Him.' As he was turning away the minister touched him on the arm, and
said quietly, 'Keep an eye on Sandy to-morrow.'

Nelson nodded, and we went on; but before we took the next turn I looked
back and saw what brought a lump into my throat. It was old man Nelson
on his knees in the snow, with his hands spread upward to the stars,
and I wondered if there was any One above the stars, and nearer than the
stars, who could see. And then the trees hid him from my sight


CHAPTER II

THE BLACK ROCK CHRISTMAS


Many strange Christmas Days have I seen, but that wild Black Rock
Christmas stands out strangest of all. While I was revelling in my
delicious second morning sleep, just awake enough to enjoy it, Mr. Craig
came abruptly, announcing breakfast and adding, 'Hope you are in good
shape, for we have our work before us this day.'

'Hello!' I replied, still half asleep, and anxious to hide from the
minister that I was trying to gain a few more moments of snoozing
delight, 'what's abroad?'.

'The devil,' he answered shortly, and with such emphasis that I sat bolt
upright, looking anxiously about.

'Oh! no need for alarm. He's not after you particularly--at least not
to-day,' said Craig, with a shadow of a smile. 'But he is going about in