Interest Manifested in the Cause--Raised Nearly Fifty +Dollars to Take Two Girls Rescued from Dance-hall to Their Homes. + +The above was the heading of an article which appeared in the local +papers on the morning following the largest gathering of women ever +congregated at one time in one of B-----s largest churches. + +The morning before, escorted by the chief of police and two officers in +plain clothes, I went to that dance-hall to demand the trunks of the +sisters. The persons in charge claimed that they did not know where the +girls' baggage was; that the proprietor was away; that they could not +give the trunks up without his authority; and, furthermore, that there +were debts of $22.50 booked against one sister and $21 against the +other. Acting under legal advice, I gave them two hours, no more, to +produce those trunks and their contents, also two itemized bills. I +returned at the close of that time and found the keepers ready to +accept the fares advanced (no bills produced) and to have the trunks +immediately removed. When the sisters received their baggage, they +declared that both locks had been broken and that each trunk had been +robbed of many things; but the girls were so frightened and so anxious +to get home, that they willingly stood the loss rather than be delayed +through the arrest and the prosecution of the proprietors. + +That night the two sisters and I went to the depot under an armed +escort and started for their home, a day and a half's journey distant. +I paid the porter to be on the lookout for any suspicious-acting +travelers in our coach. Engagements for the following Sunday +necessitated my immediate return to B----. On our arrival at their +railroad destination I had barely time to catch my next train; +therefore I had to leave explanation of the situation to the sisters, +now with an aunt, the parents being on their ranch in the mountains, +forty miles distant and accessible only by wagon. They bade me a most +touching farewell, promising not to fail to correspond. + +Truly, all through these strenuous experiences I was daily, hourly +demonstrating to my soul's satisfaction God's wonderful leading, his +strength, his wisdom, his great, great care, for no evil befell me, +neither did any plague come nigh my dwelling (Psa. 91:10-12). + +On my return to B--- on Saturday sufficient engagements to keep me in +that vicinity at least three weeks and over were immediately made. +After filling these I hoped, God willing, to take a rest in the +beautiful homes of some of my Santa Cruz friends. There was an immense +audience in the First Methodist church on Sunday evening, April 8, and +a large collection was taken for the Beth-Adriel fund.... + +Before I left B---, God gave a most blessed realization of his +wonderful watch-care over those who are earnestly trying to serve him. +On Monday, April 9, word reached me that I should be on my guard. The +proprietor of the ---- dance-hall had declared vengeance. I had +accepted an invitation to dine with the chief of police and family that +evening, but on account of this word of warning I deemed it wise to +telephone to the sheriff's office and ask protection. An enemy must +have received the message and responded. When I came out of the house +to keep my dinner engagement, I had walked but a few yards when I +received a sudden impression to look behind me. On a fenceless lawn, +not three feet away, stood --- --- with his hand in his right hip +pocket. Quick as a flash I pointed the forefinger of my right hand in +his face, saying, "You dare not shoot." "Only your sex protects you, +you --- ----- ----," he sneered. Never mind the vocabulary of awful +adjectives and names he hurled at me, dear reader. I've never heard +their equal before or since. There was no one in sight until his sister +presently crossed the road. But God was protecting me, and I knew it. +Then the man sneered about my calling up the sheriff's office for +protection. I now knew he had a coworker there. + +When at last there was a chance for me to speak, I quietly told him +that he was soon going to an awful hell unless he quickly amended his +ways, and that God was going to hold him and his kind everlastingly +responsible for the ruination of many, many souls, and implored him to +turn to this outraged God and plead for mercy and pardon before it was +eternally too late. As they turned to recross the street, I added, "God +wants to bless you." With an oath he hurled back at me,"---- ---- ---- +----! I don't want God to bless me." Then I heard a fiendish laugh from +behind a hedge; somebody clapped their hands in great glee, and a +woman's voice shouted, "Good for you ----! Give it to her, the ---- +---- ---- ---- ----! Why didn't you finish her while you were about +it?" ... + +The chief of police and his wife saw to it that I was protected the +rest of my brief sojourn, but no one can ever know how much nearer that +experience drew me to my loving Lord. More than one woman told me the +next day that they were watching that encounter through their lace +curtains, and that if he had laid even a finger on me they would have +thrown up the windows and screamed for help, even have attempted +personal aid. But there was no need of that; for hath our heavenly +Father not said in Isa. 51:17, "No weapon that is formed against thee +shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in +judgment, thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of +the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord"? And in +Psa. 34:7 is this blessed assurance: "The angel of the Lord encampeth +round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Hallelujah! "In +thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion." +Psa. 71:1. + +Before I left B-----, that town had a well-organized law and order +league. The members chose me as their first honorary member. I doubt +whether any of God's stewards had more friends and more enemies at that +one time, in that one locality than did the writer of this. But I loved +all and prayed God to bless their precious souls for Jesus' sake. + +As usual, I was not leaving unaccompanied, so that instead of passing +through San Jose, as I had expected, I chaperoned a young girl to the +home, remaining there over night and reaching Santa Cruz the next +evening. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +SANTA CRUZ--REBA'S LETTER--THE EARTHQUAKE. + + +"The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory: +no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psa. 84: +11. I was now enjoying a few days' sweet rest and fellowship in the +home of my sanctified friends, Sister Bessie Green and her mother. Oh, +how I enjoyed every moment! What a wonderful exchange of experiences +and demonstrations of God's mighty love, power, and wisdom was ours! +and what good times we had going about amongst certain ones in whom she +was interested, visiting the mission, enjoying the lovely ocean-breeze, +etc.! On Sunday, April 16, we went with a large band of consecrated +young people to assist in a meeting of song and gospel cheer for the +inmates of the almshouse and county hospital. + +My visit was destined to be of short duration, for the next day there +came among forwarded mail a letter reading somewhat as follows: + +Dear Mother Roberts: + +I am just as blue if not bluer than the paper I am writing on, and I'll +tell you why, for you know all the circumstances of our recent trouble + +When girls through no real fault of their own get into such an awful +scrape as Millie and I were so unfortunate as to get into, but thank +God, were rescued from, ... what kind of Christians can they, must they +be, who will do their utmost to help still further crush us by talking +all over the town about what happened, and everybody putting their own +construction on what they hear, then giving us the cold shoulder. + +Millie is at home. She's sick from the awful effects of it yet, and I'm +trying to earn an honest living, but it's no use. My so-called friends +won't give me a chance. I've about made up my mind I might as well have +the game as the name, so by the time you receive this, I shall probably +be with Miss---- at her house in C----, for I'm sure she will be kinder +than the folks here. I don't suppose they've meant to harm us, but just +because they love to talk they've settled it for us forever. I forgive +them, but it's no use to try to be good any longer. + +Don't think I forget you or your kindness, and I will always love you +no matter what becomes of me. Gratefully yours, + +Reba ----. + +"Bessie! Bessie! what shall I do? what must I do?" I cried, wringing my +hands and handing her the letter to read. Hurriedly reading it, she +quickly said, "Let us pray." Immediately suiting the action to the +word, she as briefly as possible asked the Lord for speedy help. It +came--an instantaneous impression to telephone to the hotel at S---- +where Reba had been employed. "Keep on, Bessie, keep on praying," I +requested as I arose from my knees and hastened into the next room, +took down the receiver, called for the long-distance operator, asked +for my party, and emphatically declared it to be a matter of life and +death requiring immediate service. Shortly I was talking to the +landlady of the N----- J----- Hotel, who told me that Reba was still +under her roof, but was expecting to leave for San Francisco on the +next train. + +"Please call her to the 'phone," I said, and very soon I heard Reba's +voice. + +"Hello; who wants me?" she said. + +"Mother Roberts, Reba dear," I replied. "Stay where you are. I am +coming on the next train" + +"But I'm going on the next one to San Francisco I can't; my trunk is at +the depot." + +"Reba, you _must_ wait till I come, dear. I've some good news for you." + +"Very well; I'll wait. Fortunately, I haven't bought my ticket yet." + +"Good-by," I gladly said. "Meet me." + +There was barely time to make the next train; but, as usual, the Lord +(bless his dear name forever!) favored me. I reached S----- at 7:30 +P.M. On our way to the Hotel Reba whispered, "Mother Roberts, will you +occupy my room with me tonight? I want to have a long, long talk and +it's the quietest part of the house, up on the third floor." + +After supper we repaired to her neat little room, and following prayer, +soon retired, but not to sleep. Dear Reba, with many tears, +particularized the trying situation, as she lay with my arms about her. +Shortly after midnight she sweetly slept. Not so with me. I heard every +hour and half-hour strike, up to half-past four, on some clock near by. +It seemed very close and warm, attributable, so I thought, to the +smallness of this inside room. + +I must have just fallen asleep when suddenly I was awakened by a +terrible, terrible sensation, accompanied by fearful screams and +crashing of glass and furniture. Reba was thrown out of bed, then back +again, where I locked her fast in my arms, gasping the words, "God +cares! God cares, Reba! 'We shall see him face to face and tell the +story saved by grace,'" for at first I could only believe that the end +of the world had come. This dreadful noise was followed by an awful +stillness in our immediate vicinity, though we could hear, apparently +from outdoors, mingled cries, screams, and groans of fright, distress, +and pain. + +Reba leaped out of bed, instantly grasped her clothing and mine, and +was rushing from the room when I called out: "Come back! Come back and +dress. We've had an earthquake and an awful one, but somehow I feel the +worst of it is over." Never did we more quickly get into our clothing +and step outside. The hallway and rooms were piled with debris. +Plaster, laths, broken pictures, and furniture lay in shapeless +confusion on every hand. We came to the staircase. Part was gone; every +step was likewise covered with the ruins of broken ceiling and wall. +Devastation was everywhere, everywhere. Trusting the Lord, I landed +safely on that tottering staircase, Reba quickly following; and soon we +were with the frightened population out on the streets, gazing, +well-nigh speechless, at the awful ruins which lay on every side. Every +one was wondering, with aching, troubled hearts, concerning their +absent loved ones. How was it faring with them? How far had this +earthquake extended? Could it possibly have been any worse in other +places than in this one? Soon we discovered, as we hurried to the +telegraph and telephone offices, that all communication with the +outside world was absolutely cut off. All sorts of dreadful rumors were +afloat; later many were verified; whilst some proved to have been more +or less exaggerated. + +In the afternoon word reached us that San Francisco was burning. My +dear son, now in the employ of the Gorham Rubber Company was living +there. I wondered if it had reached Haight Street: all I could do was +to pray and wait, wait and pray. Many, I suppose, gave hunger no +thought that day, for anxiety was well-nigh consuming us. The depot was +crowded with people anxious to get aboard the first train that might +arrive, but there was no promise or prospect of one that day. Reba and +I put in our time between the telegraph-office and the depot; so did +hundreds of others. + +That night we had a shake-down at the home of her aunt, whose house had +not been very badly damaged. I had so satisfactory a talk with her that +Reba agreed to remain with her until she could get back to her mountain +home. + +Early the next morning I was again at the depot. About nine o'clock the +agent privately notified me of the prospect of a train from the south +in perhaps an hour, at the same time advising me to "hang around." I +made a quick trip to where Reba was staying, bade her farewell, managed +to purchase a few soda crackers and a piece of cheese (the stores which +had not suffered severely were speedily cleaned out of all provisions), +and returned to the depot to watch and wait. + +At last! at last! praise God, at last! a train, a crowded train +arrived. In a very few minutes, standing room was at a premium. After a +long wait we began to move slowly, but we stopped after going a very +few miles, for the road was practically being rebuilt. This was our +experience the livelong day. In some places we sat by the roadside for +hours, or watched the men rebuilding the track. When we came to one +high trestle, only a few were permitted to cross at a time, it being +not only severed from the main land at either end, but also very shaky. +Here we parted from train No. 1. + +At the other end of this trestle, we waited hours for the coming of a +train from the direction of San Jose. This delay seemed interminable, +for all of us were now out of provisions and in an intense state of +suppressed anxiety and excitement. But finally a train slowly moved +into view, and we all lustily cheered, once, twice, thrice, and again, +as we gladly boarded it. Then we learned somewhat concerning the +terrible destruction in other places all along the line, and also of +the fearful holocaust in San Francisco. + +What, oh! what was the fate of our dear ones there? Ah! dear reader, +people who had never given much thought to God and their Savior were +now imploring mercy and pardon, and making, oh! such promises of future +loyalty and service, if he would but spare their loved ones. Alas! but +few of these promises were kept. These people soon drifted back into +the world and the former error of their ways. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI. + +RELIEF DUTY--SAN FRANCISCO--MISS B___. + + +As this is not a history of the awful calamities of that trying time, +they will be but lightly touched upon. Suffice it to say that when late +that night our train slowly crept along the streets of San Jose and +finally reached the station, the people thronged the streets. They +heartily cheered and welcomed us. Upon learning that an "inquiry +bureau" had been established right there, we soon packed it almost to +suffocation, and oh! bless the Lord! I was one of the few to receive +news. I got three unstamped, torn-out-of-note-book letters from my dear +son, stating that the fire had not reached beyond Van Ness Avenue. He +lived a little beyond. He was anxious for my safety. I at once sent +similar short messages of assurance to the "inquiry bureau" of his +residence district. Then I was passed through the line and taken to +Beth-Adriel (martial law was in force), there to discover all of the +family lodging under the beautiful walnut-trees. The house had suffered +considerable damage, but, praise God! the inmates had escaped personal +injury. + +Relief duty at the depot was my next call. For two days and nights a +large delegation of us remained on perpetual watch; for the refugee +trains, crowded with sick, hungry, homeless, or penniless men, women, +and children, were now arriving, at intervals of from fifteen to thirty +minutes. Statistics show that San Jose, the first large city southwest +of San Francisco, fed, clothed, and sheltered, temporarily, some +permanently, in the neighborhood of thirty-seven thousand refugees. +Moreover, its probation committee of the juvenile court handled the +cases of over fifteen hundred destitute children. Busy times! I should +say so! Only the wonderful power of God sustained us, for it was +break-down work. At the close of the second day I was compelled to +rest. After a good night's sleep I procured a furlough of forty-eight +hours; for two more notes from San Francisco had reached me, and they +described the great suffering, especially because of long waiting +(sometimes all night) in the bread line. + +San Jose generously supplied me with an immense telescope basket filled +to its utmost capacity with canned goods, cooked meats, etc., so that +it required the assistance of two to put it on the train, it was so +heavy. On reaching the outskirts of San Francisco, I was informed that +I could be taken no further than Twenty-fourth and Valencia Streets. +There people seized every available rig, even to garbage wagons, paying +exorbitant prices for conveyance to their points of destination. What +was I now going to do? The eight hundredth block on Haight Street +seemed miles away (I think it was about three and a half), and I had +nobody to help me. Everybody was strictly for self. Bless God! he had +not forsaken me, as I soon found out, when he gave me the strength to +shoulder that stupendous burden. Oh, bless God! Every few steps I +rested. I would rest and pray, go a little farther, and then rest and +pray again. I kept this up until completely exhausted; then I sat on a +broken-down step, minus the house, imploring the kind heavenly Father +to send me help. Did ever he fail his own in the hour of need? Never, +no never. + +Coming over the hill several blocks distant, carefully guiding his +horse through the debris, was a man in a wagon or buggy. Like a +drowning person grasping at a straw, I frantically called and waved my +hands. It took me some time to attract attention, but finally he turned +in my direction. Hallelujah! As he neared me, I noticed the words, +"Spring Valley Water Works," on the sideboard of his wagon. "Madam, can +I assist you?" he inquired. Most certainly he could. And I humbly, +tearfully, and wearily described the situation. To lift that heavy +basket into the vehicle required our united effort. Never did I more +appreciate help. The sun was at its zenith when I started; it was now +setting. God bless that dear young man, whose name I have forgotten! I +hope that he is living and that this book may fall into his hands, so +that he may better than ever realize that our blessed Lord never +forsakes those who truly love and trust him. + +Reader, I leave you to imagine the joyous reunion of mother and son. + +Perfect peace and good will was then temporarily reigning in that +stricken city. Would to God it had continued! but alas! it was but for +a few days. Once more the adversary of the souls of men reigns in its +midst; the liquor devil reigns supreme; whilst the few faithful ones +are still daily crying to the throne of grace, "How long, O Lord, how +long?" + +Before all this occurred and whilst I was in San Francisco one day +seeking aid for Beth-Adriel, I called at the house of a Christian +friend of mine. Presently, in the course of conversation, she informed +me that her niece, who was an employee in one of the large department +stores of San Francisco was at home sick with severe headache, and +asked if I would care to see her. I gladly acquiesced. Then my friend +took me into the next room, where lay the young lady with her head +swathed in a wet towel and evidently suffering keenly. I expressed +sympathy and at once offered to pray for her, to which she replied: + +"I'll be so glad, though I fear I haven't much faith in its efficacy. +Yes, pray for me, for I must get down to the store to report for duty +at one o'clock. I _must_. Sick or not sick, I _must_." + +After prayer I inquired, "Laura, dear, why must you be compelled to be +on duty? Under existing circumstances they will surely make every +allowance." + +Instead of making immediate answer, she asked for her business dress +and presently drew from its pocket a latch-key. + +"Do you see this?" she inquired. + +"Yes," I replied. + +"Yes, but you do not know what it means. Let me tell you. This key is +to be used to unlock the door of the down-town private apartments of +one of our floor-walkers. I've had my place only a few weeks. Auntie is +having a struggle to keep her lodging-house filled so as to meet her +payments on the furniture, rent, etc. I am only getting small wages, +not sufficient to support me, as yet; but if I can manage to qualify in +a large reputable store like --- ---, I shall have no trouble in +commanding a better salary before long--having become so well +acquainted with my position as to then be a necessity." + +"But what has all that to do with your possession of this key?" I +interrogated. + +"Wait, I am coming to that," she replied "About a week ago he (the +floor-walker) said, among other things: 'I observe that you are quite +ambitious. I intend, if you will allow me, to still further your +interests. In order that I may do this, I must have your promise to +respect the confidence I am about to repose in you.' Innocently I +promised. 