Pittston Gazette

              mm m . : :v ■?M§ y V & mw* - "Sk --4 m Hi ■•IftblUhed 1850.1 TOL. L Mu. 43 | Oldest Newsoauer in the Wvominc Vallev P1TTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, JUNE IS, 1900. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. (•I.OOsTM . In AdTtoM [g  it differ from oratory? WTiat was the object of preaching? What were the materials of preaching? And so on. He spoke straight on, with his heart In what he said. It was In the thought of more than one minister in the audience that this man who had won the German scholarship had a remarkablygood voice. More than one pastor felt like envying the peculiar tone of that voice. It had a carrying quality that commanded attention and held it And nearly every man on the seminary faculty was wondering why Kirk had received no call from toy church. There was no question as to his ability. He had both brains and heart. It is true his face and figure werte not In his favor. He was not of the orthodox ministerial cut. *Hls clothes were not a very good fit. But were the churches looking for a fashion plate for an ornamental failure behind the pulpit? thy Gilbert's father. It was not the first time he had looked in that direction.his position as a man with a career, and before he let himself Into his dingy room he had gone down Into a depth of self depreciation that measured a valley of humiliation for him. life retain. It was two weeks after the steamer reached Liverpool and while Kirk was working bard In the east end slums that Dorothy Gilbert received a letter from Francis Raleigh, dated from London, Gordon square, near the British museum. She had not encouraged him when he pleaded the privilege of- an occasional letter; but, on the other hand, she had not refused him, and he was too careful of his future to risk the mistake of writing too often or in a tone of sentiment He wrote a very Interesting letter. Dorothy enjoyed reading it, while she felt a little disturbed to think she must answer. She did not want to encourage him too much. At the same time his unloubted love for her and his great talents as an artist appealed to her strongly. The only reason she had not accepted his affection was a lack of filing on her own part SJie was fearful of herself. She wanted to be absolutely Bure of her own heart She had known him since they were both children. It was not as If they were In any way comparative strangers. She also knew well enough that her father favored Raleigh's suit There was one passage in the lei that Intensely interested her. It mi not have pleased Francis Raleigh if had known all the reasons for her terest. It was a passage descrtbin scene on the vessel during his rec voyage across. "You may remember," the le went on after a- description of sC famous paintings in the National lery, "a theological student of name of Malcom Kirk, who this year. Had an It Is true he felt a little uneasy to think he had told Dorothy Gilbert so plainly that he loved her. But, then, he was sure it had done no harm. It was the truth, and, besides, when he came back would he return the picture without a word? Might he not claim the right to keep it always? the mother sank yet more rapidly, but rallied, as is often the case, and when the passengers gathered for a little service which Kirk was asked to lead she wanted her door left open so that she could see and hear the singing better. "I'll go up on the other deck and see the first cabin passengers about It." MALCOM KIRK. "Of course," continued the superintendent briskly, "you understand the church is a home missionary church and cannot offer you a large salary. They can raise perhaps $400 or possibly $450. The society will grant $200 or $250. You could count on about $800 probably." The surgeon was a Scotch Irishman with a big heart. He had influence But when he awoke the next day he determined, with a dull obstinacy that was a part of his character, that he would see Dorothy Gilbert before he went away. And when evening came he walked over to the house again. !== s A Tale of Moral Heroism In Overcoming the World. That was a novel experience for Kirk. The intermediate cabin was not crowded as it would be on the return voyage. The passengers were mostly from wliat the English people call the "middle classes." We In America say the "common people." This means the people out of the plain ranks of labor, not necessarily very poor, often well read, with love of home and In most cases with a religious life that flows deep through narrow channels, but Is always true In its application to duty. BY CHARLES M. SHELDON, |== = Author of "In His Steps," "Crucifixion of Philip Strong," "Robert = = : — == Hardy's Seven Days." =r = He scarcely pretended to answer this question. He found his way to his room In the Intermediate cabin and came out on the deck again. As the steamer went down the harbor he thoughtfully reviewed his course and looked out into the new life before him with quiet hope. Kirk was silent He turned Lis head away from the window and glanced around his room. The shabby backed books, the simple pieces of furniture, the faded carpet, the meager furnishings, all smote him keenly. It was not the first time his poverty had thrust itself upon him coarsely, but he seemed to feel it more deeply than ever. As he faced the superintendent who was waiting for a reply Kirk had a most astonishing and absurd feeling come over him. He was not thinking about his German scholarship or about the superintendent. The superintendent would have been smitten Into bewilderment if he could have read Kirk's thought. What Kirk was saying to himself was, "How can Dorothy Gilbert and I live on $800 a year In a home missionary church?" She was playing the piano again, but this time alone. She turned around as Kirk entered and smiled as if she were glad to see him, and before he had time to think of any possible shyness he was talking about his prospects, the places he expected to visit, the methods he was planning to use. 1900, BT THE ADVAWCI PUBLISHING CO. tNI j= SllltlllllUlllillllllllllllllHIIIIIIII mirations hv Herman Hc*r. iHHIIIIIIlHIISIIHIIIHIIIIIIIIIli = CHAPTER I. Finally some one recurred to the It was 10 o'clock when he went down to his room. As he proceeded to arrange his few effects in the little apartment called a cabin one of the stewards came by. There were two or three other ipen sitting at the table In the dining and lounging room. The senior class In the theological seminary