The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1876-04-28


M; that is. l fell in with crowd of
prosessed friends, who drank, swore. and
cared nothing for morality in general. At
first, held back; / had not been used to
it; but l could not withstand the sneering
laugh of my companions which always
greeted me when / refused to Join in any OF
their wicked acts, and by degrees became
very reckless. 1t makes me shudder even
now to think of it. l had never been
blessed with sisters love. resided with
my mother in this village of about four
hundred inhabitants. Many night when
l would go reeling home from the shop
at the north end Of the town, would
find my dear mother watching for her son
listening if perchance she could catch the
sound of his unsteady step. Many a time
did I waken from my drunken slumbers
and hear that fond mother sending up a
petition TO God in behalf of her incorporate
son. Oh what a wretch / was. bknew
that l was bringing down her grey hairs in
sorrow to the grave. She began to look
aged and careworn; but kept on in my
sinful ways until a circumstance occurred
to stop me in my downward career.
Twas starting ont one eveningto the grog
shop, when suddenly remembered that ]
had spent all my money at that place the
evening before. remembered also that l
had seen mother put a few pennies Cher
hard earnings) in cup that day. was
tempted tried to resist but my appetite
was too strong. slipped cautiously to the
cupboard, removed the money from the
cup. deposited it in my pocket, and was
starting from the house, when my mother
entered. I did not turn my head for 1 felt
guilty-guilty of what never was before
"a theft. Ny mother called me; there
was something in her voice which could
not. resist.
g What is it, mother ?" said I.
"Oh. Willie do stay at home with me
tonight" she exclaimed, grasping my
hand in both of hers. Don't drink to-
night; take my advice just once
Oh how many times since have wished
that had taken her advice that night
But 1 consoled her by telling her that
would not stay long. 1 wendell my way to
the grog-shop; but my mothers words
"Oh. Willie do stay at home with me to-
night kept ringing in my ears far louder
than the drunken oaths, and for once did
not stay what / called late; but when l
reached home the bells in the neighboring
city was tolling the midnight hour.
A strange feeling seized me as I ap-
preached my home. The light was placed
in the window as usual to guido the wan
derer's steps. I went to the window and
looked in. There sat my mother in her
easy chair; her eyes were closed and
thought she slept. Her face was pale, but
it was always that. / tried to chase my
fears away as went around to the door /;
my hand trembled when / laid it on the
latch. and it thrilled my very heart when it
arose with n sharp click. / had never
such feeling before. I entered l be leld
in my mothers hand the very cup f,om
which had removed the money. / laid my
hand on mothers shoulder. and spoke to
her. She moved not; spoke louder; still
| no answer. i listened, but could not lear
her breathe. / laid her gently on the led
brought water and bathed her white fore
head. Reader. imagine my joy when l saw
that dear mother open her eyes
On. mothcr cileu L, forgive me ch.
forgive your erring boy"
81 Go, was the answer.
A heavenly smile lit up her face.
Meet me in Heaven. Willie
"By the grace of God. will
And my mothers spirit had fed to GoA
who gave it.
1t is not necessary for me TO prolong the
description Of the mournful scene. Suffice
it to say tina. from that moment | was I.
changed mau-snatched as brand froa
the burning. Since that time not one drop
of wlliskey, wine, or anything of the kind
has passed. my lips, and by help an
trength given me from above, neesr loiH