The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1879-07-09

yerv well until the desire for liquor
grew strong enough to tempt him
off 10 Huber's tavern for a drink. Az
ter that no one could count on him.
Some panuels Of the unfinished
shutter Law on Barclays bench. lie
began to grow worried just as it had
been with him many times. But
where to begin bis days work.
which of his neglected customers to
serve first, be did not know.
His hands were unsteady q sense
of heaviness weighed down his limbs;
in body and mind he felt wretched.
He thought of Huber's tavern and q
refreshing glass. Just n glass and
his shattered nerves would be stead
Ter for the days work. Then he
thought of the pennies in his pocket,
the treasure of mis- dear little Fanny,
stolen from her that morning ; and
such shame fell upon his heart that
be sat down on his work bench and
groaned in pain.
"Ill get one glass;" be said, start
ing up, "for / must have something
to pnt life into me. The pennies are
only borrowed, and I'll return them
two for one. Just one glass to make
me all right" and off be started for
the tavern.
Between the shop and the tavern
was a pleasant cottage. Mr.. Barclay
was nearly opposite this cottage, when
out ran q child, holding in her little
hands q small glass pitcher full of
water, her golden hair tossing in the
wind. She was about Fanny's age,
and beautiful as a cherub.
won't you have a cool drink, Mr..
Barclay ?n said the child, stopping
before him and offering him her pitch
err, while her earnest, tender eyes,
blue as violets, were lifted to mis-
face.
Surprised and startled by this sud
den vision of innocence and beauty,
Mr.. Barclay did not hesitate for an
instant, but took the pitcher and
drank almost at a single draugt. ev-
cry drop of the pure g Id water.
Thank you, my DEAR" dropped
from his lips as be handed back the
empty vessel, and then be stopped
and kissed the child. She did not
turn from him and go back into the
house, bnt stood between him and
the tavern, gazing up into his face.
He took a step forward. The child
caught his hand.
"Oh, don't Mr.. Barclay she
cried eagerly, and in such a plead
ing voice that her tones went down
further into her heart than human
tones had gone for a long time.
Don't what, little darling? 2" be
asked, bending toward her in new
surprise.
Don't go to Huber's any more"
answered the child.
Mr.. Barclay drew himself up and
stood as still as a statue. The child
looked at him with a half scared ex-
preston. but she kept firmly hold of
his hand.
Suddenly catching his breath, be
stopped quickly and touched the
child's fair forehead with his lips.
He said not a word, turned resolute-
ly, and went striding down the road
in the direction of his shop.
From the window of the cottage
mother and aunt looked on the scene
in surprise. The act was her own.
They had no hint OF her purpose un-
til they saw her crossing the road
with the pitcher of water in her hand
Her own act did say? Let me lift
your thoughts higher.
Gods love and pity for the poor
drunksrd had flowed into the little
child's heart, and moved her to do
Just what she did.
So it was God acting through her,
Just as He acts through every one of
us when we try to do good to others.
Think of this. God working through
us-making US angels of mercy.
Mr.. Barclay returned to his shop,
took off his coat and went to work.
The cool water, but more the good
resolutions, the child had awakened
in his heart, gave tone and refresh
ment to body and mind. His nerves,
all unstrung when be started for the
tavern, were steady now.
No tremor ran through his hand as
he grasped the mallet, chisel, or plane.
He worked with a pleasure not felt
for a long time.
After an hour this feeling began to
wear off, and the old hesviness and
thirst for liquor returned. His mind
went to Huber's tavern, and the
tempting liquor there. But there
was something in the way be could
not pass not fierce lions, but a pure
and innocent child.
He felt SURE that when she saw him
coming along the road she would
meet him with her sweet pleading
face and pitcher of water, and that to
pass by would be impossible.
$50 around by the old MILL" said
the tempter, 'and the child will not
see you.n
He h~earkened a moment, and then,
with an almost angry tone, said
no, no, no! Gods angel met me
in an evil path and turned me back.
will not go round by any other
way"
There was a spring not far from
bis shop. He drank freely at this,
and, then refreshed, took up his work
again.
How clear mis- mind was-clearer
than it had been for q long time.
Like a beautiful picture was the i'm
age Of that lovely child meeting him
in the road and Offering him Der pitch
er of cold water.
1t was always before him, and the
longer be looked upon it the softer
his heart became, and the stronger
bis good resolutions.
For the first time in months Mr..
Barclay came home that evening 80
Der and in his right mind.
What throbs Of joy his pulse gave
as he saw the look Of happy surprise
in bis poor wife's face, and felt the
delight of dear little Fanny's heart as
she sprang into his arms and Rugged
him in q way that told what a new
gladness was in her soul.
Not until be had returned the PEN
ries to her box did the red spot of