The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1880-02-20
III sccllancnus.


Bob Lindsay is Il iirst-cass fellow" was
the universal voice of his ncighbors, "but for
his one falling" they felt in conscience bound
to add
His one falling pronencss To indulge in
strong drink, had been sufficient counter
balance TO all Bob's good qualities. Active
industrious and energetic, he was n man gifted
to make his way in the world Indeed, 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 out !" Il sudden relapse would come, and
week. dissipation would squandcr the fruits
of a month of sober industry.
1t was Il sore trial to Mary Lindsay to see
her husband the slave of loathsome appetite
hers was a proud as well as Il loving heart
and it stung her to note the look of suppress
ed triumph visible on the face of certain
friends, in opposition to whose counscls she
had married Bob Lindsay, in preference to
rich, old and ugly John Dodd.
Whatever of Bobs earnings had escaped
the saloon had gone to buy neat little home
which would have been n very happy one but
for the one great drawback.
Bob had given a mortgage for u portion Of
the purchase money, ana several times had
saved enough to pay it; but just then his be-
setting temptation would overcome him, and
viz vi Solils
which lay like n 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 earncstncss which had
sc often before carried Bob to the verge of
success, and needed only perseverance to as
sure it, the required sum was once more &C
Cumulatcd.
Yes, yes have themoney safely enough
A few hours and we shall he able to snap our
fingers at Mr.. John Doddw
Thus said Bob to his wife on the morning
that the mortgage money had to be paid
ooh, Robert" anXiousy cried Mary, pro
mise me that you will enter no tavern on your
way?"
"Why, of course l won't-not on my way
there; but, once the money paid perhaps
Mary shook her head somewhat doubtfully
:" You may trust me this time, Mary" said
Bob with parting kiss; and off he started
With Il fervent prayer that he might not be
led into temptation, Mary returned her hus-
bands kiss, and went about her daily duties,
filled 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 in n moment more would have
been out of danger. But just then the demon
of irrcsoution took possession of his soul.
"It's sultry day" Bob soliloquiAed, "and
II glass of something cool-.iust onc-could do
no harm"
Old Roam, given his head, was soon rub
bing his nose in friendly recognition, against
the sign post, while his master was cXchang-
ing salutations with the host within.
whisky cold, Mr.. Small" said Bob; "a
pair of EN-, mean, for | hope you'll do me
the honor ofyour company. And you, friend"
turning to seedylooking 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 n
twinklng. Then a three handed chat was
struck up and the grogs We're several times
repeatcd-all at Bobs expense, for there
| wasn't n stingy drop in his blood.
The seedy stranger made himself SO pleas
| ant that Bob was glad to learn they were GO
ing the same road. lie even offered to share
| old Roam with his new friend on the old fash
| Toned plan of ride and tie" but the latter
politely declined, saying as they were going
only short way together, he would manage
| to keep up afoot if Bob didn't ride too fast
Another round of drinks, and Bob and the
| stranger took their departure in good humor
Here" said the latter, when they had
| reached the heart of the forest where n foot
path branched from the main road, 1--WE must
| part, for my way is by this path"
Bob expressed his regret at the enforced
separation, and was on the point of reluctant.
| ly resuming his journey, when the stranger
| begged him to alight for u short rest.
Here's nice cool place among the bushes, y
added the strangers land here's little some
thing for refreshmcnt," producing a bottle
from his pocket. "Our chat has been SO
pleasant that I'd like to enjoy an hour more
of it,"
| Bob was in no mood to be unsociable, and he
and his companion were soon seated side by
side on log, as costly as possible.
The stranger uncorked the bottle and hand
ed it to Bob.
"What is il ?" inquired the latter.
| Brandy" the other answered.
Health and happiness" said Bob, by way
of preface to good gulp.
A gurgling groan escaped him. the flask
dropped from his hand his throat burned as
though scorched with fire; his temples throb-
bed; q confused buzzing filled his ears; a
sense of numbness pervaded his brain, and he
fell to the ground unconscious.