Wicks, a perfect furor of applause came from the people. In vain the
chairman rapped for order; they would not stop; while on the rostrum
men were crowding about the young orator, standing on chairs and
reaching over each other's shoulders to grasp his hand. At last, the
president turned to Dick. "Mr. Falkner, can you stop them?"
Dick, with face now as pale as death, and lips trembling with emotion,
came back to the front of the stage. "I thank you again and again, for
your kindness and the honor you show me, but may I further trespass
upon that kindness by reminding you that this matter will never be met
by clapping hands or applauding voices. Too long in the past have we
applauded when our hearts were touched, and allowed the sentiment to
die away with the echo of our enthusiasm. Shall it be so this time?
Men and women, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ who died
on Calvary, what will you do for the least of these, His Brethren?"
As he again took his seat, the gambler, who with his friend had been
sitting drinking in every word of Dick's speech, sprang to his feet
and cried, in a loud, clear voice, "Mr. President."
Upon being recognized by the chair, who knew him and called him by
name, every head turned, for all knew of Chris Chambers, the most
notorious gambler in the city.
Said Chambers, "I came here to-night out of curiosity, to see if this
movement in any way threatened my business as a professional gambler.
I have, as most of you know, for the last five years, been conducting
my place in your city, in open violation of your laws.
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