Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1878-04-24

subject of prayer, but all TO no purpose
| went on and on until | became drunk
ard. Now of all sad sights there is none
sadder than the spectacle of man whose
hair has been whitened with the frosts oI
age, reeling from intoxication, in the
streets. My wife tried every means to re.
form me, and failing, went to the grave
with broken heart. Then was left alone
in the world, for all my children were
dead. | failed in business, and soon found
myself in the street. Then used to hang
about the saloons, waiting to be asked tc
drink. Young men had pity on my gray
hairs, and spent the money for me in H.
quor that l would have vainly begged for
to buy bread. | went on from bad to
worse, until | was sent to prison rs a CON-
mon drunkard. On my release, l adopted
the life of a tramp, and here you see me
tonight; but to morrow is the first day OF
the new year, and tomorrow | intend to
begin new life"
John Warden sighed. 1t was indeed
ptiable to hear this old man, with one
foot in the grave. making good resolutions.
But then he was only human, after all
How many men will take the pledge on
New Years Day to be broken shortly.
How many young ladies will begin diaries
on New Years Day, to be thrown aside in
q week.
suppose it is my turn now," said the
sailor who had first arrived; land, split
my topsails, if think there is anything
interesting in my life to tell you. I've fol-
lowed the sea the best part of my life,
have been wrecked dozen of times, chas-
ed by pirates once or twice. have doubled
the Horn and the Cape of Good Hope as
many times as have toes. That's about
all can tell you. Now. messmate. it's
your turn"
Perhaps the old gentleman will tell
us his story first" said the sailor in the
shadow. II should like to know why it
is that he throws open his house TO all
comers to-day"
" | will tell you my story, gentlemen"
said old John Warden; but it is Il sad
one and will scarcely amuse you" So
John Warden told all that we told the
reader at the beginning Of this story, and
added other information unknown to the
reader, viz:-that Squire Gray had died
shortly after Jacks departure, and was
found to be bankrupt, his estate being in
volved to such an extent us to leave his
daughter penniless. He had hoped 10 re-
trieve his fortunes by marrying Julia to
some rich man, but he died before his
plans were consummated. John Warden
took Julia to his home and heart rs well
:" She was my Jack S sweetheart" he said
q" and wanted to say when Jack came
home-here is your bride; I've kept her
for you. But my Jack | will never see
again, and our julia is as much widow
as if she had been married and buried her
husband"
John Warden ceased, and the silence
was unbroken save by an occasional long
drawn sigh from Julia, and half-slihed
sob from the mother, for on this day of all
days, her mind and heart were full of her
son.
The sailor in the shadow said never II
word, but pulled his hat, which he had not
removed, further down upon his brows,
and at intervals blew his nose with vehe-
mence.
Its your time now, messmate," said
the other sailor, pay out the line. old
man; you can tell yarn with the best OF
them. Lord bless you, sir. TO old John
Warlen), I've hearn him tell yarn at
night that would make you wish he'd keep
on talking forever. All full and by, too;
no tackings in it. Smooth sea, fair wind,
and stun'sails set; everything straight up
and down like II bucket of pump water.
He can do it. Come, messmate, pay out
the log"
WELL" says the sailor, pulling his hat
still further down over his eyes, and
speaking in n somewhat gruff voice, I"
was born not far from here, in fact, very
near here"
"Ah" says John Warden. who were
your parents"
An that will come out as go along"
says the sailor.
II loved young woman and she re-
iected me, and | went 10 sea-" the sailor
proceeds.
"Why, that's just like our jack, says
Mary Warden.
Julia had risen from her seat, and is
standing in an attitude of attention listen
inc to the sailors words. As he speaks
she crosses the room and takes 4 seat near
him. Her air is no longer detected and
weary like. All in moment she has
changed The languor of her department
has disappeared. Her bosom is heaving
her eyes sparkling, and her cheeks are
suffused with u bright glow, that adds a
rare charm 10 her extraordinary lowell
ness.
"She rejected me-" continues the sailor
mo, she didn't" cries Julia, springing
to his side and pulling the hat from his
head, "she loved you well, but she had
been taught the commandment. children
be obedient to your parents.
And then Julia fell upon her knees and
sobbed Historically. Old John Warden
rose from his chair on witnessing Julia S
extraordinary conduct, and gazed upon
the sailor. His eyes were open TO their
widest extent, and he seemed petritied.
&" Yes, yes" he said under his BREATH
" It's its Jack"
A moment later, father and son were in
each others arms.
As for Mary Warden, she had recog-
nized him as quick as Julia, but her joy
overpowered her. She tainted in her
chair without a cry. When she returned
to consciousness she was in Jacks arms,
would have the reader imagine tho Joy
that filled all present.
The old tramp ran up stairs. and. rails
ing the window, put his head out anu cried
=" Come in; come in everybody; there's
Joy in this house tonight, come right in
don't be afraid. You're welcome, every
one of ye." -
Nobody heard him; there was nobody
there. The snow only came in at the open
window, but the shouting of this invita-
tion did the old man good. 1t relieved
his full heart, and before he shut down the
window, he sang out again to the trees
and fences Without
Come right in; come and rejoice with
us. Don't We stand out there in the cold. "
Then he went down stairs, and although
he had a lame leg, caused by falling down
stairs when he was drunk, he danced
around the room and shouted:-
Didn't tell ye it was known up above
what was going on here, eh? Didn't tell
YOU this house would be blessed?'
And. having exhausted himself, he sat
down and with II full heart and beaming
eyes contemplated the pleasant scene be-
fore him.
As for the sailor, he could only sit and
calculate
" Well, I'll be blowed Well, I'll be
blowed! if this isn't sell he never told
me word about it."
Now" said old John Warden, falling