Little by little a change was being wrought in the territory, and the missionaries were helping to bring about a condition of law and order. In this period of transformation, Brother Van was “hail fellow well met” with the people. One gambler said, “I like that old scout, he plays fair.” His singing helped him to win them, for he would stand on the hillside and sing, “Shall we Gather at the River,” or “Over and Over,” and the miners, gamblers, and settlers would come to the service. Illustration: DR. THOMAS C. ILIFF AND BROTHER VAN, WHO HAD MANY ADVENTURES TOGETHER IN THE OPENING WEST Arriving at a typical mining camp one day, the scout-preacher took possession of a new building for a service. It proved to be a saloon such as he had borrowed before. It was an ordinary occurrence for lights to be snuffed out by bullets in a meeting that did not meet with approval from the men, but they did not put out the lights when Brother Van spoke. They liked his simple, sweet message, and, above all, they liked his singing. The song “The Gospel Train is coming” particularly pleased them, for the railroad language held new and fascinating words in a community which was just growing accustomed to the railroad. One of the men said to the preacher, “If you will sing that song to-morrow night, I’ll bring forty men to hear you.” “All right, that’s a bargain,” said the singer. This man was a leader of the gang. He had a hurdy-gurdy which made his saloon especially attractive. On the next night forty grizzled men marched in and took their seats. No lights were put out. No disturbance was made by the forty who had reserved seats, but something did happen: that “hurdy-gurdy” man got on board of the “Gospel Train” and brought along a number of his comrades. CHAPTER X GREAT HEART WITH THE INDIANS MANY acts of service rendered to his new brothers on his frequent visits to them had made the Blackfeet Indians know that Brother Van was truly their friend. One incident in particular is now of interest to illustrate the character of the red men and the manner in which the missionary won their liking. One day when White Plume was chief of the Blackfeet and Piegan tribes, camp was made and the evening meal was prepared. Into this busy and picturesque scene came the preacher, and with the aid of an interpreter, he started to speak the good tidings to these people of the plains. The Indians were interested and listened respectfully. Suddenly a runner came quietly but swiftly into the group and uttered an Indian word. Instantly the audience dissolved. They went so quickly that the astonished preacher inquired of the interpreter as to the reason of their going. There was reason enough. While these people were listening to Brother Van, the Crow Indians, a rival tribe, had come and driven off the ponies which had been turned out to graze for the night.