The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1846-12-03
THE TEMPTER's DEFEArED.
BY JAMES DIXON.

ION years alter marriage, tnan Mark Pear
son, and his little wife, Kate. Mark was a
good, honest znever-tiresome mechanic. The
sun never rose and found him in bed nor did
1T ever set without leaving him at his work
Industry like his never yet went unrewarded
and consequently he bad amassed a very
snug little property. which with his careful
wite's frugaty, bid fair 10 make them indie
pendent In worldly riches before the grey
hairs of time had touched iheirhea The
political party 10 which Mark was attached
having been successful in the election Of two
Officers, as matter of course he was eated,
and for several DAYS was more about The
ttaverns than was his custom. The excite
ment having subsidized aud The new Offices
put IN possession of their respective officers.
II might have been supposed Mark would
have returned TO his shop, and resumed his
former business habits. However it was not
so. He had imbibed different aste He
took more pleasure in loungIug about the
-taverns, especially ihe ssWasbingion," listen
ing 10 the retailers of news, and the town or
acles. When the mails arrived, our friend
was the first TO be at the Post Office, and hav-
ing there ascertained what was going on in
The wide world, took good care TO impart
the same TO his crones at the smashing
TONI
As his habits became ius esiranged FRI ON
his employment, SO also were they from bis
family; his wlfessaw the change and felt her
heart yearn to win him back from his error,
as she easily ioresaw what must be the result
IT he continued on in tue course he Was pur-
suing.
How 10 gain the ascendency over him oc
cnpied her mind constantly, aud many were
the schemes concocied but never carried in
TO execution; her poor little head was filled
with Tears, and her life would freely have
been sacrificed could she but reclaim her
husband. The best laid plans are freqneni-
iy frustrated, whilst something unlhoughi OF,
accidentally proves lbegreat desidera tum.
fine lille boy; now about ten years Of
age was the 6fs born of this couple and
Kaie made him her confident in all matters
relating to her sorrows and affection, and OF
course the growing irregularily OF his father,
was the most constant theme.
The poor mother exhoried her boy never
TO touch liquor, but abhorit as he would the
Evil One which the good minister spoke so
much about every Sabbath, not forgetting 10
tell him how happy they would all be if. ia
Their would only stay al home and tell them
pretty stories as he used to do. Ii happened
one day gentleman called on Mark, about
some particular business, and as he one
of his best customers and The business ur-
gent, il was. necessary 10 find him if possible.
Fred was, therefore, despatched TO seek lis
father. After some search he found him
snugly esconced in The parlor of the ''Goat,n
discussing politics. The boy having deliv-
cred his message, Mark desired him To go
into the bar room and wait awhile and he
would go home with him. He did so, and
after staying about half an hour, his father
joined him, ahd they went home.
Ii SO occurred that the andady and one of
her daughters were the only persons in the
bar room during the time Fred there,
and their conversation being of such par
ticuar character, he attentvely listened TO
every word, which he stored we'll in his mind,
SO as to Tell his mother the first opportunity.
The visitor and Mark were long engaged in
the shop in earnest conversation, and when
they parted, Mark was heard 10 say:
81 will labor night and day so as not TO dis
appoint you"
81 shall rely on you," said the gentleman,
and rode off,
s'That's capital ORDER" said Mark, as he
opened the door that led into the paFor from
the shop; "wiIe, have got most excellent
job, nothing less than TO furnish Mrs. Smile, S
house with every stick of furniture, from
garrett to basement"
81 am glad of it. my dear, for was afraid
if business had continued bad much longer.
you would have lorsaken not only your shop
but also your family"
"Oh! don't talk so, that's always the way
with you women, if a man happens 10 go gu
an hour or two during the day. You know
Kitty,I don't like drink"
81 know you used not, but am afraid
Mark, have had misgivings," and the tears
Of love trinkled down her once rosy cheeks
Mark felt the censure and began busting
about al a rate that was somewhat unusua
for him of late.
In the evening of that day Kate wanIet
Mark to stay al home as il was Fred's brit
day, and she thought as he good boy
he ought TO be favored with his father
company for one night. Mark thought 81
too, SO he agreed TO stay at home and SET
what progress his children had made in thei
learning. Tea having been dispatched, to
gether with several little necessities the care
full mother had provided in remembrance c
her boys birth day, the children were desire,
10 get their books so that father might Sc,
how they had improved since he last hear
/ them read. This soon done and tn
youngster was to commence first with his
BIC. When all had done reading; Mar
expressed himself highly delighted with iheI
sll, rewarding each with slxpence.