'First of all,' he went on to say, 'you have doubtless heard +I am a married man and a father.' I had. He has a very delicate wife +and two dear little girls. He then produced the key, _stating why he +wanted my friendship_." + +"Why did you not immediately expose him to the firm?" I indignantly +inquired. + +"Mrs. Roberts," said Laura, "you don't know what you are talking about. +My word would not be taken against his. I do not yet know what door +this key unlocks. I am not to know until I consent to use it whenever +he may request a private interview. Every chance he gets, he wants to +know when I mean to yield. I am, for the sake of business experience, +resorting to all sorts of strategy; then, when I qualify, I can afford +to snap my fingers in the face of this profligate. _You've no idea how +much the honor of business young ladies is menaced, Mrs. Roberts. I'm +not by any means the only one. The trouble is, very few have the +backbone to resist these propositions, which invariably come in one +form or another to the working girls attractive of face or form, or of +both._ They are, with scarcely an exception, poor; from infancy they +have been well dressed, too well in fact; very few are qualified in +domestic art, and those who are would almost rather do anything than be +subjected to such humiliations as some people in social standing +inflict upon their maids--maids who ofttimes both by birth and breeding +are their equals if not superiors. + +"I want to help Auntie. She is so good to me in giving me a home. If I +can only keep up, I shall soon be able to repay her." + +"I'm glad to tell you my head is much better, so that I shall be able +to report for duty. I'll be all right so long as I trust in God and +have people like you and Auntie pray for me." + +I wanted to report this case to the proprietors of that store; but +Laura was so distressed for fear of notoriety, ultimate results, also +the deprivation of a living for that libertine's delicate wife and +children, that I reluctantly desisted. This I know: In answer to many +prayers, both her friends' and her own, she won out; but she never gave +up that key, and to this day she does not know what door it unlocked or +whether some other poor, silly girl received and made use of its +duplicate. + +In visiting among the outcasts, I have learned from the lips of many +that the primary cause of their downfall was the inadequacy of their +wages as saleswomen, stenographers, etc., for their direct necessities; +temptations became too great; the ultimate results were, alas! +inevitable. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII. + +THE HOME REPAIRED--MRS. S---'S EXPERIENCE. + + +Thinking to appeal for the required means to repair our home, I, after +prayerful consideration, journeyed to Portland, Oregon, for our State +was now taxed to its utmost for finances. My sojourn was brief; for, +besides being seized with sudden illness, I learned that a large sum of +money (thirty-five thousand dollars, I think) intended for the erection +of a Florence Crittenton home in their midst had now been generously +donated and sent to the general fund in San Francisco, to be applied to +just such charitable needs as I represented. In consequence, I decided +that, as soon as I was able to travel, I should go back to San +Francisco. Through the interposition of the Y.W.C.A., I was furnished +with free transportation. Upon my return I learned that all available +funds for that purpose had already been bespoken; but God, ever mindful +of his own, had laid it upon the hearts of some people of means, in the +interior, to pay all expenses for repairs, so that before many months +Beth-Adriel was once more in good order. In its interest, many, many +miles were traveled and thousands of people addressed, personally, also +collectively. + +Rarely did any service close but that one person or more had an unusual +case of some unfortunate one, demanding immediate and special interest; +for instance: Mrs. B-----, who personally knew me, approached me one +day in a greatly agitated state of mind and confidentially imparted +some dreadful knowledge concerning her son, aged fourteen, and a girl +schoolmate of his, but a few months younger. Producing some notes, she +permitted their perusal. They were from the girl to the boy, and were +couched in the most licentious, unguarded language imaginable. I was +unutterably shocked. "Mother Roberts," said Mrs. B-----, "I will deal +with my son, but what about the girl who has written these and, as you +read, has met H----- clandestinely? I can not go to her; will you?" The +girl's mother was a lady of means and fashion, a member of one of the +exclusive card-clubs of that town, and an inveterate player. Pearl was +an only child. I admit I felt timid about approaching the mother, +but--It had to be done and done quickly. + +In glancing over the local paper, I had observed that her progressive +whist-club was to be entertained at Mrs. -----'s lovely residence that +afternoon. It was now 11 A.M. I must telephone, for I knew that I +should not be received except by previous appointment. Soon I heard her +voice: + +"What is it, please; what do you wish?" + +"A private interview immediately, of the utmost importance." + +"Impossible. Every moment is engaged until I go out this afternoon." + +"Can not help it. You _must_ grant it. It concerns a member of your +immediate family. It is of _vital import_." + +"Very well; you may come right away, but be brief. I will grant you +only a few minutes." + +"Thank you," and both receivers were hung up. + +In response to my ring the maid ushered me into a lovely +reception-room, where Mrs. S----- soon appeared in a high state of +nervous excitement. + +"You have greatly upset me, Mrs. Roberts," she said. "Kindly be brief. +To your point at once. I have much to do, also must dress before +luncheon, for our card-party at Mrs. -----'s this afternoon." + +"Mrs. S-----, you no doubt will be able to identify Pearl's +handwriting." I replied. + +"Most assuredly," she rejoined. "What of it?" + +"Simply this: In my possession are three notes. They were written by +your daughter to a boy companion in school. The boy's mother lent them +to me. It is my painful duty to show them to you. First of all, permit +me to assure you that this matter is perfectly safe with me," I said. + +"Come into the next room where we can be undisturbed and unobserved," +she requested. Then she rang the bell and said to the maid: + +"I shall not be at home to any one who either 'phones or calls." + +(Here let me say that having once been associated with Mrs. S---- +socially, I was not a stranger.) + +"Mrs. S----, doesn't Pearl sometimes ask permission to go home with a +favorite girl companion, also at times remain with her over night, or +else she with your daughter?" I asked after we had retired to the other +room. + +"Certainly," she answered, "and I may add, I am quite satisfied to have +her do so, _for they can both be implicitly trusted_." + +"Mrs. S----, please read these letters. I beg of you, prepare yourself +for an awful shock...." + +Presently the great beads of perspiration broke out on her forehead and +dripped unheeded into her lap. After reading those notes she made +mincemeat of them, and then lay back in her chair white and speechless. +The silence was painful beyond description. Finally I broke the silence +by saying: + +"Mrs. S----, permit me to assist you to your room, then 'phone Mrs. +---- of your sudden illness, and also send for your daughter to come +home immediately." + +She gladly acquiesced. Before my departure she faintly acknowledged her +realization of neglect of duty and confidence toward the precious soul +entrusted to her keeping, and promised to deal gently with the erring +child. Furthermore, she said that _she had played her last game of +cards_. + +Pearl and her mother became inseparable companions. To this day the +daughter has no idea who informed on her, but this occurrence taught a +never-to-be-forgotten lesson to more than one I hope and pray that the +mothers who read this may profit by the story. + +One with whom I am well acquainted has an only son. She also was a +great lover of cards. When the boy was quite small, this mother in +order to prevent his disturbing her and her friends in their social +game, provided him with a tiny deck of cards. She often smiled approval +at his and his little companion's attempts to imitate their elders. +Time went on. He grew to manhood. Many an anxious evening she now spent +alone; for seldom did he spend one with her, and he always had a +plausible excuse in the morning. + +He was employed by one of the leading firms of the city and stood an +excellent chance of future promotion. One day, however, he came home, +informed her of his discharge, refused to give the reason, but begged +her to go to his employers and plead for his reinstatement. The +grief-stricken mother was soon ushered into the manager's private +office and there very kindly treated; but her pleadings were all in +vain. Her son, she learned, had been discharged for card-playing and +frequenting the pool room. He had been warned twice, but he had failed +to take heed. The firm would make no exceptions. + +On her return he eagerly interrogated her as to the results of the +interview. + +"When?" she asked, "when did you ever learn to play cards and pool?" + +"Why, Mother, don't you remember?" he answered. "_You taught me +yourself when I was a little shaver._" + +"No, dear, not a real game," she sobbed. + +"No matter if you didn't," he rejoined. "It didn't take me long to +become fascinated and learn how from older boys and girls. Then, when +it comes to playing, I hate to remind you, Mother, but I can not +remember the time when you didn't play. I've seen you, time and again, +work harder to earn a dinky vase or prize than at anything else under +the sun. You can buy them anywhere for fifty cents or thereabouts, and +without such hard work as I've seen you put in for a whole evening. +_You can blame yourself, and you ought to, more than you blame me._" + +Then he flung himself out of the room and went up-stairs to bed. + +The next evening he returned from an unsuccessful day's tramp. His +chances for further employment in that city were anything but +encouraging. That evening as they sat by the fireside, Will's mother +said: + +"I've been thinking very, very seriously during your absence today, my +dear. I've made a resolution, but with this proviso: if I never touch +another card, will you promise me never to play again?" + +"Mother, I should like to, but I'm afraid to make such a promise," he +replied. "You don't know what a hold it has on me. But I will try, I +surely will." + +Will's mother worked hard to substitute other pastimes and to make his +home life as interesting as she knew how. She gathered musical friends +about her, encouraged him to cultivate his voice, and worked herself +almost to a shadow in order to wean him from the hurtful habit for +which she knew she was directly responsible. She succeeded, bless God! +she succeeded. Later he married a very sweet young lady, and God +blessed their union with three children. It is safe to say that, +because of his experience, card-playing will never be tolerated in that +happy little family, and my earnest prayer as I relate this is that my +reader, if a card-player, may consider this: "If meat [card-playing] +make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh [no more play cards] +while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." I Cor. +8:13. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. + +THE ANNUAL BOARD MEETING-RESULTS. + + +I have mentioned the fact that the nature of the work of Beth-Adriel +had so changed that many applicants were, for certain reasons, debarred +from the home. One day whilst I was calling upon one of the board +members my soul was greatly grieved; for a girl who came and appealed +for admission was refused--kindly but firmly refused, on the grounds +that her physical condition would be detrimental to the welfare of the +many mothers and babes with whom Beth-Adriel was now well filled; _and +yet it had never been incorporated for a maternity home_. + +What was I to do? God knew how hard I had Worked. The property was now +more than half paid for. What was I to do? + +As the holidays, which always caused a temporary cessation in +fund-raising, were approaching, I busied myself in making little gifts +for each member of the family. Whilst so doing I prayed unceasingly to +know the mind of God's Spirit and to be definitely led of him. + +Can I ever forget that first prayer-meeting of the new year, 1907? It +being a wet night, there was nobody present besides the members of the +family, the matron, and her husband, except Brother Norton, his son, +and I. We had had the usual songs, prayers, and Scripture-reading, and +we were now testifying. I had testified, as also had most of the +family, when one of the young mothers suddenly said: + +"Mrs. Roberts, I've something to ask you. When you persuaded me to come +to this place, didn't you tell me I need give only my first name?" + +"I did, Amelia," I answered. + +"Didn't you say that no questions that might embarrass me would be +asked?" + +"I certainly did." + +"Didn't you say no girl had to sign any papers here, and that if she +had no money, the home was free to her?" + +"Most assuredly." + +"Then--you--lied." + +Reader, that poor girl dealt me a blow that I can not say I have yet +fully recovered from. Then I knew that modern Tobiah and Sanballat and +Geshem (Neh. 2:9) had interfered and intercepted the building of God's +work. I felt brokenhearted and could not be comforted. That night I +spent in tears, nor could I pray as I desired to pray. The next evening +as I was kneeling by my bedside, worn out with sorrow, I chanced to +look up, and I found my gaze riveted on a little wall-motto containing +these precious words: "_Rest in the Lord._" + +(It hangs here on my wall as I now write. It is a priceless +possession.) Instantly I said, "I thank thee, O my Lord, I thank thee, +for reassurance." Somewhat comforted, I then wrote the following +verses: + + I was kneeling in prayer by my bedside, + Beseeching a comforting word, + When I opened my eyes on this motto, + Simply telling me, "Rest in the Lord." + + It hangs where I ofttimes can see it, + This message direct from our God. + As I ponder, my load seems to lighten, + I'm resolving to rest in my Lord. + + For, oh! I was troubled and weary, + And dark seemed the road that I trod; + Of this I was telling my Savior, + When he showed me, "Rest thou in the Lord" + + I wonder why I should forget this + And weight myself down with a load; + Why don't I depend more on Jesus, + Who loves me, and rest in my Lord? + + I'm persuaded this message from heaven, + Direct from his throne, will afford + Perfect peace under trying conditions + To all who will "rest in the Lord." + + For, oh! if his yoke is upon us, + Our strength is renewed and restored; + And the burdens, so heavy, are lightened + If we only will "rest in the Lord." + + I thank thee, dear heavenly Father, + When I prayed for thy comforting word, + For directing my eyes to that motto + 'Tis enough. I will rest in my Lord + +Beth-Adriel cottage, 9:30 P.M., January 4, 1907. + +It was enough. I was comforted, and I was determined, like Paul of old, +that 'none of these things should move me.' + +The annual meeting of the board for the election of officers for the +ensuing year was about to take place. Before the board convened, I +asked God for a test, promising him to abide by it even though he +required me to give up this hard-earned home if necessary; then I +quietly "rested in my Lord." + +The day arrived. The rain poured in torrents all morning. I besought +the Lord for a clear afternoon and also for the presence of every +member. He answered my prayer. When it came to the reelection of +officers, my election was _not unanimous_. As the test I had besought +was that if the Master intended I should continue with them, he should +cause my reelection to be unanimous, I read my resignation. Thus ended +the annual board meeting of 1907. (My resignation was never legally +accepted.) + +With scarcely an exception, "they all forsook me and fled" (Mark +14:50). I walked out of Beth-Adriel unattended--one of the loneliest +beings on earth, yet in the "secret of His presence." This created +considerable newspaper notoriety; but though my resignation had cost me +all, my conscience was "void of offense toward God" (Acts 24:16). + +Soon I busied myself looking for other quarters. Even they were +providential; for a friend met me in the post-office and proffered me +her beautiful studio, then in disuse, for a merely nominal rent. There +I rested and wrote for three months, intending that the proceeds of the +book entitled "The Autobiography of an Autoharp" should start another +home. But God willed otherwise, as you will presently learn. + +Was the rescue work that I so dearly loved, at a standstill? Oh, no +indeed. Not for one day was I idle; neither was Beth-Adriel. The name +"Beth-Adriel" was soon dropped, and the place became one of the chain +of Florence Crittenton homes. I have often sent there poor unfortunates +that needed a refuge of that nature. + +It was marvelous, the strength and the courage that the blessed Lord +gave me during those trying days, even to the turning of my other cheek +(Matt. 5:39). + +Soon I received unanimous reendorsement and much encouragement from the +pastors' union and other sources; but I was advised to try for a +training-school and home for orphans at the limit age (fourteen) and +also for juvenile court dependents and delinquents. As is my custom, I +inquired of the Lord. I received so strong an impression regarding "an +ounce of prevention," etc, that I said, "Yea, Lord, it is worth one +hundred thousand pounds of cure." In a short time beautiful and +practical plans were drawn up and presented to me by one of San Jose's +best architects, Wesley W. Hastings. Before this took place, however, +several very striking incidents occurred, in a few of which, I feel +sure, you will be interested. One was a case of casting bread upon the +waters and finding of it after many days (Eccl. 11:1). + +Since my coming to San Jose it had been my habit to attend frequently +the mission then situated on Fountain Alley. One night a poor, forlorn +drunken man came to the altar and "got salvation." After rising from +his knees, he said, "Lady, will you trust me with a quarter? I want to +get a bath and bed and breakfast with it." + +"You can not get all three for a quarter," I replied. + +"Oh yes, I can," he said. "Down at the Salvation Army lodging-house for +men." + +One of the workers whispered, "Don't do it He'll only spend it for +liquor." + +He evidently surmised what the worker told me, for he quickly said: + +"Don't be afraid to trust me. I promise you you shall never regret it." + +I gave him what he had requested, and, in consequence, received rebukes +from several of the other workers. + +The next night he came in looking fairly neat, but surely clean. At the +close of the meeting he returned the money, remarking that he had +earned fifty cents that day mowing lawns and chopping wood. He +continued to frequent the mission, a changed man. After moving to the +studio I lost sight of him almost entirely, but often wondered what had +become of him. + +There came a time toward the close of my sojourn in San Jose when I was +financially down to bedrock. Money and provisions were all gone. My +rent, to be sure, was paid up to the first of the month (three weeks +hence), but my cupboard was bare. A friend partook with me of my last +meal. Little did she realize it, or she would never have stayed at my +invitation. _I told only my heavenly Father._ After supper I went home +with her, about three blocks distant. It was a beautiful moonlight +night, and as I came up the garden walk on my return, I noticed a +good-sized box resting on my steps, but simply thought the children +must have been playing there and had failed to take it away after they +had finished. I attempted to thrust it to one side, but discovered that +it was too heavy. Looking more closely, I could read my name on a card. +With considerable effort I lifted it into the room, pried off a portion +of the cover, and was soon reading a note which said: + +Dear Friend: + +Please accept a slight token of appreciation from one who is + +Your true friend. + +From whom did this come? The crude handwriting was not at all familiar. +I wondered, but in vain. Then I lifted up the paper cover. The box was +filled with groceries. Not even butter and bread had been forgotten; +also there were some fruit and vegetables. I fell on my knees, the +tears falling fast as I humbly thanked God and prayed him to bless the +donor. I had told no one. Who could have sent it? Inquiry the next day +of several groceries failed to throw any light on the matter. I had to +give it up, but oh, how I appreciated and enjoyed the contents of that +box, which lasted me until my time at the studio expired. + +I stored my few effects with a friendly furniture man. Whilst walking +down Santa Clara Street near Market, I came face to face with Brother +Louis, the converted drunkard. He certainly was looking his best. As he +greeted me, he said: + +"Mother Roberts, I was on my way to call on you." + +"I've moved this very day, Brother," I replied, "but I'm so glad I met +you. Where have you been?" + +He had been working out of town. To honor God and also to help +strengthen his faith, I related His care for me through all the trying +times. I spoke about my being out of provisions and then finding them +on my doorsteps, adding: + +"To this day I haven't found out who sent them." + +The expression that came over his countenance instantly betrayed him. + +"Brother Louis," I said, "you sent that box." + +"No, Mother Roberts, I didn't," he replied; "I brought it, and I'll +tell you why. I read in the paper that when you quit Beth-Adriel you +only had sixty dollars of your own. I calculated that couldn't last +very long. I knew you wouldn't take money, and I wanted to express my +gratitude in some way; so I decided groceries would not come amiss to +one who was doing light housekeeping. I didn't knock on your door, +because I thought you were in and what a surprise it would be when you +opened it in the morning. I hope you aren't offended at what I did" + +"Brother Louis, don't you realize that God used you to answer my +prayer?" I rejoined. "He knew my needs, and laid it on your heart to +supply them." + +I do not know where he now is, but I earnestly pray that God may bless +and prosper this kind-hearted man and finally receive him into glory. + +Still farther down the street, near Second, I suddenly thought I heard +some one calling my name. Again it was called, and I turned to find a +Mr. Parkhurst, an old gentleman, endeavoring to overtake me. He wished +to let me know that his wife, one of my valued friends, was very ill, +and to inquire if I knew of any one who could come to their home and +care for her a few days, at least until she was somewhat recovered. +Instantly I felt that God was providing a temporary shelter for me; +therefore I unhesitatingly replied: + +"I myself will go, Mr. Parkhurst." + +"What you! But are you not too busy?" he asked. + +"Not just at present," I answered. "Besides, I gave up my studio this +very day and therefore am quite free to go." + +Their appreciation was such that a few days later I was invited to make +this lovely home mine, or at least headquarters, which very kind offer +was, in the name of our wonderful Provider, gratefully accepted. