The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1853-07-14
THE OLD MANS STORY.
A THRILLING SKETCH.

shall never forget the commencement
of the temperance reformation. | was d
child at the time, of some ten years of age
Our home had every comfort, and my pa
rents idolzcd me, their child. Wine was
often on the table, and both my father and
mother frequently gave it to me in the bot
tom of my morning glass.
One Sunday, at church, startling an
nouncement was made to our people.
knew nothing of its purport, but there was
much whispering among the men. The
pastor said that on the next evening there
would be a meeting, and address upon the
evil of intemperance in the use Ct alcoholic
drinks. He expressed himself ignorant OF
the object of the meeting, and could not say
what course it would be best to pursue in
the matter.
The subject of the meeting came up at
our table after the service, and | question
ed my father about it with all the curious
earerness of child. The whispers, and
words which had been dropped in my hear
ing, clothed the whole affair with a great
mystery to me, and ! was all eagerness to
learn the strange thing. My father merely
said it was some scheme to unite church
and state.
The night came, and the groups ofpeople
gathered on the tavern steps, and | heard
the Jest and the laugh, and saw drunken
men come reeline out of the bar-room. |
urged my father to let me 60, but he ut first
refused Finally, thinking that it would be
an innocent qualification OF my curiosity, he
put on his hat and we passed along the
green to the church. ! remember well
how the people appeared as they came in,
seeming to wonder what kind OF an exhibition
was to come OF.
In the corner was the tavern keeper, and
around him a number of friends. For an
hour the people of the place continued to
come in, until there was fair house iuil.
All were curiously watching at the door,
wondering what would appear next, The
pastor stole in and took seat behind pillar
under the gallery, as if doubtful OF the pro.
priety of being in church at all.
Two men finally came in, and went TO
the altar and took their seats. Alleges wele
fixed upon them, and general stiffness per.
vaded throughout the room.
The men were unlike in appearance, one
being short, thick set in his build, the
other tall and well formed. The younger
! lau Tile IlduIleI uuu uiSSS VI SAS' ''oN',
full, round face, and quiet good natured
look, US he leisurely looked around over the
audience.
But nv childish interest was all in the
old man. His broad, deep chest, and unusual
height, looked giant like as ne strode slowly
up the aisle. His hair was white, his brow
deeply scanned with burrows, and around
his handsome mouth, lines OF calm and
touching sadness. His eye was black and
restless, and kindled as the tavern keeper
uttered a low jest aloud. His lips were
compressed, and crimson flush went and
came over his pale cheek One arm was oil
above the elbow, and there was wide scar
over his right eye
The Younger finally arose and stated the
object of the meeting, and asked if there
was a clergyman present to open it with
Our pastor kept his seat, and the speaker
himself made short prayer and then made