at Hernton had just had its picture taken by the photographer, and the members were still grouped about the steps of the chapel. class picture again. "1 don't believe Kirk's In this picture at all. He sat too far out. The photographer kept telling him to move in farther. But I believe he moved out again just at the last minute." As the talk went on Dorothy Gilbert drew more Interested. Kirk's voice had something to do with it But aside from that he was at his best while talking about bis life work. Dorothy forgot that he was a tlieologue. Several times 8lie was startled at her response to his enthusiasm. He had planned an original trip abroad, and the details of what he intended to do roused her native intensity to see results.Kirk preached a simple sermon about Christ in his relation to the sea and those who live upon it. He touched on Christ's love of humankind and his compassion for all sorts of trouble. The sermon was easily understood. It helped. Kirk saw tears in many eyes. Many of the passengers thanked him after he was through. He went in and prayed briefly with the sufferer. And the day passed on slowly with an unwonted calmness, as Sunday on board ship at sea Is so often. The ocean was quiet. The sun went down without a cloud about It and the sick woman seemed to rest taster as the lights were turned on, and the great steamer with its freight of human tragedy and Its uncounted value of souls sailed untiringly on toward the old world. "There's one thing the photographer forgot," said a short, red faced man who sat in the middle of the group. "He didn't think to say, 'Look pleasant now. If you please.'" "He didn't need to. We all look so, anyhow." The man who spoke eat immediately behind the first speaker and had his hands on the other's shoul- In the audlebce that morning there were also two other persons who paid close attention to Kirk while he was speaking. One of these was a young man nearly Kirk's age, with a face and manner that spoke of the most sensitive, refined breeding. It was the face of a dreamer—dark eyes, waving dark hair, handsome features, thin, delicate, curved lips and the hands of an artist. Hla clothes were made of the finest material and bore the stamp of that unconscious gentlemanly feeling which always goes wllth a man who has all his life been uaed to expensive details. As be sat there listening to Malcom Kirk this morning Francis Raleigh was attract'ed by the voice of the speaker. He had listened to the others with a conventional interest that did not mean anything to him. He started the moment that Kirk spoke the first word and fastened his look upon him until he was through. He then resumed his previous attitude of mild indifference to the programme. "1 only moved one of my feet out" said Kirk solemnly. "I thought one of them was enough. I didn't want to have to pay extra for more than my share of the photograph." "Any of you & clergyman?" asked the steward. No one answered, and Kirk after a moment Btepped out and said: "I'm a clergyman. What is wantedT" "Rut we want the whole of you In the picture, Kirk," said the man next to him, laying an affectionate hand on Kirk's arm. The entire class turned again toward the awkward, shambling figure and seemed to repeat the gesture of the one classmate. Then the talk drifted back again to the future plans of the members and to serious and humorous reminiscences of th®v three years' course until one after another went away and the class group was broken up into little knots of tjvo and three as the men walked to their rooms or lingered nnder the great elms, arm In arm. The steward looked a little doubtfully at the long, unattractive figure. "There's a woman down aft here In a poor way. She wants some one to pray with her." "Well," the superintendent spoke, with a slight trace of Impatience, "what do you say? Give me a favorable answer. You can make your mark out there; plenty of hard work, but a good field. Tell me you'll take it." But right in the midst of his explana tlon of what he expected to do In Lon don Kirk paused. "I'm sure we don't feel very pleasant I mean, we are not pleased to "I heard you playing the 'Traume reT when I came In, Miss Gilbert. Wil you please play It again?" "I'll go," said Kirk quietly, and he followed the steward, not knowing as he went that this, bis first ministry of service, was to prove one of the mCjst remarkable events in his eventful life. Meanwhile the steamer had reached the limits of the harbor. The great ocean now lay wide and solemn before her, and the lookout on the forward deck was saying to himself, "It's going to be a beautiful night" He really tried to be as gentle with it as its own mother ever was. with the purser and easily persuaded that gentleman to call the passengers together In -the dining and music rooms, which Joined, and then suggested that Kirk himself tike the baby and go up and tell his story and appeal for help. think this is almost the last time we J shall be together as a class," said al tall, delicate, pale faced man who waal standing up at the top of the stepsj with his back against the door "Very well, I promise to take the field 1( it is open wlieu I finish my studies abroad." Dorothy looked surprised at the al rupt change, but without a word wen to the piano and began. Kirk knev enough about music to know that sL played well, better than any one Ik had ever heard. He spoke In a quiet, low voice, and there was a hush after he spoke. There is as much sentiment among theological students as among any average number of professional men. In some directions there is more than among the like number of law or medical stu- Near morning the woman who was watching the sufferer sent for the surgeon. He came down, and Kirk, who was wakened by an unusual noise, heard him going by and rose and dressed, going out into the large cabin. The wind was roaring over the water, and the vessel was beginning to rock for the first time since they'left home. Kirk spoke quietly, but his Hps closed firmly, and lie turned bis bend and looked out over the campus again. There was a little more talk between tbem, and the superintendent went out. When site finished, she turned abor and said: "You will hear some goo. musk- while you are abroad. Mr. Kirk The Germans, especially, furnish th people with the very best music in th. parks and gardens at a very small price." This time Malcom Kirk required no urging to have the baby placed in hla arma. He wonld have gone with it