Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-10-05
THE PAUPER LIEUTENANT.

l.
did not like to see him there. He was too
Young and handsome man. His phrenolog
icai Developments were decidedly good. He
had fresh complexion, blue eyes, light curly
hair; but lack Of decision characterized his
countenance-wanto of firmness was apparent in
his manner. lie was reading newspaper.
ssThat is not one of your pauperS 20 said
to the gentleman in charge.
ssI am sorry to say he is, SIR he replied.
$50 young so promising in appearance-I
really cannot understand it, remarked.
ssNor could any one not acquainted with his
history" was the reply; s'but let us resume
our walk. By-and-by come this way he will
enter into conversation with you he is not
backward about it. l don: know what to
make of the man, really
'.Bnt how old is he 20
s'Twenty nine years; he looks even younger.
! fear he has lost all proper ambition, and it
NAV be, viii end his life in the workhouse."
We wandered along from to the other.
The establishment was perfect most of the
panpers were old and infirm many of them
looked shame-faced on being noticed. Poor
old menl l suppose they had no children to
Tor them. In of the offices a
model of ship. 1t was a splendid thing
From keel TO masthead there no fault in
her. The guns were beautifully earred-- Of
ficers stood on her quarterback, sailors in her
rigging. Every coil of rope, every shroud
exquisite in finish and proportion. The
DOatS were secured. tne sails All SET IFuiy
she regal object. Behind this vessel was
a printing representing the distant port.
Ms natural question was, ssW no did that ~
ssThe poor fellow is dead" was the reply.
ale was a genius and a scholar. The noblest
looking man. sir, you ever laid your eyes up
on. You have seen that fine stone mansion
on Sedgwick street? Well, sir, he built that
house ten years ago, and paid thirty thousand
dollars for it, and yet, five years after, lie was
i'll the poorhouse."
owl did it, sir 10
ssRum."
That was the brief reply. Expressive, was
itnot!
"Yes sir rum The last time he went ont,
his eyes were very much in1amed, the doctor
of the institution gave him dollar, saying,
bob, il you drink any more you will lose
your eyes,
Bob, looked at the dollar, then turned to the
doctor with most expressive glance: as he
said ssThen farewell TO the eyes" ="
s.Horrible wasn't it In months time
they were digging his grave. 1t was in the
corner of the churchyard. Nobody followed
the miserable body. 1t laid in pine coffin,
and we only said, we heard of it-sPoor old
Bob THAT'S all the epitaph drunkard gets,
sirl :"
Fifteen minutes after, was hunting up the
parsonage who had interested me so much.
fonnd him IN the garden, hOeing potatoes.
We talked together on agriculture. His
fine language astonisbed me. felt that he
had an intimate acquaintance with books, with
men, with nature.
We walked along. he showing me the pro-
ducts of the soil. Presently we came to an
arbor oyerhung with grapes, and sat down to-
gether.
Pardon me,'' said 1, ssif take the liberty
of asking you what brought you here at so
early an age 2"
His eyes dropped, he raised them again as
lie answered.
ssRumI 20
That brief word In my mind it is associa-
ted with all the horrors of hell.
Presently he continued-..I have disgraced
an honorable name, sir am bringing my
family shame, and yeti have not the nerve
10 be a better man."
was indignant at this confession. He saw
it and continued ssDo not blame me, sir ;
you have not had my trial. have fallen from
high place. Eighteen months ago, was
lieutenant in the navy, SIR
sis it possible ?'' / was startled, shocked.
ssYes, sir, possible reality, SIR" His lip
quivered little as he added, 81 have broth
in the pulpit, sir; fine preacher, man
loved and respected. How do you suppose he
feels? | have rich brother in New York.
They have both tried their best to save me.
81 was ruined in my youth. There is large
oil store on the corner of NJ. and l.. streets.
You have doubtless seen it. Before his death
my 1atner carried on tildt OuoiHcSo. "Sh'
there regularly after 1t was closed for the day,
stealing from my home, often from my bed, for
the purpose to carouse with three young fell
lows of my own age. Do you wonder was
drunkard Of these boys, alone am living.
One of these boys sho. himself, another was
drowned drunk, and the third was hung Tor
murder only two months ago. The fourth
You see. is not much better of" he added
with sickiy smile.
''My habits began to be known, at last, to
my parents. 1T came near killing them BE-
fore was eighteen 1 was brough home drunk
nearly score OF times. Sir, fought with
my habit, but it mastered me- The iend had
NE by the throat
''Strange to say, once when l was in liquor
performed daring feat. 1 caught runa-
way horse, and by sheer .strength succeeded
II arresting his mad course. Would that some
power could have held me so. l was much
applauded for nay heroism. But better than
all the praise / heard were the sweet smiles
upon the white face of the girl had saved
IRON horrible death. She was driving alone