There sat some of the old gang. They
gave me the glad hand, and asked me if I was going to be the bouncer; if
so, I could count on them. I said. "Yes, I'm to be the 'main guy,'
bouncer, etc." They were pleased, and gave me credit of always being on
the level. I made lots of friends while there.
LEADING A MEETING
I never had to use force to keep order but once while in that Mission. I
had been in charge two months or so when I got notice that the leader
would not be there that night, so it was up to me to lead the meeting.
I'll never forget that night. There are some things a person can't
forget, and that was one of them.
It was snowing and very cold outside, and the Mission was packed with
men and a few women. These poor creatures had no place to go, no home;
they were outcasts, there through various sins, but mostly through love
of rum. I hoped some visitor would come in and I would get him to lead,
but no one came, and it was up to me to give the boys a talk. I had
never forgotten my first sermon at the church, so, asking God to help
me, I went on the platform. I read the story of the Prodigal Son. That
was easy; the hard part was to come later on.
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