into the presence of all the crowned heads of Europe and their families even, although he knew well enough that he looked and felt aa queer as a long legged, long armed, awkward man ever looked and felt voice for a theologue and reci German scholarship at gradua would remember him it for reason on account of his ale On the promenade deck two men were pacing up and down. Kirk and the companion who had laid his hand on his arm remained a little while the steps. The minute be was gone Kirk pulled down bis curtains and looked hi* door. It was a little after noon, and the regular commencement dinner was served at 1. He walked up and down Ills darkened room talking to himself. i)!a future was at last decided—at least for a time. He had some place In the world. Borne one wanted him. He was ambitious, as a Christian gentleman fhould be. He wanted to do great things In the kingdom of God on earth. Could he do them In that little home missionary church? dents. After a moment of silence some pne began to ask questions about tbe future prospects of the class. The red faced, jolly looking young man In tbe eenter was going to take a church In northern Vermont. The man just behind him bad received a call as assistant pastor of an institutional church in Philadelphia. The delicate featured student up by the chapel door was going to teach school a year and find * church as soon as he had paid off hit polfege debts. Every member i ken of his prospects . eat on {he cxtremf PWIP. aa tf he had * "But how did it happen, Raleigh, that you took passage on the Cunard line? I thought you were planning to go by the Anchor line from New York." "What will yon do, Kirk?" "I think 1 shall offer myself to the Home Missionary society and ask them to send me to the hardest place they can find x)Ut west somewhere." The other person who followed Kirk's speech with especial Interest was a young woman who sat in that part of the church reserved for the trustees of the seminary and their families. It is said that the young women who work in the nitroglycerin and dynamite establishment at Ardeer, .Scotland, hare the most perfect complexions in the world, owing to the nature of the peculiar materials they handle and brefttbe. It Is very certain that Dorothy Gilbert bad never lived or worked in any more explosive atmosphere than that of her own Intense energy, but her face would faicly have rivaled that of any Scotch lass in Ardeer. There was a striking resemblance in many ways to Francis Raleigh's beautv. l\ might have been due to the similarity in training and in The New England type of independent, morally calm, but thoroughly interested activity was well represented in Dorothy Gilbert Her father sat beside her. a dignified, carefully dressed man of 56, Iron gray hair and mustache, a successful book publisher, with a beautiful home in Hermon and business In Boston. Dorothy was the only chllQ at home. She had a year before at Northampton and now taking a special tours? in music, going to the city three days in the week. on 1 I fe Slit) suddenly colored deeply as she thought be might imply that she was thinking of his poverty, of his inability to hear expensive music In expensive places. If be thought of it. he made no sign that she noticed. But he said: "We are 1b for a storm," he heard one of the passengers say. He steadied himself and walked down to the sick woman's door and sat near, waiting expectantly as if he knew he would be summoned. In a moment the door opened, and the surgeon looked out. "I did plan to go two weeks later, but circumstances changed my movements. I shall be glad to get to work again, and I'm thankful to be thrown In with you, Ed. We can talk over old college days." teresting talks with him." looked up from her reading color deepened in her face a tared the two men together, bim a very intelligent felloi tell the truth, not at alllike t theologue. There was a i The women wrapped the baby up, and he smiled when Kirk's bands clutched him. "But how about all your scholarship, your—your ability?" The other man hesitated for the right word. "I shall never bear any better music than I have beard tonight." "He doesn't care bow homely and awkward I am anyway," Bald Kirk to himself, with a gulp in his throat He climbed up the rather steep stairs out Kirk colored slightly, the first Indication he had shown of a sensitiveness in that direction. They turned In front of the music room, and the light fell on Francis Raleigh's face. It was at this moment that Malcom Kirk down in the intermediate cabin kneeled to pray. The lookout on the bow was saying, "We ■hall have a quick voyage." He beckoned to Kirk, who instantly rose and went in. Tbe great change was coming. Kirk had never seen any one die, but he knew at once what the look on the face meant He kneeled, and the woman feebly opened her eyes. He took the hand and prayed again and knew that she heard and understood.The minute he had said It he felt the p»tne timidity seise him that came over him the evening before. But it passed away quickly, and, to his relief, be felt a certain inward strength and indomitable courage fill him. Dorothy waa at first amused, at the compliment; then she was suddenly excited by it Kirk was as simple hearted as a child. He bad revealed his secret in the tone and manner of bis worda. It was the last thing in the world he had expected to do when he came. But greater and better and wiser men than Malcom Kirk have done as he did "I can use anything I know anywhere. Preach 1 must, even If I have on to the lower deck. The storm was almost spent It was about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and when be reached the promenade deck he met the purser himself, who led the way into the dining saloon. The first cabin passengers of that steamer will never forget that incident In their passage. They had gathered to the number of 100 or more, many of them old travelers who were not affected by storms. They bad been told that the orphan baby's friends below wanted to tell bis story, and they were ready to listen to It, but they were not prepared for tfie sight of the baby himself and his strange nurse. It was not at ail contrary to his Tegular habits of life that he kneeled down and prayed. It was a prayer of thanksgiving and also one of petition, 11* knew with perfect clearness as he kneeled In his darkened room that he loved Dorothy Gilbert with all his might The complete absurdity of hia position had nothing to do with the fact