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX. + +A TRIP EAST--I ESCAPE FROM A CONFIDENCE WOMAN. + + +After I had enjoyed the freedom of the Parkhurst home for a few months +I learned through friends that a young lady whom I had befriended at +the time of the earthquake and who had become temporarily deranged was +about to be sent to the East. The supervisors inquired whether it would +suit my convenience to take the trip, and said if so they would defray +expenses from and to California in order to have her safely chaperoned. +I gladly consented; for, praise God! this would give me opportunity to +pay a brief visit to my son and his bride, now making their home in +Allegheny, Pa. + +Following her safe arrival, I was on the way to Cincinnati in less than +twenty-four hours. Thence I was to take train early the next morning. +Having several hours to dispose of after securing a room in a hotel +close to the station, I decided to see as many points of interest as +possible in this fine city. Accordingly I was thus delightfully +occupied until about four o'clock, when I heard some one speak of the +Zoo. Upon inquiry I learned of the wonderful gardens so called. Soon, +following directions, I boarded a car at Fountain Square, which +conveyed me up a very steep incline. Returning in the neighborhood of +six o'clock, I followed the example of several persons, who on the +incline stepped out of the car on to the platform in order to enjoy the +magnificent view. + +A white-haired, elderly lady who had sat opposite to me on the return +trip, now pleasantly remarked: + +"Cincinnati is well worth a visit, is it not?" + +Upon my replying in the affirmative, she rejoined: + +"Doubtless you are a stranger. May I inquire from whence you come?" + +"From California," I answered. + +She clasped her hands together and exclaimed ecstatically: + +"Dear, dear California! How happy I am to meet some one from there! +Some of my most delightful, very happiest days were spent there." + +We were now once more in the car and at the foot of the incline. + +Presently she continued, "Are you going to remain for some time here? +If so, I shall be delighted to contribute to your pleasure." + +I then informed her of my prospective visit to my son and his wife. + +Her next question was, "Pardon me, but have you any dinner engagement? +If not, dine with me at ----'s restaurant, unless you have choice in +the matter, in which case I gladly defer in your favor." + +She had handed me her card, and of course common courtesy required that +I reciprocate. + +At the table I quietly (though not by request) returned thanks, and +then followed this up with the message that the Master had, in answer +to silent prayer, laid on my heart. + +Her patronizing smile was rather disconcerting as she responded: + +'My dear, I am much older and have had much more real experience than +you. I've come in touch with every phase of humanity, and have at last +reached the place where I have decided to get all I can out of +life--all the fun, all the pleasure possible. _I once thought and felt +as you do_. You'll get over it when you have had a few hard knocks to +contend with. Take my advice. Enjoy yourself every day and hour, and as +much as you can." + +"I do," was my reply. "I would not exchange the experience of the past +decade for all the former years of worldly dissipation and pleasure put +together. They have all been unsatisfactory. This is quite the +opposite, and, better still, it is the enjoyment of indescribable peace +and delight. You are not going to be much longer in this world. Mrs. +R----, I beg of you to seek the Lord whilst he may still be found. It +is not too late, but soon, yes, very soon it may be. Then where will +you spend eternity?" + +Her lips curled with a sinister, contemptuous sneer. Nevertheless she +managed to smile as she resorted to repartee. + +"You must come with me this evening," she said. "I intend to take +possession of you for an hour or two, and give you a good time." + +"You will please excuse me from anything of the kind," was my quick +reply. "I have long ceased to enjoy worldly amusements." + +Just then the waitress came with the cheque. + +"One or two?" she inquired. + +"Two," promptly replied Mrs. R---- + +I politely wished her good evening as we stood at the desk, and was +quickly walking away when she called after me. + +"Wait a minute," she said, and took a firm hold of my arm and sleeve, +so that it was impossible to free myself without attracting attention. +We were now on the street. As she walked beside me, she said: + +"You may not think so, but I intend to do you a favor. People in your +line of work are never blest with overmuch of this world's goods, +especially money. I'm going to take you with me across the bridge [into +Kentucky] to the house of one of my friends and win a stake for you. +You needn't touch a card unless you want to. Now don't be afraid to +trust me, because----" + +Before she had hardly finished speaking, I suddenly tore away from her +grasp, ran down the block to the corner, and boarded a passing car, not +caring where it took me, so anxious was I to get away from this female +gambler, this confidence woman. + +Why did I not have her arrested? First, because I had already purchased +my ticket for my journey to Pittsburg, and secondly, because her +private conversation with me would not have warranted me in so doing. +Moreover, I knew that the all-seeing eye of God was taking cognizance +of her actions as well as of mine. He protected me, and you may rest +assured that she and her kind will not go unpunished. + +Why have I told you this? In order to show that it is not only the +young girls and youth who are in danger, but also the more mature, even +the rescue missionary. It therefore behooves us to be constantly in an +attitude of watchfulness and prayer, for Satan goes about in all manner +of garbs seeking whom he may devour. Nothing could better please him +than to overpower or side-track one of the children of God, more +particularly a missionary. + +I took a long round-trip ride on that car, my heart overflowing with +gratitude to the heavenly Father for having made the way of escape (1 +Cor. 10:13). It was after nine o'clock before I reached my hotel. I +wondered, as I retired, who would be the next to be victimized by that +runner for a private gambling-house. I fell asleep with earnest prayer +for the deliverance of whosoever it might chance to be, and for God to +deal speedily with all such agents of the evil one. + + + + +CHAPTER XL. + +MY HOMEWARD JOURNEY--LAND FOR THE TRAINING SCHOOL AND HOME. + + +After a delightful five days' visit with my son and his bride I was +soon back in California, both ready and eager to transact business for +the Master's kingdom. + +Anybody who has traveled on a tourist car can readily understand that, +even though one may not be prying or curious, one is apt to learn more +or less of its other occupants, particularly those in the adjoining +sections; and be the porter ever so watchful, he can not cope with +every suspicious situation. + +Being a rescue missionary, I particularly yet secretly kept a watchful +eye over a girl just graduated with honors from a school in the old +country and now about to join some relatives at a point near San +Francisco; for she was fast succumbing to the influence of a woman with +whom some of the opposite sex seemed very familiar, considering the +fact that the latter was as much a stranger to them (when first we +started out) as she was to me. Besides, the pretty young graduate +evidently was a very guileless, convent-raised girl. Matters assumed +such a condition at the close of the third day of our journey that I +felt it incumbent upon me to invite the latter into my section for the +sake of some friendly advice. She appeared to take it all in good part +and promised to act upon it. Had she done so, I should not now be +relating that before the end of the next twenty-four hours I was +subjected to most unkind, uncalled-for criticism from nearly all the +occupants of that car, mostly young people. The schoolgirl was foolish +enough to betray every word of our conversation to the older woman, +whose actions that same night were such that the porter had to +interfere. Notwithstanding the unkind treatment accorded me, I still +continued privately to chaperon the girl until she reached her +destination where she was, thank God, welcomed at the depot by her +relatives. + +That porter told me that he had constantly to be on the lookout for +questionable characters of both sexes, who made it their business to +travel back and forth continuously in search of victims to rob or aid +them in plying their nefarious trades, but that some acted so +sanctimoniously, as in this case, that they were rather hard to detect. +I have no doubt that this adventuress obtained the young girl's +address, so that the acquaintance could, a little later on, be renewed +in order that some of this woman's accomplices, if not herself, could +secure this another victim for the white slave traffic. + +Moral: Parents and guardians, secure reliable chaperons for your young +people to travel with, or else keep them at home pending such times as +they can be accompanied by you or trusted friends. + +A letter from a wealthy pioneer with whom I had had several interviews +respecting land for a training school and home now sent me word that he +had decided to donate six acres for that purpose, provided I should +secure pledges to the amount of thirty thousand dollars for building +purposes. The undertaking looked stupendous; nevertheless, what was to +hinder if this were the plan of God? + +At his invitation, I shortly went to inspect the land, then in grain. +The tract was hardly as much as was requisite for horticultural +purposes and a large home, but the situation was charming; so, without +consulting any one as to the nature of the soil, I promised to do my +utmost to earn a quit title to the land. I worked indefatigably for +several months before being able to secure a promissory deed, but +finally, after much effort and persuasion, I succeeded in obtaining the +latter. Then I worked harder than ever. Two years were spent in this +wise. Everything pointed to ultimate success. A board of representative +business men was secured in order to meet legal requirements. By faith +I now saw the beautiful, practical home for delinquent and dependent +children looming up in the very near future. + +One day whilst on my way southward I was telling an acquaintance of my +hopes and also showing her the plans. Presently a gentleman sitting +immediately back of us thus addressed me: + +"Pardon me, madam, but I can not refrain from hearing part of your +conversation, also seeing your plans." (With that he handed me his +card.) "For over twenty-two years I was a resident of the place where +you propose to build that home," he continued, "and I know every foot +of its soil. Would it be asking too much of you to inquire just where +those six acres are located?" + +Upon his receiving the desired information, he said: + +"I am very sorry to hear it. I regret to have to inform you that it is +absolutely useless for horticultural purposes. It is worked out, having +been in grain for at least forty years; besides, it is gravelly soil +with clay bottom. I do not ask you to take my word for this. Inquire of +---- ----- or any of the reputable business men. It is too bad that you +should have had so much work for nothing." + +Reader, endeavor if you can, to put yourself in my place at this +moment. Through undescribable toil I had procured nearly ten thousand +dollars in pledges, though, thank God, I had collected no money. So +this distressing information almost stunned me. Thanking the gentleman, +I promised, at his earnest solicitation, to satisfy myself beyond a +doubt. + +What he said was all too true. For a few days the effects of the +confirmation of this stranger's statements almost prostrated me. I +humbly thank God, however, that this experience was the means of His +getting me into a place where He could have a chance to talk to me. He +told me that zeal for His house had well-nigh eaten me up and that what +was lacking was a need of more watchfulness and prayer on my part. +Also, he assured me that notwithstanding another crushing +disappointment, the home would be built, but not in the manner +anticipated; that the silver and gold, "the cattle on a thousand +hills," everything, everywhere was His. The wound eventually began to +heal. + +During this trying time, whilst I was one day conferring with +Lieutenant-Governor Porter, a lady came into his office, to whom he +immediately introduced me. Acknowledging the introduction with a very +warm handshake and a sweet smile, Mrs. Tallman Chittenden, of +Chittenden, Santa Cruz County, said: "Mrs. Roberts, for a long time I +have heard or read of you. I so much desire to know you. Can you not +return to my home with me today? My husband will be as pleased as I to +have you for our guest." (They owned one of the most beautiful, +picturesque estates in Santa Cruz County. The Southern Pacific passes +through their magnificently cultivated grounds) Expressing my regrets, +owing to having an urgent call from the probation officer of the +juvenile court of Santa Cruz City, I promised to visit them on the +return trip--a promise that I carried out on the following evening. +Soon I was made to realize that God was adding two more to the list of +true and tried friends; for after learning the nature of my recent +disappointment and that I did not now have any settled abiding-place, +Mr. and Mrs. Parkhurst having removed to Washington, they cordially +invited me to consider their lovely home mine also indefinitely. + +This kindness overwhelmed me with gratitude. Rest at last, real rest +for the body as well as for the soul; but it was not for long. The +calls accumulated thick and fast, and again I had to be up and doing. +But even to this day (unless the place, which is for sale, has passed +into other hands) I am at liberty any hour of the day or night to avail +myself of the freedom and the home comforts of lovely Chittenden, where +a most cordial greeting has ever been mine from the generous hostess +and her friendly husband. Thus God is ever providing his chosen ones +with what he has promised; for has not he said in Psa. 84:11, "The Lord +is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing +will be withhold from them that walk uprightly"? He always knows best. +He never closes one door but that he opens a better one. It pays to +stand still, to be true to him. + +[Illustration: THE CHUTIMIN HOTEL.] + + + + +CHAPTER XLI. + +CALL ON THE GOVERNOR AND THEN GO SOUTH. + + +Acting upon the suggestion of several sympathetic, interested friends, +who realized, with me, the great necessity for "the ounce of prevention +home and school" for many of the rising generation, I took a special +trip to Sacramento in order to submit specifications and plans to +Governor Gillett, then in office. + +This was not our first meeting; therefore I was by no means a stranger +to the Governor, who very kindly and cordially received me. Almost his +first words were, "Time being at a premium with me, tell me what I can +do for you." In as few words as possible the story of effort and +apparent though not total failure was being poured into his attentive +ears. Presently, to my great joy, he replied: + +"Mrs. Roberts, this has been a pet project of mine for many, many +years. All I have lacked was the time, means, and assistants to carry +it into execution. Let me tell you something for your encouragement: +right now I am considering certain offers of land for just such a +purpose. No paltry six acres for it either, but three hundred or more. +I hope soon to see this vitally important and absolutely necessary plan +receive the approbation of our next legislative session, and an +appropriation made for the purchase of a large tract of land, together +with necessary and suitable buildings. I know you have been working +very hard. Do not nurse disappointment any longer; instead join me +feeling assured of the future welfare and maintenance of the delinquent +and dependent children of our State." + +Much more did he encourage me, but the above was the sum and substance. +Lighter hearted than I had felt for many days, I now took more interest +than ever in the rescue work. In response to a call I hurried to +southern California, where, with others, I engaged in the Master's +service in seeking and warning the lost, working from San Diego on up +the coast. + +Perhaps it would be advisable at this time to quote from the report +made in the San Diego Sun of July 14, 1908. + +LOW DANCE-HALLS, CURSE OF THE CITY. + +Mrs. Florence Roberts, known throughout the State as "Mother Roberts," +who has been in this city for two weeks in the interests of fallen +humanity has visited the red light district of this city. One +conclusion that she draws is this: "The dance-hall is an abomination +that must go. It is more degrading than any other form of dissipation. +The future of the State is being ruined. The young--men are being +degraded past redemption; the young women, especially working girls, +are in danger." + +[Illustration: HYMN "SOME MOTHER'S WANDERING GIRL"] + +Discussing her observations with a "Sun" reporter, Mrs. Roberts said: +"I visited at least a dozen of the saloon dance-halls. The private +houses would not admit me, not knowing who I was; but the saloons are +of course public. + +"As far as I can see, the traffic is not organized as it is in most +places. Each saloon seems an individual institution. + +"We went into place after place, dirty and squalid, most of them, and +all very unattractive. The 'glittering place of vice' was not to be +found; merely the girls, the low dance-music, and the catering to every +bestial passion. + +MEN ASHAMED. + +"Many of the men were young. Almost all were well dressed and +respectable looking, and, thank God, many of them were ashamed when we +came in, and pulled their hats down over their eyes. We saw, not only +the common sailors, but the officers, the men who command the great +ships, who plan and direct the battles of the world, parading their +gold braid in these dens of vice, in the company of the lowest. + +"The indecent postures, the short-skirted, low-necked dresses, the +sensual dancing, and the frequent trips to the places behind the +saloons, were nauseating and repulsive. But the heart-sorrow, the +sometimes unconscious longing for something higher and better, showing +through the paint and powder, the hard, sinister lines, the brazen, +defiant eyes, touched my heart with the awful sorrow of it all, and I +would give all I possess to be able to touch them and to help them. + +"I said to one poor girl, 'Do you enjoy this life?' + +"'Not on your life, lady,' she replied. 