The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-05-02

and eggs you have raised to sell, all fo1
one good object, and that my curs' d folly
has ruined all, am ready to despair
"< shall not live long to want money,
Sam; I only thought Of thee ana Ellen,
who is soon to become thy wife, Sam.
uel groaned, and left the house with
heavy heart. He knew by the twinkling
light across the fields that Ellen sat
watching for his visit, but he sped on to-
ward the village, until, stamping the
snow from his shoes, he entered once
more the tavern. Again, in a private
parlor, he found the companions of
previous night, He went firmly up to
the table and deposited his money. 4
have come "he said, in bold voice, to paw
you what you won from me last night
The man merely waved his hand on
which shone a jewel, toward him, in
negligent manner, and went on with his
game.
"'Oh mere triae,' he said; time
enough by and by"
'Sam turned toward the fire, with
groan. Evil thoughts took possession Of
his mind. Can some men take money
thus easily by the toss of a card or the
turn of die? And yet after ali my hon
est labor, must I be turned from nv
humble home, and my happy prospects
broken up for life by two desperate gam
blers" Fierce passions seemed at wa
within him, as the sweet vision of former
hopes passed away. He did not notice
that there were mutterings of wrath at
the table, and one after another was
t1eeced in his turn.
Bries of unfair unfair were met BY
contemptuous sneers from the successful
men who pockcted the gains.
"Samuel's little roll of bills still laid
upon the table, and he could not bear to
leave it there. It seemed sacred money.
How little my father thought when he
left me the farm, with only this MOI tgage
as an incumbrance. that / should prove
so recreant to my solemn engagement to
take care of my dear mother. Oh! God
forgive me and spare me, that may do
better in the future And that moment
softer emotion sprang up in his heart
He felt a loathing for sin of all kinds
that he had never felt beiore,an a de-
termination to shun even the smallest
deviation from duty, if its retribution was
so dreadful.
| "Thls was a more desirable state of
mind; and humble spirit breated its
blessings over him, as he rose up and
buttoned his thin coat over his breast,
again to face the cutting wind of the
wintery night.
"About this time a handsome sleigh
had driven up to the door of the tavern.
The horses were feced with foam, and
I tho froof h,nr oho IN.
showing how swiftly they had Travelled.
Two strong men leaped from it, and hast
lily entered the house. The host came
obsequently to the door. They drew him
aside.
"'We have tracked two
notorious blacklegs from Boston
here, and thiaking they might he making
a little mischief, have come down. Indi-
cate, l say, the room where they now are,
or shall we arrest you as an accomplice2
(luietly!' as the CLEAN of revolver
shone in the cold moonlight. In there,
in there!' stammered the landlord, tremb-
ling with alarm. The detectives came
very softly, but not so gently that the
gamblers did not listen intentlv. One
said, Throw the cards in the fire! raise
the window! bark! Just then the door
was violently thrown open. AN, my
hearties, we'll met! We have had quite a
drive for you,' adjusting handouts all
the time, as though they we're used to the
business, in spite Of the desperate strug-
| giles of the two men.
"'Now, my birds, we will see what
you have cagedr said these minions OF
the law, and forthwith began to pick
their pockets, having laid them at length
on the floor.
"'Counterfeit bills in plenty, some
goldenseagles, silver. Get pen and paper,
landlord and state the amount. Now,
young men, the Sheriff, said, addressing
Samuel Grey and his friends, wSo stood
in silent amazement Deho ding the scene,
VIC might consider you under arrest for
gambling, but presume you were just
green enough to be entrapped by the
Boston youths. Didn't understand the
ways of our wicked city. However,
will just advise Fyou to beware of bad
company tor the future; it does not lead
to pleasant results
SO How much have you been robbed of
this night2'
There is my money" said Samuel,
as each one stated the amount, and point
ed to the roll upon the table.
"Well, take it, and 60 instantly"
said the men.
samuel obeyed; and when once more
in the silent fields, and within sight of
his mothers cottage, he fell on lis
knees and wept aloud, giving thanks to
God as he had never done before. He
was not yet twenty one; life was before
him; hope again dawned; let us trust
that the sad lesson was not in vain.
"The old mother could not knit the
| long, blue wooden sock that evening. She
paced the low room with prayers and
tears. Never, in her lonely widowhood,
had sorrow come so heavily upon her
heart; aud when the door opened and
Ellen stole gently in, to inquire what was
the matter, missing her lover, Aunt
Rachel threw her arms about her neck
and gave way to grief. So Samuel found
them when he returned, most unexpect-
edly, to change their hearts to JOY"
II do believe" exclaimed Tom, who
has listened attentiyely, "that this is the
very cottage where we are visiting grand
ma. Imean to ask Uncle Sam when he
comes home, tonight, from the woods;
for grandma's name is Rachel"
There was a general shout, and the
cards were voted out unanimously, and
consigned to the fire, with much incrri-
ment, while Aunt Mary hoped, secretly,
that her nephew had learned lesson he
would not soon forget, from the story Of
his uncle's one sad fault
---'a@''----------
Worth, the Man Milliner.
Kate Field p0Ssins ahout Worth the