The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1873-04-09
MISCELLANY.
a HELPING HAND.
A TEMPERA NCE SRETcH.
by HoRArIo ALGER, JR.

by HoRATIo ALGER, JR.
said harsh voice.
The speaker shook roughly the man whom
he addressed.
The latter half raised himself from the settle
on which he had been lying, and inquired stu
pidly, whats the matter?'
"The matter is, that it's twelve clock, and
can't have you here any longer
"Where shall go?" asked the drunkard
vacantly.
$50 home, of course-and be quick about
it,
The unhappy victim of intemperance, aided
by the barkeeper, managed with difficulty to
raise himself up and stand on his feet. Then
with an uncertain motion he moved towards
the door, and out into the night air. This
partly revived him, and he walked on with a
little steadier step
But he had drank too much to recover at
once from the effects of his rotations. His
house, where even now his wife was anxiously
awaiting his return was three-quarters of a
mile distant. He had scarcely accomplished
him, and he sank in drunken insensibiity by
the roadside. While he is lying unconscious
we win take a rapid glance at his history.
Five years before, James Perkins was So
Der, industrious workman, supporting his wife
and two children in comfort. But on one oc-
casion, at a political demonstration, he had
been persuaded to drink glass of liquor Not
L. IL.
strong taste for this dangerous beverage I'm
happily, he Gid not take warning, and shun
temptation, but from time to time INDUCED
his appetite. The result was only what might
have been anticipated. The craving for liquor
grew stronger with each indulgence, until at
last he became what would once have filled
him with horror and disgust, a common drunk
ard !
The small stock of money which his industry
had enabled him to lay by, melted impercept-
bly,, until it was all gone. He became more
irregular and less reliable as workman, so
that his wages were diminished at least one
third, and of these a large share went for
drink.
The result was privation and misery at home
His wife lost her bright look, and became pale
and worn, while an expression of grief and
Encouragement settled on her once comely
features. She was obliged by her own indus
try to strive to make up for the large deficit
in her husbands earnings, created by his large
expenditures for drink. In addition to this,
it was sad for her to see him SO sorely sinking
in the respect and good opinion of his neigh
bors. She had demonstrated again and again,
but without permanent effect. Her husband
had more than once promised amendment, but
his promise had invariably been broken, and
his habits had become as bad as before.
We now return to James Perkins, who lies
by the roadside. Fortunately for him, it was
in early summer Atamore inclement season
he might have been frozen to death.
1t was so late that no one would be likely to
pass till morning. Therefore he lay unseen
and undisturbed.
At six o'clock boy, named Frank Reynolds,
in passing through the lane--for twas an un-
frequented road-saw him. He was Thought
full and kind-hearted boy, well brought up,
and of excellent principles, and instead of ridi-
culing or laughing at the unfortunate slave to
his appetites, felt thrill of compassion for
him.
He stepped to his side, and as he did SO,
James Perkins opened his eyes.
"Where am I?'' he asked, in momentary
confusion.
"Have yon been here all night, Mr.. Per-
kins?" asked Frank
81 expect have said Perkins, evidently
ashamed at being caught in such condition.
Glow did it happens"