The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1876-06-16
CHATTER NNNII.


Madge was awakened from a fitful
morning slumber by the alternate
shOutings and pIeadings of her prisoner,
whom she had kept locked, during the
night, in room adjoining hers.
"Oh, please be quiet for an hour, SO
can sleep off a threatening headache %
she cried, putting her mouth to the key
hole, as she spoke. "plI be sick or
crazy if cannot sleep"
Bang, bang, came upon the door the
heavy thuds of Jason's knuckles.
mot another minutes sleep for any
of us till 1 get out o. nerer' he eX-
claimed, in an angry tone.
Madge knew that he must be con-
trolled by her eyes, or not at all, so she
hurriedly enrobed herself, inviting, by
her enforced activity, the threatening
headache, and opening the door of her
patients apartment, seized him firmly
and kindly by the hand.
''Look at me, Jason Andrews" she
said, sternly; "look me in the eye"
"Shan't do ~ was the logged reply,
as the sovereign head and legal repre-
sentative of the Morrison and Andrews
families attempted to wrench his hand
from her grasp.
"But you will look, Jason. for you
must a crisis in your disease is upon
you. Remember you are poor, weak,
sick inebriate. l have resolved to save
you, and the demon of drunkenness
shall not be again allowed to modest
you or make you afraid. Do you know
who is your best friend, my poor step
father?'
'Do you acknowledge me as your
step-father, Madgey ?" and the excited
man sat down upon the edge Of a chair,
trembling in every nerve
Certainly, Jason, and Tll live to be
proud of you yet. Once let US get you
cured of this terrible insanity that is
upon you, and the best there is of you
will be ready 10 assert ITSELF Don't you
remember that we always got along
well enough in our co-IabOrs till you be-
came my mothers master ?''
''Yes, Madge; but that's all past, and
Pm a poor, miserable, degraded sot
I've disgraced the family and ruined
myself"
"Glad to see that you realize the stu
alton; but it lies in your power to
amend your ways and atone for the mis-
deeds of the past"
"Let me get one more glass of liquor
Madgie, do. pIl never ask for another u
"Jason Andrews" said Madge, and
by this time the eyes of the poor fellow
were uncOnsciously placed upon hel
own, "if I should grant you one glass
there is no power on earth that could
restrain your further indulgence. Now
that your battle is almost fought, anC
your victory almost won, you surely
will not be willing to overthrow The
good deeds of the past few months! Yol
intend to grow strong and well. know
you do, for 1 feel it in my bones. But
in order to insure recovery, it is impera
tive that you obey your physician
Now lie down; there's a dear, gooC
father, and pll order you some strong
coffee. You can drink it and then cove
up closely in bed while go and yokt
the cattle"
Jason Obeyed, and Madge left him t.
order the coffee, again locking the doc
from the outside.
''She might "a trusted me with free
dom for a minute! ] wouldn't "a tries
toget away" growled the poor sufferer
even while he glanced furtively at tn
lock, in the hope that the key hat
missed its aim, and thus given him op
portunity to make his longed-for exit
The coffee was brought and admins
tered, and Madge, having again secure
her prisoner, hurried forth after her cat
tie. A drizzling rain was falling, an
the tall grass was, as she waded throug
it, like river The cattle too thor
oughly enjoyed the luxury of the boun
tiful pasture to yield readily to Madge'
commands, and it was long before
drenched through with the rain an
wading, she emerged from the suburb
with her team, and proceeded to tn
hotel to arouse the head of the famil
to his breakfast, that they might b
able to resume their journey.
When they descended to the dining
room-the weak, tottering man, and til
elfsh, drenched, and shabby chilC
woman-the landlady turned tOwar
Madge with a withering look.
My husband says you have been VII
iting this mans room at an impropt
hour, and 1 wish to say to you that yo
are commanded to leave the hotel il
stantIy."
"Was the man IFwent to see quit
willing that should visit him ?u aske
Madge, her eyes flashing, and her squar
jaws taking on firmer lock, as h,
thin lips closed saucily over remark,
bly, beautiful set of teeth.
"Oh, suppose so. They always al
willing, for that matter"
''Then hadn't you better turn him ou
too?"
YOU'RE an impudent hussy ~
"You're very polite"