Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1881-05-07

tbetb tAN - lCNA Ak1iO IL hSCp SlSdh y
"You go back, and I'll meet yor
presently"
John complied without a word
and five minutes later was discus
sing mustangs with an APPARENT,
undivided interest.
The half hour spent by Earl,
Dawson was q bitter one. II he ac
cepted his friends generous offer d
assistance, he must det rhine e
abstain wholly from the use of in.
toxicating liquors. But could he
make this resolve +? The desire
even now for another drink was
almost overpowering His tongue
was parched, and the craving o1
his stomach for more stimulant was
agonizing beyond description. He
stopped at drugstore, and drank
glass of vichy. Temporarily re-
lieved of the awful thirst and gnaw-
ing it seemed at his vitals, he
hurried back to the appointed place.
He must make haste to promise be-
fore the torture seized him again,
for promise he would, if he could
keep his senses long enough to do
SO. Earle Dawson had a strange
feeling of outward compulsion in
this matter, which he had never
experienced before. Something
seemed to keep saying, "you must
promise, " "you must be a man."
"all things are possible to those
who try hard enoughn'
John had left the stable; 'igone
across the street with the boys to
get drink" he was told. Earle's
first thought was to wait till his
friend should come out, but some
thing seemed to urge him on, and
over he went.
When he entered the room, John
was standing at the bar with sever
al other young men of his acquain-
tance, with glass of champagne in
his hand.
''How are you, Dawson ?'' one of
the members shouted to the new
conner. "Come and take a drink"
Earle's face was as white as the
face of the dead as he took in this
scene. He had come to find his
friend, and to pledge himself to
life of sobriety, and here his friend
stood with a glass of the tempting
stuff in his hand all ready to drink. |
Come on, Earle" said another.
Hurry up, and we'll drink to-
gether."
''I am much obliged to you,"
Earle replied, in so strange a voice |
hat all the young men turned to
ook at him, : but I've got !
through ;" then passing to his
riend's side, said: "Cosgrove, you
lave been the means of making it
for me to attempt a decent i
ife, but if you are going to set that
lind Of an example, you will de-
troy yourself and weaken me-"
"What will you have me do,
earle ?'' John inquired,- setting
lown his glass as he spoke, while
he others looked on in astonish-
nent.
"There's my hand, old fellow"
earle replied, "and | promise with
fOd's help never to touch another
rOp of intoxicating liquor as long
S live"
"And l take the same pledge"
ohm replied, in ringing voice,
and the boys here are my witness
es."
During this scene every one of
he number put their glasses down
with one exception, and
e laughed long and loud at the
fanatics, as he called
lis companions.
"What have you done to-day,
ohm ?" Mrs. Cosgrove inquired of
Ier step-son that evening.
'.More than usual ~ John replied
With a smile. 81 believe 1 have
cen the means of saving a friend
rom destruction, and in return
ave been saved myself"
Indeed, whom were you so for
unate as to save?" the lady in
uired.
''Earle Dawson, mother"
ooh {! and may l ask who came
D your rescue ?"
"Earle DAWSON"
"Never mind" the lady inter-
upted, as her step-son was going
n to explain, "it's of no conse-
uence. [ take it for granted that
was about drinking !; but as |
ave Invariably told you, John, a
always knows when he
as got enough"
"Then gentlemen are very scarce
mong men who drink" John re-
lied, and here the conversation
nded.
Earle Dawson took the position
} kindly offered him, and filled it .
} eXcellently that he was soon pro-
lOted, and after a while was taken
ito the firm.