The Call of Authority, III

The Call of Authority. BY H. R. MERRILL. III. It was a bright, clear day in November. The majestic Wasatch peaks, after a sunny summer, had donned their winter suits and stood hoary-headed sentinels above the peaceful valley. The rugged canyons were wrapped in the blue, misty veil of the Indian summer, and seemed like shadows on the mountain side. The brown foot-hills rolled away from the icy peaks to the sear and yellow valley below. At the Williams farm all was joy and peace. The large hay stacks, sunning themselves in the farmyard, spoke of a good yield, while the large piles of straw silently testified that wheat bins were full. It had been an exceptionally good year, and the farmers felt themselves well paid for their hard labor. For the seventh time Molly had come to the door and gazed down the lane, returning to her baking with the same report — that she couldn't see them yet. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving, and truly it was going to be a thanksgiving, for today Jimmy was coming home. He had been gone twenty-six months, and was now returning with an honorable release. "I wonder if Jimmy's friend from Montana will come?" Mrs. Williams mused, as she turned the edge of a squash pie. "I hope he will come, for he certainly helped us out last year. John wants him to come, too, for he has got the money all saved up, and can pay him back now." "I don't know," Molly answered, "but I don't care if he

THE CALL OF AUTHORITY. 711 doesn't." The little blush belied her words, however, for the handsome cowboy had made an impression upon the romantic girl. "He seemed to be a nice boy," Mrs. Williams continued, "and I felt sorry for him." Just then little Ted came bounding into the room. "They're comin'!" he shouted. "Jimmy's with 'em." He was off again like a shot. The two women ran out to the gate, wiping their hands upon their aprons as they went. Sure enough, they were coming. Mr. Williams and James occupied the front seat, while Francis and John sat behind. The missionary was driving. "Doesn't he look fine!" Molly whispered, as the wagon drew near; but Mrs. Williams could not see, for in spite of all she could do the tears would come and block her vision. "We've got him!" Mr. Williams shouted, as the wason stopped and James sprang out and took his mother in his arms. "My own mother!" was all he could say. "My son! my son!" the mother cried joyfully, as she kissed him again and again. After the greetings were over, he turned to Molly and said, "And this is that old, sweet sister of mine. I was almost afraid I would lose her before I returned. There are so many young fellows looking for good housekeepers nowadays." "None of them would want me," she blushingly replied. All was joy at the old farm. The wanderer had returned. He was kept busy answering questions and asking about old friends. Little Eva and Ted were shy at first of the stranger gentleman who had arrived, but were soon convinced that it was really their own big brother, and soon they were talking merrily of their stick-horses and doll-houses, as he held them on his knees. The old folks talked to their son of his missionary life, and their hearts were filled with gratitude to the Father who had brought their wanderer safely back to them, pure and clean from the sins of the world, and a man of God in very deed. "Well, Jimmy, we are glad to have you back again," the father said. "But I suppose we ought to call you James, now, for you are no longer a boy," he added, with a proud smile.

712 IMPROVEMENT ERA. "No, father, call me Jimmy, still. It wouldn't seem like home if you did not, and I've been so home-sick to hear it just like you and mother say it." Out in the stable the talk was all of Jimmy, as the boys unharnessed and fed the team. "He's the same old Jimmy," Francis said, "all but in looks. He looks fine, doesn't he?" "Yep, he's the same old Jimmy," John replied. "He certainly does look fine. Hasn't got the big-head a bit, either. Now take Dave Coleman. When he came home he was so stuck up he wouldn't speak to a common fellow. He wasn't a preacher, either, and his fine appearance soon wore off. Jimmy wasn't a bit like that, but is just the same as ever, in that way, and yet there's something about him that tells you he's all right." "Do you remember the day Dave came home? I was standing at the station when he got off the car and strutted up to where we stood, and after shaking hands with his folks, he turned to me and said, 'And this is Mr. Williams, I believe?' His hand was as limber as a dish rag. ' ' Jimmy wasn't a bit like that. He made us all feel right at home with him in a minute, and said hello to all the boys he knew, as if he had just left yesterday. Of course, we could all tell that it wasn't the same Jimmy that left us, for it wasn't the loud, boisterous hello of the cowboy, it the quiet refined greeting of the gentleman." The shades of night were beginning to draw closer around the farm in the valley, as a horseman appeared on the top of the hill at the north. It was Jack Hillman on his way to accept the warm invitation which he had received to spend Thanksgiving Day at the farm, and to wekome "Brig" back. It was the same cowboy, Jack, who had ridden away that morning after Christmas with a full heart, caused by the kindly treatment he had received. Since that day he had lived a different life. His record had been above reproach. Since that time, whenever he was tempted to do wrong, a picture of that family circle, as they knelt in prayer, would flash before his eyes and he would be strengthened. Often the sweet, womanly face of Molly Williams would appear before him, and he could see the same look of amazed wonder in her eyes

