Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1856-12-13
A GOES

''Mayn't l go with you. papa? Please say !
may, won't you? p
The words were uttered in a plaint;ve and sadly
entleating tone, the hands of the speaker clasping
the knees of the listener.
1t was n boy Of seven years wLo lisped them; a
beautiful boy, with fair. high brow, around which
there clustered a glorious wreath of auburn curls;
with dark, flashing eyes; cheeks rosy with health;
lips like the cherries of summer, and a voice hi e
the birds which taste them. There were tears in
those eyes at this time, though, and the dimple
mouth was quivering.
1t was n man of some five and thirty who listen
ed to this plea; n man who had been of noble looks
and princely bearing. Ay, had been tOT the
blighting truth was written over form and face
His locks were matted, his forehead scowling, his
eyes-red, but not with tears; there were burrows
on his cheeks, too, and a british look to the ex.
preston of his lips, Twice did the little boy ad-
dress him ere he answered. Then pushing the
child rudely from him, he said, in a stern voice,
: No, no. It's no place for you"
Again those fair, small hands encircled the
knees.
You 60, papa. Why can't too? Do let me
60"
For n moment the heart of the inebriate seemed
to wake from its sleep. He shuddered as he
thought Of the character of the place his pure-soul
ed boy would enter. He took the child tenderly
in his arms. and kissed him as OF old; then put
ting him down, he said kindly.
You must not ask me again 10 IaRe you tnere,
1t is no place for little boys" and seizing his hat
hurried from the room. murmuIing to himself, as
he paced the way to the brilliant bar room, and
mo place for men either. Would to God | had
never gone"
For a long time Willie stood where his father
had left him; then turning to the few embers thai
family glowed upon the hearth, he sat down in hi,
little chair, and resting his head upon his mother
lap, said, earnestly:
Mamma, why isn't that pretty store a good
place for little boys? Papa loves to 60 there"
1t was a trying question for the poor, heart-bro'
ken woman. She had so far kept from her son the
knowledge of his fathers sin. She could not beal
that he should look with shame upon him, or tina
his pure and gentle heart should thus commune
with 50 intense a grief. Kindly she toyed with
his long ringiets for awhile, then said endearingly
Papa knows better than you what is best for hi
little hoy. When you grow older you will learr
why he does not wish to take you"
Then rising, she carefully put down her bah,
upon it's little bed, and tied on her hood and cloak
"Mind the cradle, now, Willie; I'll come bacl
soon, and then you shall have some supper, and a
nice fire to sit by, TOO" ond taking a large baske
of ironed clothes she went out. A wealthy mother
would have been frightened at the thought only
of leaving so young a boy at n~ight-fall all alone
with an infant to care for, and an open Preside t.
sit beside. But poor Mrs. NJ. knew well she coulC
trust Willie with his slater, and as for burning VI
there was not Goals enough to thaw his bluei stiff
fingers. No, she did not fear to 90 and leave him
for he had thus been left many a time, and always
carefully obeyed her.
And he meant to now; but poor little fellow hi'
thoughts would wander to that brilliant corner
store, whi.her he knew his father always went a
evening; and his brain was busy with eager won
behring's. He knew his father loved to go, and knew
there must be something that he liked, for he nev
err came nome again till long after Willie wa
asleep. What lay behind those scarlet curtains wal
a mystery he sought in vain to unravel.
At length he whispered eagerly, as if 10 encour
age a longing wish, Papa used to tell me, it
wanted to know anything very bad, to perseyere
and would End it out. Now l do want to know
what makes him love TO go there so. knew tina
there must be pretty things behind those windows
| shouldn't wonder"-an and his cheeks were glow
ing--'if it was like a fairy house. Why can't
go"
Poor Willie! The temptation to know was too
strong to be resisted; so he hunted through thu
closet for a candle, for he was a thoughtful littl'