'We drift into it, and we can't +see the way out.' + +"Many are totally resigned to the life. One girl said to me +indifferently, 'I don't expect ever to live any other life. I'm used to +it, and it's good enough now.' + +FORCED TO LEAVE. + +"In one place the barkeeper allowed me to sing to the girls, but just +in the middle of my song, the proprietor came in and said something in +a gruff voice to the barkeeper. The latter came over to me and +apologetically said, 'Say, lady, the boss is giving me h---- for +allowing this. I guess you'll have to quit.' + +"Two of the girls were deeply touched by what I said to them. I spoke +of the wrong influence of some kind of home life. + +"'You're right, lady. That's so. It was that way with me. I was started +wrong, and everybody helped to grease the hill I was sliding down, and +I soon reached the bottom.' + +"The girls are decoyed by some man friend, who has so compromised the +girl that she feels she is being shunned, to the house of a 'kind woman +who will protect her.' She is ruined. She begins smoking and drinking +and soon unless she takes great care of herself, she is sent from a +first-class house to a second class, then a third class, then lower and +lower, until she ends in some vile dance-hall, compared to which the +orthodox hell is a paradise. Five years altogether Is the average life +in this business. + +NO-SCREEN LAW. + +"One thing I found here that I have found nowhere else, and that is the +rigid enforcement of the no-screen law. Everything was open. I shall +speak of it in other places. And then the law forbidding the sale of +spirituous liquors means so much to the girls, the poor, poor girls, +who are so bitter against the whole world, and who are suspicious of +every woman. + +"A barkeeper asked me, lady, what are you doing in a place like this?' + +"'I am here to do some good if I can. I am a mother.' + +"'Well,' he replied, 'this is no place for decent people.' + +"Just then a rough-looking customer spoke up, 'Don't you leave because +he wants you to. Do all the good you can' + +"I am afraid some of the girls thought I was there out of mere vulgar +curiosity. No, indeed. I have seen the worst places in the State, I have +visited the girls, talked with them, eaten with them, and praise God, +have helped some of them to do better." + +CHRISTIANITY + +Mrs. Roberts has no use for so-called Christianity that forgets the +virtue named charity. She tells a story of a young girl who was won +from the tenderloin by a Salvation Army lassie.... [Here follows the +story of Dollie, found between these pages.] + +WORST RESORTS + +"As I said before," continued Mrs. Roberts, "we visited all the houses, +but were not admitted to all. They are very superstitious, and to admit +visitors on Monday would 'hoodoo' the business for the rest of the +week. None of the houses were attractive. We learned the name of only +one, which, the girls tell me, is the worst in the whole district. + +"There is one place, though, that I must mention. It is most attractive +with lights, mirrors, and music. But I assure you it is the first step +of its kind downward. [A first-class saloon.] + +"This place has a most appropriate electric sign, a winding, twisting +snake. 'There is one thing more I must tell you,' I said to a young, +attractive-looking boy, 'What attracts you here?' + +"'For the life of me I can't tell you, except that there's no other +place where we fellows can enjoy ourselves.' + +"What an opportunity for an immense, well-equipped reading-room, where +the boys can have games, books, and all sorts of harmless amusements." + +Mrs. Roberts will be here for some little time, and she expects to +speak several times before she leaves. She spoke at the Central +Christian church yesterday to a large audience. + +Among other things at this meeting I mentioned this incident: + +In one of the Northern towns, the chief of police, knowing I was in the +town, sent for me to confer with him on a case of "strictest privacy." +Wondering what was the matter, I hastened, and soon was hearing this: + +"In one of the houses on ---- Street, I have just learned from one of +my men, who was told by a near-by saloon-keeper, of a young girl inmate +who has been constantly in tears for the past two weeks, a new-comer +aged about sixteen. I want some one to get her away from there. My +political situation is such at the present time that it will never do +for me to figure in this matter; at the same time I am aware if you are +conspicuous in it, those doors will be closed upon you, and that will +be unwise, seeing these landladies are more or less kindly disposed +toward you. + +"I understand this girl is from San Francisco, where she has a mother, +who ought to be notified and the daughter at once sent home to her; but +I'm in a quandary how to proceed so as not to incur ill-feeling with +the politicians of that neighborhood. [He was a candidate for +reelection.] What would you suggest?" + +Quickly I replied: "If that landlady does not know your voice, 'phone, +asking if she has any new girls at present? Then ask her to send the +new one to the 'phone. If she does so, have a talk with the girl of a +nature calculated to lead the landlady to infer you are friendly, and +as soon as it is safe to do so, tell her, the new girl, that she is to +come out presently as though to go to a restaurant for breakfast, that +friends are going to rescue her from her awful predicament, but that +she must be very cautious for fear of creating suspicion. Tell her to +look on the corner of Fourth and L---- Streets for a lady wearing a +small black bonnet trimmed with white and to follow her into the +building where she sees her disappear. Tell her to act as though she +were making arrangements for an evening engagement." + +In less than half an hour that poor child was closeted with the chief +and me in his private office. Soon, after reassuring her, he left us +alone in order that I could freely interrogate, and this, after many +tears, was the sum and substance of what she told: + +"I've a very comfortable home, a dear mama and two little brothers. +Perhaps I have a stepfather now, for mama was intending to marry again. +He's a chef in ---- Hotel." + +"Is your papa long dead, dear?" I inquired. + +"Papa isn't dead. Mama got a divorce from him a little while ago. He +wouldn't support us ---- and ----." + +"Has your mama known this chef very long?" I asked. + +"Oh, yes, quite a while. I never saw much of him though, 'cause Mama +would rather I wasn't around when he called; so she often used to let +me go to the nickelodeon or the dance with some of the girls I know, +when she expected him to spend the evening." + +"How did it happen you came here, my child?" was the next question. + +"It was this way. I got acquainted with a fine-looking young lady, a +swell dresser, too, at ----Hall. We took a 'shine' to each other on +sight, and I asked her to call on me, 'cause I wanted Mama to meet her. +Mama liked her, too. She told us she lived with her aunt, Miss Clark, +on Post Street, who was quite nicely fixed. Said she must take me to +see her soon. + +"Well, we met often after that, _and Mama was pleased because I now had +a companion old enough to take good care of me._ One day when I went +home with Tessie, to take tea, her aunt said to her, 'I've just +received a letter from Louise, and she wants to know when you are +coming to make her a visit.' Tessie said, 'Oh, I'd like to go next +week. Mamie, I wonder if you couldn't come, too? Louise is my cousin; +she's well off, and will give us a good time. You ask your mama and +I'll write Louise.' Mama was willing. Tessie's aunt soon got another +letter saying Cousin Louise would be pleased to have me come, so we +made arrangements. I was to meet Tessie at the boat Monday morning at +ten o'clock. Mama wasn't very well, so I went down alone on the car +with my suitcase. We'd bought our tickets Saturday, and for fear of +accidents Tessie gave me mine for safekeeping. + +[Illustration: SOME MOTHER'S WANDERING GIRL.] + +"I went on board the boat and waited and waited, but up to the last +minute Tessie didn't come, but a messenger boy did--with a note saying +her aunt was sick, but for me to go and she'd come on the next boat. +Louise would be dressed--and described how I would know her, for she +was to meet us. Tessie never came, neither did her cousin. This woman +I'm with is named Louise, but she says she doesn't know Tessie. I don't +know what to make of it, do you?" + +Then she told me exactly what kind of life she had been forced to lead +for over two weeks, and that when she first came the landlady dictated +a letter which she (Mamie) wrote to her mother. + +"As big a lie as ever was told," said Mamie; "but I had to do as Miss +Louise said, and she mailed it. I haven't written Mama since, 'cause I +didn't want to spoil her pleasure. Guess she's safely married now, +'cause she expected to be." + +"My dear child," I said, "will you give me your San Francisco address, +your mother's name and initials? You are going home on the next +steamer. I am going to have her meet you at the wharf. I know the +stewardess, who is a good woman. She will not let you out of her sight +until she hands you over to your mother." + +Poor, frail, pretty, little, sixteen-year-old Mamie wept with joy. The +next morning, long before it was time to sail, she was safely hidden +away on board the steamer. The mother, in response to the telegram, was +on hand when the ship reached the San Francisco wharf, and unless she +is different from other women of that caliber, she can not, I think, +ever forget that registered letter, in which some good wholesome advice +was given and such motherhood as she represented was so scathingly +denounced as to upset her honeymoon. Furthermore, I did not hesitate to +inform her that her little daughter was both physically and morally +ruined and that God would hold her (the mother) and her alone +responsible. Was that all? No. The right persons were put on the track +of Tessie and her aunt. Unfortunately, however, they were never, on +account of some technicality, made to suffer, aside from having to take +their immediate departure. However, the just God is taking cognizance +of all these things. Nothing escapes him. "Vengeance is mine; I will +repay, saith the Lord." + +Dear reader, I generally leave my audience with a heavy load on my +heart. Why? Because, as other public workers and speakers, I find few, +very few, comparatively speaking, who heed the warnings which +observation and practical experience have prompted me to give out. Once +as I was walking out of a church, two ladies directly behind me were +conversing on the address just finished. One said to the other, +"Weren't you immensely interested in those dreadful word-pictures from +real life?" "Yes," replied the other, "but that work is very unpopular, +and requires peculiarly adapted people, entirely different from you and +me." I silently thanked God for so richly endowing a few of us with +sufficiently peculiar qualities to seek for wonderful, priceless jewels +among the fallen who, through lack of proper home training and +companionship, have taken the downward course. Many of these outcasts, +if sought and cared for, will some day occupy an exalted place in the +Master's kingdom. + + + + +CHAPTER XLII. + +LOS ANGELES DANCE-HALLS AND OTHER PLACES. + + +Well, you may call them first-class if you like; I call them +first-class stepping-stones to an everlasting hell. Furthermore, I will +prove my statement. + +On July 24 of that year (1908) I was again in Los Angeles. As usual, I +was interviewed, this time by a _Times_ editor. Among other things I +made mention of the fact that many mothers did not know what their +children were doing after school-hours, and stated that such women had +better play less whist and give their children more attention. And oh! +the terrifying iniquities of society. Do you know, the worst enemy a +girl who has fallen into error has is her own sex. Women simply will +not have anything to do with her, and that is what keeps the world +back. The cause? Selfishness, of course. + +"Yes, I believe there are too many marriages of convenience. And oh! +the dreadful race suicide that I know is going on around me on every +hand. It sounds the doom of the American race. We are indeed on the +downward path." + +"Why do not our mothers bring up their girls in a full knowledge of +this world and its snares for young and faltering feet, instead of +letting them run the streets and meet unknown men?" + +"It is because the mothers themselves are too often unfit for the +divine duties of motherhood. They are lacking in a knowledge of what +makes for the best life. I have seen so much of it that I am going to +try to arouse the mothers of Los Angeles at a special meeting." + +The different dailies kept tab of "Mother Roberts" for some time. To be +a target, a cynosure, is an indescribable cross to the Christian; but +some one must be willing, else how is the world to comprehend the +situation? + +Among other things said in the mothers' meeting were these: + +"Too many mothers will not, because of their false modesty, give proper +instruction to their children. Yes, parents fearfully misrepresent +conditions to their boys and girls, even resorting to absolute +falsehood. Of course the children soon learn the facts, and instead of +the parents and children making confidants of each other, both practise +deception. When girls find out these things, they often slip away to +their downfall. + +"When I was sixteen years of age, I saw in a paper an advertisement +stating that an elderly lady wanted a young lady as companion and +amanuensis. The advertisement read very smoothly and I answered it. The +woman, who was seemingly a prepossessing, lonely old woman, inspected +my recommendations and at once engaged me on trial. I shortly returned +to her, taking with me some of my choicest worldly possessions; but +before I had been with her twenty-four hours, some of her strange +actions so alarmed me that on the following morning I made the excuse +at the breakfast table of wanting to go to my boarding-place for +expected mail, promising to return within half an hour. After I had +told the family of my experiences and suspicions, the mother would not +allow me to return even for my effects, which I have not seen from that +day to this. _It turned out that I was only one of about forty girls +who had been engaged by that diabolical woman to fill 'positions as +companions.'_ I am very thankful that 'the way of escape' had been made +for me, and though feeling badly about losing my belongings, I agreed +with my friends that it were better to avoid notoriety than to create a +disturbance. + +"At the time of this occurrence (it was in San Francisco) I had but +recently arrived from England, the land of my birth and breeding, under +the protection of elderly people, who consigned me to the care of +relatives in California. As with thousands of other girls, my education +on certain lines had been badly neglected. I was, alas! too +unsophisticated. + +"In after-years, when I became a Christian in spirit as well as in +name, I thanked God for this early experience, which has enabled me to +sympathize with those who, much of the time, are more sinned against +than guilty of sinning, and who so often are enticed away by the +various methods devised by unprincipled beings called men and women. + +SATAN LURKS IN THE WALTZ. + +"Yes; I have watched them dance in many places, even in Los Angeles. Is +it degrading, demoralizing? You know as well as I that there is nothing +uplifting, nothing of a good moral tendency, about the dance, +especially the waltz; and I saw nothing else offered than the waltz, or +round dances closely resembling it, in either of the places I attended +last evening. + +"My heart sorely ached as I observed mothers with their little girls, +five to twelve years old, allowing, aye, even encouraging them to get +up and waltz on the same floor with questionable characters. Evidently +there is little or no need of introductions. Both sexes anxiously +observe who are the best dancers, and soon these, though perhaps total +strangers, are spinning, sliding, or gliding about together, in many +instances in a close embrace, breast to breast, and cheek to cheek. But +they 'must dance.' they 'love it so.' And the music! The most sensual, +the most alluring, as subtle as a wily serpent, and just as harmful. + +"There were church-members there; mothers chaperoning their young +daughters; mothers who profess to be following in the footsteps of the +Redeemer; mothers who have promised to bring up their little ones in +the way Jesus would have them. + +"In a few instances I even saw fathers waltzing with their own little +girls on the great crowded dance-hall floor as late as nearly midnight. +'What!' you say, 'surely no father would think of such a thing.' +Perhaps not; perhaps I am presuming. Perhaps it was the mother's escort +to the ball in each instance. I don't know. This I do know: Those +little children last night were _eager, hungry, craving, tireless +dancers_. O merciful God! The pity of it, the pity of it! + +"I observed some of the young men. The contour of some of their heads +peculiarly interested me. To be sure, you could not tell what the +girls' heads were like because of so many etceteras bulging out all +over; but as I looked at many of the young men's heads, I was not long +in deciding that _those who danced the most gracefully evidently had +the bulk of their brains in their heels_. + +"At the first place I visited, one young fellow walked up to a pretty +pompadoured, short-skirted miss who stood close to me and who had +waltzed with several strangers, and asked her to dance. She refused +him. Why? He smelt too strong of whiskey and was unsteady in his gait, +but she did not give him that as her reason, and because of his +persistence she soon said to her companions (some other young girls), +'Come on, let's go down to----; there isn't enough fun here.' It was no +sooner said than done. I also left for this other place, where I found +hundreds of couples dancing, and many refined, pretty-looking young +girls sitting or standing around, waiting for any strange young man to +invite them on to the floor and hug them (oh yes, better call things by +their proper names)--hug them to alluring waltz-time. + +EVEN ON THE LORD'S DAY. + +"There is hour after hour of this, day after day, night after night; +yes, even on the one day set apart for the worship of our Redeemer and +Creator, and this in the so-called respectable dance-hall. At the +entrance is a prominent sign--'Dancing every night including Sunday.' +'No bowery dancing allowed.' Tell me why that sign if the dance is +strictly respectable? + +"A young gentleman made this comment to me: 'You won't find one girl in +a hundred today, who is not fond of the dance.' + +"'Why?' I inquired. + +"'Considering their training, it isn't to be wondered at,' he +answered. + +"'What training?' I questioned. + +"'Because their mothers loved it before them, and the girls do not +hesitate to say so.' + +"Another young man said: 'I can take advantage of the situation, if so +inclined, every time. Invariably any girl who dances will drink, and +any one that drinks will go still farther.' + +"One girl said: 'It isn't what occurs at the actual dance, but any girl +that dances often has to fight for her virtue, almost her life, after +the dance--on her way home. Often her escort takes her only part of +the way. Yet, "like moths that court the candle," even though we know +that death and ruin are in the wake, still we will dance.' + +"Whoever heard of any man worth the having, seeking for a wife and the +future mother of his children in a ballroom? + +WARNING TO GIRLS. + +"Let me quote another young man: 'If the pure-minded girls with whom we +sometimes are dancing knew our thoughts, they would never put a foot on +the ballroom floor again, as they value their lives; but lots of young +girls don't know this, and their mothers who sometimes chaperon them, +don't suspect us. I consider the dance-hall even worse than the saloon. +I'm a dancer myself, but I won't pay serious address to any girl who +dances.' + +"Have matters assumed such shape that we can not furnish the majority +of the present generation, pleasures so pure, refining, and alluring +that the dance and other vices may not be relegated to oblivion? This +question should stir the innermost recesses of the souls of all who are +interested in the welfare of the young people of today, be they young +or old, rich or poor. The next generation is cursed already, +frightfully cursed, unless unusual sacrifice will now be made. There is +no time to lose, especially on the part of those who love the title, +'Soldier of the Cross.' + +"'Put on the whole armor of God.' Go where he wants you to go. Do what +he wants you to do. Be what he wants you to be, in thought, in word, in +deed, even though it may mean to part with your very life. God is +yearning for a few more Calebs and Joshuas and Daniels. What use to +pray 'Thy Kingdom Come,' if you patronize or countenance places where, +under no consideration, could you invite the One you profess to love +and serve." + + + + +CHAPTER XLIII. + +WOMAN EMPLOYED AT DANCE-HALL TELLS OF MANY PITFALLS. + + +Whilst contending against the dance-hall evil, I received a note asking +for an immediate interview. The writer, who signed her