I had hoped to spend the next night at the home of my friend S——, but next day I met him and others going to the Ashcroft races. He expressed his regret at not being home to receive me, but begged me to stay at his place that night.
I preached at Cache Creek, and arrived at my friend’s ranch about evening. His Chinese servant met us, and I said to him:
“John, I met your master to-day, and he told me to stay here all night. You are to feed my horses, and I am to stay here until morning.”
He seemed doubtful as to my honesty, and in a somewhat peremptory tone of voice said, “You savee Mr. S——? You savee Mr. S——?”
“Yes,” I said, “and he told me to stop here to-night.”
“You savee Mr. S——? You savee Mr. S——?” he repeated, each time growing louder and more emphatic.
“Yes,” I replied, in a strong and decided voice, “I know Mr. S——, your master, and I want you to get my supper, for I am going to remain here to-night.”
Finally convinced, he took the horses and put them in the stable, and returning to the house, very soon had a fine supper for us, of boiled chicken and other delicacies.
After supper I said to him, “John, do you know Jesus? Have you ever heard about Jesus?”