The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-02-23
VOLUME e---No. 81.
PUBLISHED BY REoUEsr.l
"h0 Danger /; Pm Used To It:7'

1t was beautiful evening that I stepped
from the street cars at No. 43 - Fort street.
iii the City of Detroit, to attend my friends
wedding. Willford Mitchell met me at ths
door. He was looking unusually we'll this eve.
ming, and was fine specimen of man, five feet
eleven with curling brown hair, which hung in
wavy ringlets around high and noble brow.
He was an old schoolmate and a friend priced
very highly. Was one of the leading lawyers
Of the city, and esteemed by large circle of
friends and acquaintance generally. He con-
Quoted me into the room where the guests were
already assembled, among whom were many ia
miliar faces of friends whose memory will long
be held dear in my mind.
After the ceremony was over which gave to
Willford the prettiest girl in the city, for his
bride, we assembled at the table to partake of
the feast prepared for the occasion. Willford
and his beautiful bride sitting opposite me.
She was indeed beautiful with tinge of red
playing over her fair cheek, as she leaned so
confdingly toward the husband of an hour.
ways be SO happy, without cloud to shadow
her life; who can tell? At the close I was sorry
to see wine brought to the guests, and Willford
partake of it so freely He drained glass after
glass until saw change come over him. He
was the gayest of the gay. When We at last
withdrew from the table, before taking my
leave had an opportunity of whispering q
caution in his ear. He laughingly replied, mo
danger, am used to it." 1 went away with
my heart full of sorrow. "I am used to it."
would ring in my ears. could not sleep for
thinking of the friend who was fast on the
road to ruin, for felt that there it would end.
In the morning was called away by telegram
and it was five long years before saw Detroit
again. When returned, as 1 stepped from the
train saw man lying beside the depot, sur
rounded by lot of boys who were playing all
sorts of pranks with him. was surprised on
approaching the group to see Willford in state
of drunkenness; l Immediately ordered cab
and bore him to the place. they told me, he
lived up three flight OF stairs in the worst part
of the city, in little eight by ten foot room,
as 1 entered saw his wife mere wreck of
what she used to be- On the bed lay a little
boy of three summers gasping his life out. I
laid Willford beside the dying child and has
tened for physician, but he came too late, he
mother, and still loving wife shall never for
get ordered some things that were needed
for the present and left.
At my next call found Willford raying with
the drunkard's own disease, dshrium hemens.
All that night watched by his side; thestrug-
gle between life and death was severe, but at
last the loving wife's prayers to spare her hus-
band and give him one more opportunity to re-
form and become Christian man, were an-
swered. When he recovered and heard that
his child lay in the cold grave, he wept like
child. talked to him and pointed out the po-
sltion of five years before, and received his
promise that by the help of God he never would
touch Liquor again, which had starved his child,
almost Killed his wife and was hurting him to
an untimely grave with no hope of better life
hereafter. took him in with me and he once
more stands far up the ladder of fame. His
trials were severe and he was often tempted, but
put his trust in God and prayer for help from
on high. He has once more gained the conf
dence of the citizens, and now instead of saying
"No danger, am used to it," he proclaims the
cause of temperance openly, and has led many
to quit the intoxicating bowl His wife has re-
gained her wonted beauty, and he Is blessed BY
two beautiful children, and indeed it is happy
family. The past only makes their love tor
each other the stronger, and together, they la
Dor in the temperance field, aiding the dis
tressed and praying for the fathers, sons, hus-
bands and brothers who are indulging in ex-
cesses which prostrates everything that has any
connection with them.-1smperance Reciew.