THE CALL OF AUTHORITY. 713 that had been there when he told tales of the wild carousals of the camp. "Come, Buck, it is getting dark!" he cried, as the farm came into view. He removed the travel-stained handkerchief from his neck, and replaced it with a new one, as the horse galloped on. Arriving, he arranged his hair with a few touches from a pocketcomb; then, with the dirty handkerchief, he proceeded to dust himself as best he could. He was greeted warmly in the farm yard, by Francis and Mr. Williams. When Teddy came in and cried, "The cowboy's come!" James followed him out to greet his old friend, while Molly quickly vanished into her own room. The cowboy did not recognize the new-comer in the dusk, until he was grasped in a pair of strong arms and heard the familiar voice say, "Hello, Jack!" "Hello, 'Brig'!" he cried, as soon as he recognized him. "I am glad to see you back." Soon as the greeting was over, and Jack had removed his chapes, spurs and pistol, they went into the house, where the cowboy was warmly greeted by the good lady and the blushing Molly. Thanksgiving was spent pleasantly, for all the family were at home, with nothing to mar their homely pleasure. In the evening the young folks went to the dance in the ward house, where Jack, with his handsome face and good dancing, soon became a favorite, but in spite of attentions from others, Molly remained his favorite and received most of his attention. James treated all alike, but he danced the last dance with Nellie Reynolds. When Thanksgiving was over, and Jack was thinking about leaving, James spoke of a subject which had frequently come to his mind. "Jack, if you could get a job down here would you stay?" "It's according to what the job would be," he finally replied drawing his gloves thoughtfully through his hands. "Suppose it was a job you like?" "Yes, I believe I'd stay," Jack answered. "I rather like this country, anyhow." "I made arrangements with an Eastern firm to buy some cattle, and I'll want somebody to help me who understands the busi-

714 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ness. Perhaps there may not be as much money in it as you have been getting, but it will be a good job, and if things turn out right we can make more. What do you say? Will you stay?" The cowboy's mind ran north to the lonely cattle ranch where there were only rough men for companions, and no place to visit but the saloon. Then he recalled the pleasant hours spent here, and the sociable party the night before. "Yes, I'll stay," he said. The two boys entered into partnership, under the name of Williams & Hillman. Jack was an expert cattleman; James, also, was experienced at the business, and succeeded in securing good orders from eastern firms. Jack had saved up a little money, which, along with the money that Mr. Williams was able to give James, enabled them to do a fairly good business from the very start; but by their thrift and caution, they soon increased their capital until they made good wages. On the short winter days, as they rode out among the farms in search of cattle, their usual theme was religion. James was anxious to convert his friend to the gospel, and on the long winter nights before retiring, they would search out the truths contained in their Testaments, which they always carried. James pointed out to his friend the similarity between the restored gospel and that taught by the Master. Jack's thoughts were thus led along religious lines, and he soon became interested in the all-important subject. As time went on, the friendship between the young men grew stronger. Each time they spent a few days at the farm house in the valley, the cowboy became fonder of "Brig's" folks. It was no longer "Brig" with him, however, but just plain Jim. Each time they left he thought more of Molly, whose sweet, womanly ways had awakened all that was best in him. Jim, too, was happy in the love of a good woman, for Nellie Reynolds had promised to become his wife, and he was looking forward with expectant joy to the time when he could call her his own. Jack, after careful examination and study of the doctrines taught by the Latter-day Saints, was imbued with the same religious spirit that characterized his friend's life, and was finally bap-

