The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-09-14
Whole Number 1887

stood by them what part each was to play in the
1amnabe deed which Dixon wished perfoFmed-a
deed which, TO all intelligent appears equal,
if not superior, in point of crmnality, to murder.
With malice in his heart, for the purpose Of graf
flying his revenge, this rumseller resolves to Sc
duce Summers from his integrity, to throw him
back int' that st1te of ruin and misery, whose e-
gtimate end is death here and hereafter! What /
else is this but murder most foul? Docs the name
sound harsh kind reader! Tell me, then, what
shall call it! What name shall I give to the cool
plotting villain who deliberately lays his plans TO
ruin the reformed drunkard, who succeeds and
has the satisfaction of knowing that the liquor
drank by the drunkard produces his death! What
shall call such a man, if man he be? s-a
which way SO fast, Summers?' shouted Nc
Allister, one afternoon, short time sfter lis con-
versation with Dixon.
Nowhere in particular replied Summers, stop
ping.
i have not seen you for an age. Where do you
keep Yourself now?'
Generally at my shop in the day time; at home
in the evening"
You should n'tkeep yourself so close from your
old acquaiutances. You seem TO have forgotten
US ali since you joined the Sons.'
%, no. Think of them often. But do not like
to go where used to see them. Don't like the
place. .-v ..-
DO you ever play at billiards. or. nine-pins,'
now?'
Have moi, for years.
'Think there is any harm iu it!'
No; but have no wish 10 play 8--st
Il did not know but you sometimes played now,
as you know they are pleasant and healthy games,
especially nine -pins.' =..a-.a l.a als->
Yes but have not time to spend that way
now.' .-.. ...... ... .. .-.... ...-..~
You know we have fine saloon, now. don't
you? one where they keep no liquor, and if you
ever want TO take game, you can do SO without
going where they sell spirits
Didn't know that. Who keeps it's
1T has been fitted up by man lately come to
town. replied McAllister, lying.
McAIlister felt the bait was taking. He said
no more just then, but taking Summers arm.
walked down the street with him. They walked
along carelessly talking about the various matters
of the day. Several times Summers felt like leav-
ing his companion and going another way, he felt
uneasy why he could not tell. McAIlister drank
very seldom if at ALL and, far the world could
see, was man of ordinary good character. When
they had reached very pleasant part of the city,
McAlister stopped and said:
Here is the saloon, won't you go int
No, think NOT. have no business there
But come. go in and see how nicely it is fitted
up. You may want to come sometime and spend
an idle hour. There is no liquor about it. Come,
let's go 10 and look around for a few moments.
You need not play
Summers hesitated. That hesitancy was the
ncipient step toward ruin; he knew it not.
You say they have liquor in here?
No, not drop. You could not get it if you
were to call forit. 1t is decidedly temperance
saloon.' There he continued, ,as one whom Sum-
mers knew 10 be a total abstinence man came out
of the door, don't you see that mau wouldn't 60
where liquor is sold.- Gomez 7-@ >EE -a
We'll, as there is no liquor there, will go in q
few moments; can't stay long,
They went in. Summers passed through the
rooms, and found several old acqua intances. tenn
perance men, who greeted his arrival as pleasant
event. He saw no liquor. He spent but few
moments there. rolled two balls, and then
left. The first step in Dixon's plot had been ta-
ken.
When Summers went home that night. he said
nothing TO his vile about the saloon. Occasionally.
during the next few days, he would think of the
saloon, and it not long ere the desire to play
sprang up in his bosom. At first the desire made
him feel uncomfortable. That, however passed
off, and he began to ask himself where could be
the harm or danger in taking game Of mine pins
or billiards in Temperance saloon?' This was
the second step to ruin.
About week after this, McAllister accidentally
met Summers one evening as he was walking
down town. He again joined him, and again
found his way to the saloon. This time Summers
went in without much persuasion, and 1t was not
long ere he was deeply engaged at one Of the
bowling alleys. After having played for some
time, lemonade was ordered and sent in. Sum-
mers did not notice that the tumbler given to him
was smaller than the ones given to the others, but
drank the lemonade without hesitation. The third
step was taken, and a fearful one it was, for tha
lemonade had been druggrd By DirOn!' A short
time after he had drank his glass, he felt excited
and bewildered. AS soon as McAllister saw this
he broke up the game, and suggested that it was
time to 90 home. He and Summers left the room
together.
|
i do wonder where Mr.. Summers can be-?
anxiousIy inquired his wife of the eldest daughter
as the town clock struck eleven. Something
must have happened to him. begin to feel alirm
| ed.
Don't the division meet to night, mother?'
No, tomorrow night it meets. \ our fathe
must have been taken sick. Did he say wher
he was going when he leftl'
Not as heard replied the daughter.
What can it mean! He must be sick If
only knew where to go would hunt him up sai'
the mother as she vanly strove to work.
The clock struck twelve. Mrs Summers s.a''
ed to her feet. Il can't endure this; some'n'ns
has happened. 1 must go and see can HUI
him., -.