Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1872-06-22
WHAT CANEOFIr.
A TEMPERANCE SKETCH.
BY s. W. PEARCE.

30 you nave Ueen TAKING TO yCHr
self wife in the two years of my alb
sencew asked Charley Peters of his
friend FRANK Redmond, as he alighted
from the cars at R Station, and
met Frank for the first time in two
years; "and how do you like married
life p
1t is splendid n was the reply, as
arm-in-arm they walked up the village
street together. II 1have wife whom
l dearly love, and as darling a boy
baby as you cOuld wish to see-yoa
will say so shortly. Could mortal man
wish more tell you, Charley; l never
knew what life was until / married
Annie, my precious wifen
They had reached the village hotel
as he ceased speaking, and Frank ex-
pressed his intention OF stopping there;
hut to this Charley would not for a
moment listen, saying that must make
his house his home while he remained
in the village.
Well, then,s said Frank. as he con-
sented to this arrangement, lyon must
at least step in with me and take a
glass to the memory of old times.
Don't you remember the many pleasant
hours we have spent together in boy
hood! Let us pledge their memories in
a social glassr
Sorry to refuse You, Frank, but l
have quit drinking; my wife is oppo-
sed to it. and 1 really promised her
not to touch it again !"
Pshaw, man! one glass will net
hurt you, and yon need not take any
thing stronger than wine; come OH y
Charley offered few more remOn-
strances, but he was afraid of Offend
ing his friend ~ and, after - few more
objections, lie consented, and they
went in together and called for wine.
The bar-keeper smiled grimly us he
saw Charley Peters, for it had been IA
long time since he had been there be-
fore, and he knew that lie had given
up drinking.
He said nothing. however, bnt push
ed the decanter towards the young
men,
Charley felt little excited, and his
hand trembled slightly as he poured
cut the wine; in consequence of which.
instead of taking but little, he filed
tho glass full.
He made movement as if TO throw
off some of il, but a. half smile on
Franks face. restrained him, and he
raised the glass to his lips.
Here's to your pretty wlfew ex-
claimed Frank "may she never re-
gret her marriage dayw
"Amen to thatm responded Char
ley, earnestly. and then he raised the
glass to his lips, and the pledge was
broken.
"Oh! voice of fattery, when viii
man learn to resist your powers
The first glass drank, they had an
other, and yet another, till finally the
fumes of the liquor had mounted to
their brains, and, as natural cOnse-
quelice, their tongues became loosen
ed, and they engaged in an animated
discussion.
Z At last their words ran high, until
in answer to some remark made by
Frank, which Charley ha6 construed
into an insult, he raised his glass, and
sent it with fearful force at his friends
head.
1t struck him on the temple, and be
tell.
Amid the confusion ensuing, Char.
ley staggered out in the street, and
started home.
Mrs. Peters. the young mother, had
just laid down the baby in its little
Glib, and was regarding it with all a
mothers pride, when she heard her
husbands step at the door.
She started to meet him, her face
radiant with love and happiness.
Then the door swung open, and
Charley Peters, his eyes fiery with ex-
citement, and Il frown upon his brow,
reeled in.
"Oh, God in heaven, protect me ~
exclaimed the wife, as pale and horror
stricken at the sight, she staggered to
q chair, {" Has it como to this p
"What,S that vou sov - prrffl. do.