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

are about doing, Jarvis 2
1 think am, Mr.. R. Eve drank
nothing since yesterday morning. and
with the help of Him above, I am deter
mined never to drink another drop as long
as live. So read me the pledge, and
let NE sign it.
Mr.. r. turned at once to the constitu-
ton of the Washington Temperance
Society, and read the pledge thereunto
annexed We, the undersigned. do
pledge ourselves TO each other as gentle
men, that we viii not hereafter drink any
spurious liquors, wine, malt or cider, un-
less in sickness, and under the prescrip-
ton of a physician.
Jarvis took the pen in hand, that trembled
SO he could scarcely make straight mark
on paper, and enrolled his name among
hundreds WHO, like him, had resolved
to be men once more. This done he laid
down quarter of q dollar which he had
obtained from his wife, the admission fee
required Of all who Joined the society,"
As the turned from the store. his step
was frmer, and bis head more erect than,
in sober state. he had carried it for
many a day. From thence he proceeded
to a hatter's shop.
Well. Jarvis, was uttered in rather a
cool, repulsive tone, As he entered.
Are you in want of a journeyman,
Mr.. Warren
1 don't want you, Jarvis
If you'll give me work, I'll never get
drunk again, Ar. Warren.
You've said that too many times. Jar
Wis. The last time you went off I was
hurried with work. and you caused ne to
disappoint a customer. I then deter
mined to have nothing to do with YOU
But I'll never disappoint you again
urged ;he poor man earnestly.
It's no use for you to talk. Jarvis
You and I are done with each other. I
have made up my mind never again to
have man il my employ who drinks
rum
But I've Joined the Temperance So
ciety, sir
I don't care If you have-in two
weeks you'll be lying in the gutter
IN never drink liquor again if I die
Jarvis said solemuIy-
Look here you drunken vagabond.'
the master halter said, in angry tones,
coming from behind the counter, and
standing in front Of the individual he was
addressing. If you are not out Of this
shop in two minutes by the watch, I'll
kick you into the street! So there now
take your choice to 60 out or be kicked
out
Jarvis turned sadly away without q
reply, and passed ont of the door through
which he had entered with a heart filed
with hope, now panied, and almost ready
TO recede from his earnest resolution and
pledge to become a sober man, and a bet
ter husband and father. He felt utterly
discouraged. As he walked slowly along
the streets. the fumes of a coffee house
which he was passing, unconsciously.
struck upon his sense, and Immediately
came an almost overpowering desire for
his accustomed potation. He paused
Now that I try to reform they turn
against me- be said bitterly. 1t Is no
use, I am gone past hope. One step
was taken toward the tavern door, when
/ it seemed as if strong hand held him
back. No, no. he murmured; I have
taken the pledge, and I viii stand by it
! if die Then moving resolutely or
ward, ne soon found himself near the
door Of another hatter's shop. Hope
again kindIed up in his bosom. and he
+ entered.
Don't yoa want hand, Mr.. Mason
he asked in 4 hesitating tone.
! Not a drunken one, Jarvis, was the
! repulsive answer.
But I've reformed, Mr. Mason.
So I should think from your looks
But indeed, Mr.. Mason, I have quit
drinking, and taken the pledge
To break it in three days; perbap.
three hours
Won't you give ne work. Mr.. Mason
if promise to keep sober?
No; for I would not give a cent fol
your promises.
Poor Jarvis turned away. When be
had placed bis hand to the pledge, b
dreamed not Of those repulses and dificul
ties. He was q good workman, and b.
thought that any one ofhis old employer.
would be glad to ger him back again, a
soon as they learned Of his having signel