The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1866-08-29
DANIEL RRYAN,s OATH.

AiSo siShcu ny 20 NapUalns anu
Lientenants.
DANIEL BRYAN's OATH.
Daniel Bryan had been lawyer of
eminenee, but had fallen, through intox-
ication, to beggary and a dying condi-
ton. Bryan had married in his better
days the sister of Moses FELTON,.
At length all hopes were given up.
Week after week would the fallen man
lie drunk on the floor, and not day of
real sobriety marked his course. I
doubt if such another case was known.
He was too low for conviviallity, for
those whom he would have associated
with would not drink with him.
All alone in his Office and chamber he
still continued to drink, and even his
very life seemed the offspringOf his.
Jug.
One Early spring Moses FELTON, had
call to- go to Ohio. Before he set out
he visited his sister He offered to take
her with him, but she would not go.
But why stay hsrs ), urged the
disease is upon 4o1 IL should You
live with such brute s. :. Sc
Hush, Nose peal A6E "a aIswer
ed the wife, keeping back her tears.
" l will not leave him now, but he will
soon leave me. He cannot live much
longer"
At that moment Daniel entered the
apartment. He looked like wanderer
from the tomb. He had his hat on and
his Jug in his hand "Ah, Moses, how
are you p He gasped, for he co1f3ln6f
speak plainly.
The visitor looked at him a1l Ii0-
ments in silence. Then, as his features
assumed cold, stern expression, he
sad in a strongly emphasized tones.
Daniel Bryan, I have been yo1f best
friend but one My sister ia al. nigel
though matched with demon& have
loved you, Daniel, as I nevef'Ioved
man before; you were generous, noble
and kind but l hate you now, for you
are perfect devil incarnate. Look at
that woman. She is my sister-she
now might live with me in comfort, on
ly that she will not do it while you are
alive; when you die, she will come to
me. Thus dol pray that God will so6ns
give her joys to my keeping. Now
Daniel, l do sincerely hope that the
first intelligence that reaches me from
my native place, after I shall have
reached my new home may be-THAT-
YoU-ARE DEADp'
Stop, Moses; 1 can reform yet"
You cannot. 1t is beyond your
power. You have had inducements
enough to have reformed half the sin
ners of creation, and you are lower than
ever before. Go and die, sir, as soon
as you can, for the moment that sees
you thus will not find me among the
mourners."
Bryan's eyes flashed, and be dreye
himself proudly up. sGo, he said ii;
the tone of the old sarcasm, Go to
Ohio, and Pll send you news. Go, sir,
and watch the post. l will yet make
you take back your words"
{" Never, Daniel Bryan, never"
"You shall, / swear it."
With these words Daniel Bryan
hurled the jug into the fireplace,
and while yet thousand fragments
were flying over the floor he strobe from
the house.
Mary sank fainting on the floor.
Moses bore her to the bed, and then,
having called in neighbor, he hurried
away, for the stage was waiting.
For month Daniel lowered over
the brink of the grave, but he did not
die.
/ Gone gill of brandy will save you,"
said the doctor, who saw that the alb
rupt removal of stimulants from the
system, that for long years had almost
subsisted on nothing else, was nearly
sure to prove fatal. You can surely
take gill and no more"
"Aye" gasped the poor man, take
gill and break my oath. Moses Eel
ton shall never hear that brandy and
rum killed me. If the want of it can
kill me, then let me die; but I won't die
-I'll live till Moses FELTON, shall eat
his words.'
He did live. An iron will conquered
the messenger death sent-Daniel Bry-
an lived. For one month he could not
even walk without help. Mary helped
him.
A year passed away, and Moses Eel
ton returned to Vermont. He entered
the court house at Burlingtons and Dan
lei Bryan was on the floor pleading for
young man, who had been indicted
for forgery. FELTON, started in surprise.
Never before had such torrents Of elo
qnence poured from his lips. The
case was given to the jury, and the
youth was acquitted. The successful
counsel turned from the court room and
met Moses FELTON,.
They shook hands. but did not speak.
When they reached spot where none
others could hear them Bryan stopped.
"Moses - he said !" do you remem-
her the words you spoke to me a year
ago 2"
81 do, Daniel"
"Will YOU now not take them back
unsay them now and forever?"
Yes, with all my heart"
Then am In part repaid.
" And what mnst be the remainder
of payment ?" asked Moses.
/" must die an honest, unperjured
man! The oath that has bound me
thus far was made for life"
That evening Mary Bryan was
among the happiest of the happy
Christian Witness.
WEIGHT OF COTTON BALEs.-The follow
ing statement, which may be relied upon,