Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1871-11-21

did he, all the danger of tamperin
: with the insidious poison. The Ms
r did not receive prompt attention. II
author was filled with anxiety, an
with daily confinement in the clos
! dark counting room. II really mus
take something to keep me up" h
} said, "and it seems to worry Susy, s
I'll just step into saloon"
Poor little wife keep heart, 70
your weak hand must hold your hus
band back from perdition. God chose
the weak hands, oft times to perform
his greatest works.
One evening John came in with dis
ordered dress and pale face. He thew
himself into a chair and covered hi,
face with his trembling hands, groaned
in the bitterness of his spirit.
ooh Jack, what is the matter ~
and Susy tried to pull the hands away
"Don't, don't, Susy. Wait till /
can act like man. There" he said;
sitting up straight and assuming a res
olute air. 81 need not be baby if
didn't succeed, but"-his voice trem-
bled, and Susy interrupted.
"Yes Jack, 1 understand. It's the
book, | suppose. Isn't it to be pub
lished ?'
He shook his head. "Not unless 1
can pay for it.
"Can't you do that ?" asked unfnan-
cial Susy.
eyes, if one of us will sell for
enough. The rest of our property
wouldn't bring enough
A laugh rippled all over Susy's face
and broke from her rosy lips. 1t was
contagious, and after they had subsid-
ed into silence, John said, "Well my
tragedy was changed into comedy
| had made up my mind to-no, 1
will not tell you. Don't feel frighten-
ed, dear; am safe while have you."
1t was well that loving, timid Susy
did not know all, for, as it was, she was
almost wild with anxiety if John was
a half-hour late.
1t was impossible to save enough
money to publish the book, at least for
some years, and the disappointed writer
had not the heart to undertake anoth.
er. Still, he wrote bits of poetry and
prose sketches for which he sometimes
received checks, sometimes thanks.
sometimes courteous regrets" This
brought him into a certain circle of
literary aspirants where his desire for
appreciation was chcaply gratifed.-
They had club, professedly literary,
but wines and cigars were in order. It
was pleasant and social, and John did
not dream Of danger. Susy was very
lonely during the long evenings, but
John explained that by gaining the in
fuence and friendship of literary men
he was advancing his own interests and
that as soon as his talent was recop.
nized it would bring such return in
money that they could build their
house and enjoy each others society.
Of Jacks talent Susy had not doubt,
and inspired with some of his enthusi.
asm she would be comfortcd by his
words at least, SO long as he was
present. When he had gone, the heav-
ness would come back to her heart
Ind she reproved herself for an occa-
'ional wish that "Jaek hadn't a parti.
lie Of talent for writing. Then we
night have such happy evenings to-
gather" 80
Six months later Susy is not lonely.
There is willow cradle by her sewing
hair in which she finds all the society
hat she needs. John, too is wonderful.
attracted by this little pink-faccd
'aby, Susy, mothers image. His
venings are oftener spent at home,
nd there might be much to hope for
he future were it not for the one
abit, now SO firmly fixed, of taking
just glass OF good bourbon to keep ,
he nerves steady" But the nerves,
,tsead of being quieted, became more ,
nd more irritable.
GLOW your hand trembles, Jack ?"
usy said, one morning, as a dish of
offee went on to her clean table-cloth. !
"Yes, / can't account for it. II.
ont think l am well lately. My
cad is confused good deal Of the [,
me, and the figures In the ledger per-
'rm the queerest antics"
"Do consult physician, Jack. I'll,
ou don't you'll surely be sick.n Sut
ack only "pshawed" and took !. little
.imlant. h's'A
Never was there a more forbesripp ,
'other than is nature. Her children
isObey her wiscst commands, year Al. 4
= year, and yet she reffsins from pun |
but, though deiasea;it sure.