own name, stated +that she had been an employee in ----'s Dance-hall (rated as one of the +exclusive and first-class places) and that she believed that, under the +existing circumstances, my granting her an audience, would still +further aid the cause, as she could throw much light on the subject. + +Soon she was at my rooms, also a reporter, and the following is, in +part, what she had to say: + +"I am utterly disgusted with dance-halls, and am determined to do all I +can against them. Mr. C---- [her husband] and I came here from New York +in reduced financial circumstances, and I applied for and obtained a +position at ----'s Dance-hall. + +"For reasons best known to ourselves, we posed as brother and sister, +pretending my husband was in the East. I worked there only fourteen +days, or until my husband secured a permanent position, but I left the +place with a complete knowledge of the disreputable work done there +under the guise of a respectable dance-hall. I do not wish to be mean +in my assertions, but the facts will bear me up in what I actually saw +and heard during the two weeks I was engaged at ----'s Dance-hall. + +"I was on the reception committee to introduce the lonesome boys to the +charming girls for the dances. It would take me two hours to state the +disgusting features I saw there. + +"The manager at one time asked me to drink whiskey with him. I told him +that I was not in the habit of indulging and that if I should get drunk +he would have to take care of me, to which he said, 'I can do that all +right.' + +"One night a young man became dead drunk in the dance-hall, in full +view of the dancers, making a disgusting show of himself, all of which +apparently passed unnoticed by the manager. The friends of the young +man took him out of the hall. + +"One time I saw a young girl dancing with a young man who was trying to +hide a whiskey bottle, with which she and her partner appeared to be +mixed. All this was supposed to be in plain sight of the manager. + +"A young girl on duty selling tickets asked me to bring her an empty +glass from the soda fountain. A young man took it and filled it nearly +full with brandy and passed it to the girl. She slyly wrapped her +handkerchief around it to hide the brandy, and drank it as if drinking +a glass of water. This was seen by several by-standers. + +"It makes me shudder to think of what I saw and heard in that hall. One +young girl unused to the ways of the world was taken out of the hall in +a ruined condition, and after an unlawful surgical operation had been +performed, she was sent to a well-known hospital. She was the victim of +a prominent lawyer of Los Angeles. + +"One night last week the manager spoke through a megaphone, during the +intermission of the dance, asking everybody to sign a petition he had +prepared _stating that the place was properly run, and to sign it in +order that he could continue the dance-hall business._ I know of one +man who signed a fictitious name to the petition, with the remark that +others were doing the same," etc. + +She told much more, some of which was not fit to print, but surely that +is sufficient from her. + +I was able one night to show a reporter that no erroneous statements +had been made. On the contrary, he was shocked as he noted the wily +depravity. His attention was attracted to a good-looking young man who +had slipped one of the reception committee young women a piece of +money. Together we watched the outcome. She made for a pretty, graceful +young girl just leaving the dance-ring and whispered audibly, "There's +a swell young fellow wants to have the honor of dancing with you." +Before the girl had time to think or answer, he was right on hand, +saying, "May I have the pleasure of the next waltz? My name is Jones." +Then the introducer manufactured a name for the pretty young girl, the +music started up, and the next moment she was gliding over the perfect +dancing-floor in the embrace of this strange fellow. Is that all? Not +by any means. He invited her to an innocent dish of ice-cream. (If a +girl does not accept such an invitation, but she usually does, the +would-be seducer knows she is a gold mine if he can ever secure her, +and he works to that end.) She accepted. We watched our opportunity, +and, between dances, when no one was taking notice, we whispered the +word of warning. For a moment she looked alarmed, but did she heed? +Evidently not. Possibly she resented the well-meant advice, and, in +consequence, soon paid the fearful price for so doing. + +Upon getting out once more into the fresh air, we could not fail to +observe the many automobiles in waiting. Wherefore? Listen! Shortly +before this visit when I was accompanied by the _Times_ reporter, I was +a temporary guest in one of Los Angeles' representative families, the +mother of whom was one of my tried and true friends. She had two noble, +handsome sons. One of them came home one day in a high state of +indignation. After he had related to his mother an incident that had +just occurred, she besought him to repeat it for my benefit. + +While he was resting in the park bounded by Fifth, Sixth, Olive, and +Hill Streets, a middle-aged man of good dress and appearance seated +himself on the same bench and, disregarding conventionalities, began to +make himself agreeable, first commenting on the weather and then +gradually leading up to the subject in which he was most interested. +Presently he inquired if my young friend was occupied in business, and +received the reply, "No; not at present, but I am on the lookout for +something that will be worth while." As one word always leads to +another, the stranger soon inquired if the young man could dance. +Receiving an affirmative answer, he remarked: + +"Good! I notice you are a swell dresser also, and a pleasant +conversationalist; in fact, have all the requirements if I'm not +mistaken." + +"What requirements?" asked my young friend. + +"Say, young man," the stranger answered, "I can put you wise to +something that will bring you the quickest returns for the least labor +you ever struck, but _'mums the word.'_" + +"Fire ahead," replied my young friend; "'mums the word.'" + +"First, I note that you are agreeable, educated, well dressed, and a +dancer, all of which takes with the majority of girls, at least the +girls we have to reach. Next, I need you in the ballrooms. Perhaps you +may occasionally require an automobile. To be sure, that is expensive, +but..." + +"What is he driving at?" silently wondered my young friend. "Guess I +will hear him through. Here's something out of the ordinary." + +"Girls will be girls," the man continued. "It's dead easy to win some, +harder with others; but there's big money in it for each new supply you +can furnish." + +"Furnish for what?" inquired my young friend. + +_"The necessary evil, my boy, the necessary evil, of course,"_ was the +startling answer. + +Trembling with indignation, my young friend quickly arose and +unhesitatingly shouted: + +"Police! Police!" + +The procurer disappeared so suddenly that no one of the small crowd +which quickly gathered knew what was the matter until too late to +arrest the scoundrel. + +Is that stranger the only procurer? Common sense answers, "No!" My +reader, there are thousands. Therefore if nothing else, no other reason +--and they are many--should cause young ladies to refrain from a +practise which means compromise or ruin, often eternal damnation, +surely this illustration should be sufficient. + +Permit me to mention another reason, one I am also able to verify, for +it came from one shipwrecked at the age of twenty-two, and now passed +into eternity, but then lying in one of the wards of the county +hospital. To be brief, he was a dancer. Honor, however, forbade his +making any improper advances to his girl partners, but the effects of +their close proximity were fatal. All the evil of his nature was +stirred, and it would not be suppressed. He yielded; visited places +whose thresholds he would never otherwise have crossed; then followed +depravity, disease, and an untimely death. Who was responsible for +this? _The unharmed girls with whom he danced._ Surely a word to the +wise is sufficient. If dancing causes my brother to err, I will dance +no longer. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIV. + +SARAH. + + +Whilst doing a house-to-house work in one of our large coast towns, +also filling various pulpits whenever opportunity permitted, I was on +one occasion cordially invited to enter the lodging of a girl, who, +when I was seated, quickly turned the key in the lock, remarking as she +did so: "You're just the kind of a person I have been hoping this long +time to meet. Excuse me for locking you in, but I don't want to be +disturbed while you are here, where I'm truly ashamed to have you find +me. I want to tell you my situation and see if you can not immediately +get me out of this awful predicament." + +Calling attention to the fact that there was no odor of liquor, no +signs of cigarettes about, and stating that in consequence she was +unpopular with the habitues of the other lodgings in the immediate +vicinity, she inquired: + +"Do I look like a hardened sinner?" + +"You certainly do not," was my reply. + +"Oh! I'm so relieved," she rejoined, "so relieved to hear you say so, +because I want to get away from this life, and I am sure you can help +me." + +"All that is in my power, dear girl," I assured her. "Now tell me your +story." + +"I've a little brother and sister," she began. "My father, when I was +seventeen years of age, ran off with another woman and deserted poor +Mother, who took it so hard that she lived only two years. This left me +to provide for the children. I had to get some help from the county for +the funeral expenses, and it wasn't easy to make a good appearance and +provide properly for the little ones on what I was earning." + +"What were you doing for a living, dear?" I asked. + +"I was working in a laundry, from early morning till, many times, late +at night. I got a dollar a day and for over-time was paid extra." (If I +remember correctly, she said ten cents an hour.) + +"Was that sufficient to provide food, clothing, and shelter for all +three of you?" I inquired. + +"No, mam, though I managed somehow. I boarded them with an old friend +of mother's, who was very kind, and I felt she was never paid enough +for her trouble, so you may be sure I was constantly on the lookout for +a better-paying job. At last I thought I had struck one, but for a +while it would take me away from them, for it was away off in Nevada. + +"I answered an ad in the morning paper for a situation in a hotel. The +man and woman wanted me right away, as they were leaving on the evening +train, and would take me with them, also two others. So I quickly made +all my arrangements. Two days later we were there, and it took me no +time to see that our principal work would be to wait on tables in the +saloon and gambling-hall. _I had no money, and was in debt. What could +I do but make the best of it? and it is surprising how soon one can_." + +"Yes, my child. I've frequently heard others make the same sad +remark--but proceed with your story." + +"I was making quite a bit, besides sending money home to keep the +children, when something happened which made me so despondent [she did +not say what it was] that one day I quit my job, and one of the girls +said, 'Go down to ----, Sarah. You'll be able to get plenty of honest +work there, at good wages.' So I left; and, believe me, I hadn't struck +---- before some one on the train recognized me as one of the girls who +had worked in the ---- Hotel. It was all up with me now. In my despair +I took this den, for which I pay one dollar and fifty cents a day. I +loathe, I hate the business. I am ready and willing to go into +anybody's kitchen and work, and work hard and well, for I know how. Do +you think you could get any one to hire me?" + +As she had been brought up by a God-fearing mother, we knelt together +in that vile den, where we both prayed. With the tears streaming down +her cheeks, she prayed her mother's God and her God to forgive her for +having been so weak as to yield to the devil, all because she wanted +more money so as to be able to provide better for the little brother +and sister, and implored Him to give her employment where she could +have them near her until they were old enough to do for themselves. + +Now listen to how God answered that prayer. On the next evening +(Sunday), whilst I was addressing a large audience in the +Congregational church, I related this girl's experience and then +requested honest work for her, emphasizing thus: "She claims to be +capable; she looks it; therefore she can earn good wages. Whoever is in +need of such a girl, please privately inform me at the close of this +service." In less than an hour, that girl could have had her choice of +five situations in responsible families. I chose one for her, and for +aught I know to the contrary, she may be there still. (Reader, it is +impossible to keep track of different ones, there are so many.) She +gave such excellent satisfaction that erelong her little brother and +sister were provided a good home in her immediate neighborhood, and +scarcely any one is the wiser for her unfortunate error. + +Thus the rescue worker occasionally sees happy results of the travail +of soul for the lost ones; but would to God there were many more +Christian employers like the one Sarah found, who treat her so kindly, +as well as give her what she is capable of earning, that she makes +extra effort to prove her appreciation and gratitude. "But," you say, +"there are not many like Sarah." True; also there are not many +Christians like Sarah's employers. In fact, they are very, very rare. +Many a time have I wearied myself in vain in an endeavor to procure +honest employment for some young girl who has been convicted and +imprisoned a short time for her first offense and who has told me of +her capabilities and begged me to procure employment pending her +release, so that she would not have to return to her undesirable home +and surroundings, with their accompanying temptations. + +"We dare say she means well enough now, but we could not think of +hiring her until some one has first tested and proved her trustworthy. +Besides, there are other members of our family; they must be taken into +consideration," is the frequent excuse. Thus the responsibility is +shifted, and, sick and sad at heart, we go away to inform the poor girl +who wants honest work that our efforts have proved futile. We then +implore her to make her home in one of the refuges until she can once +more become established, only to hear her say: "That would hoodoo me +for sure. You know as well as I do that scarcely any wages are offered +to a girl who is hired out of a rescue home, even if she is quite +capable." Reader, it is shamefully true. Oh! why will professed +Christians take so mean an advantage of the situation and expect girls +who have made some mistake, but _have the courage to live it down_, to +go to work at menial employment for little or nothing? Under such +circumstances, what inducement have they who, if encouraged, would do +better? + +May the dear Lord as never before give us an introspective vision of +ourselves as he sees us. This will surely clothe us with the mantle of +Christ-like charity, in the event of our determination to live up to +our profession and numberless privileges. + + +[Illustration: SAN QUENTIN, PRISON YARD.] + + + + +CHAPTER XLV. + +THE WOMEN PRISONERS OF SAN QUENTIN. + + +The present kind wardens (Hoyle and Reilly) of the two penitentiaries +of California have granted me many more opportunities to enjoy +heart-to-heart talks with the prisoners than I am able to relate. In +but one of these places (San Quentin) are the women incarcerated. In +this department let me endeavor to awaken your interest. + +It is situated in a remote corner, inside the prison walls, and is +accessible only through the passage-way underneath the central building +seen in the illustration on next page. It is built two stories high +around a hollow cemented square, with windows looking into the same. It +affords no view, excepting barely the tops of the hills, the sky, and +the matron's house. Truly these poor women are shut in. Not so with the +men, as will be seen in the same picture. It shows a portion of the +beautiful garden into which many a cell door opens. One corner of these +quarters may be seen on the right, the women's being inside of the +building near the tree on the left. Frequently have I, attended by the +matron, Mrs. G. G. Smith, a very warm friend of mine, come through that +iron gateway in the wall, always to be greeted with smiles and warm +words, of welcome by my less fortunate sisters. These meetings were, +without doubt, profitable to all concerned. I enjoyed their orchestra +(some are very musical), and they enjoyed the songs to my autoharp +accompaniment. + +As I have previously mentioned, the present matron, after much +intercession and with the warden's aid, succeeded, a few months +following her accession to the matronal office, in prevailing upon the +board of prison directors to grant the women prisoners a monthly walk +on God's beautiful green hills. In order to prove their appreciation of +her kindness, the women banded together to give her an entertainment on +the first anniversary of her matronship. To this day they believe the +affair to have been a complete surprise, though she was aware of their +preparations from the beginning. + +The day broke warm and beautiful. Immediately after dinner Matron Smith +was escorted to a seat of honor in the yard and the program was opened +by an excellent address of welcome (of which _I_ have an exact copy) by +E----, whose offense was--well, we won't say what nor how long her +term of imprisonment. She is a bright young woman, as the following +well-worded and _touching_ speech amply verifies: + +Trusting in your graciousness, and with your approval, we, the inmates +of the female department of this institution, have taken the liberty of +arranging a program for an entertainment to be given in the honor of, +and to celebrate this, your official natal day. + +Just a year ago today you came to us. To you it means just the passing +of time in a sphere of action hitherto unknown to you; but to us a year +filled with memories of all things good--easier times, warmer clothing, +and privileges until then unknown. + +We have enjoyed, through your kind intercession, and the courtesy of +our noble Warden, the delight of walking forth into the outer world, +even if only for a short time; of seeing once more green fields and +hills clothed in nature's gown of green and flowers; of viewing the +waters of the bay and inhaling the salt sea air; and of being +entertained in your own sweet way, in your own sweet home. At last, but +not least, to have the intense satisfaction of gazing at the outside of +our prison wall, anticipating the time when we will always be outside +of that old wall. And in our daily life together, you, in the discharge +of your duties, have been a kind and gentle matron, listening always +with patience to our tales of woe. And through all the past year you +have been to us our guide, friend, and comrade. We one and all pray +that life will give you health, happiness, and prosperity, and all of +heaven's good gifts. + +Then followed an enjoyable program. + +Who could not be touched by such tender sentiment from those whom the +world at large regard as well-nigh, if not quite, hopeless cases. +Because of this and also because of the receipt of a recent letter +(Sept. 14, 1911), I humbly and heartily thank God that I am able to +prove that kindness, coupled with good judgment, is very effectual. + +Enclosed in this lengthy, newsy letter from the matron are some +excellent up-to-date photos of the San Quentin prison, two of which you +will find between these covers, and also a clipping from one of San +Francisco's daily papers, as follows: + +2,000 LEAVE PRISON WALLS. + +WARDEN HOYLE GIVES SAN QUENTIN CHARGES AN UNUSUAL PRIVILEGE. + +Nearly two thousand convicts at San Quentin prison walked outside the +walls on Admission Day and spent more than three hours in God's +out-of-doors, while they rooted for rival hall teams playing on a +diamond beneath the blue Marin County skies. + +No extra guards or precautions marked the first time in the history of +a California State prison that convicts have been permitted to leave +the walls. + +JOKE AND LAUGH. + +In orderly procession the men filed out from the prison yard between +the great stone gate-posts, laughing and joking like schoolboys in +their joy at seeing once more an unobstructed sweep of smiling, open +country. + +From three o'clock until six fifteen every man in the institution +except the sick and incorrigibles, stood or sat on the ground or +perched on adjoining sheds while the "Whites" and "Blacks" played ball +that would do credit to a fast bush league. + +Over at one side sat a row of condemned prisoners, watching their last +ball game and forgetting for a few blessed moments that the shadow of +the scaffold hung over them. + +WOMAN FANS, TOO. + +From other seats, the women prisoners saw the game. + +For four innings neither side scored. Then the "Blacks" pitcher lost +his control, and the two thousand frenzied rooters cheered as man after +man slid home. The score at the close stood 7 to 2 in favor of the +"Whites." + +"It's only part of the new policy of trusting the prisoners and +treating them like human beings," said Warden Hoyle today. Hoyle is the +man who is responsible for the innovation. "We have no fear for a break +for liberty, and the men showed that they appreciate decent treatment. +I can't say that we will take the men outside every holiday, but the +experiment was a success and will be tried again." + +What the glimpse of a world outside the prison walls meant for the +prisoners can be appreciated by readers of "The Bulletin" who have read +Donald Lowrie's narrative of life within the prison walls. + +The Admission Day game marked a new epoch in the history of California +prisons. + +What an innovation compared with former policies! Surely practical +demonstration of these experiments in other parts of the country will +have a tendency to reduce criminality. If not, pray tell me what will? +Time and again have I heard prisoners and others comment upon the +impractical Christianity portrayed, with seldom any exception. They +weary of being only preached to. The actions of such men as Warden +Hoyle and of such women as Matron Smith will probably have more to do +with helping these convicted ones to lead upright lives in the future +than will all the preaching of celebrated divines from now to doomsday, +and I, a Christian, do not hesitate for one moment to say so frankly. +In the name of the dear Lord, let us endeavor to practise what we +preach, and thus win numberless blessings from the throne of grace for +ourselves and others. