Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1864-05-06
The Little Glass of Brandy.

quented roads of Auvergne, are made to
take the place of nlail-coaches, transport.
ing alike merchandise and travellers
The vehicle was drawn by a single horse,
a PAGER the road was rongh !; the seats Of
the cart were made of a single board; SO
that lost my patience when half way on
the road, and LETT my seat in the cart to
walk with the driver on foot.
The cartman was still young, of pre-
possessing appearance, and his counten-
ante revealed that robust and joyful
health which is the reward of q good
conscience. AT all the hamlcts where he
stopped, saw him give or receive mess
ages, and heard not single complaint
from those with whom he had business.
If he returned more than one piece of
change, they took it always without
counting it; the women enquired after
his children the men charged him with
purchased in the market town in word,
the conduct of every one showed friend
ship and confidence.
AS we'll as was able to judge by our
conversation along the road, he seemed to
me to merit this trust. All his words
EXP ressed understanding, and kind con-
sideration for others to which the feverish
emulation Of our cities had made me
stranger. Ho knew the Improvements
that were in progress in the country
named the owner Of each field that We
passed, and remarked upon the good or
the unpromising condition of its crop.
[ soon learned that he had himself sever.
al acres of land that he cultivated be-
tween his journeys, and Tor the sake of
which he pro6tted by all the observations
gathered upon the road. He told me the
story of his "domain," as he laughingy
called it with intelligent good humor.
was listening to the recital of his
attempts to transform a corner of heath,
into medow, when We were met by man
bent, poorly clothed, and with gray locks
falling in disorder over his pimpled face.
At the moment of passing US, { noticed
that he tottered. He saluted the WAGNER
with the noisy cordiaiity of drunkenness,
and the latter answered in tone of kind
familiarity which surprised me.
''One Of your friends 2" l asked, when
he had passed.
That man ?" he repeated. "He is my
bcnefactor and my MASTER"
looked at him as if unable to UNDER
snand him. THAT surprises you" re-
piled he, laughing. ut is however,
the truth; only the unfortunate man has
never mistrustcd it. In the first place,
| must tell you that Jean Picou, CHATS
his name) is an old companion of my
childhood. Our parents lived side by
side, and we had our first communion the
same year.-But Picou was even then,
a little wild and coming of age, he soon
adopted all the habits of dissipated
man. At first did not keep company
with him; but at last fate brought US to.
gether as workmen under the same man
The first day, at the moment Of going
to work, behold Jean Picou and others
stopping at the public house to get a
mornings drinkot brandy. l remained
at the door, hardly knowing what ought
to do; but they al called to me-" "Oh
he's afraid he shall be ruinel' cried
Picou mockingly. "By saving a couple
Of sous he expects to become million
aire."
The others laughed, which made m(
ashamed; and | entered and drank with
them. Then proceeding to the field, ant
beginning my work. my thoughts raa upor
what Picou had said.
The price of single morning glass
was in fact, but little; but repeated eacl
day, it would amounted in time to thirty
six francs ten sous. l set about calcul
atiug what could do with that sum.
"Thirty-six flames ten sous!" said tC
myself. THAT is for a man with family
one room more in the house, which mean
convcience for the wife, health for tho
children, and good humor for the husband
1t is wood for winter, or the means o
having sunshine in doors when there j
snow without. 1t is the price of goat
the milk of which is essential to the wei
fare OF family. 1t is the means Of pay
ing for school were the boy learns Il
, read and write"
Then viewing the subject in another
light added, 'Thirty-stx francs and ten
sous Our neighbor Pierre does not pa,
more for the rent of the two acres Of land
which he cultivates and which sustain
his family. 1t is just the interest Of tn
sum which l should have to borrow in or
der to buy the horse and cart which tn
town commissioner wishes to sell. With
this money, spent each morning, to thu
detriment of my health, can procure
an estate, bring up family and lay b.
the savings necessary for my declining
years.
, These calculations and reflections de
cided my future. l conquered the falls
shame which had made me yield to tn
solicitations of Piocu. saved from my
earnings what they would have had m,
spent at the public house; and soon
was able to 60 to market as we'll as tn
wagner whom l have now succeeded
Since then have always continued t.
: calculate each expense, and to neglec
no economy. while Picou presevered, II
,, turn. in living what he calls "a merr.
life." You see where we have both bee
led The tatters of the poor man. hi
,, premature old age, the contempt OF hon
est men; aud my comfort, health. ant
good reputation, all came from the for
nation of a single habit.
His misery is the little glass Of brand
| 4 A. Ia