Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-10-17

mean to remain such. And allow me to say
that nothing could rejoice me more than fol
you and to stand side by side on this plat
form We want your assistance, and we want
your influence.
Moses was evidently touched. Passing his
hand thoughtfully over his swarthy brow, he
said:
We'll Squire, III tell you; you are rich
full and pltnty-nothing to bother you. Here
am plagued TO death sometimes how to get
along. " hen have paid my rent and grocc-
ry bill, haven't dollar left. It's Just from
hand to mouth with me. A fellow must have
a little comfort you know; and when get a
thinking about things, it seems as if u little dror
docs me good
'None at ALL friend Blauvclt, none at ALL
On the contrary, the very effect of liquor is to
unfit Il man for everything. have no doubt if
you would give it up entirely, you would find
after paying necessary expenses, that you had
pocket full of money besides
'Oh WELL replied Moses, I'll think of it /; but
I rather think you'll find it pretty tough worl;
TO make a cold waterman out Of me-
In spite Of himself, Moses Bauvelt could not
help turning the conversation over in his mind.
Tie manner of both gentlemen had been SO
friendly and respectful that it had been appeal
ed to-. lie could not bear the insiuuation that
ne was eiave to II destructive habit. lie did
not like 20 think so himself and it mortified
him for others TO think so. However, said he
o himself, it is no business of theirs. | shall,
therefore, do as please
Moses was occupying his usual quarters on
the rail fence next morning when he again per
ceved the Squire approaching HIS first i'm
pulse was to avoid him by going across the lot
to the woods His better nature, however, sug-
gesed tn meanness of such a course, and lie
resolved to stand his ground.
Friend Bauvet,' said the Squire, | come
to get YOU to sign the pIedge-here it is and
| want you to make speech al our meeting
next Monday
lIa! ha! ha! We'll Squire, you're team,
that's fact. Sign pledges, make speeches ;
hon hoh! hoh All right rather think III
do it-over the left. Sorry can't oblige you.
thought said the Squire | would make
YOU proposition, and you AN do as yon choose
in reference TO it. You were telling me yes
lerday that you found a tight work to pay the
landlord aud s,orekeeper. Now will tell you
what will do. | will make bargain with
YOU that if you will not drink any liquor for
three months, will be responsible for your cX-
penses. AT the end Of that time, If YOU have
not you twenty-five uo''drs over ana aOoVe,cuuie
TO me and viii make it good
We'll, Squire, replied Moses. J must say
YOU are very kind; but really don't like this
idea Of flying myself up
10 shorten our story; altera long conference,
the proposition OF the Squire was acceded to,
'Just by way OF Joke, as Moses observed. Anu
now about the pledge.
'Our bargain is for only three months, Squire
and then can back out honor bright, if like
You will have to alter the pledge accordingly :;
so we will step in and get pen and ink
Uuldah met her husband with IL pleasant
smile, and wiped Il chair for the Squire.
~ ie' SAID Moses, i am going to sign the
temperance pedgc-what do you think ?
Tears gushed INTO the wltc's eyes, and look
ing first at the one and then at the other, she
dropped up, n her knees, cXclalming, 'rhank
God, we VIII be happy vet. May the Lord
give you grace to keep your resolution
sOh. it's only for three months. You sec the
SGulrc here rather bantcred me. and thourht
| would take him up Just for the fun of it: and
he stated the proDosal which Suuire Smith had
made.
Rut to mason. The nledro for throa months
was sirncd. and faithfully adhered to Thc
task was most severe one, and cpjnions were
divided uluODT the mel rlhDrS aDDut the Drol1-
bjlity of the new conyert holdin0 on. R,r-roon,
exc c,frment and specnlntion we're rif, 'rhn
fact of Moses Blauvelt sirpinr the nledce was
tbc all cpurossinp tonic oftLe conntrv far mony
milo. round
Every day the Squire called to sneak kind
word of encourapement TO his pro,ern and ,t.
Ter the first unpleasant and somewhat nninfnl
sensations incident upon the new condition in
an unwonted chcerfuIncss. and declared th,t
his shirt, were more buovant. his onnot,to far
better, his rest sweeter, and that he had in fact
Just began to live.
Monday came round, and the Squire called
as usual. lie thought and said that few DAYS
of rational living had wrought wonderful
change, not only in the man himself bur on all
around him. lie had formerly noticed that the
fences and barn were good deal out of re-
pair now they were fast presenting a comfor-
table appearances The corn potatoes, and the
crops generally seemed t. be coming on well.
SO much thought he for letting stronr drink
alone.
'Ah, Moses remarked the Squire plavrully,
that speech; we shall want it to nght. You
will have to talk little
Now. Squire, that's puttinr if on rather thick.