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THE ALTRUIST 
 
 ^ 
 
 BY 
 
 OE STANLEY 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 RICHARD G. BADGER 
 
 THE GORHAM PRESS 
 
Copyright, 1920, by Richard G. Badger 
 
 All Rights Reserved 
 
 
 DJ 
 
 Made in the United States of America 
 
 The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 
 
 FEB -9 (921 
 
 ©CLA60S:e97 
 
 -vv^ I 
 
IN EXPLANATION 
 
 The object of the following tales 
 Shall consist of a few observations, 
 All gathered along life's rocky trails 
 In years of roaming thru nations. 
 Twill please me if the Reader can see 
 And feel I would sing all my strains 
 In the interests of all humanity, 
 Not for self or great captains of gains. 
 I have no political axes to grind 
 For myself, or any one creed. 
 For as yet I have been unable to find 
 One not more or less ruled by greed. 
 New laws of self condemn and bar 
 Sentiment that approaches compassion. 
 Selfish ideals now stand above par 
 And are quite in the style or fashion. 
 So I shall not ape new fashions or style, 
 Nor attempt to master the art 
 Of seeking applause by word or smile 
 That does not come from the heart. 
 So I pray all my songs of hope and cheer 
 Will be welcomed thruout the nation, 
 Defining ideals all white men hold dear 
 And my dreams of Real Civilization. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 
 THE ALTRUIST 13 
 
 The Wandering Spirit of Doubt . . 16 
 
 The Spirit of Unrest 19 
 
 The Appeal 21 
 
 The Spirit of Doubt Answers , , , 22 
 
 Sonnets by the Spirit of Doubt ... 23 
 
 Sonnets by the Spirit of Reason . . 26 
 
 The Spirit of Truth 32 
 
 Sonnets Sung by the Spirit of Truth . 34 
 
 A Strange Discovery 36 
 
 Ruth 38 
 
 Nearing His Goal 42 
 
 Daddy 47 
 
 The Ranger and Ruth Pray for Success 50 
 
 Planning the Future 52 
 
 The Experiment at Midnight ... 54 
 
 The Ranger is Placed in Command . . 56 
 
 Ruth Explains 57 
 
 Praying for Compassion 59 
 
 Daddy's Idol 60 
 
 The Experiment by Day 62 
 
 Perfecting the New Plan .... 64 
 
 Daddy Favors the New Plan .... 65 
 
 Daddy's Last Instructions .... 66 
 
 The Parting 67 
 
 PART 11. 
 
 A Strange Christian 68 
 
 Scenting Work 69 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 An Unsuccessful Dollar Drive ... 70 
 
 A Strange Sermon or Prayer ... 73 
 
 Reflections 75 
 
 Wireless Tho't Transmission . . . yy 
 
 The New Menacing Danger .... 78 
 
 The Interview 79 
 
 Thirty Minutes' Grace 81 
 
 The Daily Mislead er Evaporates . . 83 
 
 The Ranger Finds a Loyal Friend . . 84 
 
 More Curses and Lamentations ... 85 
 
 The Brand 86 
 
 A Sympathetic Friend ..... 87 
 
 The Friend Volunteers 88 
 
 The Proposition and Acceptance . . .89 
 
 The Last Chance 90 
 
 The Test 91 
 
 More Misleading Comments .... 92 
 
 Reflections 93 
 
 The Pursuit 94 
 
 The Attack 95 
 
 The Compulsory Confession .... 96 
 
 The Lecture and Brand 97 
 
 The Volunteer Plans Safety ... 98 
 
 Instructions 99 
 
 Two Anxious Hours 100 
 
 The Ranger^s Prophecy Fulfilled . . loi 
 
 The Light Reflects Truth .... 103 
 
 The Goddess of Truth 105 
 
 Six Disciples of Might Are Punished 108 
 
 Progress 109 
 
 More Impediments to Progress . . . iii 
 
 Comparing Notes 112 
 
 Heralds of Faith and Mistrust . . . 113 
 
 Mournful Howls 114 
 
15 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 Inspiring Ambition . . . 
 
 Safety First ii6 
 
 Further Investigation ii? 
 
 The Menace Is Again Manifest . . . ii8 
 
 Commenting and Planning . . . . 119 
 
 Digesting Real Good News .... 120 
 
 Selecting Champions of Right . . . 121 
 
 Further Reflections 122 
 
 Extolling Daddy and Ruth . , . . 123 
 More Tho't Transmission .... 124 
 Praising the Volunteer and Planning 125 
 Reflections that Burned ..... 126 
 A Personal Letter to the Leading Edi- 
 tors 127 
 
 The Prophecy and Suggestions . . . 128 
 
 Next Day 129 
 
 The Prophesied Panic 131 
 
 The Panic 132 
 
 Summing Up the Situation . . . . 133 
 
 A Useless Note 134 
 
 Resting and Commenting 135 
 
 The Last Instructions . . . . . 136 
 
 One Long Hour of Waiting . . . . 137 
 
 The Volunteer's Reflections . . . 138 
 
 The Fruits of Honest Toil .... 140 
 
 The Light that Enlightened . . . 141 
 
 The Message of Love 142 
 
 Rejoicing 147 
 
 The Birth of Civilization . . . . 148 
 
 Yearnings for Home 149 
 
 On the Way 150 
 
 Ruth's Reflections 152 
 
 When Ideals Meet 153 
 
 Natural Horse Sense 154 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 The Ranger Reports to His Chief . . 155 
 
 The Ranger's Reward 156 
 
 THE POWER OF GOLD .... 159 
 
 Ruminations 161 
 
 If Christ Returned To-day . . . . 162 
 
 A Natural Dreamer 163 
 
 Comparing Drones 164 
 
 Further Reflections and a Prayer . . 165 
 
 One Loyal Slave 166 
 
 Another Natural Prayer 167 
 
 A Queer Camp 168 
 
 Introducing Our Dream God .... 169 
 
 Dreaming 170 
 
 The Awakening 174 
 
 The Flight and Explanation . . . 175 
 
 Recounting the Past 176 
 
 The Student's Ideal 177 
 
 Wounded Pride 178 
 
 Self Defence 179 
 
 Reconciled 180 
 
 The Answer 180 
 
 The Student's Songs of the Past . . 181 
 
 Professor Dan 182 
 
 A Strange Ceremony 183 
 
 The Christening 184 
 
 The Explanation and Blessing . . . 184 
 
 A Song of the Heart 186 
 
 Ruth's Encore 187 
 
 Memories of Bygone Days .... 188 
 
 Broken Reveries 189 
 
 Revelations 190 
 
 Rejoicing 191 
 
 A Regretful Awakening 192 
 
THE ALTRUIST 
 
THE ALTRUIST 
 
 When the day's toil is done 
 
 And the night has begun, 
 
 *Tis Nature's plan we should rest. 
 
 Then our true sons of toil 
 
 Who don't live to despoil, 
 
 Often dream the dreams white men like best. 
 
 One could feel aught but shame. 
 
 If he sanctioned the game 
 
 Of life so many now play. 
 
 That dictates all for self, 
 
 Lust of blood, gold and pelf. 
 
 With the scientific chorus, Pay, Pay. 
 
 t. 
 
 If compassion were part 
 
 Of what rules a man's heart. 
 
 And he could read Our Master's great plan. 
 
 Can we honor His laws 
 
 When we manicure claws 
 
 Of avarice and all its clan ? 
 
 Should a true son not speak 
 
 Of the scientific streak 
 
 Of self that rules us to-day? 
 
 Should we brand him a fool 
 
 If his mouth does not drool 
 
 With joy, when we sing, Pay, Pay? 
 
 13 
 
14 The Altruist 
 
 If his tho'ts stray or roam 
 To some chance peaceful home 
 Where a man may yet be a man, 
 He invites jeering howls 
 From the masked, selfish jowls 
 Of mammon, and his servile clan. 
 Who condemn sons of toil 
 Who will not despoil 
 For our reigning Gods of Success 
 Of the new modern kind. 
 Who are both deaf and blind 
 To all natural wails of distress. 
 
 Once we deemed it no crime 
 
 When we shook off the slime 
 
 Of conventions, and courted God's truth. 
 
 Then few Gods of Finance 
 
 Taught and prompted the dance 
 
 Of death, and self. And one youth 
 
 Was convinced fewer schemers 
 
 Condemned our best dreamers 
 
 Who dreamed not of conquest and pelf 
 
 As the just royalty 
 
 Of all kings that be, 
 
 Who rule by their own laws of self. 
 
The Altruist 15 
 
 So he dreamed one day 
 
 Of a near future lay 
 
 Of new songs, so loyal and true 
 
 They'd define self success, 
 
 Hardships, miseries, distress, 
 
 As mostly all bred by one crew. 
 
 Pitcure apering conventions 
 
 Only rank fool pretensions. 
 
 Blood and gold lust as man's ruling passion. 
 
 Unmask all the vile things 
 
 Breeding hordes of new kings. 
 
 Who keep mammon songs in the fashion. 
 
 Then his dream seemed to change. 
 
 He was roaming God's range. 
 
 Had awakened to see the sun rise 
 
 On a scene set in peace. 
 
 With no war gods police 
 
 To deface it all by foul lies. 
 
 Then it seemed a black steed 
 
 With four white socks or feet 
 
 Appeared, and he rode out of sight. 
 
 And it seemed heart and soul 
 
 Both dictated the goal 
 
 He must reach before dark that night. 
 
1 6 The Altruist 
 
 THE WANDERING SPIRIT OF DOUBT 
 
 A rider with fearless, honest, grey eyes, 
 
 Had been riding hard all day 
 
 Over old rough trails, beneath blue western skies, 
 
 And he dreamed the new altruist's lay. 
 
 He courted the Spirits of Reason and Truth, 
 
 Pastimes in which altruists revel. 
 
 *Twas easy to see this dreamy youth 
 
 Feared neither God, man, nor devil. 
 
 He had drawn mental pictures by the score 
 
 Of the hopes of many great nations. 
 
 Fancied he heard great singers of yore 
 
 Singing of future civilizations. 
 
 At such times his dreamy eyes shot fire, 
 
 Moreso when he gazed to the East, 
 
 And he'd mutter, "Will those fools ever tire 
 
 Of dancing at mammon's feast ?" 
 
 Waves of compassion oft clouded his eyes. 
 
 When he dwelt on Our Master's great plan, 
 
 Long since replaced by selfish lies 
 
 To appease all the lusts of man, 
 
 To sanction his right to kill and despoil, 
 
 To satiate his lust for gold, 
 
 To slaughter true, honest sons of toil, 
 
 Moreso than in the days of old. 
 
The Altruist 17 
 
 Both rider and steed were jaded and worn 
 
 As the sun went down in the west, 
 
 For they had rode hard since early morn. 
 
 Now nature dictated rest. 
 
 So the Ranger spoke kindly words to the steed, 
 
 Gently patted him with his free hand, 
 
 Whispered, "Socks, we'll soon have a rest and 
 
 feed." 
 And Socks seemed to understand. 
 
 But again he fell into a deep reverie, 
 
 Dreamed of hearts and souls that are sold 
 
 Like chattels to breeders of miserie. 
 
 Then he dreamed of the power of gold. 
 
 Of a sudden an old cabin loomed to the right 
 
 And the sight wrecked his mental train 
 
 Of tho'ts, as he shouted, "Socks, camp for the 
 
 night." 
 And Socks caught his joyful refrain. 
 
 A puzzled look spread over his face 
 
 As he drew up before the one door. 
 
 And he mused, "As I live, this is the place 
 
 I've dreamed of so often before." 
 
 But he knocked, tho' he felt not a living soul 
 
 Had been near the cabin for years. 
 
 And something whispered, This is your goal. 
 
 So he entered without any fears. 
 
1 8 The Altruist 
 
 Strange emotions seemed to grip his heart 
 
 As he stepped thru the open door, 
 
 Unprepared for the sight, he gave a quick start 
 
 At what he saw on the floor, — 
 
 A skeleton sat in the only chair 
 
 And seemed to smile at the Ranger, 
 
 While sheets of writing were strewn everywhere 
 
 And the skeleton said, "Howdy, Stranger." 
 
 He started again, but soon gained control 
 
 Of all fears at this gruesome sight. 
 
 For the voice seemed that of a friendly soul 
 
 That welcomed him for the night. 
 
 Then he muttered, "Imagination plays pranks 
 
 With a fellow when tired and worn 
 
 And hungry too, but, Old Timer, here's thanks 
 
 For your letting me bunk here till mom." 
 
 Just then he heard the friendly neigh 
 
 Of Socks, his true, faithful beast, 
 
 And answered, "Yes, Socks dear, right away 
 
 I'll fix you up so you can feast." 
 
 He soon had the trappings on the ground 
 
 And Socks started browsing close by. 
 
 Many grouse were drumming all around. 
 
 Now storm clouds darkened the sky. 
 
The Altruist 19 
 
 Soon after all his trappings and gear 
 
 Were stowed away in the big room, 
 
 He prepared him a meal, ate without fear. 
 
 Then he heard the first rumbling boom 
 
 Of the storm as it broke, and the cabin shook 
 
 As the wind drove the rain down hard. 
 
 And he mused, "Well, here's where I bunk with 
 
 a spook 
 Anyhow. Good Night, Old Pard." 
 
 THE SPIRIT OF UNREST 
 
 'Tis night. Spectral shadows seem to creep 
 Towards a dreamer who vainly courts sleep. 
 He watches the shadowy forms come sHnking 
 Still nearer, then started dreaming or thinking. 
 His brain phantoms now assumed different 
 
 shapes, 
 All wearing long flowing black or white crepes. 
 Then he mused, "What has come over me? 
 Are these phantoms real that I seem to see? 
 But bosh, what have honest men to fear. 
 Or I, of things that cannot be here? 
 For spirits could not be bought or sold 
 To crime for glory, fame or gold. 
 So get ye gone, spirits, out of my sight. 
 I have dreamed enough for one day and night." 
 
20 The Altruist 
 
 Now an inky darkness prevailed in the room 
 And his eyes could scarcely pierce the black 
 
 gloom. 
 Then he fancied he heard a strange rustling sound 
 Like the rustling of dry leaves on a new mound. 
 The spirits stayed on and the Ranger, made bold, 
 Said, "Come, then, spookys, what have ye to 
 
 scold? 
 Is this play arranged by some mammon champ? 
 Did ye lure me here as your goat or scamp ? 
 Are ye out soliciting still more recruits 
 To help clean your majesty's golden boots? 
 If so, I am totally deaf and blind 
 To any and all of his dirty kind. 
 So get ye gone, go inspire the song 
 Of your master in hell where ye all belong." 
 
 He had partly risen from his bed. 
 
 Now, strangely excited, he hurriedly said, 
 
 "Hold, Spirits, perchance I've made a mistake. 
 
 If so, I know I should feel heart-ache. 
 
 If ye be honest spirits, please won't you stay 
 
 And kindly listen to what I shall say? 
 
 I have seen men live, have seen men die, 
 
 Seen the greatest of all live a living lie 
 
The Altruist 21 
 
 And defy all the laws of God and man, 
 
 As he fell 'neath the banners of mammon's clan. 
 
 Seen others make laws in many a land 
 
 That in truth would read, Supply the Command 
 
 Of all who court smiles on the Mammon's snout. 
 
 So I'll ask a few questions of which I'm in doubt. 
 
 THE APPEAL 
 
 For twenty long years I've searched and trailed 
 After God's honest truth, but feel I've failed. 
 As God is my judge, I yet do not know 
 Why His truths exist only in shreds here below. 
 So, Spirits, please tell me why I have failed? 
 Why our most earnest seekers of truth are jailed? 
 Why God's honest truths are still stranger than 
 
 fiction ? 
 Why man tolerates every glittering restriction ? 
 Why brothers are set at the throats of brothers? 
 Why we still make recruiting stations of mothers? 
 Lives there one mortal that can sing a song 
 That will define the right from the wrong? 
 If ye answer me, Spirits, I'll pray for ye all 
 But never from any mammon stall." 
 
22 The Altruist 
 
 THE SPIRIT OF DOUBT ANSWERS 
 
 Now a black-robed spirit faced about 
 And announced, — "I am the Spirit of Doubt. 
 We are come to inspire thee with thine song 
 And tell thee wherein thou art right or wrong. 
 In turns we shall answer all questions you ask 
 Also tho'ts your heart cannot yet unmask, 
 But we shall answer in our own strain. 
 So attention please, lest we all sing in vain. 
 We shall sing the true restless spirits' song 
 That will create new hells on earth ere long,, 
 Lest altruists can stop this selfish fest 
 That breeds all the spirits of unrest. 
 My song will answer much of the lay 
 Of songs your heart sang this very day. 
 
 SONNETS BY THE SPIRIT OF DOUBT 
 
 Thank God some men still possess clean brains 
 And their hearts contain natural compassion 
 And will not list to the inhuman strains 
 Of self, so much the new fashion. 
 True hearts are sickening at the new lay 
 But the war gods* powers are shrinking. 
 While worldly paytriots howl, Pay, Pay, 
 Real white men have started thinking. 
 
The Altruist 23 
 
 New questions are forming in many a heart, 
 Soon misrulers must define the gammon 
 Of honoring laws and adopting the art 
 Of breeding disciples of mammon. 
 Soon many white men will want to know 
 What creates modern screws of extortion, 
 How young civilization is to grow 
 When we must invite its abortion. 
 
 Real Spirits of Unrest all know well 
 
 What creates hordes of profiteers. 
 
 Know they create only an earthly hell, 
 
 Still they gouge on without any fears. 
 
 Know they create more misery and tears 
 
 And inspire many much-needed toilers 
 
 To join the ranks of new profiteers 
 
 And become real modern despoilers. 
 
 Altruists know that nations are facing the brink 
 
 Of destruction, yet dare not defy 
 
 Conventions that rule. Altruists must not think 
 
 But the true altruist knows why. 
 
 He knows plutocracy works in the dark. 
 
 Would corral the world*s power of gold, 
 
 Would extinguish every ray or spark 
 
 Of truths that are seldom told. 
 
24 The Altruist 
 
 As yet we must nurse the scientific schemers, 
 
 Must not question the golden plan 
 
 That condemns every altruistic dreamer 
 
 That will not dream for their clan. 
 
 But true hearts are singing a different lay, 
 
 In many or near every nation, 
 
 Besides the strains of Pay, Pay, Pay, 
 
 That is stifling whole civilizations. 
 
 Still paid mud-slingers soothe the fears. 
 
 Sing songs like this to their kings, — 
 
 Rest easy, those singers are but sonetteers 
 
 Do not fear those poor ignorant things. 
 
 We will soon still their Spirits of Unrest, 
 
 Compel them to understand 
 
 Mammon Songs are what they all like best, 
 
 With the chorus, — Supply On Command. 
 
 Greed boldly straddles mountains of pelf 
 And lustily bawls out its own laws of self. 
 Martyred heroes rise in their graves and cry, — 
 God of Heavens, for what did we bleed and die? 
 Was it only to create still more despoilers 
 To bleed our own mothers, fathers and toilers ? 
 Is there no law in any man's land 
 That can forge a hobble, muzzle or brand 
 
The Altruist 25 
 
 To burn on these Spirits of Avarice? 
 
 Why pay them royalties? What is their price? 
 
 Are these cursed spirits not yet satisfied 
 
 When milHons and miUions have bled and died? 
 
 White men, stop this cursed mammon f est, 
 
 Or ye'U soon know the true Spirits of Unrest. 
 
 Still, disciples of greed sing the silent lay, — 
 
 Come, Slaveys, damn you, Pay, Pay, Pay. 
 
 We are the true breeders of autocracy, 
 
 Have been for ages, and so it must be. 
 
 You must be ruled by our golden rods 
 
 Of hate, for we are your earthly gods. 
 
 You must list to our scientific golden strains. 
 
 Or your very own brothers will beat out your 
 
 brains. 
 Do you not see our slaves riding bravely for pay 
 Thru your own brothers' ranks, faces hidden 
 
 away. 
 Because they are foolish enough to insist 
 For the right to dictate how they shall exist? 
 We do not fear the new altruist's lay, 
 For our hordes grow stronger each night and 
 
 day." 
 
26 The Altruist 
 
 SONNETS BY THE SPIRIT OF REASON 
 
 Our dreamer had listened as never before, 
 His questions were answered and many more. 
 The Spirit of Doubt had not sung in vain. 
 Now the Spirit of Reason took up the strain, 
 Saying, — "Brother, I am come here to sing 
 Thee songs in which natural reason shall ring. 
 I shall sing you only suggestive themes 
 That you may know we can read your dreams. 
 I shall sing, or suggest perhaps, eight or ten score, 
 And they shall inspire thee thousands more. 
 I must hasten, brother, we are pressed for time. 
 Ere morning we sing in a foreign clime. 
 So attention, please brother, miss not a word 
 Of the strangest song you ever heard. 
 
 Sing of rejected laws we know are divine, 
 Why tho't-pearls are not digested by swine, 
 Why we worship the Spirits of Avarice, 
 Why they can always exact their own price, 
 Why we must kill off the Godddess of Truth, 
 Why we marvel at mulish wisdom of youth. 
 Sing why true tales are seldom told. 
 Sing of Ships of State and the Power of Gold, 
 Equipped with the scientific compass of hate 
 And ballasted at mammon's golden gate, 
 
The Altruist 27 
 
 Sing a few heart songs inspired by hunger, 
 Why we almost worship the sensation monger. 
 Why we crown and honor great double-enders, 
 Then define modern, sanctimonious, pretenders. 
 
 Sing about great captains of success, 
 Tramp Ung on every flag of distress. 
 Define our modem laws of self 
 And our scientific love of ill-gotten pelf. 
 Streaks that are never considered yellow 
 Unless they exist in some other fellow. 
 Hiding golden bones of contentions, 
 One of our noblest and finest conventions. 
 A wonderful picture of imagination, 
 Striving to attain real civilization. 
 Sing of the limits of love and hate. 
 Pension off captains who wont navigate. 
 Mothers blazing trails to real civilization. 
 Refusing to act as recruiting stations. 
 
 Sing of problems that baffle the entire world, 
 Why mammon banners are seldom unfurled. 
 Sing of queenly kings, occupations that pay. 
 Gambling the lives of whole nations away. 
 Sing songs never sung by one king or queen. 
 Blending the orange with the green. 
 Hero worship, the new modem play. 
 
28 The Altruist 
 
 Forgotten in a night and a day. 
 Sailing thru oceans of blood and tears, 
 Navigation by modern profiteers. 
 Mammonites and their selfish kine, 
 Forcing toilers into the thinking line. 
 A rather peculiar prophet's prediction, — 
 Truth will not always be stranger than fiction. 
 
 Sing why truth is a dangerous stranger, 
 Why courting truth oft means courting danger. 
 Mothers teaching great captains to navigate 
 Without the compass of mistrust and hate. 
 And then defining our loyal traitors 
 Hatched by natural or golden incubators. 
 Side-track conventions we can do without. 
 Courting the smile on the mammon snout, 
 A brand new dose of political snags 
 Chewing up bales of foreign rags. 
 The failure of modern autocracy, 
 Creating an old, but new colony, 
 Human hogs and their scientific grunts, 
 Great mile-a-minute millionaire stunts. 
 
 Reconciling the masses and classes, 
 
 Abolishing scientific poison gases, 
 
 Defying all the new laws of self 
 
 By blasting straight trails thru mountains of pelf. 
 
The Altruist 29 
 
 Define the end of the selfish trail, 
 
 Songs of the heart that will not fail, 
 
 Discouraging breeders of autocracy, 
 
 A traitor to his own family. 
 
 Slaves of gold, sanctimonious scholars, 
 
 The gods, marks, guineas, francs, rubles, dollars. 
 
 Seeds sown freely among honest toilers 
 
 Breeding new hordes of selfish despoilers. 
 
 Selfishness, nature's most poisonous weed 
 
 Breeding scientific disciples of greed. 
 
