Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1853-12-07

par room was close by, around the corner
Thither Joe directed his steps. impelled as
much by an awakened curiosity, as BY ANAL
consuming thirst. Wonder Of wonders -
An was dark and silent in the neighborhood
Of Paul Dixon's. Even the great lamp, with
its stained glass Sides and variegated letters,
had been taken down. and the bare lamp.
post, as it stood sharp against the sky. added
to the deserted aspect of things, SO new, and
strange, and unaccountable.
Something's wrong" murmured Joe Bar
ker, in subdued voice. Something's to
pay He looked at the lamp post. at the
closed windows and door Of Paul Dixcn's
tavern, and sighed. He really felt melan-
choly.
a wish had good drink" be said, arous-
ing himself. Il never was so dry in my life
| wonder if all the taverns are closed Gill
bort. Sprigg, and Dixon shut up2 Can't
make it out. no how"
Thus talking with himself, Joe commenced
retracing his steps, but very slowly, bis eyes
cast down to the pavement So lost was be
in bewildering maze Of doubt and sugges-
ton, that, ere aware Of an obstruction in bis
path. be came suddenly, and with quite a
shock, against a very sober, old fashioned
pump, that signifed its consciousness Of the
assault, by rafting somewhat noisily the
chain Of it's iron ladle.
eli. BIZ. what's the matter now ?" ejaeu.
lated Barker moving back pace or two, and
trying to relink the broken chain of his
thoughts. "Ouly the old pump. Aha I've
had many cool drink here, 10 my time, both
as boy and man and it never cost me cent,
nor made me more Of a fool than some PEG.
Pile say | am by nature. Good evening Mr..
Pump. Let US shake hands, or shake han
die, just as you please. for old acquaintance
sake. I've been trying TO get drink for
this half hour. But, not drop is to be had
for love or money. The rum. sellers have al!
shut up shop, it seems. ! hope you're not
on strike, too. Let's see !"
Joe Barker lifted the handle, putting the
iron ladle under the spout as he did SO, and
brought it down with strong jerk. Out
gushed the crystal water, looking clear and
beautiful even in the feeble star light 1t
filled the ladle, overrun its sides, aud went
splashing down upon the pavement. There
was something pleasant in the sound, even to
the dull ears Of Barker; and there was fee
bic awakening in his mind Of dear old memo
ries about boyhood, and the early times when
he was better man than now
To bis mouth he placed the trimming Ia
die, and drank pure draught of nectar
just as he had removed the vessel from his
lips. and taken deep inspiration, a hand was
laid on his shoulder Familiarity, and friendly
voice said
Cheaper drinking that, neighbor Barker
than ever was found at The Diamond, across
yonder, and a thousand times better into the
bargain. I'm glad to see you returning to
your old friend again, and hope you may never
have occasion to desert him. Friend Pump
is worth score of your sprisgs, Dixous and
Gilbert's What blessed thing that you
are forever rid Of their friendly Offices
Forever rid of them 2 said Barker
What does it all mean, neighbor? What
have they done? Has any one been mur-
dered ?
Murdered No, not exactly that; but,
didn't you know that the old villain Alcohol
died last night
Died? What. don't Understand
And poor Joe Barker looked more bewildered
than ever. 'Died-how 2
"Why. Joe Barker! Is it possible you
don't know that the Maine Law went into
operation in our State to. day 2
The Maine Law Joe took off bis old
hat, and laid one of his broad hands upon his
forehead. The Maine law! ! heard 'em
talking about it on last election. They said
it was dreadful outrage upon our liberties,
over at The Diamond, and so voted against
it. What does it do. neighbor? Win it
shut up all the taverns?'
"That's just what it has done already
You cant buy drink of liquor ia the whole
town"
"You don't tell me! Good. say to that
Well. | couldn't make it out. no how
thought something strange had happened =
All shut up Ho. no! sprigg said it would
be the ruination Of the town if the law passed.
| rather guess he thought there was nobody
in town left to be ruined except rum sellers.
Aud you're sburc every tavern has been clo-
sed Z"
Il know IT, was the decided answer
"Then III run home and tell Betsy. But
wont she be glad"
Ard ,ua tho ova.k Il r