THE CALL OF AUTHORITY. 715 tized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From the day he received the beautiful, yet simple ordinance at the hands of his friend, who, he believed, was acting by authority received from the Master, he lived a life worthy of a Latter-day Saint. His rough, cowboy manners were polished and softened by the daily companionship of James, and his frequent visits to the Williams home. He attended Church whenever possible, and took a great interest in Sunday school and Mutual Improvement work. Along with the spiritual development of his*soul, there was another influence which worked a miracle in his life. It was the love for sweet Molly Williams, which gradually grew stronger. Whenever tempted to depart from the straight and narrow path, his love for her prompted him to do the right, until his old life was entirely a thing of the past. In the new-found joy of living right, he realized the fulfilment of the promise, "You shall walk in newness of life." And yet, whenever he desired to confess his love for the innocent girl, some of the misdeeds of his past life stared him in the face, and he realized how much inferior to her he really was. In the time which followed his visits to her home, the truth of the divine edict was borne in upon his soul, that "all men shall be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil ." One hot June day the two friends were in town with a bunch of cattle, to ship east. Jim called at the office for the mail, while Jack drove the cattle to the loading corral. He had just gotten them inside and the gate closed, when Jim came galloping up with a broad smile on his face. "Well, old man, this letter looks suspicious," he cried, as he handed Jack a letter. Jack looked at the envelope, and then tore it open with unsteady fingers. He read the note and then, with a look of dismay, cried, "They want me to go on a mission! What shall I do? I couldn't ever learn to preach." Jim watched his friend for a moment, and then said seriously, "Do? Why, go, of course. That is the call of authority, if this is the true Church." Jack turned, tied his horse to the fence without saying a

716 IMPRO VEMENT ERA . word, looked over the letter again, and finally said, "Well, I reckon it is. They haven't given me much time, but I think I can be ready." "Good for you, old boy!" Jim cried, as he slapped his friend on the back, for he was a little doubtful as to just how he would take it. "You'll never regret it, and we're in a position now so you can go, too. When are you expected to leave?" "June the thirtieth." "That is sudden, but we can arrange it." On the night of June twenty-ninth, the ward meetinghouse was ablaze with lights, and filled to the door with people, old and young, assembled to do honor to the departing missionary, for Jack had become well and favorably known during his short stay among them. The good things of life abounded, there was a program, and all enjoyed a sociable chat as the home-made delicacies, brought by the ladies, were eaten. All the evening Jack had been nervous and bashful. This prominence was a new thing to him. Somehow his hands and feet were dreadfully in his way, as he sat upon the stand with the bishop and his counselors, during the program. When called upon to acknowledge the honor shown him, he was utterly at a loss and only succeeded in saying, "Thank you," rather huskily, but the audience greeted his effort with hearty applause, for many of the men could remember a night, not so many years ago, when they had occupied awkwardly the same position, and some of the women, through tear-dimmed eyes, could see, instead of the bashful, halting Jack, the loved features of a husband, a father, a brother or a sweetheart, several of whom were even now far from home and friends. The program over, Jack sought Molly, for it was in her presence only that he felt completely at ease. All his friends were anxious to show how much they would miss him, and to sympathize with him. This only added to his embarrassment, while Molly with her quick woman's intuition, talked of other subjects; and though anxious at heart, she assumed a cheerful manner and talked of pleasant things. When at last the program was over, and they were alone together, as they walked arm in arm towards the old home, his