 Sing of refinement and cultivation 
 As the first essentials to civilization. 
 Define the world as one great garden 
 Cultivated and ruled by its natural warden, 
 Who never will cultivate rank, foul weeds, 
 Nor refine and propagate poisonous seeds. 
 So why manicure any selfish claw. 
 Since we know 'tis not a natural law ? 
 Business genius that wont understand. 
 Honored with a muzzle or a brand. 
 Resurrected laws of cold steel. 
 Obedient slaves, the waster's ideal. 
 How the average manicured waster behaves, 
 Ruminations, thinkers, balky slaves. 
 
30 The Altruist 
 
 Our beautiful Garden of Humanity, 
 
 Natural regrets, brothers, sisters, are we? 
 
 Visions of a near future day, 
 
 Paytriots muzzled for singing. Pay, Pay. 
 
 Martyred heroes, — What do they think 
 
 In their graves of selfish ideals that stink? 
 
 Sing, Live and Let Live, and Equality 
 
 As sung by our future singers to be. 
 
 The dawn is breaking. Why despair? 
 
 Altruists gaining strength everywhere. 
 
 Political games of masked pretentions. 
 
 Rewarding and condemning honest intentions." 
 
 Now our dreamer fairly gasped for breath 
 
 As the spirits all sang Modem Dances of Death. 
 
 "Sing of preventions for murder or war, 
 Altruistic laws never tried before. 
 Laws made in years, for people that pay, 
 Discarded by Mammonites in one day. 
 Society leaders, the farce of Hfe, 
 A natural, versus a modern wife. 
 Financial comedians and kings of finance, 
 Great big and small games of chance, 
 Fumigating modern selfish spawn. 
 A mournful howl, rejoicing. The dawn, 
 Priceless treasures, a mother's love, 
 The greatest gift God sends from above. 
 
The Altruist 31 
 
 Liberty, when ? Are we sisters and brothers ? 
 Place your faith in your own mothers. 
 
 Sing natural songs defining how we 
 Should pay all our debts to humanity. 
 Don't forget to sing why we should play 
 The game of life in a natural way. 
 Sing songs no honest true ears can smother, 
 As true as the stars above, or your mother. 
 Sing songs of two thousand religious creeds, 
 While parasites eat, and the toiler feeds. 
 Why natural songs of the heart sound strange, 
 Why so few prospect God's big open range. 
 Why sing "My Country 'tis of thee"? 
 Why not sing, "Our Country Soon to be" ? 
 
 Sing of natural, also modern success, 
 Crowning gilded creators of distress. 
 Sing of troubles no white man would ever bor- 
 row 
 But he must, tho' they only bring misery and 
 
 sorrow. 
 If Christ came among us now, to-day. 
 Could he teach three weeks? If so, where pray? 
 Modern prayers. Oh, that fortune smiles on me 
 In line with our new brand of philosophy. 
 
32 The Altruist 
 
 With sensation mongers in style and in action, 
 Centralizing life's morbid stage of attraction. 
 Now, brother, select the themes you deem best 
 To enlighten all spirits of unrest. 
 But the Spirit of Truth will now sing to thee 
 Of truths that are and soon will be." 
 
 THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH 
 
 Now the whitest-robed spirit of them all 
 Said, "Brother, I know and hear the call 
 Of your heart, and admire thee for thine con- 
 victions 
 And courage to battle down mammon's restric- 
 tions. 
 For your earnest research since early youth 
 In courting every vestage of truth. 
 I am come to answer the questions you ask 
 And encourage thee in thine arduous task. 
 To ease thine very heart and soul 
 And help thee on to thine chosen goal. 
 You are wrong as regards some of your convic- 
 tions, 
 But right as regards inhuman restrictions. 
 Restrictions that are enslaving whole nations, 
 Creating unnatural civilizations. 
 
The Altruist 33 
 
 You are wrong when you think that education 
 Has made no progress towards civilization. 
 Just remember our most compassionate dreamers 
 Are muzzled by servile selfish schemers. 
 But their lessons live in the souls of men 
 Tho' they be chained to some mammon pen. 
 You are wrong when you think you stand almost 
 
 alone 
 In condemning the modern autocrat's throne. 
 Millions sing much the same songs, understand, 
 Not only here but in many a land, 
 Singing natural songs, not wanted to-day, 
 Since self demands modern songs, Pay, Pay. 
 Self teaches white men in every land 
 To sing only songs of Supply our Demand. 
 
 No one mortal lives that knows the whole truth. 
 One did, but was crucified in His youth. 
 And you can surmise wherein He did fail. 
 He sang without swinging the mammon flail 
 On the heads of the weaker that could not see 
 Why they should not worship autocracy. 
 For the very same reason all natural strains 
 Are condemned to-day by great captains of gains. 
 You are wrong when you fear foreign civiliza- 
 tions 
 Will ever rule this, the greatest of nations, 
 
34 The Altruist 
 
 Much less when we have adopted the fashion 
 And laws of true altruistic compassion, 
 When all can read Nature's Compass of Love 
 That reflects as true as the stars above. 
 
 Not one mortal lives who has full control 
 
 Of his brain phantoms nor his own heart or soul. 
 
 Nor can pay all his debts to humanity, 
 
 Much less control his own destiny. 
 
 And mostly because, moreso than of old. 
 
 He must cringe to the cursed Power of Gold. 
 
 But, Brother dear, I cannot tarry long, 
 
 And ere I go I would sing thee a song. 
 
 Composed to define lust that stalks in the dark 
 
 And extinguishes every known ray or spark 
 
 Of truth. But ah. The story is old. 
 
 You know man's lust of conquest and gold. 
 
 So listen attentively while I sing 
 
 Two sonnets that will unmask this mad thing. 
 
 SONNETS SUNG BY THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH 
 
 The heavens are parting, will soon show a light 
 That will define the wrong from the right, 
 Define selfish spawn that can do nothing further 
 Than breed more miseries and endless murder. 
 
The Altruist 35 
 
 That will breed in the dark to attain these ends, 
 So man may never know foes from friends. 
 This spawn is refined by earthly despoilers 
 Who have bred it in many honest toilers, 
 Have taught honest toilers the laws of self 
 Which inspire the lust of fame, glory and pelf. 
 And also dictates the right to despoil. 
 Only fools will do an honest day's toil. 
 Now toilers court mammon as best God and 
 
 friend, 
 And God alone knows where it all will end. 
 
 Thank God we have one class self does not rule, 
 These are altruists, true scholars of nature's 
 
 school. 
 Who are singing a new compassionate lay. 
 Quite foreign to all in style to-day. 
 And I, The Spirit of Truth, shall inspire 
 All these altruists, so none shall ever tire. 
 If one falls victim to selfish claws, 
 A thousand shall take up his undying cause, 
 A cause that will surely define loyal treason 
 To all who will only listen to reason. 
 So sing to your brothers-to-be, of good cheer. 
 Honest men and women have aught to fear, 
 For the altruist shall define our earthly hell. 
 Now we must away, brother, fare thee well." 
 
^6 The Altruist 
 
 A STRANGE DISCOVERY 
 
 The storm had cleared, now streaks of grey 
 
 Dispelled the last vestage of night, — 
 
 Spirits, skeleton, chair. All had faded away. 
 
 But their songs never did take flight 
 
 From our altruist who had no faith nor fears 
 
 For our laws of self or cold steel 
 
 That he knew breed nothing but more profiteers, 
 
 That will stifle each humane ideal. 
 
 Now it was day, as the rim of the sun 
 
 Appeared in the hazy east 
 
 He mused, the while inspecting his gun, 
 
 "Wonder how Socks fared at his feast. 
 
 This sure was one wild and spooky night. 
 
 Wild enough to scare innocent crooks." 
 
 Then the litter of manuscripts caught his sight 
 
 And he forgot Socks and his spooks. 
 
 Quite agitated, he reached to the floor 
 And selected the first sheet on sight. 
 His excitement grew at the title it bore, 
 Reading, "Why Might Supercedes Right." 
 
The Altruist 37 
 
 Every line reflected the same fearless hand, 
 
 Did not ape any indirect scrawl 
 
 Of modern singers of any land 
 
 And was free from the self, servile crawl. 
 
 Soon again the Ranger gained full control 
 Of his tho'ts, as he sat and read 
 The musings of a lost wandering soul. 
 All in strains he had tho't were long dead. 
 Then he mused, "I can see where I was wrong 
 When I tho't that all humane compassion 
 Had died in men's hearts, and all sing the song 
 Inspired by gold, style or fashion." 
 
 Twas noon, still he read on, line after line, 
 
 Marvelling at the unselfish strain 
 
 Of tho'ts transmitted by forces divine. 
 
 That were not mere pearls of the brain. 
 
 Then he mused, "Ah, he was inspired from the 
 
 start 
 To ring nature's most beautiful chimes. 
 Since only God's children sing Songs of the 
 
 Heart, 
 Few may hear until far distant times." 
 
38 The Altruist 
 
 He was lost in perusing a lengthy sheet, 
 Titled, "Playing The Game of Life," 
 Thinking, "Ah, this sure is a wonderful treat 
 For any true man or wife." 
 Now a rusty hinge squeaked. He rose from the 
 
 floor, 
 Feeling someone had entered by stealth, 
 Was amazed at the vision framed in the door, — 
 A real picture of beauty and health. 
 
 RUTH 
 
 The man who had faced the ordeals of the night 
 And could play like a child with danger, 
 Now stood amazed, as if in a fright. 
 As the girl greeted, "Howdy, Stranger!" 
 She looked and acted the part of a queen. 
 Every movement spelled culture and grace. 
 He knew at once he had often seen 
 Her beautiful form and face. 
 
 Now the girl said gently, — "You evidence fear. 
 
 Does my intrusion frighten you? 
 
 I come only because I knew you were here. 
 
 So answer. Ranger, please do." 
 
 At last it seemed he found his voice. 
 
 As he answered at once, "Ruth, it seems 
 
 I was startled, was dumb, because I rejoice 
 
 That I've found The Queen of my dreams." 
 
The Altruist 39 
 
 Before she could answer he raised his hand, 
 
 Adding, "Pardon, Ruth, please let me speak. 
 
 I have ranged or roamed thru many a land. 
 
 But I never felt one yellow streak. 
 
 IVe met you or your spirit anear and afar, 
 
 And the moment I saw you, Ruth, 
 
 I was dazzled at facing my own guiding star. 
 
 Yes, you, my Goddess of Truth," 
 
 Amazement and joy was stamped on her face 
 As she heard the Ranger's address. 
 But confusion only enhanced her grace 
 As she said, — *'Do you know, or you guess ?" 
 But it seemed the Ranger could read her heart 
 As he said, "Ruth, you do understand. 
 Courting truth is only a natural art 
 Even when we court it in Dreamland." 
 
 The Ranger now held Ruth's yielding hand 
 As he said, "Dreaming is an art 
 That no selfish hearts can understand, 
 Since they dream from the brain, not the heart. 
 I never have dreamed of riches or fame 
 And the things many yearn to possess. 
 What I know of life, it's a scientific game, 
 To create misery and distress. 
 
40 The Altruist 
 
 Yes, Ruth, I have prayed all the powers above 
 
 Just to let me understand 
 
 How I can best define God's truth and love, 
 
 Of the natural, not modern, brand. 
 
 Not the kind our earthly gods would teach, 
 
 Enforced by more laws of cold steel. 
 
 That only drive truth further from the reach 
 
 Of white men and breed false ideals. 
 
 Then he added, softly, "Listen, Ruth, 
 
 I know not why I speak in this strain, 
 
 But I only speak what I feel is God's Truth. 
 
 I have felt this time and again. 
 
 That I was destined to meet you here. 
 
 So now you will please understand 
 
 You can give your orders without any fear. 
 
 I obey. I am yours to command." 
 
 The Ranger's voice sounded soft and low, 
 
 But as yet she did not reply, 
 
 As he added, "Ruth, soon you will know 
 
 Your mistrust of me must die." 
 
 Then Ruth answered, almost in the next breath, 
 
 *T know and feel you are true. 
 
 But my mission or orders may mean life or death 
 
 For millions, besides only you." 
 
The Altruist 41 
 
 While speaking, Ruth saw his manly face 
 
 Change from doubt to the purest joy. 
 
 Now he drew her gently out of the place, 
 
 Saying, "I dreamed all this when a boy. 
 
 Now, Dearie, I know what brings you here. 
 
 'Twas decreed you should commission me 
 
 To help you and Daddy blaze trails strait and 
 
 clear 
 To real Christianity." 
 
 The Ranger's last words had reached their mark, 
 
 Had dispelled every vestage of doubt 
 
 In the breast of Ruth. Now she whispered, 
 
 "Hush, hark. 
 Lest some prying ears may be about. 
 Not another word, Dear, lest our hopes all die. 
 We can trust only beasts and the birds 
 With secrets, or anything that dare defy 
 Ruling gods by deed or by words." 
 
 Now the Ranger pressed an assuring kiss 
 On Ruth's hand. Then shouted, "Hey, Socks, 
 Hustle up. Come, come, let's get out of this." 
 Socks answered from 'mongst some rocks. 
 
42 The Altruist 
 
 Then he fetched out all his trappings and gear 
 And soon Socks appeared in sight. 
 Soon after the trio rode off without fear, 
 Away thru the fading twilight. 
 
 The riders were hardly on their way, 
 As the Ranger said, "Listen, Ruth Dear, 
 Soon as we see Daddy, all you need say. 
 Here's The Ranger, and all will be clear 
 To him. Then explaining would be a crime, 
 For our faith limits exceed the sky. 
 But there's no time to lose. Now is the time. 
 And I'm ready to do or die." 
 
 NEARING HIS GOAL 
 
 Socks seemed not to mind his extra load. 
 And soon brought them to an old wagon road 
 Which was built by the earliest pioneers 
 Of these parts, but had been abandoned for years. 
 Once Ruth volunteered to point out the way 
 But was rather surprised to hear him say, 
 "Why, Dearie, I've traveled this trail before 
 In my dreams, and it seems like in days of yore. 
 
The Altruist 43 
 
 Let us see if my memories' compass is right. 
 If so, then we soon must come in sight 
 Of an old mining shaft, and deserted old shack 
 Where your Daddy found just the kind of slack 
 Or ore. Why, Ruth, you tremble, you're pale, 
 But I've seen Daddy's light, and it will not fail." 
 
 To still her fears, he pressed her to his breast 
 And murmured, "Ruth, why can you not feel at 
 
 rest? 
 I know you have reasons to evidence fear 
 But I tho't I'd make my postiion quite clear. 
 God help us all now, if I make one mistake. 
 For I know it would cause at least three hearts 
 
 to break. 
 Ruth, I've lived just to see this wonderful day. 
 When you. My Guiding Star, reflect the ray 
 Of love, which is your Daddy's grand scheme. 
 And ours, since it is our endless dream. 
 So grand, that science cannot conceive its scope. 
 And mostly because it will blast the hopes 
 Of Mammon, and all his imperial clan. 
 Now, Dear, do you know that I am a man ? 
 Can you trust me ? Have I stilled your alarms ?" 
 For answer she nestled more close in his arms. 
 
44 The Altruist 
 
 So these children of God, so strangely met, 
 
 Rode on, and now Ruth felt no fear or regret, 
 
 As she answered, "Forgive me, for Daddy's sake 
 
 I should doubt. Now I know that you will stake 
 
 All your lives, if you had a thousand to lose, 
 
 And that you will never, never abuse 
 
 The faith we shall have to place in you. 
 
 And I feel in my heart you are loyal and true. 
 
 But do you know Daddy's real dream of success 
 
 Is to crush man's blood lust, misery and distress, 
 
 Crush out nature's selfish lust of gold 
 
 That creates only slaves who are daily sold 
 
 To gods of riches in every man's land? 
 
 But, Ah, I know that you understand, 
 
 For have you not seen them all defy 
 
 All the laws of God. And I feel you know why." 
 
 The trail had grown rougher and less distinct, 
 But Ruth still marveled at his fine instinct. 
 Gave assent, as he suddenly swung to the right, 
 And he said, "Now we should soon come in sight 
 Of Daddy's place. Yes, we must be quite near. 
 Now I'll walk. No, you stay right aboard, My 
 
 Dear. 
 Do you know, Ruth, I'm happy as a lark 
 That's been confined a year in the dark 
 
The Altruist 45 
 
 And let loose. The first thing V\\ do is rope 
 Your Dad, when I see him, and fill him with hope. 
 He will know soon enough, I will never rest 
 Till his light reflects north, east, south and west. 
 Then he'll know his great work was not in vain 
 And he'll soon hear his fellowman sing a new 
 
 strain 
 Of songs that will echo throughout every nation 
 And then see the birth of real civilization." 
 
 The trail was now still harder to follow, 
 Each hoof-beat sounded distant and hollow. 
 The night had almost succeeded day 
 But Socks forged ahead in his faithful way. 
 Now Ruth caressed him with a proud smile. 
 Saying, "Noble beast, just one more mile." 
 Then, turning her glorious eyes to the Ranger, 
 She said, 'T no longer regard you as stranger. 
 All you told me to-day I know to be true 
 And still I feared to fully trust you. 
 You must be inspired by forces divine, 
 For I feel your faith far supercedes mine. 
 And, Oh, Dear, I can fancy Daddy's joy 
 When I bring home his Ranger Boy, 
 For I know he would trust no mortal but you 
 With the wonderful work we have in view." 
 
46 The Altruist 
 
 Now the Ranger said, teasingly, "So, my 
 
 Queen, 
 You have deigned to drop your mistrusting 
 
 screen 
 Of doubt, and believe what your heart would dic- 
 tate. 
 That I am not exactly a Prince of Hate. 
 But, Ruth dear,^as such I've been judged by 
 
 many, 
 Respected and loved by few, if any. 
 And, dear, would you like to know the real 
 
 cause?" 
 She nodded. "Well, then, I don't manicure 
 
 claws 
 Of avarice, for no Imperial Clan, 
 Not for self, much less any other man. 
 So you see I sing very much the same song 
 That your Daddy sings. And ere very long 
 You'll hear us both singing in the same strain. 
 And then, some day, you will have to explain 
 Why I had to tell more than I cared to say. 
 Why we had to be strangers nearly all day." 
 But now a big cabin appeared close by 
 And they all hurried forward with a glad cry. 
 
The Altruist 47 
 
 DADDY 
 
 The door opened wide as the trio drew near, 
 Ruth, dismounting, ran with the grace of a deer 
 Into the waiting arms of her Dad, 
 Who welcomed, caressed her, while shouting, 
 
 "Hail, Lad! 
 Come, come, My Boy, thou art not a stranger 
 To me. Yes, I know, Ruth, 'tis he. The Ranger. 
 And, Dear, have you told him the entire truth ? 
 What, no ? Then why not, come tell me, Ruth ? 
 Oh, I see. He seems nearly to understand 
 The wonderful work we have in hand." 
 Ruth answered, "Yes, Daddy, he seems to know 
 And has given me endless proof to show 
 That he can nearly imagine the scope 
 Of your light of love that will revive hope 
 In the breast of every honest man 
 That is not a slave of mammon's clan. 
 And he tells me your hopes shall live and not die. 
 In spite of the fact that science will defy 
 Your light for a time, will jeer and rail 
 At God's truths. But in spite, your light cannot 
 
 fail." 
 
48 The Altruist 
 
 Daddy now grasped the Ranger's hand, and his 
 
 joy 
 Reflected in all as he said, "Bless you, Boy. 
 Now I see still more clearly it is to be. 
 God alone has guided tliine footsteps to me. 
 Yes, to me, who shall baffle the scientists and 
 
 sages 
 Of the present, the past and future ages. 
 For God hath inspired me to teach every man 
 To feel, see, and know, his Master's plan 
 Is that men obey laws that are divine. 
 And not cringe to material gods like swine. 
 I shall even force earthly gods to tire 
 Of their own laws of self, or send down fire 
 From the very heavens and shrivel their shrines 
 Of gold, fame and pretence. Yes, stifle their 
 
 whines 
 Of self. And you, God bless you, my Boy, 
 Must help me to bring these blessings and joy 
 To the few loyal children of Nature's School 
 Who pray Universal, Divine Love shall rule. 
 And, my Boy, you can guess, without more ex- 
 planation, 
 We will bring on the birth of real civilization. 
 And, what is still more important to thee, 
 'Twill be founded on True Christianity." 
 
The Altruist 49 
 
 As the Ranger began to conceive the great plan 
 Of this real Man of God, he embraced the old 
 
 man 
 And wept like a child for very joy, 
 As he cried, "Dad, I dreamed of this when a 
 
 boy. 
 You have transmitted tho'ts to me in some ways 
 Thru Ruth, for she has oft reflected your rays 
 Of love to me, but I hardly dared hope 
 That I would ever be chosen to rope, — 
 Ah, pardon, Ruth, — Daddy Dear, — I meant to 
 
 say 
 That I should help break avarice in some way 
 That fits my ideas. But, hang it all, 
 Fm worse than excited. But I'll never fall 
 With any and everything I can do 
 To make your wonderful dream come true. 
 And, Daddy, I see, I know, I can feel. 
 That you far surpass my greatest ideal 
 Of a man, since all our greatest scientists 
 Have totally failed to see thru the mists 
 Of self. But you must be inspired from 
 
 above. 
 But come let us pray for your Light of Love." 
 All knelt on the ground, with heads bowed low, 
 As the Ranger prayed distinctly and slow — 
 
50 The Altruist 
 
 THE RANGER AND RUTH PRAY FOR SUCCESS 
 
 "Oh, Heavenly Father, please list to our plea 
 And our prayers, for love of humanity, 
 Thou knowest we seek not riches nor fame. 
 Only want all to honor Thine laws and name. 
 Please advise, and guide, and inspire us to see 
 How we may pay our debts to humanity. 
 Only let us reflect thine heavenly rays 
 Of love, so they bring peace and happier days. 
 Let us break the scientific lust of gold 
 So that hearts and souls can no longer be sold 
 To selfish, inhuman, beasts of prey. 
 Who seem to rule us all, night and day, 
 Who breed only misery and distress 
 In their inhuman quest for self success. 
 Blood and gold lust rules them, heart and mind, 
 And we know they are ever deaf and blind 
 To the weaker ones's natural wails of protest, 
 So that none may ever know peace or rest. 
 Oh, Father, Thou knowest and do understand 
 We would bring peace and rest to every land. 
 You have let Daddy here all but master the sun. 
 So we pray, let us see how Thine will shall be 
 done. 
 
The Altruist 51 
 
 And we all pray Thee, again and again, 
 Let our dream of compassion not be in vain. 
 As we pray, we promise to rest only when 
 Thine Heavenly Will shall be done. Amen." 
 
 As the Ranger concluded, Ruth took up his strain 
 And prayed, "Oh, Father, we do not complain. 
 Thou knowest our three hearts beat as one 
 With desires to see Thine will shall be done. 
 So we pray Thee to let us reach our goal, 
 To inspire love in each doubting heart and soul 
 That is losing faith in your laws so divine. 
 Since they are over-ruled by mammon's swine. 
 We would break this swinish lust of gold 
 That is causing miseries as yet untold, 
 Bring human compassion within the ken 
 Of young and old, both women and men. 
 So they won't heed disciples of hypocrisy. 
 Who would dictate our debts to humanity, 
 Debts that all honest children of God would pay 
 If material gods did not bar the way. 
 Oh Father, Thou knowest we will give our all 
 Just to see earthly gods of mammon fall, 
 So they can nevermore rise again 
 To cause all your laws to exist in vain. 
 
52 The Altruist 
 
 Pray let us succeed, let our hearts feel no fear, 
 Till success crowns the life-dreams Our Daddy- 
 holds dear. 
 He would break laws of self in style and fashion, 
 And if needs be, enforce universal compassion. 
 We know Daddy will be the happiest of men 
 Ever lived, when love can rule. Amen." 
 
