hand, out of these crowds almost daily some man was drawn who had been brought by the efforts of the ladies to see the error of his ways, and led to strive after a better life.
Often the saloons were closed against them, and they were compelled to hold their services on the street. But this only brought the larger audiences. Often, too, they were assailed by abusive language, and even roughly handled. This, too, opened the eyes of many to the brutalizing effects of drinking, and led them to declare that if that was what whisky brought men to, they would never drink another drop; and every such convert only strengthened the resolution and faith of those who by their sufferings were able to save some. One instance will serve for an example of many that followed it.
A fine looking young man was standing on the edge of a crowd that had gathered at the "Web-Foot" to see Mr. Moffett insult and abuse praying women. When they left and went to another saloon, he followed them; and so around during a whole morning. At last he called one of the ladies aside, and said to her: "I never until this morning realized the wickedness of this business—never thought I was doing wrong to drink; but now I see it and know it. I see the difference between Christian women, such as you are, and these men, or myself; and I am going to sign the pledge, and by God's grace try to be a Christian. Will you pray for me?
Those who have heard the prayers and seen the tearful faces of these women while they related these daily incidents in the noon and evening meetings, know whether or not they pray for such cases as these. If God hears prayer, or regards tears, theşe men will be saved to themselves, to the world, and to God.
There are several places in the city where it has seemed impossible to produce the slightest effect upon the hearts and consciences of the keepers or inmates. One of these is the "Oregon Exchange." Frequently when a visit from the ladies was anticipated, some ridiculous or scandalous performance was gotten up to divert the ladies from their purpose; such as a man fantastically dressed, a la Negro Minstrels, dancing, and drinking from a bottle, etc. To these performances the ladies closed their eyes, going through the services as usual, and quietly departing at the close.
Other persons closed and locked their doors. In fact every course was resorted to that could by any possibility discourage or terrify these devoted women. Yet they would not shrink from anything. One of the worst places visited was kept by two women. With these the ladies felt that they must succeed; but they seemed as hardened as any men in the same business. After several solemn and impressive prayers, tracts were left, and the ladies went their way.
Going to the same place two or three days afterward, as the ladies approached the house, one of the women flew in a rage to close the door. Then, as they knocked for admission, the voice of contention was heard within. One woman said they should not be admitted, and the other with equal decision declared that they should. After a brief parley