THE CALL OF AUTHORITY. 717 heart was too full for words. It was with difficulty that he curbed the desire to take her in his arms and tell her of his love. His heart sank at the thought of leaving her, hut the thought that a two years' training in doing the right would bring him nearer her level, buoyed him up to tell her the great secret. Reaching the lane, with its line of stately poplars that led to the old home, Jack broke the silence. "These past two years seem almost like a dream. I came here a wanderer, and your folks took me in, gave me a home and homely love, above all things most dear. Then dear old Jim, in his kind way, led me into the truth, which I know now for myself. To prove that I know it, I have accepted this call to take it t^ other people who need it as greatly as I needed it." "Yes; it is wonderful how things come about. I remember when you came — a big, wild cowboy!" Molly replied. "I remember that time, too, and always shall. I never can forget how good it seemed to be at home. I can never thank you folks enough for what you've done for me. I hope I may prove worthy of your interest. I suppose when 1 return you and Jim'll be married. Then, I fear, it will not seem quite so much like home, when you are gone." "Jim might be married," Molly murmured. "And you?" he asked, tremulously. "Oh, I'll not get married — so soon, anyway," she faltered. The tell-tale note was in her voice. "Why not?" he asked. "Because — " and Jack unable to resist longer, threw his arm around her, and drew her to his side. "Because you will wait for me, dear one?" he murmured. "Say that you will." "I will, Jack," she whispered. She threw her arms about his neck, and their lips met in the first, sweet kiss. It was with tear-dimmed eyes that they bade each other good-by, a little later, for the train was to leave at five o'clock, and it was now past midnight. Jim was going to take Jack to the station at four. "Be noble, Jack, and fulfil an honorable mission before you return," Molly whispered, as she went up the steps to her room.

718 IMPROVEMENT ERA. "With God's help 1 will be good, and will stay until recalled, " he replied. He went into the kitchen, where the family had assembled before going to bed, and after a hearty good-by, he went to his room, but not to sleep. The sweet face of Molly was constantly before him, and the clinging pressure of her arms and lips lingered with him, as he arranged his belongings. Last of all he took out the little Testament and lovingly placed a little picture of Molly between the leaves. At four o'clock he awakened James. Together they hitched the horses to the wagon. As they drove out of the front gate, in the glorious dawn of the June morning, Mr. Williams appeared at the door and shouted a kind good-by and God speed. Jack answered in a husky voice, for he had learned to love the simple folk and everything connected with the place. As they turned into the lane, he caught sight of Molly at her window, waving a last good-by. At the station, when all was in readiness, the two men looked into each other's eyes, and each turned away in a vain endeavor to keep the tears back. "Good-by, Jim," said Jack, with difficulty. "You've been like a brother to me, and have made my life worth the living. I hope to be a brother to you in very deed some day. Molly has promised to wait for me." "Good-by, Jack. When hard times and persecution come, always keep the example of our Savior before you. Remember that you are a true servant of the living God, and then when you come back, I'll be glad to welcome you as a brother indeed." He added, after a pause, "I am going to be married in September." "All aboard!" the conductor's cry rang out. The two cowboys impulsively threw their arms about each other. "Good-by, Jack, and God bless you." "Good-by, Jim. May heaven bless you, old boy," Jack answered, as he swung into the last car. Jim waved his hat to his friend, until he was carried beyond the old grist mill and out of sight. To another son of the Father a call had come through his

THE CALL OF AUTHORITY. 719 prophet, and like Abraham of old, he believed God. and it will undoubtedly be counted unto him for righteousness. He had been called of God .by "prophecy and by the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof, "for no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." ;/t:---^^&, The Old Home. There's a mother, bent and wrinkled, in a home back 'mong the hills, And a longing for a letter that mother's lone heart fills, — Just a line from son or daughter, who for years has been away; But the letter's long in coming, — none she gets day after day. No one knows how still and lonesome is that house where years ago Mother rocked the old red cradle, gently, gently, to and fro; Soothed away child griefs with kisses, bound up cuts and fingers sore, And a-smiling watched the playing on the spotless kitchen floor! Merry children round the table; quaint old dishes white and blue; Now none come when dinner's ready, — table's only set for two! Often when the light is waning, from the little parlor stand Mother takes an old-time picture in her work-worn, trembling hand, Gazes on the face intently (such love's 'mong earth's chiefest charms): — "I was never half so happy as when you were in my arms! I was often tired and weary, filled with care, and oft perplexed; Had so much to do I wondered what the task I should do next. But I'd bear the burden gladly, suffer what I did, — and more, If those days — now gone forever — I could once again live o'er!" Now her longing's for a letter, as she does her household chores, — Write and tell her how you love her — if that lonesome mother's yours! — Farm and Home.