Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-04-19
MISCELLANEOUS.
a Bunch of Rags.

Everybody liked Tom Hall and everybody
body was sorry for him. 1t was sad to see
such fine young man the victim of drums
kenness, and Tom had fallen into the mock S
power unwittingly, it seems.
A new dram-shop had been opened close to
the foundry at which he worked, aud he along
with others, was in the habit Of going in for a
glass of ale. When the cold weather set in, he
took something stronger, and he imagined it
agreed with his spirits.
Time went on, and the liking for strong
drink increased and grew stronger, until at all
hours he might be seen staggering. out of the
Rainbow" dizzy aud stupifed with the poi
son of the Intoxicating cup.
Toms was very bad case. for he belonged
to a respectable family, and he had been
ligiously trained and until he had been drawn
into snare, he was af1ectonae son and
brother; aud friends counseled, and min
lister preached, and every means was tried to
reclaim him. but all effort seemed lost. Tom
was bound hard and fast in the invisible
chains of the mocker. His family mourned
him as lost. and many silent tear his sister
let fall on his tattered garments, as she sat
patching and darnine them,
Tom was infatuated, all agreed but for all
that he was favorite, from the mansion to
the meanest hut in Arle; and some good peo
pie prayed Tor poor Iom liall.
"Ah, these rents will not darn again" said
Jennie, as she turned over Toms ragged
raimcnt.
In Toms better days he had pride, and it
was such sad change when he didn't care
WHO aaw him ''o;.t at the elbows"
But somehow Jennie could not find it in
her heart to abandon the brother she still
loved and. so Toms tattered habiiiments were
taken up again, and made,the most of
"Kiudness may win him back. said Jennie
when he came home, at the worst he was met
with words of peace, if in sorrow.
Just as the trees we're beginning to bud
with the promise of spring, Tom cqme home,
looking thoughtful. He was sober after a
long run.
In the last rays of the setting sun. his sis
ter was trying to cover some darns. Tom sat
down beside her, and silently watched the pa
tieut fingers for some time.
That's tiresome work, Jennie" he said.
His sister held up her seam before him.
"Why that's a bunch of rags" laughed
Tom.
"Yes, Tom; and bunch of rags would be
the best sign that a publican could hang
across his door," said Jennie sadly.
Tom made no reply; he looked at the rags
in silence.
Next day, Tom went back to his work and
continued so for two OF three weeks. He
looked at the Rainbow" but didu't 90 in
"Hallo! what's up with Tom Hall ?" won
dered Sinclair, as he filed UP glass Of Tom $
favorite whiskey for another customer at the
counter.
Sinclare was not the only one that was as
tonished at the change. Every day Tom
went to his work every night he came home
sober; and after time he appeared at church
ou the Sabbath Then people began to think
Tom was in earnest and meant to reform.
"The angels come at last" whispered
Florence, and bright drop fell on Dick IS gol-
den hair.
"IIad Tom Hall really become a teetotaler?"
wondered Sinclurs, when a whole month had
passed without visit to the "Rainbow."
We'll, it seemed SO, for nothing stronger
than water had passed his lips in the shape of
drink. since the night when his sister had
shown him the bunch of rags.
"I'll have talk with Tom and learn how
he got of the scout, though" Sinclare resolved.
An opportunity came sooner than he expected.
In tue beginning of the summer a terrific
thunder storm passed over Arlie, and among
the general devastation the ''RainboW's" sign
board was shivered to atoms.
Tom happened to be passing the Rainbow"
the next morning, and stopped to take
glance at the old mark.
Zine work here" remarked Mr. Sinclare,
who was standing in his door 1.-THE storms
done for US, and I'll have to get new sign
board"
as it so bad as that ?" said Tom.
''Yes the rainbow is in shivers,'', said Mr..
Sinclair
''Then you'll want new signboard," said
Tom. a
you ?"
"Is it to be the Rainbow again ?" asked
Tom.
81 suppose SO" answered Mr. Sinclair ''un-