A conflict like that in which Thomas Crosby spent his life was no mere holiday parade. It was a grapple to the death with the powers of evil, in which no quarter was asked or given. He gave his life for the redemption of a people for whose souls no man cared, and fought--sometimes almost single-handed--a life-long battle against superstition, immorality, and godlessness of every kind. No marvel, therefore, if he incurred the bitter enmity of the witch-doctor, the whiskey-trader, and the libertine, and by “lewd fellows of the baser sort” was the best-hated man in British Columbia. But he has his reward. By the converting grace of God some bitter foes were transformed into ardent friends; and as he searched society’s rubbish-heaps for lost jewels, here and there he found a pearl of great price that more than compensated for all his toil. Many will join in the prayer that years of useful service may still be his, and that his declining years may be brightened by further displays of saving power among the Red Men of the Pacific Coast. A. SUTHERLAND. TORONTO, February, 1907. CONTENTS. PAGE I. The Flatheads and the “Book of Heaven” 9 II. The Call from Macedonia 21 III. Westward, Ho! 30 IV. At Nanaimo--The School 41 V. Heathen Street _vs._ Christian Street 48 VI. Difficulties with the Language 52 VII. A Slavery worse than Death 60 VIII. Feuds and Bloodshed 67 IX. Houses, Clothing, Cruel Customs 79 X. Courtship and Marriage 88 XI. Foods, Feasts and Follies 99 XII. Native Worship and Superstitions 112 XIII. Struggles with Whiskey, and the Ravages of Fire-water 126 XIV. Some Perilous Canoe Trips 141 XV. Varied Experiences 159 XVI. How the Gospel came to Chilliwack 169 XVII. More of the Chilliwack Revival--Camp-meetings 183 XVIII. The Bunch Grass Country 195 XIX. Marvels of Grace 206 XX. Lay Agencies--Salvation in a Victoria Bar-room 233 XXI. British Columbia--Its Interests and Resources 237 XXII. The Missionary Progress of the Years--Home Again 241 ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Portrait of Author _Frontispiece_ Flathead Woman and Child 8 Early Native Types 18