that he loved her. She was rich, she was accomplished, she was Iteautlful, she was of an old and distinguished family, but he loved her. H© was poor, be was plain looking, he had no prospects beyond his scholarship and $700 or $8QQ a year in a home mission- church, but he loved Dorothy Gilbert. It made no difference that hlB Christian training seemed to rebuke his choice of one so far removed from him In every way. That did not destroy his feeling for her and did not change it In his prayer he cried for wisdom; he asked to be led by the Spirit as lnconsplcuo picture. A \g by woulc to be tht Dng man In 4 brown hair, very blue eyes, a rather tbe lips of which, and full of character M an unusually a-nd wert general attitude, as Of the steps, waf awkward CHAPTER IIL ▲ DEATU IN MIDOCEAJf. "We'll see that your baby is cared for," said Kirk very gently. "He's a fine boy, and we are going to pray that he may grow into a noble Christian man. You don't have any fear to go, do you? We have talked about that You can trust the love of Jesus? You know he has prepared a place for you?" 1 C When Malcom Kirk entered the little cabin room to which the steward led him, he found the assistant surgeon of the steamer bending over the figure in the berth there. t A woman was sitting near by. The surgeon rose and beckoned Kirk to step outside a moment "You are a clergyman?" Kirk nodded. He rose at once and walked straight over to the fireplace. On the mantel was a miniature of Dorothy, painted by'a New York artist, a young woman who was famous for such work. I She could not speak, but they all knew she understood. As the storm rose and the vessel began to pitch and toss under the resistless grasp of the heaving hand of the tempest under It the woman neared her harbor of peace. And she entered it gently Just as the gray dawn was creeping over the water now lashed into great sheets of spray that went clear oveY the decks and fell in torrents on the hatebways. CHAPTER IV. RAXJCIGH SKETCHES MAI.COM AWD THE done i aware "I have no right"—Kirk spoke without a tremor—"but if I take this and keep it for a year sacredly to guard it from every eye but my own and never to »p**ak of it and then return It when 1 come back"— The surgeon looked at him as doubtfully as the steward had tfone, but he seemed satisfied at last BABY. "Here's Kirk; hasu yet," cried the Iittlr * first spoken. "What do, Kirk?" ?5TP7 WWPK t . j»nC} looked at the flj idge of the group. A smile crossed nearly every face as Kirk entered. As he began to speak the smile passed off, and another look crept over the faces of the rich, refined, leisurely people gathered in that steamer. The first cabin drew very uear the Intermediate for a few moments at least. Kirk told the baby's story very well. How could he help It when he saw in his imagination the face of that wornout mother lying nearly beneath where he stood, still and cold? The baby looked out from hlh shawls with a curious, inquisitive loojfci on its face and kept perfectly quiet as long as Kirk was speaking. "Well, you might as well know the woman has consumption. She may last until we reach Liverpool, and she may go before Sunday. She ought never to have been allowed passage." She did not attempt to reason with herself about the Interest she felt in Malcom Kirk's appearance. Tbeologues In general were mildly  creatures to her. 8he bad been born and brought up tn Hermon nod classed the theplogues as a part of tbe fauna |fld flora of the town, but ber Interest had never gone any further than that She had met Malcom Kirk several times during his three yew*' course. Once she bad aat by him at a dinner given tar her father to the class. She tad found him an Interesting talker and was surprised when she thought It over afterward. His homely balr. hla shyneps, (Us remarkable awkwardness, had amused ber. She had laughed a little with her father about something that happened at the table, put Btif could pot help listening to him today With added Interest as he went on. tTas It the voice? There was something very winning In It There vrpa none of the Yankee, Bug laud nasal tone abopt It, ful\ and deep euggestefl aq organ pipe exactly She was so surprised that her self possession failed her. Kirk's hand was oa the miniature with a mastery that Dorothy noticed even at that moment.line. : I sh He w** not the man to wreck a life ot Christian service on a passion of the heart, even if its hunger were neve? fed. But when he arose anCJ went over to the alumni hall to join the class there at the final banquet he carried with Ulm the knowledge that the future for him must have Dorothy Gilbert with It If he would do or be all that he felt he had a right to pray for. A death on board ship In midocean Is soon known by all the passengers. Before noon" every one knew that there was an orphan baby In the Intermediate cabin. The storm increased as the day wore on. Nearly every one was sick. One after another of the women in the cabins gave up the struggle-and retired. appearance would always way of bla advancement try." that while sever*; _ nt the question, "Whi lijfejl'# doT* there war •mile, and on eve " "I can tell how that is," said the steward. "I noticed the. woman come on with ber baby. She looked as bright ami pretty as any one. Seemed strong and sat out on deck until we left the dock. Then she came down here and went to pieces. I've known one or two such cases before." Dorothy spread the table and looked at It  said too much when he n had caught Kirk's attitud It was, besides, a splem There was just a little exi the stubborn brown hair, a "You are not unwilling? I make no claiui. 