In a city situated in the formerly beautiful low country, people are ruthlessly and coldly invested in their own activities. Brother Frank Burns, a preacher who has pledged himself to spreading the word about God, feels unwelcome in this town. Each night, he stands on the street, preaching to the men in the bars and brothels nearby about how they should cease practicing their sinful behavior and embrace God’s goodness. One night, a man watches Brother Burns, intrigued with his melodious voice and passion, finding him a glorious sight amidst the dinginess of the surrounding streets. However, he sees two policemen heading towards the preacher. One of the cruel policemen pulls the preacher into a chokehold and throws him on the ground, demanding his permit, but the preacher tells him the judge did not require him to have one. He begins beating Brother Burns, and the second policeman joins him. They drag Brother Burns away, but he yells out his cause nonetheless. The spectating man follows Brother Burns and eventually sees him emerge from a basement of a public building, then follows him some more until realizing the preacher is likely heading home for the day.             The next day, the man sees the preacher on the street again, though with another man at his side. When the preacher finishes his speech, he allows his companion to speak, and in this new man’s presence, they are not assaulted. Later, in a gathering of the African American community, the spectating man approaches Brother Burns and asks him a few questions about his life. He learns that Brother Burns has dedicated himself to poverty and labor, belonging to no church and preaching of God the same way the original apostles did. When he asks Brother Burns about his assault a few days ago, the preacher moves on quickly from his question, saying he has had many encounters like that one. For the next year, Brother Burns stays in the city, doing manual labor until he catches pneumonia during the winter. His sickness takes such a heavy toll on him and he dies the same day he arrives in the hospital. A couple days later, Brother Burns is laid to rest in the cold air of a winter day transitioning to spring. The spectating man attends the service and watches the laborers lower Brother Burns’ casket into the earth. Lying in the still, calm, peaceful environment, the bright and lively preacher was able to live his life and meet his death in courage, conquering both.