The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1870-02-03
THE FIRST DRUNKEN Pr.

TauVc from the AuVauc0 UuccSO VI
"Helps and Hindrances to the Cross"
by Mrs. Madeline Lesiie.~in the hope
that it may prove warning to all in
adversely not to resort to the intoxicat-
ing cup for consolation:
Godfiey Gould woke up, ate his
break fast, bid Ida and the little ones
good morning." a rich man, ut least,
| III his own estimation. When he re-
/ turned to dinner he was poor, "a beg
gar" as in his despair he called him
self. "..'- ."h
"Read that" he exclaimed to his wife
hurrying to her chamber with protrud-
ed eye balls aud haggard cou untenance.
Read II, and you'll find out that we
are paupers.'
Sne read it from beginning to end,
even the date, scarcely comprehending
the words, her thoughts were SO busy
in another direction.
At length, fixing her eyes full upon
his, she forced herself to speak calmly as
she asked:
did you inquire Of Mr. Barlow your
friend, about this man ?' pointing to
the name at the bottom Of the sheet; or,
of Mr.. Randall about the wisdom of the
purchase as you promised; or, did you
delay, aud delay till it was too late?"
Really, Ida, you're too cruel to bring
up that Old promise now. I've as much
to bear as can stagger under."g as..
She turned from him with . look of
agony. ~
IL came home, expecting to find COM
fort and sympathy" he added bitterly;
but she had already gone from the
! room.
For the first time in many years, he
went to the closet, unlocked = small
cupboard in the under part, and poured
out glass of brandy.
II shall lose my reason,' he said to
| himself, apologizins for the act, "if l
don't have something to brace myself
with. If Ida had only" but suddenly
remembering all the reasons she had
urged against the wild speculation as
she termed it, the hours she had argued
with him to keep to his legitimate busi-
ness, and the promises she had won
from him that he would take no step
without asking advice Of a judicious
friend, he acknowledged, she had cause
to be offended.
In truth the poor wife had never be-
| fore felt SO deeply wounded as now.
She did not yet consider the change
in their circum ,tances, and the conse-
quent change that would be necessary
in their life; but she was grieved that
her husband was willing to risk his all,
upon which the support of herself, aud
the children depended, and that secret
~ and against her advice. Retiring to
her own room she locked the door, and
sat down to calm her agitated feelings.
She was too excited to pray; but she
realized that she needed help to bear
this new trial, and unconsciously almost
to herself, her thoughts formed them
selves into petitions.
a child's voice at the door at last ar
rested her attention. 1t was little MINI
ME pleading for admittance. The lady
rose, turned the key, and clasped her
child in her arms just rs her husband,
already showing the effects of the
liquor, came staggering up the stairs.
Without a suspicion of the truth she
ran to him, fearing he would fall.
"The shock has been too much for
him as it was when he lost that seven
Il, Il a, - .,I.
self, her heart accusing her of having
received him unkindly. But too soon
the truth burst upon her. His breath
would have betrayed him even if his
stammering tongue and clouded intel
leet had not.
Stunned by this new blow, she sailed
back against the wall, barely saved
from falling down the stairs by catching
hold of the banister.
Minnie cried aloud, frightened by her
mothers looks; and Alice their cousin,
from room close by came running to
the door.
"What has happened ?" she screamed.
as Freddy dead?' seeing all the house
hold treasures present but the boy.
"We're a pre- pre- precious set of beg
beg-beggars,' stammered Godfrey, with
a derisive laugh.
MY heart is breaking, moaned poor
Ida, pressing herhands to her side. He
is drunk"
"Oh, how horrible! What can it
mean urged Alice, catching hold of her
friends arm. "When did all this hap
pen?'
'What do you th-think of the n-new-
news? laughed the Intoxicated man.
do you li-like beg beggars.boy ?"
In comparing Ida's lot with her own,
Alice had often said to herself:
"How blessed she is. Even though
Godfrey makes no pretentions to re-
ligion, he is a faithful, affectionate hus-
band, and an indulgent father"
But now she said to herself:
"piety is the only safe ground Of con-
fidence in this most sacred relation of
life."
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