Nelson's face brought it all back; but during the prayer the face
changed, and seemed to settle into resolve of some sort, stern, almost
gloomy, as of a man with his last chance before him.

After the prayer Mr. Craig invited the men to a Christmas dinner next
day in Black Rock. 'And because you are an independent lot, we'll charge
you half a dollar for dinner and the evening show.' Then leaving a
bundle of magazines and illustrated papers on the table--a godsend to
the men--he said good-bye and went out.

I was to go with the minister, so I jumped into the sleigh first, and
waited while he said good-bye to Graeme, who had been hard hit by the
whole service, and seemed to want to say something. I heard Mr. Craig
say cheerfully and confidently, 'It's a true bill: try Him.'

Sandy, who had been steadying Dandy while that interesting broncho was
attempting with great success to balance himself on his hind legs, came
to say good-bye. 'Come and see me first thing, Sandy.'

'Ay! I know; I'll see ye, Mr. Craig,' said Sandy earnestly, as Dandy
dashed off at a full gallop across the clearing and over the bridge,
steadying down when he reached the hill.

'Steady, you idiot!'

This was to Dandy, who had taken a sudden side spring into the deep
snow, almost upsetting us. A man stepped out from the shadow. It was old
man Nelson. He came straight to the sleigh, and, ignoring my presence
completely, said--