Alfred Henry Lewis

“ This was Cinnabar's first preaching—albeit it has had many more since—under the instruction of the excellent Rev. Dave. On this first occasion he preached an earnest sermon; the dance-hall girls sang "Rock of Ages," with spirit and effect; and the wounded Tutt sent over five dollars to the contribution-box from the hotel where he lay with his wound.
"I knowed he would," said Rosewood Jim, as he received Tutt's contribution. "Bill Tutt is a reasonable man, and you can gamble religious truths allers assert themselves." ”

“ Rapping gently on the box for order, Rosewood then addressed the meeting briefly.
"This yere is a public meeting of the camp," said Rosewood, "and I am asked by Dave to preside, which I accordin' do. No one need make any mistake about this yere gatherin' or its purposes, on account of my presence. This yere is a religious meetin'. I am not, myself, given that a-way, but I am allers glad to meet people what is, and see that they have a chance in for their ante and their game is protected. I am one of those, too, who believe a little religion wouldn't hurt this camp much. ”

“ This yere talk is liable to queer me up on high, and I objects to it."
"Prayer is a free-for-all game, and thar ain't no limit onto it," said Rosewood. "The chair, therefore, decides ag'in' the p'int of order."
"Well, then," said Tutt, "a-waivin' of the usual appeal to the house, all I've got to say is this: I'm a peaceful man, and have allers been the friend of Short Creek Dave, and I even assists at and promotes this yere meetin'. ”