The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-02-01
BIDDEFORD, MAINE, FRIDAY
druuk,rd. i, is too degrading. whu, could

drunkard, it is too degrading. What could
have suggested the idea Z" she repeated.
"Why." faliered the boy, yesterday
when carried Teddy OI.auy my old sled,
his father lay before the fire with face flush
ed and swollen, as fathers is when he come
home from the club Teddy whispered,
fathers drunk, to which Mrs. O'Llrry re-.
sponded, 'hould yer dirty tongue, ye pratt
ing spalpeen, ye-drunk is II !? mony the
gintlemon does the likes NV II, even to Mas
ter Georges father, batting the difference
beteen good wine and bad whiskey.' A
few days ago." continued George, drawing
in his breath very hard, 81 went into kel-
iagg's store; a lot OF men were round the
stove, discussing the recent death OF MIR.
Keys, who it seems was a former towns
man-do you remember him, mo,her!"
Mrs. Mansfield seemed to be gathering
up shreds from the past, but soon replied:
ayes, think at one time he was very
wealthy and influential mar. ! was quite
a young girl then, and could hardly under
stand how IL all came about, but he lost his
wealth, his wife died, and his son run away.
| well remember Willie Keys-hc was the
plttlitob uOl iH bue
what were they saying"
"Judge Elwood was relating passages
from Mr.. Keys life. He stated that every
thing prospered until he grew in love with
wine then his wealth soon disappeared,
his wife died broken.hear,ed, his son lefi him,
and short time ago Mr.. Keys died IN the
county poor-house. His son, with no one TO
guide his veering footsteps, become, as
might be anticipated, a yagrant and an out
cast, and some months ago was sentenced to
ten years Imprisonment, convicted coun-
teriieter."
The crimson tide wellcd up TO the clus-
tering curls around the boys broad brow,
as he continued hurredly:
"When Judge Elwood concluded his mar
ration, Mr.. Kellogg reInarked-that is just
the fate, fear, is awaiting Henry Mans.
field. IL he is not on the downward road
to rum, few walk in that path. II is to be
lamented, with such talents and such
wife, stole out Of the store, hope un-
noticed. II is sad thing TO blush for a
father, but il like squel awaits US, may |
never live TO see another New ieay"
sand may never live to see another
New Year, II ever taste wine or aught
that in,oxica,es, again." responded his faith
er's voice close to his side. "Never shall
son Of mine blush again for his father, or
listen to taunt from the lips Of the low and
vulgar. ] was reused from my drunken
stupor TO hear words that sobered me, aud
brought realizing conciousnees OF my
danger-but have no father fear, for from
this hour the vine cup shall banished from
the board, the club shall be deserted, and
will stand Onco more heaven helplng) a
free man."
George grasped his hand with joy glis-
tening in his eyes while his wife was she'd
ding hopeful, happy ;eUrs on his shoulder.
The next morning at no breakfast board
were the "Happy New Years" reiterated
and responded to, more cord,lly, than at
Henry Manshclds-who always kept his
pledge, aud from that hour the hearthstonc
reflected smiling faces, and cheerful voices
echoed thorugh the rooms.
George is now a msn, but wine never
passes his lips, for he well knows, though
1t sparkles in the cup and is pleasant to the
taste. at bitelh like serpent and stingeth
like an adder"