1 have uone. I simply shall keep It for a year. Perhaps the constant sight of It will prove to me how hopeless"— a look of real interest, an excited curiosity. ||g! Malcoin Kirk snil pp. Ue & file rubor of the clt. teemed to inch] (It j* Interest thft Dr.. feotle. ♦'I dou"t know. I am waiting for C» The man paused and looked straight at Dorothy. There was something so hungry and at the same time so unaffected In his look that again Dorothy was speechless. He took the picture, and It lay in his great palm a moment, and then his fingers closed slowly over it. lie looked up at ber again. She hail turned away and was nervously traciug lines with her fingers on the table. This was what led to an unexpected experience for Malcom Kirk. The baby woke up, and for the first time there was no one to take care.of him. Tht three women stewards were busy witli their duties, and one of them who hao prepared the baby's milk suddenly came up to Kirk, who was standing bj the long dining table, and asked him ii he couldn't take the baby awhile. The week that followed commencement day at Hermon found Kirk almost alone in the seminary building. He had been employed by one of the professors In doing some special copying of a book manuscript. In a few day# this would be finished. He had fixed on the following Thursday to sail for Liverpool. He bad determined to begin his studies as soon as possible. He Jiad been to see the president of the faculty about bis scholarship and, to his great relief, found that he was largely free to study In the way that seemed of most value to himself. "It seems to me," Kirk concluded, "that we might help the baby to start in life. I understand that the mother left only a few dollars, and the sister In London Is a shopkeeper In poor clr- "That's true," said the surgeon gravely. "I'll be back before middight. It will do no barm for you to see ber." He spoke to Kirk and went away, leaving him standing somewhat awkwardly by the half open door. face, but it was "Maicom Kirk enough," as he used to say of hli The baby kty in his arms satisfie smiling. There were tears in thy*s eyes after she had looked a while. Malcom Kirk's great h« love of humanity as it was repres by that helpless bit of it in his arms somehow appealed to her. seemed to feel as if there was a there into which she had never ed, but which she could enjoy wi Ijpr eager enthusiasm if once she introduced to it She folded u; sketch and carefully laid it awt itself. She did not put It with I lection of drawings which Raleig given her when he finished his c in art. "The Qermnn $ehotarsMp U awarded to Mulcum Kirk."' to go into the streets and speak from the tall enC] cf a wagon and never have a parish. But I do want a parish and a people. I can love people like everything. I feel hungry'to-have a parish of rf!V own." call. I'ff b«d ooc and accepted it, but I pped Mother before 1 can go to work." Everybody stared. The man up by the chapel door bad a look In bis eye as-4# he understood what Kirk meant, KB but no one else seemed to catch bis pining. "My first call was from the Lord, several years ago. I feel perfectly satisfied with It. He wants me to preach. But so far none of the churches seems to WW Ftth blflV (east npne of them has asked me to preaich. So I'm waiting for my second call." cumstances. If I was in a church, I think I would say, 'We will now worship the Lord with our offering.'" The woman called in a faint voice, and Kirk went in. He said it in such a tone that it was irresistible. A portly, dignified old gentleman sitting in the middle of the dining room rose and in a husky voice which betrayed his feeling said, "I'll be one of 25 gentlemen to give $10." "1 have no excuse to offer for what I bave done." he said, and there was that In his voice that made Dorothy look up. "Are you the clergyman?" she asked. "I don't know what we'll do." shi .said in great perplexity. "The womei are ail sick, and we have our hand full caring for them. You can boh. him all right, can't you? -He's thf best baby you ever saw." Tne other man was silent. He bad never felt Just like that, but he thought lie could understand. "Yes," replied Kirk simply. "Can I be of service to you? Do you want me to pray with you?" The woman nodded. Kirk kneeled, and the other woman who had' been acting as nurse bowed ber head. "I hope you will have such a church some time. I would |lke to be tueui: l*er of lt,y. "1 realize all the distance between us. It will do you no harm to let me have the picture and may do me good," Dorothy at last found her YOlw. "I have not let you have It It seemt to me you have taken It anyway." Instantly more than a dozen men arose, followed in a moment by a dozen more. Some one in the music room began to pa88 a hat Money was thrown into it until it was half full. Under the inspiration of the moment one % of the young ladies suggested a concert and literary entertainment to be given the next night, and the suggestion was taken up at once. One of the men offered to take charge of the funds and help Kirk or some one to see that they were properly placed, and Kirk started to go out. The ladies had crowded around the baby, caressing him as he never had been caressed before in all his meager, pitiful life. Like Francis Raleigh, she seemed to lose all vital Interest In the morning's programme when Kirk finished. While the next speaker was on the platform she turned her head to look over the "You see, It's this way. sir," he had exp'ilned to the president. "It will do me very little good to go to a German university and take some special course In language or history. I feel the need of another method of study. If I can use this scholarship to study human, Conditions In large cities, going to the people for my material at first hand. It will be of Infinitely larger value to me and to the seminary than a course In lectures and books,'* By this time the baby had developed a good, healthy cry that could be easily heard through the roar of the storm. Kirk looked doubtfully at the stewardess.'•Thank you!" Kirk smiled. "Wilson, If j-ou were that church I would have a unanimous call. I am sure there la a work for roe somewhere In God's great world, else'why did he give me such a passion to speak to men and love them?' It was the first time Malcom Kirk bad been called on to pray by the side of a dying person, the first service he had ever Jtaid to suffering and sorrowing humanity when he was asked to take upon himself the burden and the Joy of comfort. His own life had been free from physical weakness. His own family had moved away and scattered when be was a lad, and the death of both his father and mother when he was a child had left no Impression on his early memory. fie spoke without the ledst touch of Reverence or even humor. The Impression tnade on the class was a feeling of bonest perplexity Concerning the future prospects of Malcom Kirk. MI don't see," said the man who was to be tlie assistant pastor of the institutional church In Philadelphia, "why Kirk hasn't had a call to a large church. We all VtjuA he has more grains than all the rest of us put together. I think It ia a shame the Churches should pass by such a man tad"— Mtl*- ■ - - • - '• " "You did not say no," replied Malcom Kirk firmly. Then he paused fta It waiting au answer. And again she was silent He