The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1879-12-09
BOb's Failing.
BY NJ. B. d.

bob Lindsay is a first-class fellow" was
the universal voice of his neighbors, "but for
his one failing" they felt in conscience bound
to add.
His one failing, a proneness to indulge in
strong drink, had been a sufficient counter
balance to all Bob's good qualities. Active,
industrious and energetic, he was a man gift
ed to make his way in the world. Indeeds
many times success seemed within his grasp.
But just at the critical moment, and while his
friends were hopefully saying, " If he'll only
hold ont ~ a sudden relapse would come, and
a weeks dissipation would squander the
traits of a month of sober industry.
1t was a sore trial to Mary Lindsay to see
her husband the slave of a loatlisome appe-
tite. Hers was a proud as we'll as a loving
heart, and it stung her to note the look OF
suppressed triumph visible on the faces OF
certain friends, in opposition to whose
ence to rich, old. and ugly John Dodd. .
Whatever of Bob's earnings had escaped
the saloon had gone to buy a neat little home,
which would have been a very happy one but
for the one great drawback.
Bob had given a mortgage for a portion of
the purchase money. and several times had
saved enough to pay it but just then his be-
setting temptation would overcome him, and
the money, instead of going to cancel the
debt, which lay like q load on Mary's heart,
and hung like a shadow over her home, would
be worse than wasted. ... .....
In course of time and business this mort
gage came into the hands of John Dodd.
From him Bob knew it would be useless to
seek indulgence, even had he felt free to ask
a favor Of John Dodd-a humiliation at
which his own, as well as Mary's, pride re-
volted.
With that will and earnestness which had
SO often before carried Bob to the verge of
success, and needed only perseverance to as
sure it, the required sum was once more ac-
cumulated.
eyes, yes I have the money safely enough,
A few hours and we shall be able to snap our
fingers at Mr.. John Dodd!"
Thus said Bob to his wife on the morning
hat the mortgage money had to be paid.
"Oh, Robert!" anxiously cried Mary,
promise me that you will enter nc tavern on
your way?"
"Why, of course / won't-not on my way
there but once the money paid, perhaps l."
Mary shook her head somewhat doubtfully.
"You may trust me this time, Mary" said
Bob, with a parting kiss; and off he started.
With a fervent prayer that he might not be
led into temptation, Mary returned her hus-
bands kiss, and went about her daily duties,
filed with anxiety for what the day might
bring forth.
Bob felt brave and strong till he came in
sight of the roadside tavern. Old Roam, from
the force of habit, turned his head towards
his accustomed hating place. Bob urged
him on, and inEa moment more would have
been out of danger. But just then the demon
of irresolution took possession of his soul.
ats a sultry day" Bob soliloqnlsed, "and
a glass of something cool-just one-could do
no harm"
Oh D. ..o. :, Iao ,x,,, .oor ,,,Lls,,r
his head in friendly recognition, against the
sign-post, while his master was exchanging
salutations with the host within.
p" Whisky cold, Mr.. Smith," said Bob ga
pair of 'em, 1 mean, for hope you'll do me
the honor of your company. And you,
FRIEND" turning to a seedy-looking stranger
in the corner, "won't you join US
He of the seedy looks didn't care if he
did, and stepped forward into line without
another word.
The liquor appeared and disappeared in q
%twinkling. Then a three-handed chat was
struck up, and the grogs were several time:
repeated-all at Bob's expense, for there
wasn't a stingy drop in his blood.
The seedy stranger made himself so pleas
ant that Bob was glad 10 learn they were 60
ing the same road. He even offered to share
Old Roam with his new friend on the old
fashioned plan of g ride and tie," but the lat
ter politely declined, saying as they wer'
going only a short way together, he woult
manage to keep up afoot, If Bob didn't rid
too fast. Another round of drinks, and Boil
and the stranger took their departure in goo'
Eumor.
"Here.' said the latter, when they hat
reached the heart Of the forest where a foot
path branched from the main road, "we mus
part, for my way is by this path"
Bob expressed his regret at the enforce,
separation, and was on the point of reluct
antly resuming his journey, when the strange
begged him to alight for a short rest.
"Here's a nice cool place among thes
bushes,' added the stranger, land here's
little something for refreshments producing
bottle from his pocket. Our chat has bee
so pleasant that I'd like to enjoy half an hou
more of it." ..
Bob was in 10 mood to be unsociable, an
he and his companion were soon seated sid
by side on a log, as costly as possible.
The stranger uncorked the bottle and hand
ed it to Bob.
ssWhat is it ?" inquired the latter.
"Brandy,' the other answered.
"Health and happiness" said Bob, by wa.
of preface to a good gulp.
A gurgling groan escaped him; the fas
dropped from his hand; his throat burned a
though scorcled with fire his temples throt
bed: a confused bAzzing filed his ears;
sense of numbness pervaded his brain, and h
fell to the ground unconscious.
In a trice the stranger dragged him into
thicket, and, stripping him Of his outer gal
ments, replaced his own Herewith; the
mounting Roam, rode off into the woods wit
Bob's clothes and money.
The robber was afraid to venture far til
night set In. Then, under the cover of dark
ness, he hurried forward, hoping before day
light to he well ont of reach.
Soon a river intercepted his fight. 1t wa
swollen by recent rains, and the rapid currer
made its passage dangerous to those unaccus
toned to the ford.
.sSurely this must be the right place" mul
tered the robber; II observed it closely yes
.a.Sa, Voc tine Ia the snof.n