 PLANNING THE FUTURE 
 
 They prayed and planned far into the night. 
 Daddy oft expressed his joys and delight 
 At the Ranger's far-reaching vision to see 
 The real blessings they could bring to humanity, 
 When souls could no longer be bought or sold 
 By the earthly gods, Fame, Glory or Gold, 
 When man need not cringe to new Kings of 
 
 Greed, 
 Regardless of intellect, color or creed. 
 When no man will dare to darken our trail 
 With religious pretensions, or lights that fail, 
 When no man secretly maintains education 
 Is the only real God of Civilization, 
 When all shall lose faith in earthly scholars 
 Whose gods are marks, guineas, francs, rubles or 
 
 dollars, 
 
The Altruist 53 
 
 When sanctified hypocrits cannot hide truth 
 From the sage, nor even the tho'tless youth, 
 When no one will nurse one selfish ideal, 
 And we shall abolish laws of cold steel, 
 When we no longer encourage mammon booms. 
 Mothers may keep the harvests of their own 
 
 wombs, 
 When man is no longer ashamed of compassion 
 He shall have outlived modern styles and fashion. 
 But soon love will rule to the world's extreme 
 
 ends, 
 Breed only true Christians and loyal friends. 
 So none need fear to live, wander, or roam. 
 But agreed reforms must begin at home. 
 
54 The Altruist 
 
 THE EXPERIMENT AT MIDNIGHT 
 
 Twas nearly midnight as Dad said, "Come, my 
 
 Boy 
 And Ruth, let us test the object of our joy. 
 I have waited for you. Boy, with just intent 
 That you should see our first experiment 
 On what shall not even be a large scale. 
 But it will amply prove our project cannot fail. 
 Yonder, strait to the north, is a large mountain 
 
 peak 
 Of sheer rock, that I know is barren and bleak 
 Of life at its top, and for miles all around, 
 Upr I know the nature of all this ground. 
 The peak is just ninety miles away, 
 But I'll bring it to you as clear as day." 
 All now went aloft into Daddy's large den 
 Or workshop. And now the greatest of men, 
 The greatest scientist the world ever knew. 
 Said gently, "Attention, please, watch what I do." 
 Now he opened a hole in the slanting roof, 
 Near a bench, saying, "You need not keep aloof.' 
 Then he drew the Ranger and Ruth quite near, 
 Assuring both they had nothing to fear. 
 Uncovering an instrument, he got his range. 
 Then said, "Now you'll see something weird and 
 
 strange." 
 
J 
 
 The Altruist 55 
 
 Now in stupefied amazement and awe 
 
 The Ranger dared not believe what he saw. 
 
 But he fancied he heard a very faint whir, 
 
 Then a shaft of light shot thru the air. 
 
 Then Daddy seemed but to touch a small 
 
 screw. 
 As the top of the mountain appeared in full 
 
 view. 
 And the Ranger choked back his surprise in some 
 
 way, 
 As the mountain appeared hardly ten feet 
 
 away. 
 Now Ruth had to steady and support the Ranger 
 As they witnessed a sight that was still stranger. 
 For Dad seemed to sprinkle some iron rust 
 On a disc — and the mountain peak crumbled to 
 
 dust, 
 The clouds of dust that had been solid rock 
 Blew away, as it were, without even a shock. 
 Now the Ranger's voice reflected the awe 
 He felt, as he said, "Is it true, what I saw ? 
 Tell me quick. Daddy. Tell me, please, right 
 
 now, 
 What manner of genius or man art thou?" 
 
56 The Altruist 
 
 THE RANGER IS PLACED IN COMMAND 
 
 Now Daddy smiled happily, saying, "Boy, list, 
 I am only a natural Altruist 
 Like yourself, a graduate of Nature's School, 
 Wasting no time with modem teachers that rule. 
 And no greater than you, since you must advise 
 
 me 
 How our light shall reflect Christianity 
 In a way so that no science or scholar can rail, 
 In a way that reflects but one Christian trail. 
 Not thousands of branches that won't stand in- 
 spection 
 Because they all lead in a different direction. 
 With teachers leading, who dance as they preach. 
 To coax more dollars within their reach, 
 And openly ridicule God's real pastors. 
 But we will expose these dancing masters. 
 Our light must inspire God's honest scholars 
 Who don't preach only for cents or dollars. 
 But, Ruth Dear, you can further explain. 
 If you will, and to-morrow I'll show once again 
 What we can do with our wonderful light. 
 I am wearied. God bless you both. Good 
 Night." 
 
The Altruist 57 
 
 RUTH EXPLAINS 
 
 Soon as Daddy retired, the Ranger faced Ruth 
 And grasped both her yielding hands, 
 Saying, "God bless my little Goddess of Truth. 
 You have guided me thru many lands." 
 As if half ashamed, Ruth drew back apace. 
 Saying, softly, "Forgive me, please. Dear, 
 That I failed to know you at once face to face. 
 And I evidenced mistrust and fear." 
 
 The Ranger replied in a soft gentle tone, 
 "Yes, Dear, and you heard me pray. 
 Ruth, I never yet prayed for self alone. 
 That is always the modem way. 
 You heard me pray Our Master above 
 For three hearts that now beat as one. 
 But I'll soon pray for self, yes, for your love, 
 When His will be fully done." 
 
 Ruth answered, "My earthly hopes and my heart 
 Are now centered entirely in you 
 And, Daddy, but soon we shall have to part. 
 But I'll ever be faithful and true. 
 
58 The Altruist 
 
 Soon you may be branded as one of Nick's crew 
 By the ruling forces that be, 
 Yet that will but increase my faith in you 
 Thru all eternity." 
 
 The two had planned for an hour or more, 
 
 Basing all their plans on the laws 
 
 Of Nature, so planned as never before 
 
 In the interest of a great cause. 
 
 And finally the Ranger said, "Listen, Dear, 
 
 Did I understand Daddy to say 
 
 His light will reflect afar or anear. 
 
 By night, and also by day?" 
 
 Ruth replied, "Yes, it will reflect day or night. 
 
 But by day with an indistinct glare. 
 
 And yet by day with more power and might, 
 
 All derived from the sun and the air. 
 
 By day you need but a seeming plain ring, 
 
 Which Dad will give you on the morrow. 
 
 With which you can rule any land as king 
 
 And create endless joys or sorrow." 
 
The Altruist 59 
 
 PRAYING FOR COMPASSION 
 
 As the force of all this flashed thru his mind, 
 He prayed, "Oh, God, let me not be blind 
 To my duties. I pray Thee let me be just. 
 Do not let me kill or destroy, lest I must. 
 But if I must drive mammonites from their hives 
 Of gold, let me spare all innocent lives 
 That have had to supply many human drones 
 Of self. But ril bare their scientific bones 
 Of contentions, so each honest woman and man 
 Will shun all the spawn of mammon's clan. 
 If needs be, I'll wreck their God called Money, 
 Who demands, exacts, or attracts others* honey. 
 And dictates to toilers they must not shirk 
 To pay royalties to all who won't work 
 When they are blessed with the Power of Gold 
 And belong to mammon's priestly fold. 
 But come, Ruth, to rest. I'll dream on a plan 
 How I may do my duty to God and man." 
 Then our two great schemers both retired. 
 He soon fell asleep, since he was very tired. 
 No dreams interfered and he never awoke 
 Till the sun was up and he heard the first stroke 
 Of a clock near-by that was striking eight. 
 And he felt rather peeved to have slept so late. 
 
6o The Altruist 
 
 daddy's idol 
 
 He appeared in a more happy state of mind. 
 
 After greetings, Daddy said, "Well, did you find 
 
 Any solid foundation of a good plan 
 
 By which we may civilize mammon's clan, 
 
 The gang that have ruled for thousands of years 
 
 In the interests of misery's profiteers? 
 
 What, No ? But you will. And I know you can. 
 
 But come, let's appease our inner man." 
 
 Soon after breakfast the Ranger said, "Ruth, 
 
 But you are a Queen in God's honest truth." 
 
 Here Dad interrupted and said, "Right, my Boy. 
 
 Our Ruth would be neither a slave nor toy. 
 
 She performs all her duties to God and me. 
 
 Never craves for riches nor luxury. 
 
 She does all her household duties with joy 
 
 And her love for me is without alloy. 
 
 She despises the sciences that plainly read, Shirk, 
 
 Let the less intellectual do all the work. 
 
 If she would, I could make her a ruling queen. 
 
 But she does not aspire to appear on the screen 
 
 That is known as Glory, Fame and Power. 
 
 She would rather appear as God's natural flower." 
 
 Daddy went on to extol and praise Ruth, 
 
The Altruist 6i 
 
 As he added, "Yes, Ranger, she can define truth. 
 
 Do you know that she often advises me 
 
 And was never bUnded by powers that be? 
 
 She condemns present charity worse than in vain, 
 
 For she knows it is engineered mostly for gain 
 
 And to mask modern systems of slavery, 
 
 For Ruth can define real equality. 
 
 She knows just what actuates many drives 
 
 For more dollars, and knows why innocent lives 
 
 Are sacrificed daily. And I've heard her pray 
 
 Quite often to God to show her a way 
 
 She might dry up the rivers of blood and tears 
 
 That have been flowing these thousands of years. 
 
 Yes, Ruth can analyze much of the gammon 
 
 Dished up by scientific disciples of mammon. 
 
 She knows each exacts his own princely fee 
 
 And is honored for creating misery. 
 
 But come. Ranger dear, and Ruth, let us go 
 
 To that hollow you passed yesterday, and I'll 
 
 show 
 You the fearful forces you soon will control. 
 That will strike fear and faith in heart and soul, 
 Faith in hearts that beat not only for self 
 And fear in all scientific lovers of pelf." 
 
6a The Altruist 
 
 THE EXPERIMENT BY DAY 
 
 The sun was well up as they entered the hollow 
 And Dad said, "Lad, do not fear to follow 
 My every instruction. Now see, this thing 
 I shall give you seems just a plain common ring. 
 We shall keep the top down a moment or two. 
 Now come, Boy, this ring belongs to you. 
 Ah, it fits you nicely. Now turn your hand 
 Strait towards that big hill that looks like land. 
 Turn the top of your ring so the rays of the sun 
 Reflect. Now point or aim like you would a gun. 
 When you have the range, press gently on either 
 
 side. 
 When I say ready, we'll have a new land slide. 
 Ready ! Now hold your hand steady as a rock. 
 Press ! Boy, do not fear. There will be no shock. 
 Ah, enough, the dust will soon settle and clear. 
 Ah, Boy, you done nobly. You showed no fear 
 Nor excitement. Soon we can look around 
 And we'll find the hill can nevermore be found." 
 And while the clouds of dust blew away, 
 The Ranger's hair had all turned grey. 
 For in that brief moment he'd conceived a plan 
 That exceeded the wildest hopes of man. 
 
The Altruist 63 
 
 As little or no dust fell to the ground, 
 
 The Ranger looked in vain for the mound 
 
 Of vanished rocks. Then Dad said, "You will 
 
 find 
 'Tis nearly all absorbed by the wind 
 And air. But all this will seem less strange 
 When you know you can grind anything within 
 
 range. 
 And what is of more importance still. 
 You can destroy all, tho' you need not kilL 
 I will give you three different rings ere you go, 
 Instruct thee with all, so you will know 
 The fearful extent of each one's force, 
 With which you can and must enforce 
 Our laws of Let Live and Equality. 
 But, my Boy, that is all plain to thee. 
 G>me, Ruth Dear, congratulate our Boy, 
 For his hair has turned nearly white for joy. 
 That is a real blessing he can nov/ expect 
 Much easier to gain the love and respect 
 Of real white men. He may need the help 
 Of a few, to combat every selfish whelp 
 Who will cheerfully kill and destroy all truth 
 To gain his own ends. But you may plan with 
 
 Ruth, 
 For I must begone now, I have more work to do 
 And things to plan out and make ready for you." 
 
64 The Altruist 
 
 PERFECTING THE NEW PLAN 
 
 Both silently watched the grand old man 
 Depart. Then the Ranger proposed his new plan. 
 Ruth advised and helped perfect every detail 
 Of his plans, then remarked. "Dear, we cannot 
 
 fail. 
 I shall pray day and night when you go away. 
 But you know, Dear, Daddy and I must stay 
 At our post. One of us must always be nigh 
 To read your messages in the sky. 
 Dad will give you a code that cannot be seen, 
 That will reflect here on a special screen. 
 Distance makes no difference, so have no fear, 
 For we will get your messages distinct and clear. 
 Your plans are wonderful, almost divine. 
 We will make human beings of gilded swine. 
 But patience, Dear, if all does not go your way 
 At once. Rome was never built in a day. 
 But in a moment you can destroy spoils of years 
 That were gathered by miseries' profiteers. 
 But use not this power, I beg and pray 
 Of you, lest there be no other way 
 To make spirits of avarice understand 
 That love, not selfishness, must rule our land." 
 
The Altruist 65 
 
 DADDY FAVORS THE NEW PLAN 
 
 Later on Daddy also heard the great plan 
 That would stifle all hopes of autocracy's clan, 
 That empires or nations could be bought or sold 
 As of yore, to the scientific lust of gold. 
 Daddy favored the plan of his two young 
 
 schemers. 
 Then said, "You are really both wonderful 
 
 dreamers. 
 But, Ruth dear, I knew our Lad is not blind. 
 I knew he could reason, and felt he would find 
 The key to our intricate situation. 
 For he knows man's mission and occupation 
 Is not to worship the gods of success 
 That drag every human flag of distress 
 Thru the mud, just because it's the modem way. 
 Ah no. Nature taught him a natural lay. 
 But I warn you, Lad, you must work in the dark 
 Or you will become quite an easy mark 
 And fall victim to assassin's knife or gun 
 Or be chained in some hole where you'll not see 
 
 the sun. 
 But you know the fearful risks you are taking, 
 For you will soon have assassins aching 
 To take your life. But you'll know what to do. 
 After I give my full instructions 10 you." 
 
66 The Altruist 
 
 DADDY S LAST INSTRUCTIONS 
 
 Then Dad instructed him with all the rings 
 With which he could create paupers or kings 
 At will by extending either hand 
 And proclaim, "You must," and they would un- 
 derstand 
 That he was vested with a new might 
 Which none could defy by day or night. 
 Now Daddy added, again, "Do not fear 
 To use your rings when danger is near. 
 You can shrivel assassin's knife or gun, 
 Play with danger as if it were childish fun. 
 Day or night, by sunshine or in cloudy weather, 
 If you keep all your rings and wits together. 
 But, my Boy, if you err in the slightest detail, 
 My work of a life-time is of no avail. 
 But I know your nerves are strong as steel. 
 Your compassion is great, yet you can feel 
 That you must let nothing bar your trail. 
 And Ruth will reflect the light that won't fail. 
 There is nothing more that I can say 
 Or advise. Yes, my Boy, you can hurry away." 
 Then it seemed Daddy's voice, always cheerful 
 
 and steady. 
 Broke, as he said, "Come then, let you get ready." 
 
The Altruist 67 
 
 THE PARTING 
 
 The sun was sinking in the west 
 As the Ranger clasped Ruth to his breast, 
 Saying, softly, "Hush, Dearie, do not weep, 
 I must ride to the lost cabin ere I sleep. 
 'Tis too far for Socks to make in one day 
 And you know the duty that calls me away. 
 Ruth Dear, be brave, or I might fail. 
 Don't you hear the moaning, pitiful wail 
 Of humanity calling to be free 
 Of its systems of scientific slavery? 
 Our love counts nothing, compared to all this. 
 Come, Dearie, cheer up, just one more kiss. 
 Then I must begone from here on my way. 
 And you must go back with Daddy and pray 
 For success for your slaving sisters and brothers. 
 And for me. Dear, as well, among all others. 
 I'll soon send you messages every day 
 And night. Come, Daddy, please take her away. 
 What, at last you fear I may not survive ? 
 But I'll come back very much alive 
 To you. And my return will spell 
 Success for all children of God. Fare Thee 
 Well." 
 
68 The Altruist 
 
 PART II 
 
 A STRANGE CHRISTIAN 
 
 A stranger came to a great city one night, 
 Who had fearless grey eyes and hair almost white. 
 His hands bore the scars of hard, honest toil. 
 Very unlike hands only trained to despoil. 
 One could easily see, as he went his way. 
 That he was a man hardly met every day. 
 It was also quite easy to read this truth, 
 That he possessed vigor, character and youth, 
 And judged by appearances and his frank smile. 
 He was hardly an ape of fashion or style. 
 Our Christian was none other than the Ranger 
 In his very own country and yet a stranger. 
 After viewing some commonplace works of art. 
 He mused, "Well, I wonder where I should start 
 To break up our modern mammon dance. 
 Well, ril wander around, and trust to chance. 
 I don't intend to waste very much time. 
 Since I feel it would be worse than a crime 
 To let modern paytriots sing, Pay, Pay, 
 When I should teach them a different lay. 
 Yet it seems to me, now that I am here. 
 My plans don't loom as distinct or clear. 
 At any rate I'll just mope around 
 And get used to my Natural Hunting Ground." 
 
The Altruist 69 
 
 SCENTING WORK 
 
 He had hardly been two hours in the town, 
 
 As he neared a place of fame and renown 
 
 Where he noted huge crowds swarming in, 
 
 And he mused, ''Something whispers I must begin 
 
 My work, for as sure as I am alive 
 
 This sounds like an Almighty Dollar-Drive." 
 
 The place was a so-called hall of fame 
 
 That bore a well-known sanctimonious name. 
 
 So he entered, along with the surging crowd, 
 
 Soon heard a man preaching, distinct and loud, 
 
 In a cause that seemed to inspire his soul 
 
 So that he finally lost all control 
 
 Of his bearings, as he made plea after plea 
 
 In the noble cause of Christianity. 
 
 The Ranger now mused, "Here's one of our 
 
 scholars 
 Who derives all his inspiration from dollars. 
 The fool only makes it distinct and clear 
 To me just what he treasures most dear. 
 I will bet this great noble Christian gent 
 Already sees visions of ninety per cent 
 Of the spoils. But I'll see how much legal crime 
 He will commit. I can bide my time." 
 
70 The Altruist 
 
 AN UNSUCCESSFUL DOLLAR DRIVE 
 
 The speaker raved on in stentorian tones 
 Of the great hereafter and heavenly thrones 
 Reserved for all who would give, give, give, 
 So that his great, noble cause might live. 
 Then he preached on the evils of mistrust and 
 
 hates, 
 As an army of ushers produced the plates. 
 The Ranger had managed to get the range 
 Of the preacher, who now began to act strange. 
 Yet he stood his ground, tho his face grew pale. 
 And the Ranger mused, "Ah, I feared I might 
 
 fail." 
 Now the ushers had returned one by one. 
 And the speaker had ceased his scientific dun. 
 And the fruits of the great man's importations 
 Had far exceeded his best expectations. 
 They were starting to take the money away, 
 As a voice called, "One moment, please, I pray." 
 The Ranger had made his way to the front 
 As the speaker said with a pious grunt, 
 "Stranger, if you seek help, you seek in vain 
 Just now, for I have no time to explain. 
 Besides, you look common. What would you 
 
 here? 
 Who are you, and why do you interfere?" 
 
The Altruist 71 
 
 The Ranger felt peeved at the coarse abuse 
 
 He received, so he answered, "My best excuse 
 
 For looking like only a son of toil 
 
 Is because I was never trained to despoil. 
 
 And as to explaining just who I am, 
 
 I can vouch I'm no sanctimonius sham 
 
 But I am sent here by forces divine 
 
 To make human beings of selfish swine, 
 
 Like you, for instance. Yes, teach such as you 
 
 A lesson, and ask you a question or two. 
 
 I demand you to tell this whole congregation 
 
 From whence you derive all your inspiration. 
 
 I happen to know you as one selfish clod 
 
 Of the scientific sort. You have no faith in God." 
 
 The Ranger had extended one hand. 
 
 And the speaker seemed hardly able to stand. 
 
 Fear and terror was plainly stamped on his face 
 
 And he stood as if rooted to the same place. 
 
 Help now volunteered, but the Ranger said, 
 
 "Stand back, or the consequence be on your head. 
 
 Come, my Christian, show all these ladies and 
 
 men 
 The gods you have worshipped again and again, 
 1 command. Just show us your most divine 
 
 honey." 
 And the hypocrit pointed strait to the money. 
 
72 The Altruist 
 
 At this a few men sprang with a bound 
 At the preacher, but our stranger faced around, 
 Saying, "Men, I beg you, go back, sit down. 
 I will right the wrongs of this swindling clown. 
 Come, ye ushers, no doubt ye all meant well. 
 Yet God's laws are things we must not sell 
 But must give. So bring all the money back 
 To the people. This Modern Swindler would 
 
 sack. 
 Now what, ye would dare to hesitate? 
 Better take my advice ere it be too late." 
 He had faced the ushers with extended hand. 
 Then it seemed that all did understand. 
 And now he faced the whole congregation 
 And said, "Ye will none take more than your 
 
 ration." 
 Strange to say, when the money was all 
 
 doled out 
 There was never a murmur or dissenting shout. 
 Then he said, "Sisters, Brothers, ere I go away. 
 Attention, please, for I would preach and pray." 
 The preacher still stood in the very same place. 
 With the same look of terror and fear 
 
 on his face. 
 All could see that repentance began to sway 
 The man, as the stranger started to pray. 
 
The Altruist 73 
 
 A STRANGE SERMON OR PRAYER 
 
 "If ye would pray to purify mind, heart and soul, 
 
 Pray success as we worship it be not your goal. 
 
 Pray God all his children who honestly toil 
 
 Will shun all those who only despoil. 
 
 Pray God that love and still more love shall rule 
 
 And be taught in church, hovel, palace and school. 
 
 Pray that it be taught in all cities or farms. 
 
 As taught you when babes in your mothers' arms. 
 
 Then, and only then, can ye know the love 
 
 That is unselfish, pure, and inspired from above. 
 
 God will hear all prayers that come from the 
 
 heart 
 Far above lustful prayers of brainy art. 
 So fear not heart-prayers be drowned by great 
 
 scholars 
 Who bellow them thru golden horns or collars. 
 Have faith in the love that soon shall be 
 Universal and live thru eternity. 
 Harmonize all your prayers thruout our great 
 
 land 
 In tones so clear all will understand. 
 And if ye pray, silent or loud, never fear 
 But God will listen gladly and hear. 
 
74 The Altruist 
 
 Love all the world's children, and loudly pray 
 
 To God none shall be educated to play 
 
 The game of live from a double end, 
 
 Heaping miseries and hardships on foe and 
 
 friend, 
 Or the less educated who fail to see 
 Or understand our debts to humanity. 
 And pray God for the strength to break false 
 
 convictions 
 That would uphold glittering, selfish, restrictions. 
 Then God may soon show us all how we 
 Can blaze trails to real Christianity. 
 Yes, God will soon show us all, I pray, 
 How to create Christians the natural way. 
 Brothers and Sisters, I feel I have done 
 My duty. God bless you." And he was gone. 
 
The Altruist 75 
 
 REFLECTIONS 
 
 He walked off at once at a rapid pace 
 
 And was soon quite a distance from the place. 
 
 His step was as buoyant as that of a boy 
 
 While his tho'ts reflected his heartfelt joy, 
 
 As he mused, "Not bad at all for a start. 
 
 That clown is one master of the great art 
 
 Of separating folks from their money. 
 
 Yet, when he comes to, he won't think it funny 
 
 That I sidetracked the fruits of his noble appeal. 
 
 I can just imagine about how he'll feel. 
 
 So he figures me one of the common tribe. 
 
 But he will find his feelings hard to describe 
 
 How it came about that he had to stand 
 
 And condemn himself at my command. 
 
 I feel in my heart the man is a cur, 
 
 So yellow, he won't dare resent the slur. 
 