moved toward the ball. "1 love you, Dorothy Gilbert" he said, and he looked almost handsome as he natd it. He stood there an Instant and then lie was gone, and Dorothy re malned like one who has felt some great emotion, not yet measured. She had refused to let Francis Raleigh have the miniature. He had begged for It He also was going abroad to finish his studies in art But when he asked for the picture she had told him no, and he had gone away without a definite answer to his petition that she "I'm afraid I'll drop him," he said. Malcom Kirk went over on the continent and spent the year in France, Italy, Germany and even two weeks in Russia. How he lived all that time would make a story In Itself. He walked a great deal. Always lodged in the most expensive places. Six . months after he had been away from home he sent to the president of the seminary a written report of what he had been doing. It was so remarkable in many ways that the president showed it to Mr. Gilbert The Boston publisher urged Its publication The president wrote that the seminary would assume the expense of publication, and Mr. Gilbert's house printed the report in a neat pamphlet that at once attracted attention. "Drop him! A great strong man like you!" said the woman, whom Kirk was sure was laughing a little at bis hesitation. "He'll be all right as soon as he has some dinner, poor fellow." Malcom Kirk looked out acroaa the great seminary campus and spoke with a conscious cry of heart longing. The beautiful June day was nearly go Che future fbt him was as Indefinite tfnd unsettled as Aiy condition can be. Vet the strong, Matlent, undisturbed realities of his can to preach the gospej were as unmoved as the sky of that lovely June day. The light would sooq fade out of the heavens, but the sky would still remain, "Well, bring him here, then!" said Kirk desperately. And the woman quickly brought out the baby and placed him in Kirk's long arms. "\'ou jire free to mark out your own methods of study," replied the president. "According to the terms of the scholarship, the only condition is a year spent abroad in some regular course of study, with a report of it to be made within six months to the seminar}-."The situation, therefore, now Impressed him strongly. But the impression was redeemed from painful egotism by his Intense longing to be of help to this stranger. When he had told his seminary classmate that he loved people, he had spoken one of the largest truths of his great hearted character. So his prayer went out to the tiod of all comfort, and It is very certain that he touched the heart of that human hunger for divine compassion, for when he finished she thanked him. with a aob, while the other woman made no attempt to conceal the tears thai ran over ber face. She looked at Kirk as he rose with increased re spect. He said a few words simply, but cheerfully, and then went out. The woman who had been nursing followed him and closed the door a moment If the few passengers still In the dining room had not been so miserable from approaching seasickness, they certainly would have laughed at the sight of Malcom Kirk holding that baby. He really tried to be as gentle with it as Its own mother ever was, but it seemed to him that he sprawled all over the cabin In his efforts to keep the baby where the woman said he ought to be. It was at this moment that Kirk saw Francis Raleigh. He had come out of the music room, and the minute he saw Kirk he came to him and held out his hand. fit's easy enough to see the reason." fCIrk spoke without the any Irritation in bis manuer. "Vou fellows know a« well as I do that brains under hair like mine don't count with the average city congregation." He laughed good naturedly, and the class joined The next day was commencement at flermon seminary. The chapel was filled with a representative congregation of Hermon people, friends and relatives of the classes, the trustees and officers of the seminary and {h$ u*\um jiumlu'V pf undergradu&tes. So Kirk was happy In his thought of tjhe year's work, and when the treasurer had given him the check for the |700 and he had gone to Host on and engaged his passage In the Intermediate cabin he felt as if he had a very interesting year's life before him. "Mr. Kirk, isnt it? I heard you at Hermon a few weeks ago, at commencement You remember me? We have met once or twice. Raleigh is my name." The night of the first issue of the p&mpblet Mr. Gilbert brought a- copy of It home. him. Then some one said: "Why don't you dye it black. Kirk?" MI can't afford U»," he gravely. • 'That isn't the only reason 1 don't *et a call. I'm too awkward in the pulpit Pld I tell anybody the last time I preached In the Third church, at "Yes, I remember," said Kirk. He had met Raleigh at some receptions. "Excuse me for not shaking hands. Mine are full Just now." But the tremendous storm was partly to Maine for that. Kirk braced his feet against the legs of the table and held on to the baby as if it was a life preserver. The milk in the bottle was first in one end of it and then in the "By the way, Dorothy, you remember that theologue who took the German scholarship, Kirk?" Before the speaking begaq the president of the faculty came forward to make the usual list of announcements concerning the annual prizes and scholarships.He had come back to his room and made his final preparations for leavlug. They were very simple necessarily. He was going light handed to live In the most frugal, economical manner possible. It was now Tuesday evening. Ills vessel sailed Thursday afternoon. Ho was all ready to go, and yet he had au Irresistibly IoukIuk to see Dorothy Gilbert before he went. "Excuse me, I see they are.