He noticed the look, and it pulled him together.

He faced about toward old Latour and asked in a high, clear voice: "Is this the room you said we might have ?" The Frenchman shrugged his shoulders and said: "There is not any more." The lad paused for an instant, but only for an instant.

Then, lifting a pile of hymn books he had near him on the counter, he said in a grave, sweet voice, and with the quiver of a smile about his lips: "Gentlemen, Mr.Latour has allowed me this room for a religious service.
It will give me great pleasure if you will all join," and immediately he handed a book to Bronco Bill, who, surprised, took it as if he did not know what to do with it.

The others followed Bronco's lead till he came to Bruce, who refused, saying roughly: "No! I don't want it; I've no use for it." The missionary flushed and drew back as if he had been struck, but immediately, as if unconsciously, The Duke, who was standing near, stretched out his hand and said, with a courteous bow, "I thank you; I should be glad of one." "Thank you," replied The Pilot, simply, as he handed him a book.

The men seated themselves upon the bench that ran round the room, or leaned up against the counter, and most of them took off their hats.