 Yes, Old Timer, I know it's rather rough 
 
 Medicine to take from a common tough. 
 
 Worse still to tell the truth once in your life 
 
 And just when victory seemed sure and rife. 
 
 Yet he never will know how it all was done 
 
 Nor just why he earned Lesson Number One." 
 
76 The Altruist 
 
 So he walked on, musing in this strain, 
 "Hope I won't need to bother his tribe again, 
 But the deuce with him, I must look around 
 And find me a nice quiet piece of ground. 
 Then send a message to Ruth and Dad. 
 I know they will feel both happy and glad 
 To know I am not wasting any time. 
 Have already cleaned up a little slime. 
 Dished up by a cheap disciple of self 
 With a sanctimonious hankering for pelf. 
 I feared one time he was in for a beating 
 Which he richly deserved for his style of cheat- 
 ing, 
 But we'd have to beat up a few million a day 
 If it were not legal to howl, Pay, Pay 
 Only Me, and to hell with the rest of the gang, 
 Just so I get mine, let 'em all go hang. 
 When everyone else is dong the same, 
 I'd be a fool to stay out of the game. 
 But I tell you all, folks, if luck holds with me, 
 I shall strangle that style of philosophy 
 Quite soon. But here, this place will do 
 To send my first real message thru." 
 
The Altruist yy 
 
 WIRELESS THO T TRANSMISSION 
 
 Now he sent his first message up above, 
 That reflected a wealth of cheer and love, 
 And it seemed but a moment had gone by 
 Ere his answer was flashed back thru the sky. 
 As he worked, he gazed yearningly to the west, 
 That held all and everything he loved best. 
 Sent many a message of love, hope and cheer 
 To the one he loved and held so aear. 
 Now Ruth seemed the stronger of the two 
 As she flashed, — " 'Tis the last message I'll send 
 
 you 
 To-night. Now go at once to rest. 
 To-morrow you must be at your best. 
 You may have a few factions or Press to fight. 
 Let me know their versions to-morrow night." 
 And so he finally walked off, then retired. 
 For he was wearied, worn and tired 
 From his rapid journey from the west, 
 And felt the need of a good night's rest. 
 After breathing a prayer, he soon fell asleep. 
 Wondering just what the morrow would reap. 
 
78 The Altruist 
 
 THE NEW MENACING DANGER 
 
 The sun was well over the rim of the sky 
 As the Ranger heard a boy lustily cry, 
 "Extra. All about the new menace *n' danger. 
 Church robbed by an old mysterious stranger." 
 "Well now," he mused, "this is sure interesting. 
 I fancy these news will take some digesting." 
 So he bought three or four different sheets, 
 Then mused, "For the love of an army of Petes, 
 By the looks of all this I can plainly see 
 The whole police force must be after me. 
 Well, verily, this is one wonderful joke. 
 Looks to me I shall be compelled to choke 
 A few of these modern sensation mongers. 
 Yes, I'll cure their rabid, morbid hungers 
 For printing what they know to be a rank lie." 
 Then he heard another newsboy cry, 
 "Latest. Robber is known as an anarchist teacher. 
 Afore he robbed he poisoned the preacher." 
 There were ten or twelve angles to the affair. 
 Not one-half true or half-way fair 
 To the stranger or robber. And then he mused, 
 "This piece of nonsense cannot be excused." 
 So he picked the rankest version of all 
 And started off to make a call. 
 
The Altruist 79 
 
 THE INTERVIEW 
 
 The great editor of the Daily Misleader 
 Had been twice informed by his junior reader, 
 "Man outside, Sir, wants to see you at once." 
 "Well dressed?" "No." "Then tell the silly old 
 
 dunce 
 Fm in no humor to waste my good time. 
 Here, if he's pan-handling, give him this dime 
 And tell him to get himself in the clear." 
 And then the great man retired with a leer. 
 But the boy followed, "Please, Sir, he told me to 
 
 say 
 That he'd see you sure, somehow, anyway. 
 And he said that no member of any clan 
 Could stop him from seeing you or any man." 
 At this, the great man flew up in a rage. 
 Came forth again, followed by his page, 
 But came to a rather sudden stop 
 As the Ranger appeared, saying, "Well, Old Top, 
 I figured my challenge would bring you out. 
 Now ril tell you what our little fuss is about. 
 To start with, I see by the look in your eyes 
 That you are a scientific peddler of lies. 
 You have practised your art on a friend of mine 
 Who is not a member of your tribe of swine. 
 Now you'll contradict your nice lying story 
 Or rU end your sensational mongering glory." 
 
8o The Altruist 
 
 The great man had turned from Hvid to white 
 
 With rage. Now he said, "Did I hear you right? 
 
 Do you mean to say that a common old tramp 
 
 Like you dares face me and call me a scamp? 
 
 By heavens, I'll have you slammed in jail 
 
 For a month or two, and they'll teach you to rail 
 
 At honest men, and will soon have you tame 
 
 So you won't interfere with our legal game." 
 
 The Ranger now answered, with extended hand, 
 
 "Rather strange you don't seem to understand 
 
 That your nice little lying game is played out. 
 
 That I know you are only a lying lout. 
 
 On my way down here I discovered you knew 
 
 The truth, still you lied. Now I'm telling you 
 
 I know you don't deal in truth or facts, 
 
 Since that conflicts with your modern contracts. 
 
 You can't harm my friend so much, anyway. 
 
 But I am here to inform you and say 
 
 That I'm giving you thirty minutes, no more, 
 
 To state just exactly what I shall score. 
 
 You will print you're a liar of the worst hue, 
 
 That my friend is a far better man than you. 
 
 What is more, if you fail, my misleading brother, 
 
 You will never edit or print another. 
 
 Now I hope you do understand your position, — 
 
 Thirty minutes to get out this extra edition." 
 
The Altruist 8l 
 
 THIRTY MINUTES GRACE 
 
 The boy had Hstened in wonder and awe 
 At what he recently heard and saw. 
 And now the Ranger caught his attention 
 And drew him away without any contention 
 On anyone's part, and both went to the street. 
 And the boy said, "I never did see this beat. 
 I know the boss has a bad disposition, 
 That's why I can't understand the position 
 He took when you spoke the second time 
 And accused him of diffeernt kinrls of crime. 
 I don't understand why he Hstened to you 
 At all. Still I know what you said is true." 
 Now the Ranger smiled, saying, "Listen, my Lad, 
 You heard all I said. Now things will go bad 
 If he don't print that extra edition on time. 
 That building is surely going to climb 
 Up among the clouds. So you tell all the men 
 And all others, to be out five minutes to ten. 
 Now, Lad, you seem loyal and honest enough 
 To feel and know this is not mere bluff. 
 Now go back at once and have no fear. 
 But no paper. Warn all to get in the clear." 
 
82 The Altruist 
 
 The boy hurried back, and the Ranger mused, 
 "This style of foul play cannot be excused. 
 It were time to end some of this yellow stuff. 
 If he don't square things, I'll sure end his bluff. 
 He don't care a rap for any man's name 
 Who is not snarled up in some mammon game. 
 So I look like a tramp, and I'm also a dunce. 
 Well perhaps our Misleader misfigured just once 
 Too often, and maybe he will see the joke. 
 That some one is sickening of mammon's croak. 
 Eh, ten minutes gone. Ah, my servile pet. 
 You will find printing truth a rather hard bet.'* 
 Now the boy came out in an excited hurry 
 And said, "Say, Mister, no one seems to worry. 
 I warned them all, and they think it's a joke, 
 For the boss told 'em you're a crazy old bloke." 
 "What, no paper, no start? Well, listen, my boy, 
 I am going away, but the wind will soon toy 
 With that shack. So you tell all to watch the 
 
 roof. 
 That's where they are going to get the first proof 
 That things happen just as I prophesy. 
 And some day you will know the reason why. 
 But run back now, warn them all again. 
 You will soon know you did not speak in vain." 
 Then he inv/ardly mused, "Well it is to be. 
 Wonder if I can grind up machinery." 
 
The Altruist 83 
 
 THE DAILY MISLEADER EVAPORATES 
 
 As the time drew near, he looked around 
 And selected a good piece of vantage ground 
 From where he commanded a clear range and 
 
 view, 
 To put his first real object lesson thru. 
 It happened to be quite a windy day. 
 And promptly at ten, all who passed that way 
 Saw a cloud of dust arise in the sky. 
 And soon after, heard the first terrified cry 
 Of the inmates, rushing from the doomed place 
 With awe and fear written on each face. 
 In less than two minutes the building was clear 
 Of all its inmates, but all fled in fear 
 As they saw the whole building blow away 
 Like pulverized dust, and no one could say 
 Or imagine what ate up the metal and rock. 
 Since no one had felt the slightest shock. 
 Only one young lad stood quite near the place, 
 With merely a puzzled look on his face, 
 And wondered why nobody else was around 
 To view the big vacant hole in the ground. 
 As the Ranger drew near, he heard the youth 
 Muse aloud, "Gee, I felt he told me the truth." 
 
84 The Altruist 
 
 THE RANGER FINDS A LOYAL FRIEND 
 
 The Ranger now said, "Well, my brave little lad, 
 You don't seem exactly sorry or glad. 
 Hope your next boss won't dare curse our God, 
 Like that sacriligious selfish sod. 
 He ought to be branded, so each honest man 
 Will know him for a servile tool of his clan. 
 Lad, I feel that you have a fine memory. 
 Now, attention please, and listen to me. 
 You heard what I said, since you were at hand. 
 You heard him curse as I gave my command. 
 You heard him openly curse and defy 
 Our God, and refuse to retract a foul lie. 
 Soon reporters will single you out for a call. 
 Then you tell only truth, and that is all. 
 If they ask you what or who I might be. 
 Then you simply report this news for me, — 
 I am just a plain Messenger of God, 
 Commissioned to civilize each selfish sod." 
 The boy answered, "Really, I don't understand 
 What you mean, but I won't lie for any man." 
 Then the Ranger said, "Right. I'll depend on 
 
 you 
 In reporting Lesson Number Two." 
 
The Altruist 85 
 
 MORE CURSES AND LAMENTATIONS 
 
 As the Ranger drew off among the crowd, 
 
 He heard a man cursing distinct and loud, 
 
 In a way that defamed God and the Stranger, 
 
 And he branded both a humbug and danger 
 
 To mankind. And this sacriHgious sot 
 
 Was none but the Editor, who begot 
 
 His gains by wilfully spreading a lie 
 
 To appease his lust. Yet he dared to defy 
 
 And curse his God, for here he stood, 
 
 Still loyal to avarism's whole brood. 
 
 The Ranger's heart sickened as he stood there 
 
 And heard this semblance of man curse and swear 
 
 Just because he had lost his lying mill. 
 
 And he mused, "By heavens, I'll have to still 
 
 His curses." So he arranged one ring 
 
 On his finger and approached the vile thing. 
 
 Now, with hand extended, he said, "Sir Swine, 
 
 You will never more curse the just or divine, 
 
 For I am going to pray God He brand 
 
 Your forehead, so all will understand 
 
 And know you exactly for what you are, 
 
 Know where, how and why you won your scar." 
 
86 The Altruist 
 
 THE BRAND 
 
 Now the people witnessed a fearful sight. 
 For the man stood as if petrified with fright. 
 It seemed a few flashes flashed from the sky 
 And the man emitted a moaning cry. 
 Yet no one dared try to relieve his distress 
 As the flashes burned the two letters S. S. 
 On his forehead. Then he emitted a whine, 
 And the stranger said, "I christen you, Selfish 
 
 Swine." 
 Then he said, "Now go, never dare defy 
 Our Master. And live out your living lie. 
 And, Brothers, hark ye. This is Swine Number 
 
 One. 
 For God's will must and shall be done. 
 This lesson is one you can all understand 
 For ye heard and saw how this man won his 
 
 brand. 
 Brothers, Sisters, at midnight gaze above. 
 And our Master may reflect his light of love 
 So that all may know for all time to be 
 He has done with your gods of hypocrisy. 
 He has watched their ravages thousands of years, 
 But true, honest men need have no fears. 
 Ye will soon be done with self-wrought slavery." 
 Then he left, musing, "Lesson Number Three." 
 
The Altruist 87 
 
 A SYMPATHETIC FRIEND 
 
 Awe and fear was stamped on each face 
 As the Ranger hurried from the place. 
 No one had interfered, nor had even tried, 
 All had watched the branding, quite stupefied, 
 But one man had stood quite near at hand, 
 Heard and saw how the Editor won his brand. 
 And now he hurried after the Ranger, 
 Caught up, accosted him, saying, ''Stranger, 
 I saw how you branded that selfish swine 
 And I almost joyed at his painful whine, 
 For I knew long ago that infidel sod 
 Has often invited the wrath of God. 
 I know what rules him, heart and soul, 
 Yet I do not question the force you control, 
 I would only give you some heartfelt advice, 
 Beware of the Spirits of Avarice. 
 I question not how the branding was done 
 But I know you've invited the knife and the gun 
 Of assassins by burning the modern claws 
 Of self that would mangle all honest laws. 
 So I pray you again. Please take my advice 
 And beware of the Spirits of Avarice." 
 
88 The Altruist 
 
 THE FRIEND VOLUNTEERS 
 
 The Ranger answered his new-found friend, — 
 
 "If ye speak the truth ye are a Godsend 
 
 To me. Yet I feel what you say is true 
 
 And I'm almost tempted to confide in you, 
 
 That I am battling as yet all alone 
 
 Just to oust all material gods from their throne. 
 
 Now I think I realize my real danger 
 
 And I thank you right from the heart, Friend 
 
 Stranger." 
 Now the friendly stranger answered at once, 
 "I don't wish to pose as a sage nor dunce. 
 But somehow I feel I know your real mission. 
 I should like to speak up, with your permission." 
 "Yes." "Well, my friend, I lost my church 
 Because I would not sway and lurch 
 With the tides of self that seem to prevail. 
 So I fear for you and pray you won't fail. 
 I am offering my full service to you, 
 And add, you will find me loyal and true 
 In your cause, which I feel is also mine. 
 If you mean to civilize scientific swine. 
 So, friend, let me help you, is all I pray, 
 I am at your service. Command, I obey." 
 
The Altruist 89 
 
 THE PROPOSITION AND ACCEPTANCE 
 
 They had come to a halt some distance away 
 And the stranger said, "Think it over, I pray. 
 I know I could be much assistance to you." 
 Now the Ranger said, 'Triend, what you say is 
 
 true. 
 My work is fraught with so much danger 
 I'd rather regard you as friend than stranger. 
 So, in order you may understand my position, 
 I shall make you a specific proposition. 
 Come to my room. We can talk there and rest 
 And then I would put you thru a hard test. 
 So I warn you now before we go. 
 If you are no Christian, I'll surely know. 
 And the wrath of God will descend on your head. 
 So yon will rather wish you were dead." 
 Then the Volunteer smiled and answered, 
 
 "Friend, 
 If you deal with God, my courage won't bend. 
 I stand condemned by Mammon's clan 
 For knowing my duties to God and man. 
 I can only add, I have nothing to fear 
 From a test in a cause that I hold dear." 
 Without more ado, the Ranger said, "Right. 
 If you are a Christian, I know you will fight 
 And will help me to muzzle Mammon's clan. 
 So a Christian can dare to be a man," 
 
90 The Altruist 
 
 THE LAST CHANCE 
 
 Now he led the brave Volunteer to his room, 
 Warning, "My Friend, you invite your doom. 
 If I do not find you true as steel 
 And you happen to nurse one selfish ideal. 
 My test will reflect even tho'ts of your heart 
 And you may as well know it before we start. 
 I will also add 'twould be bad for your health 
 If you nurse any hankering for fame or wealth. 
 There is not a cent to be made out of this, 
 Though we create no end of joy and bliss 
 For all the world. You must battle with me 
 Out of pure love for all humanity. 
 I have saved a few cents from hard, honest toil. 
 We shall use it all against those who despoil. 
 And you already know that I do control 
 A force that will shrivel your heart and soul 
 If I see fit to use it that way. 
 And you have good proof how I used it to-day. 
 Better quit, if you ever attended the dance 
 Of Mammon. This is your last chance." 
 But the Volunteer smiled again and replied, 
 "Proceed. You will find I have not lied," 
 
The Altruist 91 
 
 THE TEST 
 
 The test was applied with all its force 
 
 And the man stood his ground as a matter of 
 
 course. 
 Then the Ranger questioned his brave Volunteer, 
 Who answered each question distinctly and clear. 
 At last the Ranger stepped back apace, 
 With a happy and satisfied look on his face, 
 And remarked, "My Friend, I am pleased with 
 
 thee, 
 For you do know your debts to humanity. 
 Nature's lessons are not beyond your reach 
 And that is all I would have you teach. 
 Be seated, please, and rest up a spell, 
 For I have much to confide and tell 
 To you, since I now know you are a man 
 That was never ruled by Mammon's clan. 
 Ah, you feel better now, and will pardon my 
 
 doubts. 
 For our cause is too precious to trust to louts 
 With hearts and souls slaving for glory and fame 
 And who use modern tactics in playing life's 
 
 game." 
 So the two planned at length for an hour or more 
 And the Ranger's Lieutenant proved true to the 
 
 core. 
 
92 The Altruist 
 
 So he prayed, "God, I thank thee for thine God- 
 send 
 In the form of this true and loyal friend." 
 
 MORE MISLEADING COMMENTS 
 
 The two friends agreed it would be unwise 
 To be seen much together by prying eyes. 
 So they had planned that by night or day 
 They must manage so not to be far away 
 From each other. Now both went out again 
 And heard newsboys singing a different strain, 
 "Extra, nobody robbed a church or anyone 
 Inside — No one knows just what was done. 
 The Daily Misleader sank into the ground. 
 No explosion, for nobody heard the least sound. 
 Scientists are baffled, but many insist 
 It's a trick of some crazy, satanic scientist." 
 Each bought a few sheets, and much as before. 
 The different versions numbered a score. 
 But what neither one could yet understand. 
 Not a mention was made of the S. S. brand. 
 One great scientist stated it was absurd 
 To believe in the light of which they had heard. 
 Astrologists stated no Hght would appear 
 That night that would shine distinct or clear. 
 
The Altruist 93 
 
 REFLECTIONS 
 
 Now the Ranger mused, "Well, it is hard to swal- 
 low 
 The truth, and she is a hard trail to follow. 
 But my eminent modern champions of might, 
 Ye will see the truth for the first time to-night. 
 The trail ye will have to explain to-morrow, 
 Leads to truth, so will caus«=» ye endless sorrow. 
 On the morrow, mayhap, many people will ask 
 Why ye were always so eager to mask 
 The trail of truth. Then what will ye say? 
 Can ye smother their questions by singing. Pay, 
 
 Pay 
 Our material gods and all will be well 
 Or claim the Hght of love reflects from hell? 
 Ah, well, perhaps Ruth can and will prophesy 
 Just how this tribe will digest their own lie." 
 Just now his lieutenant brushed along 
 And described two men among the throng. 
 Saying, Brother, careful, 'tis just as I feared." 
 ^ fter whispered instructions, he then disap- 
 peared. 
 Then the Ranger mused, "Well, if I judge them 
 
 right. 
 They are both great modem champions of might." 
 
94 The Altruist 
 
 THE PURSUIT 
 
 The Ranger walked on, seldom looking behind, 
 Crossed and re-crossed, yet always to find 
 His pursuers were never far away. 
 And he mused, "Wonder what these tools would 
 
 say 
 If they knew I was seeking the exact place 
 They desired to end the murdering race. 
 But I feel they entertain not one suspicion. 
 They are on the sure road to earthly perdition. 
 That big one looks bad, with the ugly nose. 
 Ah, careful, boys, you are getting too close. 
 I must find a nice brand to fit these two. 
 Ah, yes, very good. That will have to do." 
 Now he'd come to a quieter part of the town, 
 Then arrived at an alley and quietly walked down. 
 Musing, *Tf these gentlemen don't show their 
 
 hand, 
 'Twill be harder for me to quite understand 
 Just what they are after. Ah, here we are." 
 Now he noticed the second man wore a scar 
 Which he had evidently begotten in strife 
 And this one had stealthily drawn a large knife. 
 But the Ranger stood with the wall at his back 
 As the other man drew a huge blackjack. 
 
The Altruist 95 
 
 THE ATTACK 
 
 The two thugs were hardly ten feet away 
 
 As the first one began to rock and sway, 
 
 And as he rushed forward, he dropped in a heap. 
 
 And laid there as if he had gone to sleep. 
 
 The other one uttered a cry of pain 
 
 As he tried to attack, but all in vain. 
 
 For now he stood still like an image of stone, 
 
 As the fallen one arose with a groan. 
 
 And when finally he stood on his feet, 
 
 He gasped, "Say, Jim, fer the love o' Pete, 
 
 Kin ya figger out wot the el we struck ? 
 
 I feel like a useless heap o' muck." 
 
 Now the Ranger said, "Stand by your partner's 
 
 side 
 While I tell you how to save part of your hide." 
 The Volunteer had seen all, and heard. 
 Stood anear, but never said a word. 
 Now the Ranger said, "Men, before I begin 
 To punish you for your criminal sin. 
 You will tell me who hired you to do this job. 
 Ye had other motives than intent to rob. 
 Silence, my noble knights of the knife. 
 If either of you value your life 
 You will write down each and every name 
 Of those who hired you to play this game." 
 
96 The Altruist 
 
 THE COMPULSORY CONFESSION 
 
 The cut-throats trembled with evident fear 
 At the voice that sounded cold and clear. 
 His words struck terror in each heart and soul, 
 Till they found their trembling hard to control. 
 Now he said, "Come, you with the charming nose, 
 And you with the scar like a wilted rose, 
 Ye might both well wish ye were never born. 
 Still ye need hardly look and feel so forlorn. 
 Ah, yes, I know you both can write. 
 So I'm going to make it easy and light 
 For you both. So come now, you each write in 
 
 turn. 
 Not a word, so neither of you may learn 
 Each other's Hes. Now, Mr. Flat Nose, 
 Write, and be quick, or I'll trim it more close." 
 The one addressed made no effort to write. 
 Then he felt a few burning flashes of light. 
 He clapped his hand to his face with a groan 
 And found the rest of his nose was gone. 
 Then grasped the pencil and wrote six names, 
 And the Ranger said, "Next, and none of your 
 
 games. 
 And see that you get each and every name right. 
 Or I may take a notion to put out your light." 
 The second one took the pencil and wrote, 
 
The Altruist 97 
 
 And the Ranger quickly made a note. 
 His six names tallied with all the rest, 
 And he knew his ruse had stood the test. 
 
 THE LECTURE AND BRAND 
 
 Now the Ranger said, "Men, it would serve ye 
 
 right 
 If ye went thru life without any light, 
 So ye could not see to murder your brothers. 
 Much less disgrace your own fathers and mothers. 
 I warn you now that the very next time 
 You wallow in any style of crime 
 I shall know it, and then you shall lose your 
 
 sight. 
 So see that from now ye both live right. 
 Don't ye know God commanded 'Ye shall not kill' 
 Yet ye were both quite eager to spill 
 My very heart's blood. But ye did not know 
 That I knew your object some time ago. 
 That I lured you here to this lonely place 
 For the pleasure of meeting you face to face. 
 Now off with your hats, so I can see 
 Your foreheads. I'll brand you both M. T. 
 There, that will do. Now if envious fools 
 Would know what it means, tell 'em Mammon 
 
 Tools. 
 
98 The Altruist 
 
 You will also admit ye owe me thanks, 
 That I do honor your noble ranks. 
 But remember well what I have said, 
 Live strait, or ye are as good as dead. 
 Come, Volunteer, we can do no more. 
 Let these tools enjoy Lesson Number Four." 
 