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVI. + +VALLEJO, MARE ISLAND, AND ALCATRAZ. + + +"I am sure you will enjoy a trip with me to Vallejo and Uncle Sam's +great navy yard, adjacent to it. It is only about an hour's ride from +San Francisco and is accessible both by train and boat," I said to my +friend, Mrs. Walter C. Show, of Santa Barbara, whose guest I then was, +in her lovely villa in that beautiful city by the sea. She had been +giving me most interesting accounts of her entertainment of the marines +and the cadets at the time when the fleet lay at anchor in the bay. As +I was soon due in San Francisco, she accompanied me. Before starting we +notified friends; consequently, warm welcome and royal entertainment +was ours from the time of arrival. + +As this was by no means my first visit, I prepared her for the shock of +seeing many, many saloons and other disreputable places for the purpose +of robbing hundreds, nay, thousands of boys, far from home and mother, +of their hard and scanty earnings. Nevertheless, there is an excellent +Marine Y.M.C.A. in Vallejo, with a large membership; but they are in +the minority. We saw scores pouring out of the saloons or hanging +around their immediate vicinity; scores more that evening coming in or +going out of the dance-halls and dens of iniquity and vice. Many were +in dreadful stages of intoxication. Alas! the pity, the great pity of +it, that Uncle Sam does not wake up to protect those ready to lay down +their lives for home and country, not to speak of the hundreds of +thousands, nay, millions of our floating population. Where will it all +eventually end? where, oh! where? + +I contend that the civic clubs of any community hold the key to the +situation. If they would strive for the prevention of crime rather than +for the reformation of the criminal, the resultant good would soon be +tenfold that of the present regime. + +The day following our arrival we were taken to inspect Mare Island. As +heretofore, the prison-ship was filled with young men serving short +terms or awaiting trial for some serious offense. _In almost every +instance liquor was responsible for their being in trouble._ It was +heartrending. We realized that, aside from speaking a kind word or +giving some motherly advice, we could do little if anything. We were +inadequate to cope with the situation. We could pray with them, poor +lads; we could sympathize with them; but we were practically powerless +in that or in any community that tolerates, licenses, and votes for the +means of the downfall of men, women, and children. All we can do is +pray and wait, wait and pray. God speed the day when the enemy of souls +shall no longer reign over them and laugh at their calamity. God speed +the day. + +I again made it my business to visit many lost girls in that city, +earnestly pleading with them to quit the downward path and stop +dragging other souls down to hell along with their own. _Most of them +appeared to be gospel hardened._ One girl, however, seriously impressed +me. She was one of the few who would listen. + +"I'll tell you how I'm situated," she said, "and then if you don't +think I am to be pitied more than blamed, you're different from what I +think you are. I've the dearest mother on earth. She lies, a hopeless +cripple, in a little cottage in West Oakland. I also have a little +brother not old enough to go to school yet. I hire a woman who has +known us for many years to take care of them. She is elderly, and, for +the sake of a good home, works for small wages. She knows how I live, +but would rather die than betray me. Mother thinks I am working in a +hotel where I get plenty of 'tips' besides my wages. I go home every +Monday to see her. _Mother Roberts, I would give the world if I could +be able to have my pure mother kiss lips that were clean instead of +stained and stained with sin._ + +"I won't send her to the hospital. I love her better than my life. +She'd die there, for the need of nice little things they never provide, +and other necessaries. My little brother would have to be reared in +some charity institution. I couldn't stand it. I'm the most unhappy +girl on earth because of the situation, and don't you forget it; but I +can't, I can't earn sufficient honest money to support them and myself +properly." + +Later, the mother died, and _the poor daughter, who had ruined her life +to support her, went insane and then took her life._ + +Some of the girls told me that one man owned nearly all the dance-halls +there as well as the girls, and that very few of them had any liberty +or money. They were living in hope, but alas! many were dying in +despair. Apparently little if any impression could be made on those we +did have a chance to talk with. We could only sow the seed and trust +our merciful God for results. + +All the pastors invited us into the pulpits, where we endeavored +faithfully to give such messages as God saw fit to lay on our hearts. + +The next day we left for a visit to Alcatraz Island, the isolated +military prison situated midway between San Francisco and Sausalito. +Oh, what a gloomy, desolate place! Notwithstanding its beautiful +situation, excellent discipline, etc., its atmosphere is most +depressing. Even before one lands one feels weighted down, despondent +for its prisoners, many of whom sit or stand with hats drawn low over +their faces, breaking, ever breaking stones by the roadside. Nearly all +are being punished for desertion. The sympathetic visitor longs to +address them, but is not permitted to do so. He is allowed only a brief +visit with whomsoever he has, after much trouble, received a permit for +an interview, and then always in the presence and within hearing of the +officer in charge. Surely the way of the transgressor is hard, and +especially so with the violator of Uncle Sam's rigid army and navy +rules and regulations. For this reason Uncle Sam ought to remove the +stumbling-blocks that he countenances and legalizes and that cause so +many of his otherwise obedient servants to fall into disrepute and, in +numerous cases, into untimely graves. + +The young man whom we had come to visit, though a refined, intelligent +soldier, was a deserter. He had the usual sad story to relate--wine, +women, then desertion. There was so little, with the exception of +Christian sympathy, with which we could encourage him. The future +looked gloomy. I made an effort, through one of my friends in Congress, +to obtain this young man's parole, but as this was his second offense, +the attempt was futile. It is hard, very hard on the missionary to have +to be the bearer of discouraging, often heart-breaking, news; but as +this is part of our office, we bear the cross as we alone can, always +pointing the disappointed and heavy-hearted to the Savior, the +Burden-bearer; sometimes, but not always, leaving them with the load +somewhat lightened. + +From this sad place we, with heavy hearts, proceeded to San Quentin. +After spending two hours (for our time was limited) we then departed +for San Francisco, where we visited various points of interest to the +consecrated ones. Then, after an absence of ten days, we returned to +beautiful Santa Barbara, where church and other engagements were +awaiting me. + +Thence I traveled up the Coast, ever with the one object in view--"the +Master's service." I visited jails and the avenues that lead to that +place, and held many meetings, always being well received by pastors of +various denominations, civic societies, etc. In the name of the Lord, +yet with the spirit of love, I endeavored to place the blame for the +downfall of the masses where it belonged and belongs--at the door of +the licensed saloon. + +When I reached San Luis Obispo, I learned, to my great joy, that the +Columbia Park Band Boys of San Francisco, forty of whom were on a +walking tour from that city to Los Angeles, were due the following day. +At Chittenden (my home), just before I left, my friends had +delightfully entertained them with a picnic on their beautiful grounds. +There we learned what an effectual (prevention) work was being carried +on for the reputable lads of the public schools of San Francisco under +the leadership of the Piexotto brothers, who arrange for +entertainments, outings, and treats throughout the year, thus appealing +to all the better instincts and qualities of many of the rising +generation. It is truly a most practical, worthy enterprise, one which +should be adopted in all large cities for the encouragement and the +promotion of better citizenship. + +A sad case was awaiting trial in this city--a fifteen-year-old girl +prisoner accused of the murder of her babe. I visited her frequently. +She was finally sent to Whittier Reform School. Much comment on this is +out of the question; suffice it to say, the girl, because of her pre +and post-natal environments, was far more to be pitied than blamed. + +I was next due at Santa Maria. During my brief sojourn there I was the +guest of the president of the Women's Improvement Club, who, with many +others, was making a strenuous effort to abolish the saloon from their +midst. I there became acquainted with a very enthusiastic, fearless +child of God, a converted Jew, whose name I can not recall at the time +of this writing, but whose help I greatly appreciated. He was leaving +no stone unturned for the elimination of the local liquor traffic. + +Returning to San Luis Obispo for a brief stay, I was much gratified in +renewing the acquaintance of Dr. Bulgin, a successful evangelist, with +whom, in various places, I have had the pleasure of being more or less +associated in the work. + +S----, the city where I was on the morning of the earthquake, was once +more, for a short time, my stopping-place. As something that had just +occurred, so dreadful yet so interesting, occupied all my time and +attention during my stay there, and as it furnishes ample material for +another story, I will relate it in the following chapter. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVII. + +IRENE'S AWFUL FATE--"THE WAGES OF SIN." + + +After very warmly greeting me, the landlady of the hotel in which I was +staying at the time of the earthquake introduced me to several, with +the remark, "This is the lady of whom I was speaking a while ago--the +one who occupied the room in my house in which the plaster was not even +broken on that morning of the earthquake. I've always claimed God had a +hand in that, for every other room and everything else here was +practically destroyed, as many can testify." This being corroborated by +a number sitting or standing around, she next said: + +"Did you come to investigate last night's murder?" + +"What murder?" I inquired. "I have not as yet heard of it." + +"The awful, cold-blooded murder of a young woman they call Irene, down +on ---- Street, by a drunken lad twenty years of age. It's the worst +ever!" she exclaimed. + +"Do you know the parties, either of them?" I asked. + +"Not the girl, only by sight. She was about twenty, and as pretty as a +picture. She and her sister were leading awful lives. One lies +murdered, and, now that you are here, I guess it won't be hard to +induce the other to quit. They have been well reared, in as nice a +family as you could wish to know. It's too bad, too bad!" mourned my +landlady. + +"What about the lad who has committed this awful deed? Do you know +him?" I inquired. + +"Yes, almost ever since he was born. He is an only child. His mother is +a widow, and one of the nicest women you ever met. But he always was +bad, even when a small boy. Let me tell you what he once started to do. +He took a kitten and was in the very act of skinning it alive, just as +you would a rabbit, when he was caught, and the poor little animal +quickly put out of its misery. He seemed to delight in being cruel to +anything that came his way. He'd take a fly and pick a wing or a leg +off at a time, and then turn it loose to enjoy watching it trying to +move about. When he got older, his mother couldn't make him go to +school much, although she did everything to coax or bribe him. He got +beyond her control, and would leave home for days and weeks at a time, +then suddenly put in his appearance and demand money from her, which +she always gave him; otherwise she would have no peace. Then off he'd +go again, to turn up again just as he did yesterday morning, when he +came in on the train and began to make his brags that he meant to paint +the town red before he left it, and he certainly has--with human +blood." + +[Illustration: VIEW OF WARDEN'S HOUSE, ETC., REPRESA] + +"Is not his home here?" I inquired. + +"Not now. It used to be, but they moved away to ---- ---- some time +ago, all owing to his bad actions," she replied, and then added. "My +but I'm awful sorry for his poor mother! One of the nicest Christian +women you ever met, Mother Roberts. I can't understand how God could +punish her with such a child. I can't, indeed!" + +Inquiring my way, I soon found myself at the jail, where this +twenty-year-old murderer was being held. The sheriff was very kind; but +he considerately informed me that the lad was in such a shocking state +of inebriety as to be loathsome even to them, and also that they +preferred to let his mother, who had not yet arrived, have the first +interview. + +Thence I wended my way to the district in which this awful crime, at +nearly midnight the previous night, had been perpetrated. I first +called at a respectable house in the immediate neighborhood, in order +to get my bearings and necessary preliminary information; then soon I +rang the bell of the door where the poor murdered girl had been +lodging, but received no response. Some one next door, however, heard +and answered, then invited me in. + +Five girls, all huddled together, their faces still blanched with +horror, confronted me when I entered that room. Never was a missionary +more warmly welcomed. Never was a better opportunity to comfort and +warn, then point to the "Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the +world." Never were more humble prayers or promises of reformation. +Every one of them had homes to go to, and every one promised to go as +soon as the funeral was over. Then I inquired where I could find the +sister of the murdered girl. They told me. They also gave me +particulars concerning the murder. + +The lad, it appeared, loitered around that neighborhood before dark, +apparently semi-intoxicated, and then went into one of the houses, +where he still more freely indulged. Upon leaving, he pointed his +pistol and carelessly fired, "just for fun," into a window up-stairs. +The bullet missed a girl's head, singeing her pompadour. Returning at +dark, he renewed his wild revelries. About midnight, because his victim +would not continue to drink with him, he shot her without one word of +warning. Screaming at the top of her voice, she ran through every room +of the house, he after her, still shooting. He emptied every barrel of +his weapon into her poor sinful body. Every girl and youth under that +roof fled at the first shot. The murderer, after doing his worst, +coolly walked out, went up-town, and entered a saloon. There, as he +called for a drink, he laid his weapon on the bar, bragging as he did +so of his terrible deed. He was immediately arrested. + +When the officers arrived at the scene of the crime, they found the +bloody trace of the victim in every room, and when they finally +discovered her, she was quite dead. She was kneeling by her bedside, +her head buried in the clothes, her hands tightly clasped as though she +had been trying to pray as her poor soul passed out into eternity. + +I found her sister and had a heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul talk with +her--one that I shall never forget. She was so silent, so +uncommunicative, yet I talked on until I felt the Spirit say, "Enough." +I have seen her since. She was still leading the kind of life which had +been instrumental in sending her sister's soul and others' souls by the +thousands to eternal perdition. She received me kindly, but she would +not heed, notwithstanding she admitted that she was haunted the +livelong time. She would give no reason for continuing on the road to +hell. + +"Who were these sisters?" you ask. Daughters of parents who were in +comfortable circumstances and stood well in their community. _I was +told that both girls were inveterate novel-readers, patrons of every +show that came to town, good dancers and dressers, and_--reader, it is +the same old sad, sad story. They confided in any one rather than their +parents; and hence were easily persuaded to take the first step +downward. + +And what about that boy, whose mother wept and mourned and questioned +why this awful trouble should have been put upon her, _she who had +never wronged anybody in all her lifetime._ + +Listen! poor afflicted mother. You have forgotten that when you were +young and newly married you did not want to be burdened with motherhood +for a long time to come. You wanted to continue to enjoy social +functions in the very pretty dresses your fond parents had provided +toward your wedding trousseau; you had no intention for many a long day +to settle down to the usual routine incident to motherhood; in fact, +you purposed to have a good time for the next two or three years, +before your pretty clothes went out of fashion; besides, you did not +particularly take to children anyhow, and if you had had your own way, +you would never have had any. You said it, and you know it, that a +woman is so tied down who has babies to take care of. + +The time came when the greatest boon conferred on woman was to be +conferred on you. What did you do? How angry you were as you, for +months nursed your grievance, because God was going to have his way in +spite of all opposition. One day the little babe was laid in your arms. +As he was a goodly child to look upon, you were resigned; but, oh! +poor, poor, untutored mother! _you had unawares robbed your darling of +his birthright, and, furthermore, you had brought into the world a +being with murderous tendencies_. Yes, you were converted at that +revival meeting, and knew that all your past sins were blotted out by +the efficacy of the precious blood of Jesus. Yes, we know you are +living a Christian life so far as you know how, but "_your sins have +been visited upon" your poor child. The germ was in his being, and now +he must pay the penalty for your crime of a little over twenty years +ago_. For crime it was, and you can not call it by any other name. +"Others have been alike guilty," you say. Alas, yes! by the thousands; +but that never for a moment excuses you. + +You didn't know? No; not altogether, for you were not taking a look, a +long look into the future. You had no instruction from your own fond, +indulgent, falsely modest mother regarding these God-given functions, +capable of producing a soul, a wonderful soul; and so you ignorantly, +selfishly erred. + +Never was mortal sorrier for another than I am for you. Never was +mortal more anxious to help bear another's burden than I am to help +bear yours; but it is well-nigh impossible for me to do so. Only Jesus +can ease your broken heart. Only Jesus can comfort you. Only Jesus can +heal your terrible, terrible wound, poor, weeping, afflicted mother. +All I am able to do is to sympathize with and pray for you. + +After this heart-rending experience I was glad to rest a few days at +Chittenden and enjoy the fellowship of its cherished owners. Ah! how +kind, how very, very kind they were! but the mail was constantly +bringing calls that were more or less, urgent; sometimes to quickly +locate a wandering girl; sometimes to come to a juvenile court session, +or perhaps to a hospital or jail; and one was to assist in the work at +Portland, Ore. Whilst considering the latter call and praying for +leadings, I took time to hold some meetings in an interior town. +Following a mothers' meeting there a young lady urged me to visit her +and have a confidential talk with her upon a matter which was of vital +importance. I did so, and this is what she said: + +"What I am about to betray would