The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1868-05-05


get drunk again, Mr. Warren /"
You've said that too many times, Jars
Wis. The last time you went off when
was hurried with work, and caused me
to disappoi1t customer, and | determin-
ed never to have anything more to do
with you
But ! will never disappoint you again,
urged the poor man earnestly.
Its no use for you TO talk 10 me, Jar.
Wis you and ] are done with each other
l have made up my mind not to have a
man in my shop again that drinks rum
But l have joined the Good Templars,
Mr. Warren
4 don't care if you have; in three
weeks you'll be lying in the gutter
Tll never drink again if I die = said
Jarvis solemnly.
Look here, you drunken vagabond =
returned the master in angry tcnes, COM
ing from behind the counter, and standing
in front Of the individual he was address,
ing-'if you are not out of this shop in
two minutes by the watch, I'll kick you
into the street. So there now take your
choice, to go out or be kicked out
Jarvis turned sadly away without re-
ply and passed out of the door which he
had entered with heart full Of hope,
now panied, and almost ready to recede
from his earnest resolution and pledge to
become sober man and better hus-
band and father. He lett uttarly discour-
aged AS he slowly walked along the
street, the fumes of coffee house which
he was passing, unconsciousy struck up-
on his senses, and Immediately came an
almost overpewerlng desire for his accus-
toned potation. He paused
Now that l try to reform, they are
down on me, he sighed bitterly. IT'S
no use : I'm gone past hope.
One step was taken toward the wrong
when it seemed as if strong hand held
him.
'No-nol' he mutterel, I've taken the
pledge and | will stand by it till | de-
Then moving resolutely onward, he
soon found himself near the door Of anoth-
er hatter's shop. Hope kinded in his
bosom, and he entered.
Don I you want hand, Mr. Mason,
he asked in hesitating tone
Not drunken one, JARVIS, was the
repulsive answer.
But I've reformed.
so should think from your looks
'But indeed, Mr. Mason, | have quit
drinking and joined the Good Templars-
TO be drunk in three days Perhaps
three hours
Won't you give me work if promise
to be sober
No! Iwouldn't give n copper for
your promises
Poor Jarvis turned away When he
Joined the order he dreamed not Of these
repulses and difficulties lie was good
workman. and he thought that any one oi
his old employers would be glad to gel
mn back again, so soon as they learned
that he had become temperate man. -
But he had 80 often broksn his promise
and disappointed them that they had los
all confidence in him; at least the two tc
whom he had thus far made application
After leaving the shop of Mr. Mason
Jarvis seemed altogether irrcsolute. He
would walk un few steps, and the pause
to commune with his troubled thoughts
Il will try Lankford, said he at length
half aloud, 'he will give me work surely.
A brisk walk of fifteen minutes brough
him to the door of a small hatters shop il
retired street. Behind the counter o
this shop, stood an old man busily en-
ployed in ironing hat.
There was something benevolent in hi
70 intsnance and manner. As Jarvis enter
ed, ne looked up, and a shade passeC
quickly over his countenance
Good morning, Mr.. Landlord sale
Jarvis, bowing with something like tim
idity and shame in his manner
'Ars you not afraid to come here
John = replied the old man sternly.
Il am ashamed to come, not afraid
You will not harm me, know
Don't trust to that John. Did yot
not steal, aye, that is the word--did yol
not steal from me the last time employees
your The old man was stern and en-
ergetic in his manner.
Il was so wicked as to take a couple o
skins, Mr.. Lankford, but did very wrong
and am willing to pay you for them,
y0u will give me work was in lquo
when did it, and when in liquor hay
no distinct consciousness of the evil O
: my action
'Give you work indeed o, no John
= | cannot give you another chance to ro
me-,
/ 'But will not drink any more. AM
you know Mr.. Lankiord, that while
= was sober man, and worked for you,
, never wronged you out of sixpenc
D worth
Wont get drunk any more! All
3 John have lived too long in the world
8 and have seen too much to heed sue
0 promises
] 'But am in earnest Mr. Landlord,
e united with the Good Tcmplars last night
!. you ! in a tone of surprise.
= Yes, l was initiated
: 'Ah, John, after pause, and ohakin
e his head incredulousy, T cannot cred
: your word, am sorry for it.
e If 1 have taken the pledge, and if
/. nm raallv 1atarminad 10 he n .afo,,,a