 THE VOLUNTEER PLANS SAFETY 
 
 Both hurried away from the fateful place 
 That had been the end of the assassin's race 
 For lust of blood, gold, and the Ranger knew 
 They would nevermore be loyal to mammon's 
 
 crew 
 In the future. But still our Volunteer 
 Expressed his views and entertained fear 
 For the Ranger's Life, as he said, "Listen Friend, 
 I can get disguises almost without end. 
 Since we know the price set on your head, 
 You must not invite a storm of cold lead. 
 For you know well enough we have thugs and 
 
 scholars 
 Who would kill their own mothers for fame or 
 
 dollars. 
 So be careful, please, and take my advice. 
 Do not brave all the Spirits of Avarice. 
 
The Altruist 99 
 
 Best retire now, according to our plan. 
 Go at once, and just inquire for Dan. 
 ril be there soon after, with a few rigs, 
 So you can throw all these gold-hungry pigs 
 Clean off your trail, at least for a time, 
 And can watch them wallow in their own slime 
 Of self." Then the Ranger said, "You are right. 
 I shall go. Get the rigs. We will need 'em to- 
 night." 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS 
 
 Twas dark, as two seedy-looking knights 
 
 Of the road appeared to view the sights. 
 
 They seemed a happy-go-lucky pair, 
 
 Free from any earthy worry or care. 
 
 They soon found themselves in a part of the 
 
 town 
 That was very quiet, and both sat down. 
 They were none other than Volunteer and 
 
 Ranger, 
 Disguised in a fashion both felt safe from danger. 
 Then the Ranger said, "Friend, you may deem 
 
 this strange. 
 But in just one minute I'll have the range 
 Of friends over two thousand miles from here. 
 
lOO The Altruist 
 
 Keep a sharp lookout, tho' there's little to fear." 
 The Ranger worked fast for nearly an hour, 
 Sent all his news. Ruth warned of the power 
 Of gold with which he must now contend, 
 Thanked God he had found one loyal friend. 
 The Ranger instructed her in detail 
 What the light of love must flash without fail. 
 When at last he was certain all was right, 
 Both flashed their last message, "God bless you, 
 Good Night." 
 
 TWO ANXIOUS HOURS 
 
 It lacked two hours of being midnight 
 
 When the Ranger had prophesied that a light 
 
 Would shine and reflect in God's great dome, 
 
 After which reforms must begin at home. 
 
 As they walked the streets this eventful night. 
 
 They heard very few even mention the light. 
 
 But those who did, held it in ridicule, 
 
 As the ravings of some crazy scientific fool. 
 
 Taking their cue from great men of the day. 
 
 Better versed in the sciences of Pay, Pay, Pay. 
 
 The night wore on and the heavens were dark. 
 
 Here and there they reflected a spark 
 
 Of a star vainly trying to pierce the gloom, 
 
The Altruist lOi 
 
 And a man remarked to his friend, "Plenty room 
 For that light that will save us all from perdition. 
 There's hardly a star, so there's no opposition." 
 Another said, "I heard that stranger holler. 
 To hell with his love lights, what I want is the 
 
 dollar." 
 Remarks of this nature were voiced by many, 
 Faith in the light, by few, if any. 
 Now the Ranger muttered, "Five minutes, ah, 
 
 three, 
 Then wise ones will marvel what fools mortals 
 
 be." 
 
 THE RANGER S PROPHECY FULFILLED 
 
 Now it wanted but two minutes more to midnight 
 As the Ranger said, "Friend, 'tis a glorious night 
 For our work, but come let us pray again 
 To God that the light may not shine in vain, 
 Will reflect the real stranglers of mighty nations 
 And its worst stumbling blocks to real civiliza- 
 tion." 
 Then the Ranger pressed his Friend to his breast' 
 And his heart pounded hard against his chest. 
 As he whispered, "Ten seconds more, Volunteer, 
 And our light of love and reforms should appear. 
 
I02 The Altruist 
 
 Now, Friend, watch the heavens. Hold me tight. 
 There — There — Don't you see that wonderful 
 
 light, 
 There strait above us ? Oh, God, we both pray, 
 Let it shine, transform the night to day. 
 Let its rays instill hopes in hearts of real men 
 And women, chained like dogs to the pen 
 Of the sciences of self, that rule by the powers 
 Of gold, and would crush God's chosen flowers 
 By the millions. Yes, have crushed them for 
 
 ages. 
 Sneering down the appeals of our wisest sages. 
 Oh, Master, we beg thee again, and pray, 
 Define the false gods we must all obey. 
 Ah, Pal, dawn is breaking. Now it is day. 
 God bless Ruth and Daddy. Come we must 
 
 away." 
 
The Altruist 103 
 
 THE LIGHT REFLECTS TRUTH 
 
 All the street lamps now reflected a sickly yellow 
 
 glare, 
 For it was broad day instead of night. 
 All was powerless to move, so traffic stood still, 
 And the silence as of an isolated graveyard 
 
 reigned. 
 All gazed aloft in fascinated wonder and awe, 
 Few there were who dared to believe their own 
 
 eyes. 
 All artificial lights now died out, as of one accord. 
 Then a large black screen formed in the heavens 
 Against which were pictured the Ranger's adven- 
 tures. 
 Adventures incurred by enforcing only the Laws 
 
 of God. 
 Events portrayed were titled, "How God's Laws 
 
 are Accepted." 
 First portraying the unmasking of a great dollar 
 
 drive, 
 Next the shameful lies spread, when the truth 
 
 was known. 
 Then the interview with the rankest liar of all. 
 And sacrificing the Misleader in the interest 
 
 of truth. 
 
104 ^^^ Altruist 
 
 Next the editor, still defying and cursing his God, 
 
 And then being branded in full view of many as 
 a selfish swine. 
 
 Yet not a word of explanation from the voice of 
 the people. 
 
 Nothing but misleading versions, tho' all knew the 
 truth. 
 
 Now six men are pictured, secretly planning mur- 
 der. 
 
 Quickly agreed truth is a menace. Stranger must 
 die. Lots are drawn. 
 
 Winner of lot hires two of the most daring cut- 
 throats in existence, 
 
 Who follow the strange Christian for hours, 
 
 Seeking a suitable spot to kill their prey for gold. 
 
 Then the terrible lesson is administered to the two 
 hired assassins. 
 
 The actors in all this tragedy could not be recog- 
 nized. 
 
 Still the portrayal was perfect in each detail. 
 
The Altruist 105 
 
 THE GODDESS OF TRUTH 
 
 Now Ruth appears against the screen in all her 
 
 queenly beauty, 
 So that all gaze on in fascinated, admiring won- 
 der and awe. 
 The seeming angel is arrayed in long flowing 
 
 robes of pure white. 
 And seems to float in space before the black 
 
 screen. 
 In one hand she holds a small urn filled with 
 
 human blood. 
 In the other a large quill. And now she prepares 
 
 to write. 
 First she greets her vast audience with a loving 
 
 smile of compassion. 
 Her smile so full of faith and encouragement 
 
 cheers her vast audience at once. 
 Now she dips her quill into the urn and writes in 
 
 flaming letters of blood — 
 
 "Children of God, inspired and commanded by 
 
 our only Master, 
 I greet all true sisters and brothers in the name 
 
 of God. 
 I shall write the truth, with the blood of martyrs. 
 
io6 The Altruist 
 
 Yes, martyrs condemned by earthly gods for 
 courting truth. 
 
 A new era is dawning for you all, if ye will em- 
 brace truth. 
 
 If ye will not, then the tolerance of God will turn 
 to wrath. 
 
 Ye are but one of endless planets or worlds. 
 
 But ye have become one of the most selfish tribes 
 of all. 
 
 Ye have the divine laws of nature to guide and 
 rule you. 
 
 But ye disregard them, and in their stead 
 
 Ye have set up and studied the inhuman sciences 
 of self. 
 
 While many of you profess faith in God, ye allow 
 earthly 
 
 Gods to rule you, heart, mind, body and soul. 
 
 Ruling gods who scatter a few seeds of their lust 
 
 To a favored few, but create only misery without 
 end for all. 
 
 Ye are all endowed with eyes to see, ears to hear, 
 
 And with brains to reason, not only in the in- 
 terests of self 
 
 But to use them as God's laws dictate, in the in- 
 terests of all. 
 
The Altruist 107 
 
 Events of only two days have proven just this to 
 
 us. 
 If Christ returned among ye to-day, what would 
 
 happen ? 
 We know just what happened, and have shown 
 
 you. 
 Your servile disciples and slaves of self would 
 
 hide truths from you. 
 Their masters would have them murder every 
 
 true Qiild of God in cold blood, 
 And every ordained pastor, did he dare oppose 
 
 the Power of Gold, 
 The same power that condemned and crucified 
 
 Christ, 
 And as you all well know has to-day grown a 
 
 thousand- fold stronger 
 And would not tolerate truth one day, much less 
 
 three years. 
 Children of God, Brothers, Sisters, I pray you all 
 To remember just this. There is but one God. 
 If ye know not your earthly ruling God, mammon. 
 Seek and ye will find, he is manifest to all. 
 He appears among ye all, masked in many dif- 
 ferent forms. 
 When ye abolish your earthly gods, ye abolish 
 
 misery makers. 
 
io8 The Altruist 
 
 And as I write, remember, and do not forget, 
 From dust all hath risen and to dust all shall re- 
 turn/' 
 Now a clock in the church tower struck one. 
 Slowly the beautiful vision faded into the night. 
 And it was Night. 
 
 SIX DISCIPLES OF MIGHT ARE PUNISHED 
 
 As related, the two friends had hurried away 
 
 As the night had been transformed to day. 
 
 And walked straight to the finest part of the city. 
 
 And the Ranger said, "Friend, 'tis really a pity 
 
 That mammonites will not understand 
 
 They can no longer rule heavens, seas and the 
 
 land. 
 Hurry, we must teach these servile swine 
 Of self, that each will lose his shrine. 
 You have all the addresses. Ah, that is right. 
 Their hives will be dust ere one this night." 
 Soon they faced the first palace of gold and blood 
 
 lust, 
 Which in a few moments was ground to dust, 
 After first making sure not a living soul 
 Was inside. They soon reached their second 
 
 goal, 
 
The Altruist 109 
 
 And served all six alike in their turn. 
 
 And the Ranger said, "Now we will see if they 
 
 spurn 
 God's truth. If so, and they won't understand. 
 We shall honor them all with the mammon brand. 
 Ah, come Pal, stand here. Let us read Ruth's 
 
 address. 
 'Tis her own creation. But pray, let us bless 
 This guardian angel, for she is divine." 
 Then they drank in her writings, line for line, 
 Remaining till Ruth finally faded from sight. 
 Both retired, highly pleased with events of the 
 
 night, 
 Praying Ruth's address would live and thrive. 
 Then both dreamed on Lesson Number Five. 
 
 PROGRESS 
 
 Next morning the heavens were draped in a haze. 
 While the people moved slowly, as if in a daze. 
 The friends studied this vast change from their 
 
 room, 
 Noting this new aspect as of impending doom. 
 For many still wore looks of doubt and awe 
 But the friends were content with what they saw. 
 
no The Altruist 
 
 Then the Ranger said, "Listen, Old Pal and 
 
 Friend, 
 Looks to me like the drama of doubt will soon 
 
 end. 
 Looks to me like the modern scientific laws 
 Of self will soon have to hide its own claws. 
 Here, I'll dictate an article for the press. 
 We must relieve most of this gloomy distress. 
 You may have it typed, send a copy to each 
 Of the sheets in the city. — Begin. — I would teach 
 Only truth, and would see all honest men do, 
 That you all cut loose from mammon's crew. 
 I command you to print in large type and line, 
 No insurance be paid to the seven mammon swine 
 Whose gains were begotten by lies and blood lust 
 And whose ill-gotten gains blew away in dust. 
 Natural laws shall now rule all this land 
 In place of your laws of Supply the Command 
 Of your selfish gods who sing, Pay, Pay, 
 And would murder a man who sings the lay 
 Inspired and dictated by forces divine. 
 Signed, God's Messenger. Sent to civilize 
 
 swine." 
 
The Altruist iii 
 
 MORE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROGRESS 
 
 After having instructed his brave Volunteer, 
 The Ranger went forth without any fear, 
 Acting much like all others, to avoid suspicion. 
 Musing, "Ah, why should truth act like poisonous 
 
 nutrition." 
 After buying the news, one after another. 
 He found his inner joy hard to smother. 
 All but two sheets, to the slightest detail. 
 Had described the light that would not fail. 
 But two, as before, showed their yellow streaks 
 Of loyal faith to their ruling freaks. 
 Ridiculed the pictures as some clever freak 
 Of science they hoped to expose ere the week. 
 And the writings as idealistic tricks 
 Of well-meaning but dangerous fanatics. 
 Then he mused, **Ah, give the devil his due. 
 But I hardly think he will stand by you 
 Much longer. You'll stop your infernal railings 
 Or I'll find a way to correct your failings. 
 You are both great champions of modern suc- 
 cess. 
 But worse impediments to natural progress. 
 But, ah, I'll wait for my Volunteer's vote 
 And see how they handle our latest note. 
 Still I'll have fine news to-night in God's truth. 
 To send and cheer up both Daddy and Ruth." 
 
112 The Altruist 
 
 COMPARING NOTES 
 
 The Ranger had spent four hours or more 
 In summing up all the press had to score, 
 But found that they had little to say 
 Of the six fine houses that had blown away 
 In dust, as by magic, during the night, 
 While all watched the seeming Angel write. 
 And he listened to endless new arguments. 
 All relating to very recent event<^, 
 And he found that many ventured this guess, — 
 Divine Science was at work to end distress 
 Mostly brought on by armies of new profiteers 
 Who were robbing all, without any fears. 
 And these forces would punish all at fault. 
 And they were such no mortal could halt. 
 Then the Ranger mused, "Ah, if they only knew 
 These forces consist of just only a few 
 Honest hearts not ruled by style or fashion. 
 That are ruled by nothing but humane compas- 
 sion. 
 Yes, I really wonder what they would say 
 If they knew we only want them to play 
 The game of life like humans, not swine, 
 Which is all that's desired by the just and divine." 
 
The Altruist 113 
 
 HERALDS OF FAITH AND MISTRUST 
 
 He found it hard to compare all the notes. 
 
 Since there seemed to be many different votes. 
 
 Still the predominating notes sounded cheer, 
 
 Faith and hope that all would soon be clear. 
 
 And the versions of faith bro't joy untold 
 
 To the man who was breaking the Power of Gold. 
 
 And now he was joined by his Volunteer, 
 
 Who reported, saying "Pal, I fear 
 
 We shall be compelled to sacrifice 
 
 Just two more manufactories of lies. 
 
 As to all the rest, they seem reconciled 
 
 That truth can no longer be beguiled. 
 
 But come, let us work on our latest plan, 
 
 See how truth has affected our gambling clan 
 
 Who have chosen the fine, noble occupation — 
 
 Of gambling away the lives of whole nations. 
 
 When it happens to satiate their lust 
 
 For gold. And their laws declare it just 
 
 To gamble. So long legal pipers are paid, 
 
 They can gamble, and none need be afraid. 
 
 If our plans have worked, the hour will have 
 
 struck 
 When our gamblers shall buck some very hard 
 
 luck." 
 
114 The Altruist 
 
 MOURNFUL HOWLS 
 
 The two started off at a rapid gait 
 Towards a great gambling den of state. 
 And when near they heard a frightful din 
 And wild disorder raging within. 
 They heard many barking out yell after yell, 
 And each chorus sounded much like, "Sell." 
 "Ho, Ho," said the Ranger, "but this is fine. 
 They seem to be drifting down the line. 
 Not one has ambition enough to buy 
 The slightest wee chunk of a mammon pie. 
 Pal, it looks like your plan is bearing fruit 
 Already. There's hardly a smile on one snoot. 
 Those yells sound nearly like howls of pain, 
 Coming from those great disciples of gain. 
 Ah, Pal, take this ring, you know what to do. 
 In ten minutes don't let one message thru. 
 Yes, I have your list of the worst hogs of all. 
 I'm going to give 'em an inspiring call. 
 This mob has too many worries and cares 
 In trying to peddle the people's wares. 
 So I fancy I won't create much suspicion 
 If I interfere and inspire some ambition." 
 
The Altruist 115 
 
 INSPIRING AMBITION 
 
 So the Ranger entered and mixed with the mob 
 And mused, "Well, this sure is an easy job." 
 Then he spread many hints and words of cheer 
 To his listed patrons, and soon it was clear 
 That a certain clique had taken heart 
 And were giving the lagging markets a start. 
 Now the wires went wrong. The Ranger mused, 
 
 "Right." 
 As his favored ones bought everything in sight, 
 He reflected, "Now ye won't understand 
 That the markets are slumping in all the land. 
 The morrow will find a lot of you broke 
 And you won't be able to see the real joke. 
 Ye will wake up filled with hopes on the morrow, 
 Finding troubles ye often made others borrow. 
 Ye will hate to swallow your own brand of dope 
 But will know ye are hanging by your own rope. 
 Ye may curse the forces, tho they are divine. 
 That will end your wallowing in legal crime. 
 If ye knew two men with one little ring 
 Were making paupers of many a king. 
 Ye would sell all your souls to see them in hell. 
 So keep buying. I know ye are doing well." 
 
ii6 The Altruist 
 
 SAFETY FIRST 
 
 Now the Ranger came out and joined his friend, 
 
 Saying, "Pal, this deal will hurry the end. 
 
 I really don't believe that I missed 
 
 A single performer you had on your list. 
 
 'Tis well that you know nearly all this gang, 
 
 Who are scientific patrons of this shebang. 
 
 You caught those wires exactly on time 
 
 To encourage those priestly kings of crime. 
 
 To-morrow no living soul can explain 
 
 What is breaking up the scientific reign 
 
 Of gold to such a heart-breaking extent 
 
 That no one may legally steal a cent." 
 
 Then the Volunteer said, "Now let's change our 
 
 rigs 
 Again. There may be some blood-thirsty pigs 
 Interested enough to locate the vile things 
 Who are pauperizing their modern kings. 
 I will take as much chance as any man 
 But I'm taking none with mammon's clan. 
 You know they can commandeer champions of 
 
 might. 
 Who would cheerfully kill us both on sight, 
 And I, for one, won't appease their thirst 
 For blood. I believe in safety first." 
 
The Altruist 117 
 
 FURTHER INVESTIGATION 
 
 Soon after, these two daring, noble brothers 
 Would hardly be known to their own mothers. 
 The Ranger said, **Now we are safe. Come, let*s 
 
 go 
 
 And see if we must strike another blow. 
 
 But if those two sheets have honored our note. 
 
 Their ships of affairs may safely float. 
 
 But, by heavens, they'll have to steer them strait. 
 
 Otherwise, — Well you can decide their fate." 
 
 The Volunteer said, "Right! Here's their edi- 
 tion 
 
 Just out. What, Ho ! We can go to perdition. 
 
 They are nursing the notion they have us scared 
 
 And hint they are fully and strongly prepared. 
 
 Come, Pal, let's hurry. I'll lead the way. 
 
 I can handle these contracts ten blocks away. 
 
 Let me try my luck on these champs of might. 
 
 They are both obstructions to justice and right. 
 
 Ah, this will do. Now let's get the range. 
 
 I'll manage without even acting strange. 
 
 You walk on down and spread the news. 
 
 I know you can easily find an excuse. 
 
 Get everyone out and study the faces 
 
 Of the guards who are loyally guarding the 
 places." 
 
Ii8 The Altruist 
 
 THE MENACE IS AGAIN MANIFEST 
 
 Soon the Ranger signalled the Volunteer 
 That all were safely in the clear. 
 The next instant dust fell all around, 
 So fine it was hardly seen on the ground. 
 There was only a very light wind this day 
 Or the dust would have all been blown away. 
 In a very few minutes nothing but dust 
 Marked the place where champions of gold lust 
 And lies made a business of masking truth, 
 Even after having been warned by Ruth 
 That Divine Laws of Nature had come to stay 
 And stifle each scientific song of Pay, Pay. 
 Ten minutes later the second Misleader 
 Had ended its usefulness as a breeder 
 Of selfish doctrines. Then our Volunteer 
 Said, "Brother, I think the storm will soon clear, 
 But if I were any kind of a bard 
 I should say laws of self are dying hard." 
 The Ranger said, "Yes, but all will soon hallow, 
 Hail Truth, tho' for some 'twill be hard to swal- 
 low, 
 Especially by those who sing, Pay, Pay, 
 In a modern but never a natural way. 
 Truth is poison to scholars trained to such tricks 
 As our pupils of Lesson Number Six," 
 
The Altruist 119 
 
 COMMENTING AND PLANNING 
 
 The two were soon quite away from the scene 
 And the Ranger said, "Now, let 'em vent their 
 
 spleen. 
 But it strikes me that we can safely guess 
 These two cannot domineer the whole Press 
 By any means. And it seems to me 
 They won't command very much sympathy. 
 If the insurance folks see things our way. 
 Then we can rest assured and say, 
 When we hit the financial aims of these sons 
 Of self, we have spiked their ablest guns. 
 But if as yet they will not understand. 
 They will both have to wear the S. S. brand. 
 If they garble truth yet, we will have to strike, 
 For ril find a way to serve both alike. 
 Now to our room. Let's look up the news 
 For I feel we shall have a chance to enthuse 
 Over further progress. But here we are. 
 And, Old Timer, let's thank our lucky star 
 That it seems to be guiding us always aright. 
 Is letting us shed the natural light 
 Of truth that we know will never fail, 
 If the Laws of God are of any avail." 
 
120 The Altruist 
 
 DIGESTING REAL GOOD NEWS 
 
 Arrived, they sat down to read and rest 
 
 And plan the next course that would be best 
 
 To pursue, in order to reflect the light 
 
 Of truth so all could see it aright. 
 
 As they scanned the last news, both were elated. 
 
 Their last note was printed just as dictated. 
 
 The insurance people had this to say, — 
 
 We shall heed your advice and will not pay 
 
 Any man who obeys false gods or kings. 
 
 And will not help perfect the order of things 
 
 As you may dictate from this very day. 
 
 You can rest assured we will not pay. 
 
 You may count on all forces at our command, 
 
 Since we feel you bro't blessings to our land. 
 
 And we know you are no new disciple of hate, 
 
 Since we know, feel and see that you dictate 
 
 The Laws of God, not the laws of mere man. 
 
 Who so far have been ruled by mammon's clan. 
 
 We shall conduct our business the natural way. 
 
 Command, or suggest, and we shall obey. 
 
 Then the Ranger said, "Brother, let's pray for 
 
 success 
 To all that are loyal to natural progress." 
 And both evidenced their heartfelt joy 
 And prayed they would no more need to destroy. 
 
The Altruist 121 
 
 SELECTING CHAMPIONS OF RIGHT 
 
 Selecting five sheets, the Ranger said, "Friend, 
 
 On all these five we may safely depend. 
 
 They will champion right. Will stand by our 
 
 side, 
 But like others, they had to drift with the tide 
 Of self, because there appeared no other way. 
 No laws or signs that one could sway 
 Away from conventional style or fashion. 
 That it were modern crime to feel compassion 
 For other than self, or for fame and glory. 
 So ere we retire we shall write a short story 
 To them, so true they will not hesitate 
 To picture our greatest disciples of hate. 
 These five showed compassion from the first. 
 Seemed to lack the sensation-mongering thirst 
 For news they knew very well was wrong. 
 So I figure they won't sing the modern song 
 If we can make it as clear as day 
 That folks will now list to a natural lay. 
 I know the power and force of the Press 
 When it comes to advocating progress. 
 I feel they are now ready to advocate 
 How we should steer our little Ships of State, 
 And ready to condemn obsolete craft 
 That are steered by the modern compass of graft. 
 
122 The Altruist 
 
 FURTHER REFLECTIONS 
 
 See, here are reports from all parts of the land, 
 
 Showing folks are beginning to understand 
 
 That the laws of self can no longer rule. 
 
 That we must select graduates of Nature's school 
 
 To navigate our little Ships of State 
 
 Safely thru all the slimes of mistrust and hate." 
 