lose me my situation if it were known; +therefore I shall rely on you to respect strictly the confidence I am +about to place in you, as to the source from whence you received it. I +have a position in the telephone-office, consequently, I hear many +conversations, _some of which are utterly demoralising._ + +"There is a certain woman in this city whose business it is, at least +so I judge, to corrupt, morally and physically, young school and +messenger boys, as you will surmise by a conversation which took place +this very morning, and it is not her first offense. She called for her +party, and as I could not get them at once, I asked for her number, so +as to be able to call her as soon as I could. Presently I succeeded, +and soon she was asking: + +"'Is this Harry?' + +"Some one at the other end of the line replied: + +"'Yes. Is that you, Cora?' + +"'Of course, you little dunce. When are you coming down again? Didn't +you...?' + +"'Dandy. But say, Cora, it's awful risky. I'm not fourteen yet. What if +I should get nabbed?' + +"'No, you won't if you'll mind me. Now listen. Come in at the lower +side entrance. I'll give a tip to the bar-tender. If the coast is +clear, you can come up the back stairs; if not, he'll hide you until I +say so.' + +"'What time?' + +"'Tomorrow after you're out. You know. After three. So long.'" + +The case was sickening, revolting; but it demanded immediate action. +After prayerfully meditating for a few minutes, I called up the chief +of police, asked for audience without delay, and soon thereafter was in +his private office. After listening attentively to my recital, he at +first thought to wait until the morrow and then arrest all parties +concerned; but upon reflection he decided that that course would never +do, as the boy's parents were of high social standing. The arrest would +ruin them. Moreover, it would never do to wait until the morrow. One of +his private detectives was immediately deputized to call on Miss Cora +and give her twelve hours to leave town, bag and baggage. He was to +tell her the real reason and to inform her that if she refused to go +she would be arrested and severely punished for enticing and harboring +minors. Short as the time was, she managed to dispose of her things. +Her house was permanently closed, and the saloon soon afterward. + +As to the boy, I waylaid him on his way home from school and told him +what I had found out, so that he was perfectly willing to go with me to +the chief of police, who, I am satisfied, gave him much fatherly advice +as well as a thorough scare, calculated to last as long as he lived and +also to aid him in warning his schoolmates and friends having similar +evil tendencies. + +But I must return to Chittenden. Several letters from Oregon had been +forwarded. I felt that I must answer this call, God willing. I decided +to help there, at least temporarily. Accordingly, one morning, bright +and early, I started. + +As I boarded the train, Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden handed me a letter, the +reading of which brought tears of love and appreciation. Here it is, +word for word: + +Chittenden, Cal., Nov. 15, 1909. Dear Mrs. Roberts: + +We do not wish you to cross the State line into Oregon without carrying +a few words from home with you--that is our excuse for the writing of +this letter. + +You have been one of us at Chittenden since you were invited to make +our home yours last spring. Our wish was, and is, that Chittenden +should be your home in all that the name implies--a place to which you +could always turn for rest and recuperation from your unselfish labors; +and from which you could go forth again to your chosen task to battle +against evil, cheered by kind words, and knowing that warm hearts and a +warm welcome were waiting for you when you again needed rest. + +You have been with us now for over half a year, and your presence here +has been most agreeable to us. Our respect for you has ripened into +regard, and our regard into affection, and now that you are leaving us, +we realize how much the home spirit has worked to bind us all together, +and we know that we shall miss you and shall often wish to have you +with us again. + +Well, Oregon can not claim you all the time. Some time you will feel +weary and overworked--some time you will need rest--and when you do, +just remember that there is a little green and flowery spot along the +railway down in California--a place where the door stands always open, +and where sincere friends are always waiting to welcome you--and--come +home. + +Sincerely your friends. + +Ida H. Chittenden. + +T. Chittenden. + +I stopped off at several places: at San Jose and San Francisco, to +visit the rescue homes and dear friends, particularly dear Sister +Kauffman, whose house had been dynamited and destroyed at the time of +the fire following the earthquake, but who still sheltered many a girl +in temporary cottages on the land where the home had once stood; next +Berkeley, where lives my hospitable friend, Mrs. J. T. Anderson, whose +beautiful home I enjoy the freedom of whenever in her neighborhood; +then Sacramento, to spend one night with dear Mrs. Trefren, already +referred to as one of my warmest friends; then Redding, my old home, +where I rescued little Rosa, and which was the scene of many battles +and victories in the name of the Lord. At this latter place there +awaited me a royal reception from my many former friends and +associates. It had been more than a decade since I had held up on the +rear platform of the train that Bible with its blessed parting message +from Gal. 6:9. All through the interval the Master had graciously +permitted me to sow and to reap. Though there had been much more sowing +than reaping, yet there had not been a great deal of fainting, for the +grace of God had been all sufficient. Hallelujah! + +Before I had been many days in Portland, I received a telegram telling +of the death of Mr. Roberts. (Reader, I have refrained from stating in +this book under what circumstances and at what time Mr. Roberts came +back into my life, simply because that matter has no direct reference +to the title of the book and also because it recalls too much pain and +distress of a private nature. This I will say: With the other duties an +added heavy cross was mine, owing to his mental and physical +condition--a cross which, I regret to say, I did not always bear as +patiently or as cheerfully as I might have borne it. It lasted from +February, 1905, to November, 1009.) A caved-in tunnel near the State +line prohibited my return, but Pastor Harper, of San Jose, and other +kind friends relieved me of all final responsibilities regarding my +late husband. + +Until my return to California three months later, in the direct +interests of the prison commission work, I worked even more laboriously +than ever before. As ever, the Lord raised up many friends for me in +Portland and vicinity; yet, at the same time, I was bitterly opposed +and well-nigh overwhelmed by the enemy, who resorted to all sorts of +means and devices to crush both soul and body. Did he succeed? No, +indeed; for God was "my refuge and strength, a very present help in +trouble." His not the Lord promised that "when the enemy shall come in +like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against +him" (Isa. 59:19)? What blessed assurance for those who truly love and +try to serve him! Hallelujah! + +My last meeting before leaving Oregon was under the auspices of the +Woman's Christian Temperance Union in a suburb called St. John's. An +account of the service was made in the local paper, The Review, Feb. 4, +1910, as follows: + +The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of St Johns planned a treat for +the women of this place which proved a grand success. Mrs. Florence +Roberts, better known as "Mother Roberts," spoke for an hour to over +one hundred and fifty women in Bickner's Hall Tuesday afternoon. The +most strict attention as paid, for it was a most solemn message she +gave to us. After the meeting refreshments were served, and the ladies +lingered a while to get acquainted. Five new members were added to the +Union. + +I left there that same night for California, and the next meeting that +I shall mention was that held the following Sunday evening in the fine +hall of the ex-prisoners' home, 110 Silver Street, San Francisco. On +this occasion I had the prayers of many former prisoners that God would +bless me as I went forth to interest the people in their behalf and to +open hearts and purses to aid in lifting the mortgage on this +home--"Golden Rule Hall." In this interest I remained in San Francisco +for some time, being occupied exclusively in interviewing responsible +business people and portraying the need of their cooperation, +financially and otherwise. During this time I was the guest of Brother +Charles Montgomery, president of the board of prison commissioners, at +his hotel--The Brooklyn. Afterward I visited San Mateo and Burlingame, +with the same object in view. At the former place the young pastor of +the Methodist Episcopal church, Rev. C. B. Sylvester, was just +commencing a series of revival meetings. Upon learning my errand to San +Mateo, he and his wife urged my cooperation in the evening services, +and to this end invited me to remain under their roof. As I acceded to +their wishes, double duty for the kingdom now confronted me, but the +realization that our Lord never imposed too heavy a burden was now +demonstrated. Those precious meetings closed in two weeks, with most +blessed results. This records my first active, actual revival work. + +To the glory of God, let me make mention that hundreds of dollars was +the result of the daytime labor for the payment of the ex-prisoners' +home. + +During July and August, 1910, I was in an interior town and was +laboring under an indescribable burden for certain souls. I believe I +know what untold soul-agony is. Whilst almost sinking beneath my load, +I received a letter from one whom, with his bride, I had been brought +into Christian fellowship with in the early days of rescue experience. +The missive had followed me from one place to another until only the +last address could be plainly deciphered, owing to numerous erasures. +Other letters had often miscarried and failed to reach me. This one +was, by the hand of God, safely guided through. The father, with four +little helpless children on his hands, wrote of the mental derangement +of their mother, of his inability to find help, and of his pleading to +God to send some one consecrated enough to assist them in their time of +trouble. He was a poor man, but had a home and was working +industriously at his trade to support his little flock, the youngest of +whom was not four years old, the eldest ten. + +Positively I knew of no one to go to the rescue. Whilst I was praying +earnestly for the Lord to find some good woman to mother those little +ones pending their mother's recovering, I received the impression, "Go +yourself." Surely there is work everywhere--just as much in that +distant town as where I was. I admit I shrank from so trying an ordeal, +but, do my best, I could not silence the impression, "Go yourself." I +prayed that if no other door opened within the next three days, God +would let me regard this as a sign that his voice was bidding me take +up this cross. Such was his will. I wrote, saying, "Expect me [date] on +evening train." For nine weeks my immediate duty was with those little +ones. Still further to try me, there was added to my domestic labors, +measles. No sooner had one child recovered than the next was taken with +them, until all had been similarly afflicted. + +Some of the neighbors, having learned that "Mother Roberts" was quietly +sojourning at this brother's house, called; and soon I was assisted +with very necessary sewing, etc. After the three oldest children were +once more able to go to school. I received a unanimous invitation to +hold revival meetings in that town. About this time God sent the +brother a splendid housekeeper, an elderly Christian woman, who +relieved me of domestic duties, so that I was able to accept the call +mentioned. + +On February 1 of this year (1911) I received from Wheeling, W. Va., a +telegram which filled me with indescribable joy, for it informed me of +the birth of a little grandson. (My first grandchild and little +namesake I have never seen. God took her when she was nine months old.) +I longed to hold this dear little one in my arms and prayed God to +grant my heart's desire, if according to his will. And he did. Bless +his holy name! Following the revival services already mentioned, came a +call from another town not far distant. At the close of this meeting a +free-will offering enabled me to take the desired trip. On March 7, +1911, in company with a lady who was going within a short distance of +my destination, I boarded the train and before long was with my +precious little family. My cup of happiness was now filled to the brim, +my heart overflowing with gratitude to God, as I embraced my dear ones +and their precious little son. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVIII. + +MY RETURN TO THE MISSIONARY FIELD. + + +In a few weeks a longing to return to missionary work was again taking +possession of me. In vain I sought for the undenominational rescue hall +usually to be found in large cities. Apparently Wheeling had nothing of +this kind, though surely very much needed. Moreover, the requisite +encouragement for the starting of one was not forthcoming. + +Sundays would find me with my treasured auto-harp in the jail, work +house, or infirmary at the afternoon services, which for years have +been conducted by consecrated Christians, longing as much, nay, even +perhaps more than I, for the necessary places of refuge for discharged +prisoners and others. God speed the day when these needed institutions +shall be amply supplied. + +A lengthy conversation with one of the local judges, who is specially +interested in juvenile offenders, elicited the fact of there being no +place of detention for erring children except with the professed or +habitual criminals. Comment upon this is superfluous; it is sufficient +to say that _in nine cases out of ten disastrous results are +inevitable_. Owing to a lack of interest, of means, or of cooperation, +perhaps of sufficient good citizenship, maybe of all four, the judge +and his coworkers seem to be unable at present to cope with or improve +the situation. In a few years hence, this and other cities similarly +situated will be facing a problem well-nigh impossible to solve, unless +unusual efforts are made to provide for detention homes and schools for +the delinquent children, now so numerous everywhere, excepting in towns +and States where the awful liquor octopus, so largely responsible for +crime and criminal tendencies, is absolutely abolished. Let us not for +a moment forget that these youthful offenders are, in the main, the +offspring of lovers of drink and its accessories. Thus the sins of the +parents are visited upon the children, and upon the children's +children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate God; +but he says that he will show mercy unto thousands of them that love +him and keep his commandments (Deut. 5:9, 10). + +A pastor, describing the situation, informed me with the tears in his +eyes that, notwithstanding all the efforts put forth for children's +spiritual instruction, the results were very meager, owing to the +indifference of parents--fathers and mothers who send their little ones +to Sunday-school in the morning and then undo all the good in the +afternoon by supplying them with nickels and sending them unchaperoned +to the moving-picture shows, in order that they (the parents) may be +free to indulge in worldly pleasures and amusements. Fortunately, a +Sunday-closing movement in this direction has recently been crowned +with success. + +Some time in April as I was taking a streetcar ride between Wheeling, +W. Va., and an adjacent town just across the river in the State of +Ohio, my soul was uplifted when my eyes alighted upon this sign: "City +Gospel Mission." Upon getting off the car at the next corner, I soon +learned from the one who was superintending this work of the need of +more consecrated assistants. I therefore at once volunteered my +services. God saw fit to keep me in this field for three months, or +until the time came for him to trust me still further along in his +glorious light and liberty, thus giving me greater realization than +ever before of what "the steps to His throne" mean literally as well as +spiritually. To explain: My attention was attracted to a little band of +workers quietly, unostentatiously living remarkable lives of humility +faith, and prayer, depending absolutely upon our heavenly Father for +all necessities, health of body as well as of soul, and, in fact, +literally following God's Word, in spirit and in truth. Investigation +convinced me beyond a doubt that my Lord had very much more of his +riches for my enjoyment here on earth than of what I had already +partaken, if I would be willing still further to humble myself. + +For days the adversary contended with my soul. Everything calculated to +discourage me was brought to bear, but praise God forever for victory! +On the day it was gained, I informed my loved ones that I was soon to +leave them in order to answer the call of God in an entirely new field +of labor, where opportunity would shortly be granted me to give the +world the benefit of a _few_ of the numerous experiences of the past +fifteen years. Through the consecrated humble little band already +referred to, I learned of the Gospel Trumpet Home and Publishing +Company, situated at Anderson, Indiana. I wrote to them, and shortly +afterwards received a cordial invitation to visit them for an +indefinite period. About the middle of August I was lovingly greeted by +a family of about two hundred and fifty children of God, mostly young +people of both sexes, all consecrated faith workers; all cheerfully and +gladly giving the Lord their time and talents in this beautiful spot +and being abundantly provided for materially as well as spiritually. + +Here, whilst writing these experiences, I am enjoying blessed rest of +both soul and body, such as I had never dreamed of; for, like many, +many others, I had no idea of there being such a foretaste of heaven +oil earth as this which is being daily and hourly demonstrated by the +many members of the church of God (Col. 1:18) sojourning under this +roof of prevailing prayer and practical faith. Best of all, every one +is given cordial invitation to investigate personally; to satisfy +himself beyond a doubt that the God who so wonderfully fed the +Israelites in the wilderness in Moses' time, and that the Christ who +multiplied the loaves and fishes, who went about healing all manner of +divers diseases as well as speaking the word of life to the sin-sick +soul, is positively, absolutely, "_just the same today._" These people, +so I learn, are to be found scattered broadcast. Look them up. They are +known as the church of God. They are those who have come out from +confusion and sectarianism into the only church God will ever +recognize--the body of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. I praise +him with all my soul that through his wondrous grace I am now in this +glorious light and liberty. