The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1874-06-19

: JUL GU alu tho H'Sho ht''
been much better had Peter Dol
{ drum so willed and determined. Ii
fact, his cot, which came from the
| parents of his wife, was pleasantly sit
/ uated, and the land had been once Of
the very best quality. Bnt Peter was
, satisfied to work for others who would
, pay him, taking little heed to the
T capacities and possibilities of his OWL
place. And yet Peter had not lived
unhappily. His wife was a thrifty,
Woodworking, good-natured woman,
very seldom speaking otherwise than
kindly to her husband, though often
sorely tried; for, at heart, Peter was
kindness and Coeility personifed /; but,
alas there was danger of his going to
the bad. The symptoms were strong
in that direction. Could Mrs. Doldrum
correct him? She had resolved that
she would try.
1t was a cold, drizzling day in mid
November-such a day as finds an aim
less, thriftless man knowing not what
to do with himself when left to his own
resources. Peter had eaten his break
fast, and sat brooding over the kitchen
stove. His wife said to him
"Peter, can't you put some kind of
a weather-strip on the bottom of the
back-door to-day? The wind and rain
beat in there dreadfully."
"No," answered Peter, with a shud-
der. cts a cold, wet job, and 1 don't
feel like it,"
"Well, cant you fix the pump? The
handle is loose, and the lower box
leaks"
81 can't do it, Susan. 1 amt a
pump-maker."
"But you can do something toward
it if you try"
81 don't want to Try. Ten to one l
should sp ile it."
"Then won't you fix my mop and
WATERFALL?
"Not to-day. They'll wiggle through
if you're keerful."
lyon can at least fix the windows in
IL chamber SO that they won't rattle
so, and lot in so much wind?"
Don't bother, Susan. / amt in the
mood for work. Just you wash your
dishes, and let me alone"
Having thus spoken Peter arose and
took his hat from the floor where he
had thrown it, and prepared for going
out. His wife knew very well his in
tended destination. He was going to
the tavern, where he would be sure to
meet some Of his Weekday c~ronics, and
where he would drink more or less.
Thus far Peter had not been in the
habit of drinking 10 inebriation but
the habit was growing upon him. AS
surely as water runs down hill, just SO
surely does tap-rOom loaiing and drink
ing lead to drunkenle Susan had
seen enough OF lite to know this.
"Stop II minute, Peter" she said.
What for?'
"Wait and see"
Peter had curiosity and he waited.
Susan left the kitchen, and when she
returned she had on her hood and
shawl, with an umbrella in her hand.
"Sakes alive. Susan, where r We
"lamgoins with you, Peter; you are
going to the tavern, and | shall keep
you company"
Peter stared.
Good gracious! Susan, what r We
thinking of
at IS lonesome here without you,
and If there is comfort to be
found at the tavern why mayn't / go
enjoy it with you? At all events,
| AN going"
Susan"
Don't worry, Peter; l won't say
a word in the presence of your cronies
to hurt your feelings. Wen only enjoy I
ourselves together" J
"Do you really mean it, Susan?" e,
Peter, would you stay here all .
alone Ill this house the whole drearv
lay long? | am going to the tavern
with yoa."
Peter was not entirely o%blivious. He
Ielt the reproof. He took of his hat i
hung it upon a peg. Then he !
scratched his head, and finally said