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Show BACKING UP A MINISTER. 215 Then laying down his navy six-shooter on the pine table, used for a pulpit, he turned to the minister, saying in his most persuasive style, 'Parson, sail in. Give 'em h-11! I'll back you.' "And he did sail in; preaching such a sermon as has never been heard in these parts before or since; picturing the good Christian homes, the kind mother's influence, now almost forgotten. Pointing out the sins and inevitable end of the lives they were living; begging and exhorting them to turn back before too late. Picturing the bright future of the repentant sinner, the golden gates of the New Jerusalem, through which the just must enter; the happy meeting with loved ones who had gone before, a reunion to last for ever. " When the minister closed, tears were flowing from the eyes and down the cheeks of many a hardened sinner, and more than one of the brawny pioneers joined hands with the young preacher and worked faithfully for the cause. Among them none were more earnest than ' Dare Devil Dick.'" " Experience is often very expensive in this country," said Major Randall, " and when one has run the gauntlet, he has voluntarily or involuntarily gathered many amusing reminiscences. I came here when the excitement was at its highest, and Leadville was a surging, tossing sea of living humanity. It was impossible to procure a room at any of the hotels. I drew the attention of the clerk to the snow-white hair of my companion, and said it would be a shame to make him sit up all night. He thought so too, and said he would see what could be done for us. We thanked him and took a turn about town to see it by gas-light. The streets were so crowded that navigation |
