Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-12-23


a few steps, and then pause TO commune
with his troubled and bewildered thoughts.
4 VIII try Lankford, he said at length,
he win give me work, surely A brisk
walk of few moments brought him to
the door of small hatter's shop in a re-
tired street. Behind the counter Of this
shop stood an old man, busily employed
in ironing hat. There was something
benevolent in his countenance and man
ner. As Jarvis entered, he looked Up,
and shade passed quickly over his face.
Good morning, Mr.. Lankford,' Jar
Wis said, bowling. with something ike
shame and timidity in his manner.
Are you not afraid to come here,
John" the old man replied sternly.
I am ashamed to come. but not afraid
You viii not harm me, know
Don't trust to that, John. Did you
not steaI-aye, that is the word-did you
not STEAL from me the last time I en-
Ployed you2 The old man in manner
was stern and energetic.
i was so wicked as to take couple
of skins, Mr.. Lankford, but I did very
wrong, and am willing to repay you for
them if you viii give ne work. I was
in liquor when I did it, and when in
liquor I have no distinct consciousness Of
the evil of any action.
Give you work, indeed! Oh, no, Johnl
l cannot give you another chance to rob
me.
But viii not get drunk any more; /;
and you know, Mr. Lankford. that while
l was sober man, and worked for. YOU.
1 never wronged you out of a sixpence
worth.
Wont get drunk any more; All!
John, I have lived too long in the world,
and have seen too much, to heed such
promises.
Butt am in earnest, Mr.. Lankford.
| signed the pledge this morning.
You in a tone of surprise.
Yes, I signed it.
All, John, after pause, and shaking
his head incredulously, I cannot credit
your word, and am sorry for it,
III have signed the pledge, and if I
am really determined to be a reformed
man, will you give me work, Mr.. Lank-
ford 2
The old man thought for few mo-
meDts, and then said, half sorrowfulIy.
i am afraid of you, John. You are
such an old offender on the score of drunk
enness, that I have no confidence in your
power to keep the pledge.
Then what shall I dor the poor
wretch exclaimed, in tones that made the
heart Of the old man thrill-for nature
and pathos were in them. Now that
am trying in earnest to do better, no one
viii give me a word Of encouragement,
or a helping hand. Heaven help me -
for an forsaken man.
Have you been to see Warren 2
asked the old man..
Yes, and he threatened to kick me
out Of his shop
Mason wants hand, know. He
viii no doubt be glad to employ you
I've tried hin, but he will not give
ne work
Mr.. Lankf0rd stood thoughtfully and
irresoIute for some moments. He pitied
from his heart the poor creature who thus
importuned 50 earnestly for work, and
whose trembling hand indicated that he
had forborne, at least for a time, his ac-
customed stimulus. But he did not wish
to have him in his shop, for he had no
confidence in him. At length he said,
John, if you viii bring me a certificate
from Mr.. R. that you have signed
the total abstinence pledge, I win give
you another trial, bat if you disapgoint
ne again, you and L are done forever
The countenanee Of Jarvis Frightened
up instantly. He turned quickly away
without reply, and hurried off to the store
Of Mr.. R, the Secretary Of the So
eiety be joined. The certificate was ot
course obtained.
And you have joined, sure enough
john Mr. Lankford said, in q changed
tone, as he glanced over the certificate
Indeed I have, Mr.. Lankford.
And you seem in earnest.
IF ever I was in earnest about anv,
thing n my life, 1 an IN earnest nov.
Keep your pledge, then, John, and al
viii be well. While you were a sober
man preferred you to any jogrueyman
IN ny shop. Keep sober and you sbaI
never want q days work while am IL
business.
By the aid Of Him who knows how