Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-02-01

great crises When the events OF the past
flash before the mind as upon a magic
mirror-when a man, in brief instant,
recalls every salient point Of his early
career. Such moment was the present
to Arthur Gravely.
''Let it alone" he said solemnly.-
Il tell you, Jack, and you, Viii, that
you are going down. You can't last
much longer at this rate"
WELL" retorted Roberts, with an at
tempt to laugh, sit appears to me that
what is sauce for the goose is sauce for
the gander. Hadn't you better try to
let it alone YOURSELF"
''IfI will try, will you try t." he
asked.
''Will YOU try it," demanded Hatton.
- will if you will Join me-"
"Done!"
And they did it, they joined hands
and promised one another that they
bG Il titiO
A new surprise was in store for
Arthur Gravely. He found that upon
cutting off his spirituous liquors that his
body weakened, and that his hands
shock as with palsy. He applied to a
physician for help. Fortunately he ap-
piled to man Of sense and understand
ing.
Can you give me something to
steady my nerves and restore my appe-
tite ?" Arthur asked, after he had frank
ly stated his case.
This shows you, my dear sir" said
the physician, Into what dangerous
state you had fallen. l can give you
something to steady your nerves, but it
would not help you in the end. If you
will be brave and true, you will come
all right in a few days"
Arthur said he should not go back
He wanted 40 stimulant-no more of
that.
The trial was severe one. and If
may have been a blessed thing for Ar
thur Gravely that it was SO. He felt
more heroism in the contest, and he
saw more clearly how deeply the evil
habit had become fixed upon him. On
the morning Of the fourth day of his
trial he awoke with an appetite for
food. He was & new man from that
time forth. The physician had given
him certain hygienic directions which he
followed implicitly, and thus he held
fast upon his health as it came back to
him.
And on the fourth day Arthur saw
Hatton and Roberts. They had kept
the faith, and had been unexpectedly
An excellent opening in
business had been presented and &C.
cepted.
On the fifth day the business which
brought Gravely from his home. was
concluded, and he set out on his return.
And the last struggle had passed. His
nerves had become steady, his appetite
had started as if by magic. his cheeks
had grown fair. and the white Sf his eve
was growing clear and pearly again.
He reached his own city in the morn
ing. and went first to the bank and gave
in return Of his business. Mr.. Van
derlain had glanced quickly and eagerly
into his face when he entered, and a
wondrous change came over the bankers
manner as the business proceeded
Something outside the business in hand
was evidently on his mind.
Arthur did not reach his home till
time for dinner, but he had sent a boy
from the bank with the word that he
should be there.
Fanny :"
Darling! 0. I'm so glad to see you
back"
Something made the wife even happier
than she had thought as she rested with
in her husbands embrace; but in the
sudden JOY she could not see it-she
could only feel a great warmth, like the
glow Of Heaven, as Arthur's kiss came.
sweet and pure to her lips.
As they entered the dinning-room.
Arthur saw the decanter Of wine near
his plate.
Take it away, FANNY" he sald7
smiling. IF you want it hereafter for,
a medicine, kept. For myself 1 shall,
not want It," |
Not want it-Arthur ?'
4 have done with it forever!"
He spoke solemnly, with a manlines :
that was strong and reliant. :,
And the wife saw whence had com 9
the great warmth in her heart, saw it =:
the pure cheek. in the clear eye, as 81 +
had caught it in the pure breath. =
''Arthuy-my husband" she fond !
whispered, as though hardly daring .,
trust her own senses, sis it true ?- :
you mean forever?" :,
While l live, darling. God giving i
strength and reason"
Fanny was upon the opposite side h
the table. She tried to speak but / h.
voice failed her. She turned white tr
then she pressed her hand for an insta ci
to her heart-and then. as the criins fl
flood once more bounded on its cours n
she covered her face and sank dow OF
weeping like a child. O,
Arthur was by her side in momei h,
Fanny my wife what is it?'' Il
She looked up and caught his start a.
gaze through her tears. With Gull h,
movement she threw her arms aroul f.
his neck, and pillowed her head upl $,
his bosom. $,
''Oh. Arthur! bless you. L eou Of
die for JOY if l did not feel that l cod a,
have more happiness in living now 4 O,
Won't =,