Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-02-01
"FOr Mothers Sake"
BY EMMA GARRISON JONES.

"I'm done with him. I've said so.
and I'll stand to it. He's disgraced
himself and my good name, and wash
my hands of him from hcnceforth and
forever"
Mrs. Arnold stood in the cottage
doorway, the sweet bloom and verdure
of spring-time all about her, and lis.
tened to her husbands angry words.
sob, James," she entreated, ere
member, he is our son."
81 shall make it my business to for
get it from this hour; he is no son of
mine"
''But, James, James, think what the
end may be. What if they send him to
the State Prison?"
''Let him go-he deserves it."
The angry father strobe away,
hard, relentless look upon his face.
The mother stood there in the early
sunshine, her poor face white with
agony, her hands clutched hard to-
gether.
She could see the village spires from
the cottage porch, and in the village
prison her only son lay.
The trouble had come about after
this wise:
Dick Arnold was confidential clerk
in the hardware house Of Robinson g.
Co., at very fair salary. A promising
young fellow was Dick, bright, intelli-
gent, and as shrewd and clever in bust.
ness matters as he was genial and win
ming in his social relations. But his
character had its weak points. In the
first place, he was fond of strong drink:
in the second, he had not the courage
to say 'No" when temptations assailed
him.
Many a scrape poor Dick was lured
into, many aheart-ache he caused his
fond mother, many a setting down he
got from his over-severe father: but he
did not mend his ways.
Nevertheless, his employers were
fond of him, and trusted him, and
winked at his shortcomings.
Hes fine fellow; he'll get his
wild oats in, and do better after @
WHILE" they said.
One afternoon Dick was summoned
into MIR. Robinsons private Office.
"Here, Dick" said that gentleman,
putting q sealed envelope into the
young mans hands. want you to
take this, and deliver it to Mr.. Selby,
In 0ovington. You know the placer"
"Oh, yes, SIR"
"Verv well, mind you keep steady
on your legs. my boy, and deliver it
Dick put the envelope in his breast
pocket. bowed himself out, and was
steaming on his way to Covington in
the next train.
he reached the little town Just before
nightfall, ND feeling somewhat tired
and thirsty, he "a we'd in at restau-
rant for drink. All, me, ii there were
no such places, how much misery, and
sin, and shame would be banished from
the world! But they meet us at every
turn these devils dens, wherein men
Are despoiled of their earnings and their
honor.
Dick went in, and stumbled right in
70 the midst of some three or four old
cronies. They leaped up and well
coined him with uproarious delight.
why, Dick, old fellow, haven't seen
You for an age! Well met, pom my
souli Here, landlord, brandy and
settler for four, and be spry at il"
The brandy and settler appeared and
vanished. A broiled steak, and oysters
and crackers followed. and then came
rum grog to wash il all down.
BY sunset poor Dicks weak head
was IN a whirl. When darkness fell his
errand was still neglected. and he sat
IN the little ar-parlor, while his boon
companions played cards, hot bloom
IN his cheeks, an insane glitter in his
handsome eyes.
Come up, Dick, and try your luck?"
Don't care il do" said Dick, and
at il he west.