 The two read and planned till the mantle of night 
 
 Hid the last rays of the fading twilight. 
 
 Then the Ranger said, *Tal, I'm glad this day 
 
 Is done. So come, let us hurry away, 
 
 We have much to transmit to Daddy and Ruth. 
 
 I've yearned all day in God's honest truth 
 
 For the night, so we could send our good news 
 
 To our Guardian Angel, for she will infuse 
 
 Our news and her joy into Daddy's breast. 
 
 We want him to know we are doing our best. 
 
 Ah, Pal, in fancy I see him right now. 
 
 Pondering, and wrinkling his noble brow. 
 
 Planning and scheming always for others, 
 
 Ruth dictating his duties to sisters and brothers, 
 
 And neither asking aught in return, 
 
 Not even caring if folks never learn 
 
 Dad has mastered the sciences of all the ages, 
 
 And Ruth has the wisdom of future sages. 
 
The Altruist 123 
 
 EXTOLLING DADDY AND RUTH 
 
 Of course, Pal, you know I am speaking truth 
 When I tell you that neither Daddy or Ruth 
 Have the slightest leanings to riches or fame, 
 Only asking that man should play the game 
 Of life as befits a true Son of God, 
 That he do not obey the ruling rod 
 Of self, hate, prejudice, mistrust and doubt. 
 That he quit courting smiles on the mammon 
 
 snout. 
 I tell you Pal there lives no other 
 Who begins to compare with this noble brother. 
 Who has mastered the future sciences to be 
 Out of pure love for suffering humanity, 
 Not to further the modern ideals of self. 
 In the interests of priestly kings of pelf. 
 But to help God's teachers define God's laws, 
 So they need not leave out this little clause, 
 *Ye need not obey your material gods, 
 Nor fear their great scientific ruling rods 
 Of self, nor fear liveried beasts of prey. 
 Teach your children they must be done away/ 
 Ah, here's our spot. Watch out, my friend. 
 For I have many a message to send," 
 
124 The Altruist 
 
 MORE THO T TRANSMISSION 
 
 He sent many messages thru the night, 
 And Ruth's answers all reflected delight. 
 She expressed her joy at their fine progress 
 Against great creators of endless distresss. 
 She gloried to hear that true natural laws 
 Were finding an audience. And moreso, because 
 They had been able to conduct the strife 
 So far without sacrificing one life. 
 She considered their recent gambling call 
 Would result the most important of all. 
 Then the Ranger flashed, "But listen, Dear, 
 All the credit belongs to our brave Volunteer. 
 I don't know a thing about games of finance 
 But he has often watched them dance 
 To the tune of the glorious Almighty Dollars, 
 And he knows the real hankering of these great 
 
 scholars. 
 His courage, I tell you, exceeds my ken. 
 He has plenty, enough for fifty men. 
 Besides, he is one loyal son of God, 
 But an outcast, condemned by the ruling rod 
 Of hate, just because he is true as steel 
 And never nursed one selfish ideal," 
 
The Altruist 125 
 
 PRAISING THE VOLUNTEER AND PLANNING 
 
 The Ranger continued to praise and extoll 
 His Volunteer, mind, heart and soul. 
 Finally, adding, "Ah, Dearie, he is a man. 
 And should he collide with mammon's clan 
 Or their hirelings, and they try to spill 
 His blood, I know I shall have to kill 
 An army, if needs be, to save his life. 
 Yet I pray it will never come to strife." 
 Then Ruth also praised the brave Volunteer, 
 The Ranger translating and making it clear 
 That he had won the love and respect 
 Of Daddy and Ruth. And he did not neglect 
 To add, "Volunteer, this is also true, — 
 rd stake my life and my all on you." 
 Now the two chief schemers planned the light 
 And what it must reflect the next night. 
 When all was explained, many tho'ts of love 
 Flashed back and forth thru the heavens above. 
 When both were assured that all was clear, 
 Ruth flashed, "I shall do my part, never fear. 
 You may safely depend all will see the light 
 Of love on time." Then a last "Good-Night." 
 
126 The Altruist 
 
 REFLECTIONS THAT BURNED 
 
 When safely arrived back in their room, 
 The Ranger said, "Now we predict the doom 
 Of the laws of self, and the Power of Gold, 
 Tho I fear our prediction will send icy, cold — 
 Like shivers down many a swinish back. 
 When no one will dare protect his shack 
 As in the successful grand days of old. 
 When all had to dance to the tune of gold, 
 When slaves shed each other's blood without fears 
 To create still more slaves, and new profiteers. 
 To exact their royalties from every nation. 
 Whose slaves were subjected to subordination. 
 That man can be driven to run or creep 
 To mammon, like so many cattle or sheep. 
 Is beyond my ken. But hell, let us start, 
 Such tho'ts bum into my brain and heart 
 Like the hottest fires that ever raged in hell." 
 Now the Volunteer said, "Please rest a spell. 
 That's right. Pal. Now let me make a start. 
 And I'll write our article strait from the heart. 
 When done, you may have it for inspection. 
 To add or make any needed correction. 
 Not a word, now, please, and I will write 
 And try to define our ideas of right." 
 Soon after, he handed his lengthy note 
 To the Ranger, and this was what he wrote — 
 
The Altruist 127 
 
 A PERSONAL LETTER TO THE LEADING EDITORS 
 
 "To all my Christian Brothers of the Mighty 
 
 Press — 
 I greet you, one and all, in the name of God. 
 It is ordained it be your sacred duty for all time 
 To function as the voice of all the people. 
 To serve only truths to master or servant, and 
 
 favor none. 
 Ye have all recently evidenced the true Christian 
 
 spirit. 
 Ye know what befell those who disobeyed God's 
 
 will. 
 Ye should know that I would rather request 
 
 than command 
 And that my requests are inspired by divine 
 
 forces, 
 Forces far above and beyond the knowledge of 
 
 man. 
 I fully recognize your far-reaching powers 
 As a mighty influence in creating either good or 
 
 evil. 
 So, in and for the interests and benefits of all 
 
 honest men. 
 Ye will comply with the wishes of a messenger 
 
 from God, 
 If ye will print the following, and transmit to all 
 
 leading centers: — 
 
128 The Altruist 
 
 THE PROPHECY AND SUGGESTIONS 
 
 To all our loyal sisters and brothers — 
 
 We have been requested by the messenger of God 
 
 To state that the light of love, 
 
 That will reflect the dawn of a new era, 
 
 Will shine in the heavens again to-night 
 
 Between the hours of twelve and one. 
 
 That ye need entertain absolutely no fears, 
 
 Since the light will reflect only God's truths 
 
 And laws that ye have all disobeyed. 
 
 It should already be evident to ye all 
 
 That much that ye worship as right is wrong, 
 
 Wrong in the eyes of God and every honest man. 
 
 Every man who is not ruled by the laws of self 
 
 Must feel that the scientific rule of mammon, 
 
 Aided by all his kingly and princely priests, is 
 
 done. 
 Even as ye read, forty or more of his kings 
 Shall have fallen from fame to shame. 
 And because of their lust to fleece ye all. 
 And their individual losses shall mean 
 No other man's gain, but benefits for all alike. 
 This will be proof and evidence to ye all 
 That the lust and Power of Gold is already 
 
 broken, 
 
The Altruist 129 
 
 That henceforth no man or combination of men 
 May legally gamble away the lives of nations, 
 Nor the necessities to sustain the life of our na- 
 tion. 
 The natural consequence of this shall be, 
 We may abolish the laws of cold steel, 
 Laws only needed to enforce the laws of self. 
 Ye need but set an example, and all nations 
 Will gladly, aye, cheerfully, follow. 
 And as an individual nation ye can be proud 
 That ye were chosen as God's pioneers 
 To blaze the first strait and clear trails 
 To real Christianity and civilization. 
 The light of love will further instruct ye to-night. 
 Signed, — A Messenger From God." 
 
 NEXT DAY 
 
 The Ranger added a line or two. 
 Copies were made and sent right thru. 
 In a way that could create no suspicion. 
 And in time to go in the morning edition. 
 Both agreed to leave the main issue to Ruth, 
 In further advising and defining truth. 
 Quite satisfied they had done their best, 
 They retired for a very much needed rest. 
 
130 The Altruist 
 
 The Volunteer being the first to arise, 
 
 He managed to work a pleasant surprise, 
 
 As he woke the Ranger, armed with the first 
 
 sheet, 
 Which the Ranger found was a welcome treat. 
 He made no attempt at hiding his pride. 
 As he said, "Now we have the Press on our side. 
 Ah, see, they add fine advice of their own. 
 Now the seeds of truth will be fully sown 
 To every part of this, our great land. 
 So that even mammon must understand 
 His scientific temples and shrines are falling. 
 Ah, soon his disciples will do some crawling." 
 The Volunteer smiled, saying, "Come, let's dine 
 And then go down and relieve the line. 
 It will be a study to watch those faces 
 When reports arrive from other places. 
 For we have the stage set for an awful slump 
 In the markets. And we hold the winning 
 
 trump." 
 
The Altruist 131 
 
 THE PROPHESIED PANIC 
 
 The two arrived on the scene of action, 
 
 Noting many a look of woe and distraction 
 
 On many a face. Then they drew near 
 
 And soon had all the balky wires clear. 
 
 Soon men began pouring in by the score, 
 
 Till the mob was much larger than before. 
 
 Strange enough, as reports began coming in, 
 
 There was nothing like the hideous din 
 
 And the howling of men gone money mad. 
 
 Now the Ranger said, *Tal, I wish that Dad 
 
 Had seen them yesterday cutting their capers 
 
 And see 'em now, glaring at the papers, 
 
 Reading how nicely we reflect their game 
 
 And define their brand of glory and fame. 
 
 Ah, a few appear to be coming to life, 
 
 Yet none too eager to enter the strife. 
 
 Shift golden gods, and presto, then 
 
 Even money-mad maniacs seem like men. 
 
 Yesterday hell were quieter than this shebang. 
 
 Now see the docile looks of this gang. 
 
 Just because nature's laws of equality 
 
 Loom up in the very near future to be. 
 
 Ah, my gamling comedians, there isn't a doubt 
 
 Ye are done courting smiles on mammon's snout. 
 
 From now ye will play your little game 
 
 Of life like humans, or go down in shame." 
 
THE FAXIC 
 
 The next few hours poitnnped tiic wocs^ 
 
 Thitt the gaiwlifing spiiit was doonofid, accarsed. 
 
 AH the uumkets hcpt going down and down 
 
 And dulc gloooi had 5<ttfcd on the town. 
 
 Then the Vohmleer said, ''Spirits of Avarice^ 
 
 Ye are doomed lo pay the natmal price 
 
 For your hloodhp gold hisl, and cadi sclfcsh song 
 
 Ye have song a few thousand years too long. 
 
 Your ill-gotten gaiiB are mdhng ^^"^t^ 
 
 like winter snow would on a holt sw—nrr day. 
 
 And as ye sink down in die hogs 
 
 Of yoar selfish dimes^ ye wifi^lrag lesser hogs 
 
 Down with yon, never to me agsir. 
 
 IjKt ye come np cleansed fike he 
 
 If ye rise and sing 3(oar sdentif. 
 
 Of selt mcthinks ye wia sing ir 
 
 Ahi, note die sw.l>enmg nnens of ' 
 
 Win cannot swaDow iidiat dbcT r 
 
 For years." Then the Rar 
 
 Ir c. 
 
 te me we are finisher '~ 
 
 -• 
 
 OMP^hnt^onc 
 
 
 
 
 . IS onr m^. 
 
 3kB,I 
 
 -k to dc 
 
 fo. 
 
The Altruist 133 
 
 SUMMING UP THE SITUATION 
 
 Mournful looks adorned many a face 
 As they finally drew away from the place. 
 They \*^ere in the gambler's part of the city 
 And the Ranger said, "Pal, it's really a pity 
 That honest men should worry and fret 
 Just because earthly gods are losing a bet. 
 Come, let us write up a few words of cheer 
 That will help shift this gloomy atmosphere. 
 Tell 'em they are wasting their sympathy, 
 If they grieve for singers of 'Pay Only Me.' 
 We've got to word it distinct and clear, 
 That honest men need have no fear 
 Just because they are going to lose the chains 
 Of slavery, welded by captains of gains. 
 Just a nice little article, please. Volunteer, 
 That will reflect sunshine on this atmosphere. 
 Here's a quiet place. Just sign the old name, 
 So the Press will know from whence it came. 
 Tell 'em our greatest breeders of miserie 
 Will nevermore sing, 'Damn Ye All, Pay Me.' 
 I rather fancy they won't have to guess 
 What is the real nature of this little mess." 
 
134 The Altruist 
 
 A USELESS NOTE 
 
 The Volunteer added a line or two, 
 Then they both agreed this ought to do. 
 "Ah, extras are out with the panicky news. 
 By heavens, the Press seems to enthuse. 
 Ho, Ranger, attention, see you don't miss 
 These wonderful news. So listen at this — 
 Now here we go, — 'Citizens of our nation, 
 We are having a lesson in civilization. 
 Our supposed panic will shortly pass. 
 We advise you to swallow no poison gas. 
 'Tis the work of the Messenger of God, 
 And we have all faith in his ruling rod. 
 Have no fears the country will go to the dogs 
 Just because he is civilizing some hogs.' 
 Ah, here is the next. Let's see what he says. 
 They see the trail leading to happier days 
 Being cut thru the modern laws of self, 
 Or blasted thru mountains of ill-gotten pelf. 
 Three more agree along the same line. 
 I tell you. Pal, this is better than fine. 
 So we'll send our little note just the same. 
 'Twill encourage the Press to play the game. 
 And with such support I feel and know 
 We don't have very much further to go." 
 
The Altruist 135 
 
 RESTING AND COMMENTING 
 
 The next issues containing their note of cheer 
 
 Seemed to purify the whole atmosphere. 
 
 Nearly all now seemed in a happy state 
 
 Of mind, and few seemed to mourn the fate 
 
 Of their greatest creators of misery 
 
 And were already planning the future to be, 
 
 Along lines that reflected such broad-minded 
 
 scopes 
 To discourage any and all last hopes 
 Of any supporters of mammonism. 
 Since the new doctrines all breathed altruism, 
 With laws of let live and equality 
 That must stifle all hopes of autocracy. 
 The Ranger said, "Pal, this is a fine token 
 That the cursed Power of Gold is broken. 
 Many openly say they will now rule this land, 
 If they have to fashion a muzzle or brand 
 For even great captains or engineers 
 Who cater to miseries' profiteers 
 And attempt to navigate our Ship of State 
 For any scientific disciples of hate. 
 Wonder just what Ruth will reflect to-night. 
 But never fear but what her light 
 Of love will reflect more than just a notion 
 Of natural loyalty, faith and devotion." 
 
136 The Altruist 
 
 THE LAST INSTRUCTIONS 
 
 'Twas night again as the two went out 
 
 And sent the last message that left no doubt 
 
 In either Ruth's or Daddy's heart 
 
 That the laws of self were near torn apart, 
 
 That the people were singing a natural lay 
 
 Of songs, and condemning songs of "Pay, Pay 
 
 Only Me. 'Tis a natural law, understand. 
 
 To supply any royalty my gold demands." 
 
 Ruth and the Ranger spent a long time 
 
 In perfecting their plans to defeat legal crime. 
 
 Then Daddy and Ruth bid both Good Night, 
 
 To further prepare and arrange the light 
 
 To reflect cheer and encourage past events, 
 
 And discourage all further self pretence. 
 
 By ten P. M. all the people were out 
 
 On the streets, and few expressed any doubt 
 
 But the light would shine in the heavens above 
 
 And reflect good cheer and brotherly love. 
 
 Yet in spite of all this faith and good cheer, 
 
 It still seemed evident and quite clear 
 
 That selfish hopes were not yet all dead. 
 
 Some were yet unwilling to earn their own bread. 
 
 But the two pals laughed at these selfish views 
 
 Of life, in which few now seemed to enthuse. 
 
The Altruist 137 
 
 ONE LONG HOUR OF WAITING 
 
 The Ranger was gazing to his earthly heaven 
 Westward, as all the clocks struck eleven. 
 But few of the people seemed to mind 
 The long wait. And the Ranger said, "Pal, I 
 
 find 
 The time is going a whole lot too slow 
 For me. So come let us shift and go 
 To some other place and hear more comments. 
 I enjoy all these new- voiced sentiments 
 That are being so freely expressed by the masses 
 And always were condemned by the classes. 
 Now it seems we don't brand sentiment as gam- 
 mon 
 That does not hail from the camps of mammon. 
 This long wait but seems to increase the cheer 
 Of the vast majority, and I've no fear 
 But what all will joy at seeing Ruth's light. 
 And I'm rather curious to see what she'll write. 
 But you can bet she will spike the guns 
 Of self, much hke we discouraged the Huns, 
 And do it in her own truthful way 
 So it must appear as clear as day. 
 That we have done with the laws of self 
 And the scientific love of ill-gotten pelf." 
 
138 The Altruist 
 
 THE volunteer's REFLECTIONS 
 
 Twenty minutes more, and still the good cheer 
 Increased, and now it seemed quite clear 
 All would understand the object of the light. 
 And again, as before, 'twas a beautiful night, 
 Countless stars twinkled in God's great dome. 
 As if beckoning wandering souls to come home. 
 Then the Volunteer mused, "Ah, but who can tell 
 But each star represents a lone sentinel 
 Set aloft to guide some poor, struggling soul 
 That is freed of all earthly selfish control. 
 I often feel stars must reflect the Divine, 
 And more often wondered which might be mine, 
 Mine guiding star that has guided me right, 
 So that I survived my hard up-hill fight. 
 I have told you how I encountered the claws 
 Of avarice, when I taught God's true laws. 
 And was driven forcibly from the strife. 
 In danger and fear of my very life. 
 Then I wandered around like a lone outcast. 
 Trying hard to forget and live down the past. 
 Cursing the fact that the just and divine 
 Must cringe to mammon, like filthy swine. 
 
The Altruist 139 
 
 I was cursing the fates for creating me, 
 When something guided me safely to thee." 
 The Ranger was Hstening in wrapt attention 
 As his pal reflected his doubtful contention, 
 Adding, "Yes, I was tempted to curse the Divine 
 Ere I saw you branding that selfish swine. 
 Aye, that beast spread lies without hesitation 
 That branded me traitor to my own nation, 
 And, because I had exposed some graft 
 That was being encouraged by his craft. 
 Then I was condemned by the powers that rule, 
 Of which that swine was a servile tool. 
 So when you branded that heap of muck, 
 I knew at once mammon's hour had struck. 
 You know all the rest, and you know I am game, 
 And you know I don't hanker for riches or fame. 
 I'd have given my life, aye, cheerfully sold 
 My soul, just to break the Power of Gold. 
 And now. Brother Dear, can you not tell me 
 What guided mine wearied footsteps to thee, 
 If it were not my guiding star from above, 
 That reflected your mission of peace and love?" 
 And the Ranger answered, "Would I could tell 
 
 thee, 
 But I've often thanked God he sent you to me." 
 
140 The ' Altruist 
 
 THE FRUITS OF HONEST TOIL 
 
 When the brave Volunteer had done at last 
 Recounting his many hardships of the past, 
 The Ranger was silent but a short while. 
 Then he answered his pal with a cheering smile, 
 "Do you remember what I once told you, 
 That I know you are faithful, devoted and true 
 And will ever be loyal to God and man? 
 So rU see that you lead the earthly clan 
 Of God's teachers, because you know who is fit 
 And who was, or is, a rank hypocrit. 
 I know you will select but the best. 
 Ye will know them when you apply the test. 
 Ye can easily weed out our double-enders 
 And our well -known styles of scientific pre- 
 tenders. 
 I've proposed this to Daddy and Ruth, under- 
 stand. 
 And both would gladly have you command 
 The forces that teach only God's true laws. 
 Without forgetting His principal clause." 
 Now at last a clock in a neighboring tower 
 Pealed the first stroke of the heralded hour. 
 And, as before, the night soon gave way. 
 The stars disappeared, and again it was day. 
 
The Altruist 141 
 
 THE LIGHT THAT ENLIGHTENED 
 
 As before, just a large black screen remained, 
 Then a few words of writing fully explained, — 
 "We shall picture your recent events here above. 
 That ye may better read our message of love." 
 The events were pictured so distinct and clear 
 That it bro't forth many a roaring: cheer 
 From the people, who seemed nearly wild with 
 
 joy, 
 
 When they realized man was no longer a toy, 
 Nor a slave to the cursed Power of Gold, 
 And nations could no longer be bought or sold. 
 The pictures then warned, "Profiteers, beware. 
 Lest all your gains rise as dust in the air. 
 And disciples of self abandon States Craft. 
 We have done with your modern compass of graft. 
 Honest men, be wise. See all this be done 
 And ye will have no need for sword or gun. 
 Ye will not need spring at the throats of brothers 
 If ye let your new compass be fashioned by 
 
 mothers. 
 They will not allow human beasts to roam free 
 Thru your blighted Gardens of Humanity." 
 Then a seeming angel came floating thru space 
 And stopped right above the picture place, 
 And as the last picture faded from sight 
 This angelic vision began to write. 
 
142 The Altruist 
 
 THE MESSAGE OF LOVE 
 
 "Brothers and Sisters, I greet ye all in the name 
 
 of God 
 And in His noble cause of Universal Brotherly- 
 Love. 
 As ye all know, God's laws are being enforced 
 By the Messenger of God, who is invincible. 
 Yet ye must know he is righteous and just. 
 Ye must all know God's Messenger is among ye 
 To see that henceforth the entire world is your 
 
 home, 
 To see that ye are free to prospect your own free 
 
 ranges, 
 That ye shall not encounter one enemy on your 
 
 trails. 
 And because ye shall create no more earthly 
 
 enemies. 
 Ye shall have none to hate, fear or entertain. 
 God's Messenger has already rid ye of your worst 
 
 foes, 
 Who were masked scientifically to resemble 
 
 friends, 
 
The Altruist 143 
 
 Who have looted and ravaged your Gardens of 
 Humanity 
 
 For ages. And these are the Spirits of Avarice. 
 
 They have trained you in their arts of scientific 
 barbarism, 
 
 In the interest of no end of profiteers. 
 
 And all those they have endowed with the Power 
 of Gold. 
 
 Their terrible power had become mighty and fear- 
 ful, 
 
 So mighty, it ruled your rulers and their selfish 
 satellites, 
 
 Followers who were leading nations to destruc- 
 tion and ruin. 
 
 Follow God's Messenger, then peace and happi- 
 ness is yours. 
 
 Ye all know mighty nations have risen and fallen, 
 
 And mainly because of their inhuman love of con- 
 quest, 
 
 Conquest that inspired the lust of blood and gold. 
 
 Held sacred only by avaricious, scheming, dis- 
 ciples of self, 
 
 Who have ruled the hearts, minds and souls of 
 nearly all. 
 
 Have even silenced the voices of God's best 
 teachers, 
 
144 ^^^ Altruist 
 
 And ye all know, have ruled the voices of nearly- 
 all peoples, 
 Until God's truths have come to exist only in 
 
 shreds, 
 Torn to tattered fragments by the laws of self 
 And the savage, selfish slaves of gold. 
 Seek deep in your hearts and ye will find 
 That ye have lustily condemned many others 
 For obeying the same gods ye all worshipped. 
 So that ye have virtually courted many of your 
 
 miseries. 
 And because ye have obeyed the Spirits of 
 
 Avarice, 
 Since ye also know their Power of Gold is broken. 
 Ye must feel and know 'tis the work of God, 
 And He has decreed selfishness can nevermore 
 
 rule. 
 Now remember what I told ye once before, — 
 A new era has dawned, has reflected the spawn of 
 
 self, 
 And the Messenger of God has effectively crushed 
 
 it, 
 Has done more for humanity in one short week 
 Than the sciences of self have done thru all the 
 
 ages. 
 