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIX. + + +SOME PRECIOUS LETTERS FROM PRECIOUS CHILDREN. + +Many poets have likened life to a dream. Reader, doubtless you are +aware, as I am, that life is but too realistic for the masses, the +great masses of suffering, sorrow-stricken humanity, with so few, +comparatively speaking, so few to uplift, comfort, cheer, and sustain; +so few to speak the blessed words of a bright hereafter. Especially is +this so with regard to those of the underworld. We find but few of the +home missionaries undertaking this line of work; still fewer who have +the God-given grace and courage, coupled with soul-love, to go to the +fallen sister and help her out of sin; very few who do not shrink from +putting a foot across the threshold of a jail or prison; but many, very +many quite willing to fill the easy places; quite ready to perform +tasks, provided these will not cost much inconvenience, comfort, +personal pride, sacrifice, or money. But some (are you among them?) +were delegated to go out into the highways and hedges, the streets, and +the lanes, and compel (by the power of divine love) those found there, +to come to the King's banquet, in order that his supper might be +furnished with guests. Most plainly does our Master emphasize the fact +that the publicans and the outcasts will largely be represented on that +great day, that day which will positively come, and which in these +perilous times is seemingly right at our very thresholds. + +I shall never forget going into the San Jose jail on one occasion and +trying to impress a girl who, as she lay on her cot, seemed utterly +indifferent to all advances; even turning her face to the wall and +stopping her ears with her fingers. Imagine my great surprise months +afterwards on receiving the following letter from her: + +San Francisco, Cal., + +March 16, 1906. + +My dear Mrs. Roberts: + +I am feeling so lonesome and blue here tonight all alone in my room.... +Somehow my thoughts turned to you, and I could not keep the tears from +my eyes as I realized that I had one friend, because you were, oh! so +kind to me during my imprisonment in San Jose. + +Dear Mrs. Roberts, can you bring before your mind's eye this picture? +Picture, if you can, the desolate darkness of the night extending on +and on. For months not a ray of light, not one kind word, not one +friendly face, until at last, when almost in despair, a gleam of +sunshine shot across your pathway, a kind, loving voice said. "I will +be your friend; I will help you." Such was my condition, and you, Mrs. +Roberts, was that gleam of sunshine. Your voice was the one that +cheered me until I took fresh courage. Mrs. Roberts, God has taken me +back.... May God bless you in your work.... I wish I could see you and +talk with you. You are indeed my spiritual mother. I hope you will +allow me to call you so. I wanted to tell you how much you had helped +me. I know you are very busy, but if you have time, please drop me one +line. I am so hungry for a message from you to cheer me up. May God +bless you and yours. + +A---- M----. + +San Francisco, Cal., + +March 20, 1900. + +Dear Mrs. Roberts--My Spiritual Mother: + +I cried from pure joy when I received your letter and photo. Yes, God +is most wonderfully showing me his way, and at last my spirit is +broken, and I am content to obey the voice of my Savior. + +Praise God for his wonderful salvation that saves and keeps one +enjoying his great blessings! Praise his name! I have nothing now to +fear. Mrs. Roberts, I am glad I did that time in jail, because it +taught me the lesson of patience and submission, and now it is much +easier for me to live a Christian life. I now have a better experience +than I could have had otherwise. Pray for me, Mother Roberts, and I +will pray for you. May God give you success in your work. + +May God bless you and yours is the prayer of your spiritual child, + +A---- M----. + +FROM A PRISON BOY. + +San Quentin, Cal., + +Sept. 13, ----. + +My dear Friend Mother Roberts: + +I received your letter of the 4th inst. and was very glad to get it, +and will try and drop you a line in answer now, although there is not +much in the way of news. I am much better now and am working outside +around the warden's house, where I can get plenty of fresh air; so I +think the time will pass much more pleasanter than if I was on the +inside of the prison walls. I had quite a siege of sickness +(pleuro-pneumonia the doctor pronounced it), but I am getting better +all the time and think soon to be entirely strong again. + +I think often of the kindness you showed me while I was in ---- [a +county jail], and I will never forget it or the advice you gave me. You +started me on the right path to heaven, and I do pray to God that he +will lead the rest of the way so that when I stand before him on the +judgment-day he will claim me as one of his own children. There is one +thing that worries me: my mother is quite sick, and writes me that she +does not expect to live to see me set at liberty, but I pray to God to +spare her until I am free and able to prove to her and every one else +that I am a true child of God and worthy to take my place amongst +honest Christian men. Don't think I can ever forget you, and my +thoughts are with you when my words are not. + +I will close now, hoping that God will take care of you, which is the +prayer of your friend, + +A---- G----. + +FROM A RECLAIMED WIFE. + +San Francisco, Cal., + +Dec. 3,----. + +Dear Mother Roberts: + +You don't know how glad I was to receive your kind and loving letter. +Yes, I can praise God this very day for his loving-kindness and tender +mercy. Yesterday I gave a testimony to some poor souls at San Quentin, +and you don't know how much good it did them. Three gave their hearts +to God. All that I am praying for now is that Jesus may make me a +shining light for souls that know him not. There was one prisoner that +knew me in my life of sin, and he told the others that I looked ten +years younger.... + +Oh, may God forbid that it may ever be so again; for when I think how +he has snatched me out from the pit of hell, oh, how I love my Jesus +more and more, dear Mama Roberts!... + +What God has done for me, surely he can do for others. _I only wish I +could turn this wicked world upside down and make it new again_. In one +of the Psalms I read, "My soul hath kept thy testimonies, and I love +them exceedingly." May it always be so. + +Mama Roberts, I will soon get a letter from Lucy. You don't know how I +love to get her letters. I assure you that when I get blue I take and +read one or two lines that her gentle hand has written, and it does me +good. + +Now, tomorrow night, you know, is prayer-meeting night, and I know you +won't forget me. Pray that I may, by the grace of God, do some poor +soul good by telling them of _the life that I led for twenty and one +years_ [drink, etc.]... + +I will close with love from one that dearly loves you and who will +always pray for you. I remain as ever, + +Yours in Christ, E---- K----. + +P.S. My husband wishes to be remembered to you. I hope that you will +come to see me soon. Write soon. + +FROM A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD SINNED-AGAINST CHILD. + +Dear Mama Roberts: + +I am learning about Jesus day by day. I hope you are well and strong. + +The Lord will help you.... + +My little chick is growing, and its mother is showing her little chick +to eat.... + +Pray for me. I am praying for you, too. + +From your dear, F---- E----. + + + +FROM ONE IN A HOUSE OF SIN. + +M----, Cal. + +Mrs. Florence Roberts: + +Your very kind letter received yesterday and am glad that your meeting +at the church was successful. I also hope ere this that you have +arrived safely in ---- and that your trip was pleasant. + +Mrs. Roberts, briefly concerning myself; words can not express my +appreciation of the interest you are taking in me, and I hope I may be +spared to prove to you that your efforts have not been in vain. I hope +the day may not be far distant when I may make myself worthy of your +friendship and interest--and hoping that you may think of whatever +goodness I may possess, and not of what my life has been, I beg to +remain, + +Sincerely yours, + +J---- W----. + +The foregoing letter was written in a beautiful hand. + +FROM A VERY YOUNG MOTHER. + +N----. Cal. + +My dear Mama Roberts: + +I will now sit down to answer your most dear and welcome letter of so +long ago, which has not been answered; but do not think I have +forgotten you. You have been so kind and good to me that I will ever +love you and not forget you.... The baby was pretty sick before the 4th +of July, but he is well and fat now. I feed him on Mellin's food.... My +stepfather says that the day I speak to the baby's father I will lose +the home I have. He (the baby's father) does not give me five cents. +All that the baby has I work good and hard to get. What he and I need, +I earn honestly. I work whenever I have the opportunity, as my +stepfather is the only one we can depend upon [she was only sixteen +years old], and we are four boys and three girls, grandma, mama, the +baby, and himself; so it is hard for him, and I haven't the heart to +ask them for anything, no matter how bad I need it. I take in washing +from the boarders at the two hotels, also sewing and ironing, or go out +to do housework whenever I can. + +I must close, as I must help mama to get the supper. With love and +regards to Mama Roberts from all.... I don't forget my Bible and verse. +Your loving, + +L---- K----. + +FROM A GRATEFUL MOTHER. + +S----, July 28. + +Mrs. Florence Roberts. + +My dear Madam: + +My darling daughter E---- has been home for a short time and has told +me the kind interest you have taken in her welfare. + +I wish to say for your pleasure (and certainly mine) that E---- is very +much in earnest over your advice. I sincerely believe it will take only +a little more persuasion on your part to fully convince her to give up +her worldly ways and do as you wish her. Oh, how happy I shall be! My +heart is breaking for my dear, sweet girl. She is bright and +accomplished. She could help you so much in your noble work, which we +both know would greatly help her. God is surely working in her heart. +She says, "Mama, I can't get Mrs. Roberts out of my mind. All the time +I was away [This girl used to leave home on periodical carousals], I +could but think of her, and if it hadn't been Mrs. R---- talked so good +to me, I would have had a big old time." Now, my dear friend, do you +not think that encouraging? I shall pray every moment for your success. +God surely will help us to save my darling child. + +My dear Mrs. Roberts, please call and see me when you return to S----. +So much I would like to say. + +With my earnest prayer for your success, I am yours most sincerely, + +C---- B----. + +FROM A GRATEFUL FATHER. + +K----. Cal. + +Mrs. Florence Roberts: + +May God forever bless you and reward you, dear madam, for being good to +my poor boy. The board of prison directors have granted his parole, and +if he behaves himself for two years, then he can apply to the governor +for his pardon. I hope it will soon come my way to show you how much I +appreciate how hard you worked to get his parole. God knows I do.... +Please forgive my poor effort to thank you. I can find no words, but +God forever bless you, and I'm sure he will. + +Yours most gratefully, G---- F----. + +The following is a reply to an anonymous letter introducing one who was +undergoing a laborious effort to make good. I hope that this may teach +its own lesson to all who would push the struggling ones still further +down. + +To ---- ----. Dear Sir: + +Kindly permit me space to answer an anonymous letter which came to me +last Sunday concerning a young man in whom I am deeply interested, +having been instrumental in procuring his parole recently, and who is +in every way traduced to me by the writer, who styles himself or +herself a Christian and signs the letter, "A friend to all." + +Knowing this young man as I do, through officials, the sheriff of the +county, and others in a position to make truthful statements concerning +him; knowing of the terrible struggle he is enduring to live down an +act of the past for which he was more to be pitied than blamed; knowing +from the lips of those with whom he spent his youthful days that prior +to his incarceration in San Quentin he had a character unsullied, I +ask, How can any one claiming to be a Christian, thus hinder the cause +of Christ by making unsubstantiated charges? 'Woe to you who offend one +of these little, ones!' saith our Lord, who came, not to save the +righteous, but to call sinners to repentance. + +My varied experience proves that many are hindered from coming into the +fold by just such reflections on the Master, as indicated in this +letter. + +Now I am perfectly willing to meet the writer of the aforesaid letter +in the presence of two or more witnesses, in order that he (or she) may +be given a chance to substantiate his statements; and until this is +done, I shall continue to consider said letter the work of a coward +instead of a "friend to all." + +Most respectfully yours, + +(Mrs.) Florence Roberts. From Warden W. H. Reilly, + +State Prison at Folsom, Cal., + +Sept. 18, 1911. + +Mrs. Florence Roberts, Gospel Trumpet Publishing Co., + +Anderson, Indiana. Dear Madam: + +Upon my return from a little needed rest. I found your letter of the +7th inst., which surely afforded me pleasure. + +We are very glad indeed that you are so pleasantly circumstanced, and +wish you sincerely all manner of success in your good work. + +_Joe --- is here yet_, and he was much pleased when I handed him your +card. There are many fine points about the boy, and he surely +appreciates your kindness. + +Mrs. Reilly and the children are well and join me in kind remembrance. + +Very respectfully, + +W. H. Reilly. + +Joe is the young man who was sentenced for ninety-nine years on +circumstantial evidence, and whose story is in this book. + + + + +CHAPTER L. + +CONCLUSION. + + +One morning a little lad was observed by his mother to be making great +efforts to stretch his chubby limbs to such an extent as to place his +feet in every one of his father's tracks. + +"What are you trying to do, Sonny? Come into the house quick, or you'll +catch cold," called the anxious mother. + +"No, no, Mama; I don't want to; I want to follow papa. I'm trying to +walk in his footsteps," replied the innocent child. + +Does this cause the smoking, drinking, swearing, card-playing, Godless +parents to halt and reflect? God knows; we hope so. Does this fill the +mother of cherished, idolized little ones with remorse of conscience? +Does it occasion her to take a retrospective view of the time when, +during courtship days, she was warned and advised of the indiscreet +marriage she was about to make, because of her sweetheart's well-known +dissolute propensities? Yet all those warnings and pleadings were in +vain. + +The little innocent ones are trying to walk in their parents' +footsteps. Myriads of mothers are weeping and wishing they had been +firmer; that they had not so readily yielded to the ardent persuasions +to marry, but had waited until such times as true reformation, +repentance, and turning to the God they were then serving had taken +place in their sweethearts' lives. + + Of all sad words of tongue or pen, + The saddest are these--It might have been. + +Poor, poor remorseful, unhappy wife and mother, my heart aches for you +as you realize the sowing and weep over the prospective reaping. Long +since you have grown cold in your Christian experience. You realize it +today as never before. You wonder what you are going to do about it? +The older children have outgrown your jurisdiction. Mary is running +with company you do not approve of, to balls, theaters, and other +demoralizing places; wanting finery you are not able to afford, +although you do your best. You can't get any help from her; for, when +not otherwise engaged, she is absorbed in novel-reading. It does no +good to complain to her father; in fact, that seems only to make a bad +matter worse. You haven't an atom of her confidence. When she was +younger, you never really encouraged her to give it, and now, though +but fifteen, she laughs at you because she thinks that she knows so +much and that you know so little. All her confidence is given to those +you do not approve of, and you are dreading the outcome, the +inevitable. + +Then there's thirteen-year-old Tom. While you sat up mending his torn +coat the other night after he had gone to bed, you found some tobacco +and cigarette paper in his pocket. When you quietly asked him next +morning what it meant, he only laughed and replied, "That's nothing. +All us kids smoke nowadays. _It won't hurt us any more than it will +father. He smokes._" You are wondering how you can find out whether he +has contracted any more of his father's bad habits, and while searching +his room, you come across a dirty pack of playing-cards hidden in the +back part of one of the bureau drawers. + +Awful vision of the future of these two older children is yours as you +ponder what you can do to subvert the growing evil in your home. You +indulge much in vain regrets--vain, indeed, so far as you are +concerned. But listen, mother--you who would lay down your life to +spare Mary from disgrace and eventually an ignominious death; you who +love Tom so dearly you would give all the world were it yours to make +him understand that the habits he is contracting lead only to impaired +health and disgrace, ofttimes to imprisonment, sometimes to the +scaffold. It is not too late yet, distressed mother, particularly with +the two younger children, who are just beginning to ask leading +questions. These you must, _you must answer_, so that your little son +and daughter will find no need of inquiring of other children +concerning the beautiful plan of life, which should never be imparted +to them by any other than you yourself. "What must I do? What can I +do?" you ask. Listen. I'm going to tell you. + +Lose no time. Do as I did. Go to God, in your secret closet. Lay all +your troubles and problems at his feet. Throw yourself on his loving +mercy. Confess your backsliding, your sins, your errors, your +weaknesses, everything--everything that is causing you, your husband, +and your children to be held by the enemy of souls, and that will soon +bring more misery into your life and their lives, unless God undertakes +for you and them. Then, cost what it will, take the humble place before +God and them. Tell them of your love for them; of the mistakes you have +made, through false modesty, in not gaining their companionship, their +confidence. Ask them to help you in the future by trusting you more +than they do any other friend or acquaintance. Tell them how much you +once loved God, and that now, after wandering far away, you have +returned to him. Go with them to Sunday-school and to other religious +services; set up, even in the face of all opposition, the family altar; +ask a blessing at table; have an open Bible always. + +The outcome. Probably at first, and maybe for some time to come, +rebellion, even desertion, even more sin to battle with; more +heartaches, more tears, more struggles than ever heretofore. But "_be +thou faithful_." Thy loyalty, thine efforts, shall be rewarded. Watch, +wait, pray always. + +There is only one reason to be given why the children go +wrong--_Godless homes_. "Train up a child in the way he should go; and +when he is old, he will _not_ depart from it." Prov. 22:6. + +One day a clergyman handed me two very startling verses, the characters +of which were all too true. I remarked that some day, God willing, I +would add to the verses and set them to music. I have done so, and in +His name, I herewith give them, under the awful title: + + + WANTED, RECRUITS FOR HELL. + +Johnson the drunkard is dying today, + With traces of sin on his face; +He will be missed at the bar, at the play. + Wanted, a boy for his place. + +Ruby, poor Ruby is passing away, + A victim of vice and disgrace. +Wanted, recruits for the houses of shame, + Some mother's girl for her place. + +Simons, a gambler, was killed in a fight; + He died without pardon or grace. +Wanted, to train for his burden and blight, + Somebody's boy for his place. + +Wanted for dance-halls, for brothels, for bars, + Girls attractive of form and of face, +Girls to decoy and boys to destroy; + Have you a child for the place? + +"Wanted," pleads Satan, "for service of mine, + Some one to live without grace, +Some one to die without pardon divine; + Please train me your child for the place." + +That eminent writer, Mrs. Ella Wheeler Wilcox, says: + +"Every person on earth is making some sort of a cell in his or her +brain every waking moment of the day or night. + +"Thoughts are things. Thought is energy. Thought is a creative power. +That is why it is so important to direct the minds of human beings to +good, kind, helpful thoughts. [Let me add, to direct them, from the +very commencement, to the great, loving God and his Son, our Savior.] + +"Parentage is the oldest profession of men and women in the world, but +there are the smallest number of prize-winners in that profession of +any in the world. [Why? because of a neglected, insulted God.] + +"Real, good motherhood must include the universal motherhood. It must +make a woman love her child _so unselfishly_ that she is willing it +should suffer while learning its lessons of kindness, thoughtfulness, +and protection, rather than to enjoy itself while taking away the joys, +the privileges, or the rights of other creatures, human or animal." + +The warden of a certain State prison, who is a student of human nature, +said to some visitors one day, "If a child is properly educated to the +age of ten, no matter what its inheritance, it never becomes a +criminal." His sentence includes all the needed preventatives of crime. + +Oliver Wendell Holmes when asked, "When should a child's education +begin?" promptly replied, "Two hundred years before it is born." + +There would be little or no need of the rescue missionaries had parents +and guardians but heeded these words in Deut. 6:5-7: "Hear, O Israel: +The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with +all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these +words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thy heart: and thou +shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them +when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and +when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them +for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between +thine eyes, and thou shalt write them upon the posts of thine houses, +and on thy gates." "O that there were such an heart in them, that they +would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be +well with them, and with their children forever!" Deut. 5:29. + +It is very, very blessed to undertake the part of a good Samaritan. It +is far more blessed so to know and serve the Lord, that our present and +future progeny, instead of sharing a destiny similar to many of these +depicted between these pages, may, under any and all circumstances, +enjoy the everlasting smile of His countenance, that peace and joy in +their souls which this world can never give, neither take away. + +Lord, we pray thee, "so teach us to number our days, that we may apply +our hearts unto wisdom." Psa. 90:12. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, FIFTEEN YEARS WITH THE OUTCAST *** + +This file should be named 9390.txt or 9390.zip + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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