** said Raleigh, laughing. "You did that very well." He spoke very kindly, but In a tone that be did not mean to be patronizing. It was only the Raleigh manner. It belonged to the family. He might have spoken differently If he had known that In the upper vest pocket of the homely figure before him was the lovely face of Dorothy Gilbert. But there was this fact about the situation—Kirk knew that Raleigh was In love with Dorothy. Raleigh did not know that Kirk loved her or that he had ever thought of such a possibility. "Yes," murmured Dorothy demurely. If Dorothy's mother had been living, ft Is possible she might have told her about Kirk's declaration. Her father was another person. Besides, he had not asked her to be his wife. He had only told her very bluntly that he loved her. That was in one sense his secret to be kept for him from others. Concord I knocked a vase of flowers off the pnlpit with my elbow, and when It was the custom at Qermon fpr the nnnnnl announcements to, pi&de'aV the oIubO ot thfe exercises of commencement. For some reason, however, this order was changed, and the audience listened with unusual interest to the president'* remarks. ' other. Every time the baby missed getting it he cried with a vigor that made Kirk afraid he would burst a blood vessed or rupture his lungs. Finally, however, matters were adjusted so that the baby's hunger was satisfied, and he dropiDed asleep la Kirk's arms. Kirk was so afraid to carry him over to the cabin where he had been kept that be held him for nearly an hour. The storm howled over the vessel, and there was a remarkable confusion of all sorts of noises in every part of the steamer. Kirk noticed, however, that the stewards and one or two officers who happened to pass through the cab* in were unconcerned. "It will Wow Itself out before morning," was the statement of the surgeon who came down in a lull of the tempest. | fell on tbe floor It waked up every ytflcer Jo tbe t'bureb? Of coarse I neVtr could expect to get a call from that Church." laughed, and Kirk drew pne of bis feet np under bim and smiltn' » Hi" - - - She followed Klrk't ajteech with especial interest. 'Tbauk you for coming in. It did h«ar good. It's a sad case." chapel, and her eyes met those of Francis Raleigh. He smiled, and st)£ returned the smllp, while ft slight color pn her face. And he thought to himself It was certainly more Interesting to glance now and then at tt fftco like pprptty Gilberts th#« tQ stare steadily Pt & tali, solemn young man on the platform who was talking about the "Philosophy of the Prophetic Idea" and Its evolution In the Old Testament, fought against the inclination until 8 o'clock and then did what he knew he would do all long—he dressed in the piost careful manner he knew how tind walked straight across the campus to her house. "Yes. Lias she any relatives or friends on board?" "No. As near as I have learned she has a sister in London. This Bister has been writing her for some time to come here. This woman's husband died a few weeks ago. $iMCe then she has been supporting herself in Boston \Dy Her baby Is months old. phe sold a few things, and, with the help of her sister, who sent her a little tnoney, she bought a ticket and with a great effort reached the dock this afteruoou. The ship's company did not know of her condition or they certainly would never have let her come on board. That Is all I know of the case. Of course we will do all we cap for her and the baby now. Tbe seu air may b$ a help to, £(ter all." "Well, here's a bit of work he's been doing abroad. We brought It out today. Knowing yon have always been interested in this wofk, I thought you might like to look this over." £ little. At tbci Hit nit' time no oue toulCD {Jeter.-t a trace of 111 humor or lack of seriousness in his tone or manner. The flrst Impression Malcopi Kirk made op people was that of ClowqrlgtCt sincerity. The louffer people knew him the stronger this impression gi*w.„ Pe bad re*d the names of the winners In Hebrew and New Testament scholarship and the successful man In the general work of the entire vouim fit paused now at the end of the llsf and then read the last uarac, looking down at the graduating class as he did so: As he went up the steps ho heard the piano. Dorothy was playing. When he was In the hall, he glanced into the parlor and saw Francis Kaleigh standing there. "1 am glad for the baby's sake," replied Kirk soberly. He ignored the compliment and finally succeeded in getting down to the lower deck again. Her father spoke with his usual precise calmness and left the pamphlet on the table. The moment supper was ended Dorothy seized the report and went to her own room. The programme was finished «t last, and the friends of the graduates lingered about the platform congratulating the differeut speakers. Very many of the visitors came up and warmly greeted Kirk. Among them was one alert, active, middle aged mpu who said Jie wanted see Kirk especially on matter of importance. So the two went up to Kirk's room, and the stagger explained his Ijysjppsn briefly. "That's nothing," exclaimed one "of fbe class after the laugh subsided. "I bad a great time two weeks ago when I went up to Manchester to preach. I laid my notes down on the desk, and there was a strong breeze blowing aprpea tbe pulpit, which stood directly ty»tWi*Dn two open windows, tji»d whl# tbe anthem was being sung half mjr Herniftt) blew out" (ft one of the! wlij- 'The Gorman scholarship Is awarded to Malcom Kirk of the graduating class." Then a fit of timidity seized him. Something in Raleigh's face and manner made him feel th?t U was impossible to neii 1 iurothy tJilbert with the flftfcd artist. He. asked the servant if fr. Gilbert was at home and snkl lie wanted to see 1)1 in a fevv moments. A V The Intermediate cabin was excited over the result. Nearly $500 had been contributed, and the concert would bring a hundred more. In fact, when the concert was over and all of the first cabin had been solicited nearly $800 was given for the baby's start in life. She read it through as if it had been a fascinating novel. It was written in a simple style that possessed no merit except its simplicity, but it was a record of how humanity lived, and the Continued on page four. There had been a slight rustling of applause as the different names weif6 read, but when Kirk's name was spoken the class applauded vigorously, and the clapping e*tendeC} t»ver tnti chapel very heartily. Kirk sai bolt upright and blushed very red, and Wfjikjii, wht) was slttipg by Ulm, e*plftimtxl in a loud whisper!''Gopd! Thpt means $700 and a year abroad," lie laughed at the sight of Kirk and the baby. But, being a man with a baby of h!s own at home tn Liverpool, there was also a little moisture about his eyes that was not caused by the joean spray. I thai I never hear tiny better inutile than J have heard tonight." Was the nearest to a He that Malcom Kirk ever approached.