The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-09-24

The Happy Meeting.

I'm glad you've come, George. \ oa are
too tired to 60 any further, [ know, but AIN
so anxious about your uncle Jerry, and have
no one else to send after him. He's been
gone ever since nine clock, and Im sure he
lies in drunken sleep, at that horrid tav-
ern, or has been turned out to freeze to death
in the cold snow'
Dear aunty, pow calm yourself, and don't
imagine so many dreadful things | said, my
compassion awakened by her dark forebodlngs
and by the sight Of the tears that were
coursing Gown her sorrow.worn cheeks 'll
go right away, and you may 0e certain | will
bring him home and aunty sometime | shall
be large enough and bravo enough to punish
that old monster that is dealing destruction
to poor, weak men ike uncle Jerry. Coed
bye | started for the house with rapid
strides. bearing quickly boating heart and
a face flushed with Indignation. The snow
whistcd about me, hall binding my eyes
and rapidly filing the small foot-path that
led, by nearer way than by tnc travelled
road, TO the neighboriug village. dashed
bravely on, without u thought Of the wariike
elements, but absorbed in the bitter refiec-
tions which my aunties words had awakened.
| was an orphan, fourteen years OF age,
and had lived with my uncle Jerry ever since
the sad day when watched my mothers
burial, with the conyulslye griel OF child
Of seven summers. In the genial home to
which | was carried, could only for a brief
season dwell sadly upon my bereavement.
Children forget their sorrows when they feel
that the ove and sympathy Of which they
were suddenly deprived is flowing back to
their hearts in other channels. My uncle's
genial nature, my auot's kind motherly de-
meanor, soon baniShcd the temporary shadow
from nay spirits, aad was again . light
hearted boy, free from thought Of coming
cares and sorrows No child could poss-
ess q stronger love for parent than that
which had been growing into my heart since
my uncle's broad arms we're oustretched to
receive me. | had iett youthful pride in
his superior worth and Intelligence, and III
the respect he elected from all classes Of
community. AS became older began to
discern the ominous shadow which was
threatening our hitherto cloud!ess sky. On!
what hours Of sadness and humiliation to
myself and my poor aunt, were those in
which we watched Tor his return, picturing
in our minds. .odious scenes where he fingered
long at the wine,' unmindfu Of the love Of
wife and child, Of his sacred VOWS, and, more
bitter still, despising his own self respect and
manhood. The curse came in loss of esteem,
neglect of business the drunkard's passion.
stained face, and imbecile mind. Words cf
love, cnheaty, and ieproach, were alike idle
in their influence. The strong moral will, to
which his passions had hitherto been subject,
seemed turned from its channel, and flowing
downward with daily accelerated force. He
shamed US in bis hours Of drunken folly, and
SUNK abashed from our presence when reason
and sense Of degradation returned.
l had gone, early that morning, with a
company II young friends on a skating ex.
cursion to a neighboring village, and had
come back buoyant with happiness, when |
was met by my aunts anxious face and de.
spairing words. Bitter thoughts of that
which had turned our joy into mourning for
many years, were coursing through my mind,
as strobe through the binding snow to the
haunt Of my fallen uncle. The threat
against the rumseller, repeated to my aunt,
was only vague hint OF what had long been
gathering in my mind. | was young, but
spirited and fearless, and during that walk
there was n loud cry in my heart for ven
geance upon the wretch that had robbed us
OF our happiness. This feeling increased as
[ ncared the house, and saw lights shining
gayly from the windows, and well dressed
men, mingled with the ragged and bloated
passing by the broad open door. Failing to
the form Of my uncle, | walked d.
rectly into the bar-room and looked around
with scorutul eyes upon the group there con-
gregated.
Well, what do you want here, young
man ?"asked the proprietor, in a gruff tone,
rs he noticed my beligerant air.
al came to see it you had got my uncle,
Jerry Davis, drunk again." | answered with
much spirit.
Vol, youngster he isn't here, so you had
better take yourself of" he replied, harshly.
What have you done with him, you vii
an J. L demanueQ, lmpctuouSly, the posi-
oiIity of my aunt's surmise, that he had per-
shed in the snow, flashing across my mind.
A hoarse peal Of laughter, melted by my
oravado, filled the room, and one of the tip
piers replied, "Jerrys gone to sign the pledgc!"
IN announcement that called forth another moi
~ expression of n,orrment. Satisfied that
le was not there, did not wait for any fur