The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-04-28
For the Banner.
The Same Old story.
BY MRS. NELLIE II. BRADLEY.

characters, ALICE, GLORGE, FATHER.
Enter Alice and George, carrying q
large basket Of clothes.
ALICE. o George this basket is so
heavy; do stop and let me rest awhile.
My arms ache dreadfully. They set dorm
basket.
GEORGE. My arm aches too. Just see
my hand showS al there are blue marks
all over the palm,
A. Oh, dear do wish mother would
do some other kind of work, and not take
in washing, and then we would not have
to carry this heavy basket every week.
But suppose she can't get any other work.
G.. No; and if she did not do this, we
should have to beg / reckon; for father
never buys anything but liquor nowadays.
DO you know what mother is going to buy
with the money she gets for this washing
and ironing'
a. No.
G. Well, she intends to get each of us
pair of new shoes.
A. Goody goody ! [clappinq her hands,.
Amt glad? l thought she looked quizzical
when she said we had been such good
children, and helped her so much.
&. We ought to help her all we can, for
she has very hard time. But think we
have rested enough; we must hurry on
now. They take up basket and go ont.
Enter Father.
FATHER. Well, it is said that listeners
hear no good of themselves, and I'm no ex-
ception to the rule. But did hear some
thing to my advantage, though; for if the
children get that money, I'm determined to
have it. l wish they'd hurry. I'm so aw-
fully thirsty. Walks back and forth ! If
| could just get few drinks to- day to
ltn flxrt
little, | would go to work tomorrow, and
make something to help the old woman
along. | wonder why the children don't
come? 1t don't look right for me to take
that money, but need it worse than they
do, and of course I'll pay it back when l
get to work.
Enter Alice and george wiM empty has,
ket turned orer their heads, and singing
and laughing in great glee
F. lroughly knocking basket off. Which
of you has that money? Give it to me i'm
mediately.
G. respectfully but fy'mly]. 1t is moth
er's money that she worked hard for, and /
can't give it to you.
F. You can't? Well, I'll take it, then.
Takes George By the arm, and begins 10
search has pockets.
A. laoho has run of q short diStance1
Don't lei him have it, George! Hold it
Tight
G. [putting has hand in has pocket, and
then stretching ii out behind him I. Quick
Alice, take it and run. alice takes money
out Of has hand vlry quickly and runs
out
F. starts as If to rush after her, stopSl.
It's no use; she runs like squirrel. Com
found you both! I'll take it out of your
skin, you young rascal. RusheS at George,
and aims a Jlow, which the boy dodges,
and runs TO the other side of the stage.
G.. Father just let me ask you one ques-
ton, please. Suppose mother should get
to drinking liquor, and spend all the money
she could earn, and then wanted to take
all yours and spend it for whiskey, and
not leave you enough to buy clothes or
even bread, wouldn't you think her an aic-
fully cruel, wicked woman?
+. What's that? Are you not afraid to
speak so to me? Aside. The hey has cor
nered me now, and no mistake.
Ii. No, sir, am not afraid, because |
know l am not saying anything wrong
You are sober, now, father; won't you 60
home and stay with us this evening?
F. [more kindlyl. l might, if | could
strength. I've had nothing to eat since
morning.
Enter -4lice.
a. Father, mother sent me to tell you
she is cooking nice supper for you. 1t
will be ready when we get home.
+. Child, don't you feel afraid of me,
after running off with that money?
\. ~os frightened lttle but knew
you would not hurt me if you were sober,
and | could run faster than you could if
you were drunk; so | was not much afraid
10 come back
+. Well, think man who has two such
good, sensible children as you ought to
be ashamed to bring poverty and disgrace
upon them. | will go home with you, and
try how long can keep sober.
A. And sign the teetotal pledge;
+. Yes, if that will help me any. Come
on. Leads the woy, .foHowed by children
ruth BASKET.
CnILDREN. If father'll only sign the
pledge, how happy we shall be.