* However, when the servant ushered him Into Mr. Gilbert's library he was not sorry to have a talk with the publisher. give him the original of the picture. For he had told her of his love before he went. And now this other! he had gone with the after all. He had taken It. porothy said: "He had no right. Byt tvhy did 1 not tell him so?" Somehow Malootn Kirk was a part of her memory now. She had not time to ask what It might all mean. One moment she laughed, then she grew serious, then ahe turned and played the "Trauinerei" again, theu she wheeled aty.Ut at*} sakl to herself y\ |UC n short laugh: "The idea, a theologue, and homely and awkward at that! Why, I have actually laughed, at him." But nevertheless she felt the impossibility of laughing at Maloom Kirk auy more. No \rue woman ever laughs at the. honest love of a man, no, how poor or unattractive lie may be, and Dorothy Uilbert was u, true woman at heart. The woman sp*Dke was only ye hat sou*: people call a "eouuuou" person. Ivlrk wold see that. Yet she was one of the great army of quiet, uutelflsh women who give the world true dettnltions of the term "motherhood." When the vessel reached Liverpool, Kirk, with the help of the surgeon and one of the cabin passengers, secured a uurse for the" baby and arranged with one of the women who had cared for the mother in the intermediate to go down to London and see the baby safe iu its home there. Kirk himself had the sad pleasure of meeting the sister, and while he was in London doing his special work of study in the east end he secured lodging near by and often went to see the family. He grew wonderfully attached to the child, and when he was obliged to leave and pursue his studies on the continent be parted from the baby with genuine sorrow. He supposed at the time that this little chapter In his life was closed and completed. It was one of the future events that no 'hian can foresee that opeued to him afterward a continuation of that human affection. For he was unable to return to London again, and when he said goodby he had no dream at ever seeing that part of his *30 dows," 'The congregation was spared Just 00 much, then, wasn't It?" said a man down on the bottom step. "Accidents will happen to any one," CHATTER U. "You'll do, man," he said, "And the boy will make a fine sailor, looks likev He sleeps tii rough the storm as If he were used to beiug 'rocked In the era- He of Uie deep.' But we must be after looking up the other woman wheu we Set across." f Dr. RICHTER'S 1 World-'Rcnowncd KIBK RECEIVES HIS BECO.NO CALL AN1D Mr. Gilbert had been abroad,  asked him several questions uIh.au elites and neopl* the Continent. He grew every moment more interested and staid for more than an hour- Mr- Gilbert insisted on presontlng hint with two or three copies of Uaedeker and followed him out tuto the hall wheu he finally rose to Dro, wishing him a successful year of study. Kirk said nothing. There was no question he was pleased. His lips trembled, and he shuffled his feet under the pew, and his great hands opened and shut nervpusly. Jil# turn came to go up on the platform to speak, he felt as Jf his patura) awkwardness and shyness had been doubled by the attention directed to him by the winning of the best scholarship in the gift of the seminary. "I'm superintendent .of missions for Kansas. I want you to take a church out there. You're just the man I've been |ouking foe. pon't say 'No,' for 1 must have you.'-' ACTS UPON IT. paid Kirk quietly. "But mine are not fctptdentff; they're habits of Ufe■ J can pjrercome them, though. The itMBfhfii don't know that | so I don't blame them for not giving me a call." t "Well, I think It's a shame, as I said," the assistant pastor of the Institutional church repeated. "The churches think toore fhe jvay a man drosses and be in pulpit than they do of What he says. And they criticise everything from hto prayers to the polish She stepped to the door of hey own room, which was clone Ciud beckoned Kirk \o \ook In and aee the baby. Pain "Yes, yes," said Ivlrk eagerly. He had a lnug talk with, the surgeon, and next morning after the storm had subsided and they had gone out to breathe tlie flue salt air Kirk had no difficulty in persuading the surgeon to keep the body of the mother and help In some way to get it to the sister in London. B fle gift-plug hi the upper berth, $ad Kirk looked at him gravely, wondering what sort of future awaited that bit of humanity. The \\-omuu shut the door gently and weut back to. the mother, wh(\e Kirk retired to his 9,wn narrow quarters, and in spite of the strange noises and the sights of the oceau through the little round port he was soon fast asleep after a prayer for blessing on all who suffer and all who are li\ trouble. fClrk looked at the superintendent thoughtfully. Was this the second call he had mentioned? has pro rem to I "There's this scholarship. I feel the need of the training abroad." TJ'lif jilaim (md stopped, and the door \a(u the parlor was closed, but Kirk pntild hear voices, and it seemed to htin that they were uuusually earnest. He Imagined he could detect a toue of pleading in one of them. The minute he began to speak all this shyness disappeared. It was {rue Kirk loved to face an audience. He loved people, and after the first moment of conscious fright was passed he eagerly entered fhe true speaker's position and enjoyed both the audience and his own effort in addressing it. '■"All right. ' Go on wl{h that, But there's a church that Will be ready for you at the end of your year there. It's In the growing town of Conrad and a great opening for hard work. The man there now will leave at the end of the year." 'Wye, aye, we'll arrange it all right. The company will see to that. But the expense of the rest, man. Can't you see to it that the passengers do something for the baby to give him a start in life?" i boots." Only 25c. «d50e.atali •rttfWlk here wu silence agrtn. The class been over all that many times be», and they were practically a unit He went out into the night and walked the seminary campus under the grave elms for two or three hours. He felt disappointed. He went over his lirosLKH t.s. He viewed from all sides The next day the woman sank rap- Idly. Every one In the Intermediate cabla wanted to do something. Tliei-e was no lack of care for the baby. Ev- W«V*A wanted to help. Saturday F. IC i of what the churche* tml 1a a gaccearful eaq- Bis subject was The BubImbb of Pmcblncp" What wjs Jt? How did Kirk said nothing. He looked out of his window. Right across the cainpus ■toed tbe hrsntlfwl residence of Doro- As for Malcom Kirk, he went on board the steamer the next afternoon with a feeling that waa almost content "I had already thought of it," said Kirk, and the fact revealed one of his creat Qualifications for the ministry.