The Altruist 145 
 
 And now, My Loyal Children of God, 
 
 I am happy to state, that even as I write, 
 
 New laws are bping enforced across your own 
 
 borders, 
 Laws that would have meant penal servitude or 
 
 death 
 For anyone daring to advocate, one short week 
 
 ago. 
 Ye are virtually free of all your ruling curses. 
 Quite free to shape and rule your own destinies, 
 And to easily become the mightiest nation of all. 
 Yet ye cannot become and stay mighty 
 Lest ye all cheerfully earn your own daily bread, 
 Never by coveting the bread honestly earned by 
 
 others. 
 Soon students of Nature will appear among ye. 
 These students will teach ye the True Compass of 
 
 Love. 
 They shall first teach ye the four natural points. 
 Ye will find they are Unselfishness, Loyalty, Faith 
 
 and Devotion. 
 These are the four essential points of your new 
 
 Compass 
 That will guide you aright for all time, 
 Will guide you direct to real Christianity and 
 
 civilization. 
 
146 The Altruist 
 
 Brothers and Sisters, time presses. I pray ye all 
 To have complete faith in your new scholars to 
 
 be. 
 God will then grant you happiness and lasting 
 
 peace. 
 So with God's blessings to all, I bid you Good 
 
 Night." 
 And in less than one minute it was night. 
 
The Altruist 147 
 
 REJOICING 
 
 Silence as of the graveyard had rt5igned 
 
 While Ruth had written and explained 
 
 Their views, and defined her Compass of Love 
 
 As if from out of the heavens above. 
 
 And now, as the vision faded from sight, 
 
 A roar of applause rent the stillness of night 
 
 And continued, each louder than before. 
 
 Till millions of lungs were tired and sore. 
 
 The two pals' hearts beat hard with emotion 
 
 As they heard this joyful and happy commotion. 
 
 The Ranger tried hard to say a word 
 
 To his Pal, but as yet nothing could be heard 
 
 But the seeming endless rejoiceful roar. 
 
 Till many a throat was husky and sore. 
 
 And so it continued more than an hour, 
 
 Till many a voice had lost its power. 
 
 And millions never retired that night, 
 
 While the pals were treated to many a sight, 
 
 As many kissed and hugged for sheer joy. 
 
 With a happiness that was without alloy. 
 
 Then the Ranger said, "Pal, come, let us pray 
 
 That Our Angel of Truth has won the day." 
 
148 The Altruist 
 
 THE BIRTH OF CIVILIZATION 
 
 When the Ranger had finally found his voice, 
 
 He prayed, "Oh, God, in Thee we rejoice, 
 
 That you enabled our noble Ruth 
 
 To so ably defend and expound the truth." 
 
 "And now, Brother Dear, you must help me 
 
 Find words to define this great victory 
 
 To Daddy and Ruth, so they can understand 
 
 The real blessings they have bro't to our land. 
 
 Ah, in fancy I hear the answer of Dad. 
 
 He will say, 'Now hush, please. Ranger Lad, 
 
 But for you, Ruth, and our brave Volunteer, 
 
 No one could have known this hour of cheer. 
 
 Ah, Brother Dear, I hope, and shall pray. 
 
 You may meet Dad and Ruth some near future 
 
 day. 
 Then you will meet a natural King and Queen, 
 The like of which you have never yet seen. 
 I tell you right here, and right now. My Boy, 
 Their love for what's natural is without alloy." 
 Then the Volunteer smiled and answered, "Yes, 
 
 Ranger, 
 That's why Ruth don't regard you as a stranger 
 Nor Daddy, since you can sing his own lay. 
 But Halloa ! The Press proclaims a new holiday, 
 And it reads, — *To-day this entire nation 
 Celebrates The Birth of Civilization.' " 
 
The Altruist 149 
 
 YEARNINGS FOR HOME 
 
 It was day as they read the new proclamation 
 That proclaimed the birth of real civilization. 
 And long before the night passed away 
 The city was dressed for a new hohday. 
 Few, if any, had courted sleep that night 
 And many were still discussing the light 
 And in such an apparent, broad-minded way, 
 Boding ill for scientific singers of Pay, 
 And assuring the Pals people did understand 
 That selfishness could nevermore rule the land. 
 Now the Ranger said, "Pal, I shall entrust the 
 
 rest 
 To you. Use your forces as you deem best. 
 You are now the real Messenger of God, 
 Since you possess his earthly ruling rod. 
 You have all the rings, and you know their use, 
 And I'm staking my life you will not abuse 
 Your powers. So send all the news each night. 
 Tell Daddy and Ruth the sciences of might 
 Have all gone down before God's truth. 
 Then don't forget to mention to Ruth 
 That I felt a sudden desire to roam. 
 You are handling the rest. I am coming home." 
 
150 The Altruist 
 
 ON THE WAY 
 
 "Come Socks, old timer, don't fail me now. 
 
 We haven't much further to go. 
 
 It's a rather hard grind, I'll have to allow, 
 
 So let's travel awhile kinder slow. 
 
 We've got to make the Lost Cabin ere night 
 
 And you done it once nicely before 
 
 Not so long ago. You remember all right. 
 
 But then your feet weren't sore." 
 
 Then the Ranger spoke again to his beast, — 
 
 "Socks, I really wish you could talk. 
 
 But I don't mind hiking in the least, 
 
 I'm guessing you'd like me to walk." 
 
 So he plodded along a mile or two. 
 
 Over the hard rocky trail, 
 
 Reflecting, "I wonder what I would do 
 
 If Socks should happen to fail. 
 
 I rushed off like an impetuous dub, 
 
 Hardly prepared for this trip. 
 
 Didn't have sense enough to bring any grub, 
 
 Yet I can afford to skip 
 
 A feed or two, for I feel like a lark. 
 
 But I pray that Socks don't fail 
 
 To help me reach that Cabin ere dark 
 
 Or I'm likely to lose the trail." 
 
The Altruist 151 
 
 So he walked along for another mile 
 
 Or two at his animal's side. 
 
 Socks whinnied, and he said, with a smile, 
 
 "Guess now you want me to ride." 
 
 He mounted again, admitting to Socks, 
 
 "I know the trail's hard *n' rough. 
 
 And I know this traveling on sheer rocks 
 
 Is a few degrees worse than tough. 
 
 Still I know you never will sluf your spunk. 
 
 Even if your feet go wrong. 
 
 I'll walk, till we get the range of our bunk. 
 
 Buck up, 'n' we'll make it ere long." 
 
 The Ranger spoke many a kindly word 
 
 To his faithful and noble Socks, 
 
 Who seemed encouraged by what he heard 
 
 As he struggled on over the rocks. 
 
 But at last they finally came in sight 
 
 Of the Cabin, then reached the door 
 
 Just in time. A few minutes later 'twas night, 
 
 And the Ranger laid down on the floor. 
 
 This time phantoms did not disturb his rest, 
 
 Yet he dreamed he had civilized Rome. 
 
 Awoke the next mom, was soon riding West, 
 
 Saying, "Socks Dear, we'll soon be home." 
 
152 The Altruist 
 
 ruth's reflections 
 
 This very morning Ruth said, "Daddy Dear, 
 I feel that Our Ranger is drawing near. 
 Yes, Dad, we will soon see Our Ranger Boy, 
 And the very tho't fills my heart with joy. 
 How well I remember when we rode the trail. 
 He assured me your hght could never fail. 
 And he seemed somehow to take full control 
 Of our tho'ts, and I loved him then heart and 
 
 soul. 
 You wait and listen. Daddy Dear, 
 As he gives the most credit to his Volunteer. 
 No doubt but he is a true, loyal brother, 
 But I cannot believe there lives such another 
 As Our Ranger Boy. Now he's coming home. 
 And he promised me he'd nevermore roam. 
 If your light, with his work, proved a success. 
 And, Oh Daddy, I yearn for his loving caress. 
 My heart aches to hear him tell his whole story 
 And I know he'll deny himself the most glory." 
 Then Daddy said, knowingly, "Well, well, Ruth, 
 Any lad who so eagerly courts God's truth. 
 Stands to reason he must belong to our clan 
 And reflect a loyal, clean-hearted white man." 
 
The Altruist 153 
 
 WHEN IDEALS MEET 
 
 Ruth reflected, "If he reached the Cabin last night 
 Without any mishap, he'll soon come in sight." 
 Now she tho't she heard the distant sound 
 Of hoof beats, then fairly flew over the ground 
 To meet her Ideal, her Mate, her Man, 
 Who belonged to her father's Godlike clan. 
 When they met in that wilderness of rocks, 
 The Ranger forgot Volunteer, Dad and Socks, 
 Forgot he had fasted near thirty hours. 
 But did not forget to thank Divine powers 
 That they let him inherit this great joy, 
 When Ruth said, *T love you. My Ranger Boy, 
 When he'd clasped this idol of his best dreams 
 To his manly breast, his joy was supreme. 
 As he murmured, **My Queen, is it really true? 
 Does my love really mean so much to you? 
 Am I then sole possessor of all your charms?'" 
 And Ruth nestled still more close in his arms. 
 He went on, saying, 'Tve dreamed of this hour, 
 When I should possess God's sweetest flower, 
 And now, Ruth, My Queen, since I possess you, 
 I know my most wonderful dream is true." 
 
154 'The Altruist 
 
 NATURAL HORSE SENSE 
 
 Then he added, "Ah Ruth, I always knew 
 
 Some day I was bound to find and love you." 
 
 And then as he gazed in her wonderful eyes, 
 
 That reflected devotion so loyal and wise. 
 
 He continued, "Ah, Dear, but it does seem queer 
 
 I never once tho't of our brave Volunteer. 
 
 And I feel we are also neglecting poor Dad. 
 
 For he will sure be happy and glad 
 
 To know that I finally did get home. 
 
 And I pray I shall nevermore care to roam 
 
 From the sweetest flower that grew in the West 
 
 Or in all the world. And I love it best. 
 
 Do you want to know why?" Then a nod from 
 
 Ruth 
 Bro*t this answer, "I love its fragrance of truth." 
 Now he found he'd spent far over an hour 
 Extolling and loving his beautiful flower 
 Of truth. Then gazed around 'mongst the rocks 
 But saw not the slightest trace of Socks. 
 Ruth read his tho'ts, saying, "Ranger Dear, 
 He went home, feeling he was not needed here." 
 And he answered, "Right. Socks makes no pre- 
 tence 
 At hiding his Natural Common Horse Sense." 
 
The Altruist 155 
 
 THE RANGER REPORTS TO HIS CHIEF 
 
 Now these two noble, loyal, Giildren of God, 
 
 Who worshipped the ver>' same divining rod 
 
 Of love and truth, hurried over the trail 
 
 To the man whose light of truth did not fail 
 
 The meeting was one of purest joy. 
 
 As Daddy embraced his Dear Ranger Boy. 
 
 Then the Ranger recounted e\*er>- detail 
 
 Of his work. Then added, "The light could not 
 
 fail 
 With master minds like our Volunteer, 
 And mainly Ruth, to define it so clear. 
 Ah, I tell you, Daddy, again and again. 
 But for him I fear my work were in vain. 
 I prayed and thanked God, yes, many a time. 
 That He sent him to help us beat scientific crime." 
 Then Daddy said, "Hush, Boy, you led the strife 
 And without the loss of one single life. 
 The Volunteer calls you our master mind, 
 And, Lad, would ye have me feel I am blind ? 
 Aye, Laddy Dear, would ye have me feel 
 I don't know who broke the laws of cold steel, 
 Broke the Power of Gold, and the laws of self? 
 Lad, the master mind was none but vourself." 
 
156 The Altruist 
 
 THE RANGER S REWARD 
 
 Now Daddy said, "Listen, Ranger Dear, 
 
 At the latest report from your Volunteer. 
 
 This one came rather early last night. 
 
 Rest assured, Right now supercedes Golden 
 
 Might. 
 Men are now forming one great association. 
 Which already controls the entire nation. 
 And all leanings that leaned to the anarchist 
 Have been swept aside by the True Altruist. 
 Now I know Christian students of Nature's 
 
 school 
 Will be welcomed. And what is more, can rule 
 The people. And they have fashioned a brand 
 To bum on all who will not understand 
 That no one may honor a servile tool 
 Of the selfish spirits that used to rule." 
 And now they sank down on bended knee 
 And prayed, "Oh God, we all thank Thee 
 From the very depths of our hearts and souls 
 That ye let us free men of selfish control, 
 That ye let us do honor to our Great Nation, 
 Let us blaze trails to Christian Civilization." 
 Daddy said, "You deserve your reward, in God's 
 
 truth. . 
 Name it, Boy." And he answered, *T only want 
 
 Ruth." 
 
THE POWER OF GOLD 
 
THE POWER OF GOLD 
 
 A Student and graduate of Nature's school, 
 Had often been branded a doubting fool 
 For having lost faith in great modem scholars, 
 Who court, and get all inspiration from dollars, 
 He had passed the tho'tless stages of youth, 
 When a man starts thinking and courting truth. 
 Now he would know just why self -compassion 
 Was fast becoming the style or fashion. 
 So he studied scientific, inhuman, pretensions. 
 Designed to hide golden bones of contentions. 
 He studied in schools of hard, toilsome, strife 
 Until these heartfelt convictions grew rife, — 
 That we mask, yet honor, our laws of self 
 And our inhuman love for conquest and pelf. 
 We applaud the antics of great double-enders. 
 Great catch-penny artists and modern pretenders. 
 Just because they seem in the fashion or style 
 And stand ever ready to beguile 
 The hearts, minds and souls of young and old. 
 Teaching all to honor The Power of Gold. 
 
 159 
 
i6o The Power of Gold 
 
 He had oft burned the candle at both ends 
 To study out who might be foes or friends, 
 What creates all our evident servility 
 To our gods of riches and self -slavery. 
 He could not understand why any man 
 Need obey his slavering gods or their clan 
 And cringe to them in terror and fear 
 And hold their doctrines as sacred and dear. 
 So, becoming disgusted, he roamed far away 
 
 To the wilds, encountering wild beasts of prey. 
 To find they seldom destroy or kill 
 The weaker, once they have gorged their fill. 
 Then he mused, "But, ah, our human beast 
 Never seems to sicken or tire of his feast, 
 Tho' he has enough for ten thousand men, 
 He resumes his attack again and again. 
 And God help the man who dares interfere 
 With selfish ideals earthly gods hold dear. 
 For many a man has dug his own grave 
 For breathing compassion for a slave 
 Who sings not the praise of the priestly fold 
 That are blest with the cursed Power of Gold." 
 
The Power of Gold i6i 
 
 RUMINATIONS 
 
 He went on musing in this way, 
 "Why should we sing the new modern lay 
 That sanctions scientific blood and gold lust. 
 And how can we call it legal or just 
 To help our great champions of golden might 
 Knock out more billions each day and night?" 
 So our Student could not yet understand 
 What might, or might not, be the natural brand 
 Of conventions, or things we call civilization, 
 Tho' he possessed much imagination. 
 He had read many morbid versions of glory. 
 So often exalted in song, prose or story. 
 Then reviewed the days Christ was branded a fool 
 And traitor, for opposing mammon rule. 
 Not so much for befriending the poor and op- 
 pressed, 
 Or healing the wounds of the sorely distressed. 
 But because He bared golden bones of conten- 
 tions 
 And tau't God's truth without any pretensions. 
 For when Christ opposed great money-lenders, 
 He opposed the world's greatest double-enders. 
 And was condemned in tones hard and cold, 
 By judges ruled by The Power of Gold. 
 
i62 The Power of Gold 
 
 IF CHRIST RETURNED TO-DAY 
 
 Now he mused, "If Christ returned to-day, 
 To stifle our songs of 'Damn Ye All, Pay,' 
 By heavens, it seems quite clear to me 
 That few of us would be able to see 
 Or believe truths we all know are Divine. 
 And we'd stick to our earthly gods like swine. 
 If Christ tau't us in the same old strain, 
 I fear all His teachings would be in vain. 
 We would much prefer to drink from the bowl 
 Of Disciples of Hate, who rule heart and soul. 
 So then, if Christ did return to-day, 
 Tau't brotherly love in His old loving way, 
 Had all the support of our wisest sages. 
 Endowed with the added wisdom of ages. 
 And tried to teach His compassionate lay, 
 Could He teach three weeks? If so, where, 
 
 pray? 
 When He knows to-day, moreso than of old, 
 Many more so-called Christians worship gold, 
 Could He teach three days, if He were so bold 
 To condemn the world's present Power of Gold?" 
 
The Power of Gold 163 
 
 A NATURAL DREAMER 
 
 Our Student was one of these natural dreamers 
 That are ridiculed by all selfish schemers, 
 The tribes that uphold the laws and advice 
 Handed down by the spirits of avarice. 
 These spirits brook no dissenting breath, 
 Tho* they force us into the dance of death. 
 So he mused again, ** 'Tis passing strange 
 Man is free to prospect God's big open range. 
 God gave him eyes wherewith to see 
 The trails leading direct to his misery. 
 He blazed the trails, blood lust, gold lust and 
 
 greed. 
 Still selfishness follows them. Pays no heed 
 To dangers ahead, and will not be told 
 Misery must increase with his lust of gold. 
 Every new recruit who joins earthly despoilers 
 Exacts more royalties from honest toilers, 
 And our inhuman battles for self-success 
 Are stumbling-blocks to natural progress. 
 So when a man lets selfish spirits control 
 His very heart, mind, body and soul. 
 It were time this lustful waster were told 
 That Satan dictates his lust for gold." 
 
164 The Power of Gold 
 
 COMPARING DRONES 
 
 Now he puzzled, "Can man be within his rights 
 When he nurses and crowns all his parasites ?" 
 He studied this out to its extreme length, 
 Then the answer came back with forceful 
 
 strength, 
 For he found wherever he chanced to go. 
 Nature's laws dictated a thousand times. No, 
 For he found that even the busy bee, 
 Tho' an insect, will use its own eyes to see 
 It is wrong to nurse lazy and idle drones. 
 Much less to build him palace and thrones. 
 Bees that would fatten on efforts of others 
 Are ousted, or stung to death, by their brothers. 
 But human drones have no natural laws 
 To fear. Busy toilers must whet their claws, 
 Must supply the drones with no end of honey, 
 Moreso if the drone has stores of money. 
 The toilers are given to understand 
 Nature's laws dictate, Supply their demand. 
 If the toiler refuse, — But need ye be told? 
 Ye know the verdict of The Power of Gold." 
 
The Power of Gold 165 
 
 FURTHER REFLECTIONS AND A PRAYER 
 
 Reflections like these over-crowded his mind 
 
 And thousands more of a similar kind, 
 
 Till he began to feel morose and sad 
 
 And feared his studies would drive him mad. 
 
 He never could reason the modern way, — 
 
 To hell with you. Jack, I am O. K. 
 
 Nor rest content and feel at ease. 
 
 While seeing the weaker ones' hardships increase. 
 
 He would not advise them to use their brains. 
 
 As dictated by great disciples of gains. 
 
 He was more than willing to earn his own bread 
 
 And could see the real dangers looming ahead. 
 
 Then he prayed to God, "Please let me foresee 
 
 Events of the coming ages to be. 
 
 I seek not fame, glory or wealth, all I ask, — 
 
 Please God you will strengthen me for my task 
 
 Of blazing one trail thru my own nation 
 
 That would lead us all to real civilization. 
 
 If I could enlighten one and all 
 
 I'd face a firing squad back to a wall. 
 
 Only let me define the miseries untold 
 
 That are wrought by the cursed Power of Gold." 
 
1 66 The Power of Gold 
 
 ONE LOYAL SLAVE 
 
 His trail was beset with many dangers, 
 Here and there he met a few savage strangers 
 Who seemed to shun him, since many had 
 Tasted white man's fury when conquest mad. 
 Night after night he slept under God's dome, 
 Ten thousand miles from friends and home, 
 Where he had often been dubbed a fool 
 For placing his faith in Nature's school 
 And for criticising all selfish swine 
 For dishonoring laws we know are divine, 
 And who persist in singing this lay — 
 "Let the less intellectual make all your hay." 
 One catch-penny artist told him one day, — 
 "Your dope is all true, but I can't make it pay. 
 I'll take all my Nature lessons from scholars 
 With modern systems of getting the dollars. 
 I prefer the praises of brainy art 
 To your silent encores of the heart. 
 To hell with your univer<^al progress. 
 I am climbing my own ladder of success." 
 And this servile critic went white when told, — 
 "You are sure one loyal Slave of Gold." 
 
The Power of Gold 167 
 
 ANOTHER NATURAL PRAYER 
 
 Footsore and weai-y, he plodded along, 
 Wondering if Nature's laws were all wrong, 
 Reflecting, "I must study out, if I can, 
 Why Our Master's laws seldom govern man, 
 Unless it appears, quite distinct and plain 
 He can use Nature's laws for personal gain." 
 These tho'ts went down still deeper or further. 
 As he mused, "How can man justify murder, 
 Or sanction laws that grant any price. 
 Exacted by spirits of avarice." 
 Then he prayed again, "Father, I pray of Thee, 
 What justifies murder and self-slavery? 
 Must we always list to the mammon song 
 Which many know is inhuman and wrong? 
 Let me know how worldly laws can be just 
 That create only more blood and gold lust. 
 Tho' I must travel a still harder trail 
 If you inspire me I never shall fail 
 To define your truths, and sing songs of cheer 
 To all w^ho will only listen and hear. 
 Your love for us all surely has not grown cold 
 For we are not all ruled by The Power of Gold. 
 
1 68 The Power of Gold 
 
 A QUEER CAMP 
 
 He was roaming the tropics. There was no twi- 
 light. 
 When the sun retired, the day was night. 
 He was tired, footsore, hungry and worn, 
 Having traveled hard since the early morn. 
 Now he finally found him a sheltered spot. 
 Ate a bite, laid down, the ground was his cot. 
 The location or camp was the best he could see, 
 'Neath some sheltering rocks and a curious tree. 
 Later on, he mused, as he gazed above, 
 "Wonder if there is any real limit to love 
 Of gold, or any real limit to hate 
 When gold is the luring or envious bait?" 
 This carried him down to a still deeper theme. 
 As he tho't, 'Tt would be a miraculous scheme 
 If an atom like I, so simple and dense. 
 Could be transplanted some centuries hence. 
 To find all my dreams or hopes realized. 
 Find the sciences of self all civilized, 
 So I might find the real trail to civilization 
 In this, or in any other, nation." 
 While wrestling drowsily with his new theme, 
 Morpheous interposed and inspired this dream, — 
 
The Power of Gold 169 
 
 INTRODUCING OUR DREAM GOD 
 
 Before we go on with our Student's dreams, 
 We shall introduce the Prince of night schemes, 
 Since Morpheous is our ablest schemer 
 Or the Fairy Prince of many a dreamer, 
 As well as a mystical, magical sage. 
 Who can make one night seem an endless age, 
 Then reverse and make an endless event 
 Seem hardly more than a fleeting moment. 
 When he wills to instill his heartfelt convictions. 
 No earthly force can impose restrictions 
 In hearts and minds of patients he schooled 
 That natural laws must not be over-ruled. 
 When he wills to treat his patients real kind, 
 He easily soothes them in heart and mind. 
 For he can make dreamers of his choice 
 Feel contented, discouraged, sad or rejoice. 
 He can also control phantoms of the brain 
 To make them appear very life-like and plain. 
 P nd he surely is master of the fine art 
 Of revealing our hidden desires of the heart. 
 Morpheus now deemed it just and right 
 To grant our Student's wish for one night. 
 Now the Student slept, and Morpheous schemed. 
 So this was what the Student dreamed, — 
 
170 The Power of Gold 
 
 DREAMING 
 
 He dreamed he slept by unseen decree, 
 Entranced, by the fabled sleeping tree. 
 The tree with its mystic, or baleful, breath. 
 Or shelter, invites the sleep as of death. 
 He felt his prayer was to be granted. 
 When the time had come, he would be trans- 
 planted. 
 So he slept thru more than a century. 
 Not a living thing ever approaching the tree. 
 The animal kingdom all shunned the spot. 
 Since they possess instincts man knoweth not. 
 For when danger threatens the man's very soul. 
 He often courts death when life were his goal. 
 
 He dreamed he lived over and over again. 
 Which finally produced a great mental strain. 
 At last his patience began to give way 
 And he prayed to arise from where he lay, 
 To hear the birds sing their songs of love 
 And to gaze by night at the stars above. 
 It seemed his spirit oft wandered afar. 
 Always restless, and seeking its guiding star. 
 Then at last a voice whispered, "Patience, Dear, 
 You shall find it soon, so be of good cheer." 
 But the voice had nothing more to tell 
 But whispered, gently, "Fare thee well." 
 
The Power of Gold 171 
 
 He knew his long sleep was not one of qiere 
 
 chance 
 And that he slept in a death-like trance, 
 Had blundered too close or near this tree 
 In the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and 
 
 Three. 
 Still his faith was intact, for he felt no fears, 
 Tho' he knew he'd slept over three hundred years. 
 Now his heart of a sudden beat hard with emotion 
 As he fancied he heard a distant commotion. 
 Then a voice, saying, "Something wrong, I fear. 
 For there is not a sign of life about here. 
 And Ruth, Dear, I haven't the slightest doubt 
 Some mystery lurks here, or nearabout. 
 Come, boys, let's go on, and Ruth, you can wait 
 While we go forward and investigate. 
 Remember, Joe, what Ruth told you, — 
 We should stumble on something surprising or 
 
 new 
 This day. And this silence convinces me 
 We are on the eve of some discovery." 
 
 The Student knew well that the stranger was 
 
 right. 
 He heard, but had lost his sense of sight. 
 He had often tried to rise from his bed. 
 Finding all but his sense of hearing was dead. 
 
172 The Power of Gold 
 
 The man's voice now warned again, "Careful, 
 Dear, 
 
 I must beg you again to please remain here." 
 
 Then a girlish voice answered, "Look, Uncle Dan, 
 see. 
 
 There, there, by those rocks, that curious tree. 
 
 'Tis the strangest tree that I ever saw. 
 
 Don't you see, by those rocks that project hke a 
 claw?" 
 
 Then she added, excitedly, "Look, Uncle Dan, 
 
 Those rocks seem to shelter the form of a man. 
 
 Come quick, Uncle, please, call Joe and Will. 
 
 The man may be hurt. He lies so still." 
 
 She now ran ahead with the speed of a deer 
 
 And her Uncle shouted, "Come, boys, quick, I 
 fear 
 
 That Ruth may encounter some unforeseen dan- 
 ger. 
 
 We know not if the man be a savage Ranger." 
 
 Ruth's words had rung with compassionate de- 
 votion, 
 Like the Hail Land Ho to a waif of the ocean. 
 To the Student who heard, but could not see, 
 His Guardian Angel so soon to be. 
 
The Power of Gold 173 
 
 She was first to reach him and knelt on the 
 
 ground 
 And gently searched for his hurts or wound. 
 Not finding any, she smoothed his brow. 
 At her touch his eyes opened. She said, "There, 
 
 now, 
 Don't excite yourself, friend. Rest easy. Lie 
 
 still. 
 I can see you have been a long time ill." 
 Now he saw the girl, and he saw the tree, 
 And his heart beat the prayer, 'Thank God I can 
 
 see. 
 
 Now he labored under a fearful strain 
 
 As he tried to arise and speak, but in vain. 
 
 Sympathy plainly showed in Ruth's eyes. 
 
 As she said, "Please, friend, do not try to arise." 
 
 Now the trio of men had reached the place. 
 
 All eagerly scanned the Student's face. 
 
 The command was freely conceded to Dan, 
 
 By virtue of being the oldest man. 
 
 Now he said, "Boys, quick, bring him out of 
 
 there. 
 We shall soon revive him out in the pure air. 
 Now, Will, produce that flask you bro't. 
 And, Ruth, give your patient a liberal drau't." 
 
174 The Power of Gold 
 
 THE AWAKENING 
 
 Conflicting emotions surged thru his brain 
 As his efforts to rise still seemed in vain. 
 And now he prayed, "Oh, God, I pray Thee, 
 Let me warn these good people away from this 
 
 tree. 
 Do not let them sacrifice life for my sake. 
 I shall rest content if I never awake. 
 I shall never again let my patience give way 
 To doubts. So, please God, again I pray, 
 Let me tell them the nature of this tree. 
 Then I shall be ever thankful to Thee." 
 Now Ruth had gently raised his head. 
 Still he questioned, "Am I alive or dead?" 
 Forcing his teeth was a trying task 
 But as they opened, he emptied the flask. 
 The liquid instantly relaxed the strain. 
 He felt life coursing thru every vein. 
 And the very instant his tongue was free, 
 He shouted, "For God's sake, away from this 
 
 tree." 
 Now he sprang to his feet and grasped Ruth's 
 
 arm. 
 And all hurried away in fear and alarm. 
 
The Power of Gold 175 
 
 THE FLIGHT AND EXPLANATION 
 
 Now he shouted again, "Get ye gone, I say," 
 As he fairly dragged the girl away. 
 Ruth needed no urging, but sprang on ahead 
 And never a word was asked or said. 
 The Student and Ruth now took the lead. 
 All hurried off at topmost speed. 
 At last our Student called a halt, 
 Some miles from his open but lonely vault. 
 And then he said, "Friends, I shall now explain 
 That my warning was not voiced in vain. 
 You will discredit what I tell you, I know, 
 Since I have no evident proofs to show 
 That I slept like the dead three hundred years. 
 Entranced by that tree, and I entertained fears 
 That I might not awaken until too late 
 And ye might be doomed to the very same fate. 
 Thru all these years I have laid on my bed, 
 And all but my sense of hearing was dead. 
 When I camped there Fd prayed to be trans- 
 planted. 
 And, friends, now I know my wish is granted. 
 Friends, I am telling the God's honest truth. 
 One of ye know it, and that is Ruth. 
 That tree by those rocks, where she found me. 
 Is the fabled, African, Sleeping Tree. 
 
176 The Power of Gold 
 
 RECOUNTING THE PAST 
 
 Amazement was stamped on all but one face, 
 
 As they learned the object of their mad race. 
 
 The Student could see at once that Ruth 
 
 Understood, and knew, he had told the truth. 
 
 When the mystery was explained at last, 
 
 All begged him to recount days of the past. 
 
 Tho our Student was no artist at pretentions, 
 
 All listened with breathless and wrapt attention. 
 
 He had a great many things to say, 
 
 In his honest, loyal and fearless way. 
 
 Then finally he voiced his past conviction. 
 
 That truth must still be stranger than fiction. 
 
 Then added, in quite a bitter strain, 
 
 "I see that my plea is almost in vain. 
 
 I see education is still one god 
 
 Who lacks faith in our Master's divining rod 
 
 Of love, for ye all look like men of State, 
 
 Yet your actions all seem to indicate 
 
 Doubt of me, that I speak honest truth. 
 
 So why don't ye wise men question, Ruth? 
 
 She knows courting truth meant courting danger 
 
 In my day. Yet to her it was never a stranger." 
 
The Power of Gold 177 
 
 THE STUDENT S IDEAL 
 
 The girl had softly advanced a pace 
 
 And eagerly scanned the Student's face. 
 
 Now he gently grasped her yielding hand 
 
 And said, "Yes, I know, Ruth, you understand. 
 
 For you never worshipped the gilded beast, 
 
 Nor danced your attendance at his feast. 
 
 I know you prefer God's priceless treasures 
 
 To the mammonites' riches and earthly pleasures. 
 
 What now, Friend Joe, you ask how I know? 
 
 Why I knew Ruth ages and ages ago, 
 
 When my wandering spirit roamed near or afar, 
 
 Her spirit was always my real guiding star. 
 
 I know that it ever dictated compassion. 
 
 So she can't be an ape of style or fashion. 
 
 'Tis not given for all to understand. 
 
 So I cannot resent that ye doubt me offhand 
 
 In matters that I cannot fully explain. 
 
 And if I could, I should yet speak in vain." 
 
 Ruth added, " 'Tis true. Thank God I found 
 
 thee, 
 My loyal, true, lover of humanity." 
 
178 The Power of Gold 
 
 WOUNDED PRIDE 
 
 Not a word had escaped the man called Joe 
 And now he said, "Friend, I fain would know 
 Just why you were chosen to be transplanted 
 Or why your prayer and wish were granted, 
 Why you claim to be almost the equal of Ruth. 
 Know ye not she is our Goddess of Truth? 
 Your advent is not wholly a mystery here 
 For Ruth predicted the day and the year 
 That she would find her wandering Soul Mate. 
 But how do you come to stand here and prate 
 Expressions and tho'ts to the very word, 
 And lines I know ye cannot have heard 
 If ye had slept only these last three years? 
 There is black art here, and I have my fears 
 Of mysteries that I cannot understand 
 And I am the acknowledged sage of the land. 
 All your tho'ts and expressions belong to me 
 For I penned them all quite recently, 
 And I have them all transmitted to paper. 
 So am I, or are you, the Modem Aper?" 
 
The Power of Gold 179 
 
 SELF DEFENCE 
 
 Joe had failed completely to hide 
 
 His streak of conceit and wounded pride. 
 
 Now the Student said, softly, "Friend, envy me 
 
 not 
 Mine heartfelt convictions, so sorely begot. 
 They are all a very part of my life, 
 Learned in the school of hard knocks and strife. 
 They were never borrowed from mammon's 
 
 pages, 
 Nor from his obedient, servile sages. 
 Know ye not there are forces we cannot control? 
 For instance, we can't read desires of the soul. 
 Not even our yearning desires of the heart, 
 So I do not question God's most divine art 
 Of instilling convictions in heart and soul 
 That no earthly powers can hope to control. 
 So I do not question why I was transplanted, 
 'Tis enough that my prayers and wishes are 
 
 granted. 
 'Tis clear I was chosen to reach this goal 
 By forces you or I cannot control. 
 Now, as to the lines ye all heard me quote 
 Being allied to those you recently wrote, 
 I tell you I wrote them all, Friend Joe, 
 And thousands more, three hundred years ago 
 
i8o The Power of Gold 
 
 Or more. So 'twas some Divine telepathy 
 That transmitted all my tho'ts to thee." 
 
 RECONCILED 
 
 Now Joe answered, softly, "Pardon me, Friend, 
 That I were so dense not to comprehend, 
 And partook of jealous or envious drau'ts, 
 And hinted you borrowed or stole my tho'ts. 
 I cannot doubt nor discredit thee longer. 
 Now I feel all your songs ring clearer and 
 
 stronger 
 Than mine. So I swallow my envious drau'ts. 
 'Tis clear you have fathered all my tho'ts, 
 Tho'ts that are not really yours or mine, 
 Since they must be inspired by forces Divine. 
 So will you not favor us with your name? 
 It must surely embellish the scrolls of fame." 
 
 THE ANSWER 
 
 The Student replied, as he grasped Joe's hand, 
 "Friend, I thank God that you do understand, 
 That you know I sing a pure, natural lay 
 Of songs never wanted in my day. 
 
The Power of Gold i8i 
 
 , £ 
 
 That is why it is useless to seek my name 
 For it never appeared in the halls of fame. 
 My long sleep has clouded my memory. 
 Let me think, then I'll sing a few songs to thee, 
 And they shall convince ye, one and all, 
 That I never did list to the luring call 
 Of the sciences of self, or the lust of gains, 
 Since I always sang much of the following 
 strains, — 
 
 THE student's SONGS OF THE PAST 
 
 In my day the toiler need only insist 
 
 God granted him full right to exist. 
 
 Breathe the natural lows of equality, 
 
 And he stood condemned by the powers that be. 
 
 Now I'll quote ye a few lines over again, 
 
 So ye cannot fail to grasp my strain. 
 
 They are lines I wrote and sang in my youth. 
 
 The first I called the Goddess of Truth. 
 
 Then one called. Our Garden of Humanity 
 
 And, Blazing Trails to Christianty. 
 
 Then songs that would benefit any nation. 
 
 And then, The Birth of Real Civilization. 
 
 Now, friends, since I've slept thru all these years, 
 
 I am still entertaining my doubts and fears . 
 
1 82 The Power of Gold 
 
 My heart-songs were sung to little avail, 
 
 For I sang without swinging the golden flail. 
 
 The songs I have sung are only a few 
 
 That I know were condemned by mammon's crew, 
 
 And in my position I cannot yet say 
 
 If ye now sing a natural or modern lay." 
 
 Joe said, "Friend, to-day we cast no pearls to 
 
 swine. 
 Our heart-songs are hailed as all but Divine." 
 
 PROFESSOR DAN 
 
 As yet few words had been spoken by Dan, 
 
 Who, as we have said, was the oldest man. 
 
 But now he came forward, explained his voca- 
 tion 
 
 As the greatest scientist of all the nation. 
 
 And then he grasped the Student's hand. 
 
 Saying, "Fear not, my Friend, we now under- 
 stand." 
 
 Then he added, smiling, "Listen, ye all, 
 
 W^have seen our Joe's pride experience a fall, 
 
 But only to arise greater than ever. 
 
 And create him a friend even death could not 
 . sever. 
 
The Power of Gold 183 
 
 He dared to question our Master's decree 
 In matters not given for us to see." 
 Then he added, teasingly, "Look, you Joe, 
 How much we imagine, how little we know, 
 With all our great knowledge we still seem vain 
 And selfish, compared to this stranger's strain 
 Of sentiment that wells up from the heart, 
 Superceding all sentiment of brainy art. 
 But enough of this Joe, can you not feel 
 That Ruth is this wandering spirit's ideal? 
 Can you not yet see, thru your blindness of youth, 
 That our Ruth reflects his Goddess of Truth?" 
 
 A STRANGE CEREMONY 
 
 Now Joe joined Ruth's and the Student's hands. 
 Saying, joyfully, "Yes, now I do understand. 
 Methought I were wise in spite of my youth 
 But stranger, here, take your Goddess of Truth. 
 She is loyal, faithful, devoted and true 
 And we know the same traits also govern you. 
 We know you have studied the farce of life. 
 So will know how to honor a natural wife. 
 Come, Parson Will, and you. Uncle Dan, 
 Come, let us appease the gods, if we can. 
 
184 The Power of Gold 
 
 There, thank you, Parson, What say you, Dan, 
 Of our natural examples of woman and man?" 
 
 THE CHRISTENING 
 
 Dan answered. Well, if I can have a say, 
 I tell you, my boy, I think your way. 
 I dearly love my Ruth, and you, Joe, 
 None the less this stranger we hardly know 
 As yet, but I'll stake my very life 
 He will treasure his loyal and natural wife 
 Since I feel and know he will play life's game 
 So as to bring honor on any name. 
 The two are now one, and the die is cast. 
 If he wills, his name may rest with the past. 
 So let us christen our wandering stranger. 
 What say ye all if we call him The Ranger?" 
 
 THE EXPLANATION AND BLESSING 
 
 The Ranger was pleased with his new name, 
 
 His heart went out to this man of fame. 
 
 Now he said, with a smile, "The name is not 
 
 strange 
 To me. Fve prospected God's big open range. 
 
The Power of Gold 185 
 
 Often worshipped its grand and majestic beauty, 
 Which I think also taught me my natural duty. 
 And this was to teach that all men should be free 
 In our Beautiful Garden of Humanity. 
 The past only casts up dark regrets 
 For me, since I could not pay my debts 
 To humanity, that I would pay in my day. 
 Conventions that glittered barrecf the way. 
 Because earthly gods ruled the ruling clan, 
 So a man would hardly dare be a man. 
 So ye can understand why I would forget 
 My name, and the past, that bring only regret." 
 Here Dan interrupted, "Yes, friend, we know 
 You are right, for history proves it all so. 
 But come, let us go, the hour is late. 
 H we linger longer we may tempt fate." 
 Then all gave Ruth and The Ranger their bless- 
 ing 
 In tones that sounded strangely caressing. 
 Then they started off at a moderate gait. 
 The Ranger following with his Soul Mate. 
 
1 86 The Power of Gold 
 
 A SONG OF THE HEART 
 
 When the trio was scarcely out of hearing, 
 The Ranger prayed for terms endearing 
 Enough to compel heart and soul to state 
 His faith and love for God and his Mate. 
 At last he managed to find his voice, 
 Then prayed, "Oh, God, in Thee I rejoice, 
 That you sent my guardian angel to me, 
 To protect mine heart and soul thru Thee. 
 So I am content, but again I pray Thee, 
 Make me worthy of her divine love to be. 
 Let her feel, when she found her apparent 
 
 stranger 
 She found her Soul Mate in me, The Ranger. — 
 And now, Ruth, Dearest, how shall I tell thee 
 You have opened up paradise here for me? 
 Need I tell you I glory in your every smile. 
 So full of compassion, so free from guile? 
 When I first gazed into your wonderful eyes, 
 I noted your look of wondering surprise, 
 And I saw the love-light reflected there. 
 So pure I had not hoped to find anywhere. 
 Hush, Ruth dearest, do not speak, for my sake, 
 Lest it all be a dream and I awake." 
 
The Power of Gold 187 
 
 RUTH S ENCORE 
 
 Ruth answered, softly, "No, 'tis not a dream. 
 Your faith and love are grand and supreme." 
 Then she added, gently, *1 heard thee pray. 
 So list. Ranger dear, to what I shall say. 
 You prayed God to make you worthy of me. 
 So I pray He makes me worthy of thee. 
 Since my finding you was all so ordained, 
 Tis a truth that need not be further explained. 
 Yet I stand amazed at your faith and love. 
 As a gift and treasure sent me from above. 
 Even purer than unalloyed virgin gold, 
 So pure it can never be bought or sold. 
 I also know the real mission of life 
 And will strive to make you a loyal wife. 
 Pray God He trust your love in my keeping 
 And I shall guard it, waking or sleeping. 
 Your songs ring out so loyal and clear 
 That I love you heart and soul. Ranger Dear. 
 All your words found their echo in my heart 
 And soul, so I pray we shall nevermore part. 
 I know you are cast as from God's truest mold, 
 Independent of all the past Power of Gold. 
 And I know you are sent as from heaven's gate 
 To me, your ideal, to your own Soul Mate." 
 
1 88 The Power of Gold 
 
 MEMORIES OF BYGONE DAYS 
 
 When Ruth referred to past powers of gold, 
 His tho'ts flashed back to the days of old. 
 He surmised, by her reference to the past. 
 That the Power of Gold was broken at last, 
 The power that made many pray that the morrow 
 Might end their miseries, sufferings, or sorrow. 
 Compelled men to steal their own Hke thiefs 
 And the lives God gave them to escape griefs. 
 But these specters gave way to each loving word 
 Of Ruth's, the sweetest he'd ever heard. 
 Then he felt a happiness, without alloy, 
 And fairly crushed her, in his supreme joy. 
 Both were silent now, and love's desires reigned, 
 And their joy was pure, untainted, unfeigned. 
 Neither had ever worshipped pretense as an art, 
 So both knew the language of eyes and heart, 
 Soon after, Ruth struggled from his embrace, 
 Saying, "Dear, come, we must hasten our pace. 
 'Tis dangerous to tarry. 'Twill soon be night 
 So please let us hurry while yet it be light. 
 These wilds are infested by wild beasts of prey. 
 Uncle Dan may fear we have lost our way." 
 Then she added, "Come, Dear, our love will not 
 
 scatter, 
 Tho we hurry, and nothing else can matter," 
 
The Power of Gold 189 
 
 BROKEN REVERIES 
 
 So these children of God, so strangely met, 
 
 Hurried over life's trail without any regret. 
 
 As if they had traveled it years and years 
 
 In other realms, other worlds or spheres. 
 
 The Ranger fell into a deep reverie. 
 
 Ruth broke in, saying, gently, "Dear, I can see 
 
 You are still engrossed with your many past 
 
 dreams 
 And I know the nature of your mental themes, 
 For my spirit has often heard yours sing 
 Of the joys real civilization would bring, 
 For it sang thru all these ages and years 
 And still you seem to entertain fears 
 That perhaps after all it sang in vain, 
 That no one heard its compassionate strain. 
 But in this. Ranger Dear, I know you are wrong. 
 Many doubting spirits did hear your song, 
 Tho they were confined to a narrow scope 
 By those who let no one inspire any hope. 
 Always branding heart-songs fanatic gammon 
 That were not inspired by the gods of mammon. 
 This tribe did rule about every nation. 
 Were the real stumbling-blocks to civilization. 
 So I know all this is good news to you. 
 Now I'll tell you your dream that did come true." 
 
190 The Power of Gold 
 
 REVELATIONS 
 
 "When I found you sleeping beneath that tree, 
 *Twas as if a new life were born unto me. 
 Then later my heart cried out against Joe 
 When he doubted you. But he could not know 
 As you do, that the spirit of truth never dies. 
 Will outlive the most foul or scientific lies. 
 Scientific pretense has almost passed away, 
 So rampant and worshipped in your day, 
 But natural conceit still exists, as you know, 
 And oh how I loved you, as you forgave Joe, 
 Then enlightened him fully, so he could see 
 That no mortal can govern his own destiny. 
 I fancy or feel you must have surmised 
 That scientific selfishness is civilized. 
 Its claws were burned, that cured the itches 
 Of selfish, despoiling, gods of riches. 
 This burning process had been hardly begun 
 When the rule of material gods was done. 
 And then newlaws broke all laws of self 
 And our scientific love of ill-gotten pelf. 
 Christ's teachings are no longer taught as of old 
 To thousands of different jingles of gold. 
 Now we don't worship scientific beasts of prey, 
 As was style or fashion in your day. 
 
The Power of Gold 191 
 
 Self-slavery is history, growing quite old, 
 And now we don't measure genius by gold. 
 Since earthly gods have all passed away, 
 Our Master can rule, and we try to obey." 
 
 REJOICING I 
 
 i 
 
 Now The Ranger rejoiced as never before, \ 
 
 As Ruth went on to complete her score. \ 
 Now she added, "Ranger, dear, I have no doubt 
 
 You would Uke to know how this was bro't about. j 
 
 Societies, formed soon after your day, 
 Began by teaching the meaning of A. 
 They opposed all selfish, material gods 
 And all those ruled by their scientific rods 
 Of hate, and were known as Altruists, 
 Tho at first they were branded rank anarchists. 
 They soon gained strength in every nation. 
 Then formed one great brotherly association 
 And were known by the emblems of AA 
 And they tau't the true altruistic lay. 
 Very few fell victims to selfish claws, 
 Yet this only seemed to strengthen their cause. 
 Their emblems stood for Anti Avarism, 
 Which was heart and soul of their catechism. 
 
192 The Power of Gold 
 
 For they soon tau't all honest men to see 
 All the trails that led to their misery. 
 In this way they bro't blessings to every land. 
 So now, Ranger Dear, you must understand 
 Worlds cannot longer be ruled as of old 
 By the luring, accursed Power of Gold." 
 
 A REGRETFUL AWAKENING 
 
 As Ruth was completing her welcome score, 
 The Ranger heard the distinct lion's roar 
 And he also felt the biting sting 
 Of the cold, as he heard the Jungle King 
 In this lonely, far-away African night. 
 Then fear of Ruth's safety increased his fright. 
 Now the tension broke and he did awake, 
 To arise, and find it was just daybreak. 
 He eagerly looked around to find Ruth 
 And then he realized the whole truth. 
 Which caused his heart to sink like lead 
 As he mused, "Ah, better that I were dead. 
 Had carried my dreams down into my grave. 
 Where I know no man needs to be a slave. 
 But now I must blunder along as of old, 
 A slave or a toy of The Power of Gold." 
 

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