Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-04-06
A Life Sketch.

Ten years ago two lads, footsore and
weary, entered small village on the west
ern bank Of the Mississippi. The sun was
nearly down. Each felt that he could go no
farther, and, with sense Of depression and
inconsistencies such as they had not before
experienced, they dropped into a secluded
place on the wharf and shed bitter, burning
tears over the old home and the loved ones
from whom they were so cruelty parted. At
length James, the youngest stammered
forth
"This won't do Dick night is coming on.
We must eat and sleep and be ready for
something in the morning. / promised
mother that I'd do the best could"
"Of course but how can fellow away
from home, and no money to do with, help
it 2" was the fearful reply.
To see his comrade cast down reused James
to his usual bright, happy manner.
GAS to money, we've enough for tonight,
aud tomorrow we must try to fnd some
thing else to do" was the cheerful answer.
Tomorrow came. The lads were from
New England homes. Their manners and
appearance spoke of thrift economy, and
neatness. With fair education, and par.
ticularly quick in figures, they were ready
for anything that might offer. Before noon
both were engaged as clerks at what seemed
to them really high wages.
Upton was small village, but the sur
rounding country was already taken up by
farmers, and the river was at that time the
only outlet for their produce hence business
was active and saloons abundant
As the days wore on it became evident
that the two clerks, quick and apt in their
new surroundings, were actuated by alto
gether different principles James Darcy
attended church regularly, and every day
found time to read the Bible his mother
gave him at parting. He made few friends;
but those were studious and soon there was
a reading room in the attic of the store, and
lyceum with an average display Of forensic
talent.
Dick Fraser worked faithfully through
the day, but at night he wanted fun. To
be shut up in the attic was too mean aud
poor for his views. The saloons were well
| lighted there were pictures and singing
and good companionship. James persuaded,
and even went so far as to appeal to his love
for his mother.
"What are you afraid of, boy? What
possible harm can come to me like
good time and | don't like books and Sun
day going, as you do"
"You ask what / am afraid of, Dick"
said James, with tremor in his voice.
" To visit the saloon every night is to be in
duced to drink and to gamble. Those who
go there go for that purpose. Is it not so ?"
"Some go for that, likely, and others go
to look on. / have never taken more than
one or two glasses; and as for play, why, l
just begin to know the cards"
"Promise me you will not venture to
learn more OF them. / cannot bear to think
of the sorrow you will bring to your old
home, the ruin you will surely draw upon
yourself" pleaded James.
"Fudgel" exclaimed Dick, turning on his
heel. "What fuss about nothing Here,
Throop !" to one OF his associates who was
passing, Just stop and hear the parson. In
his eyes it's an awful thing to show yourself
in a saloon. He's afraid p was continued
with laugh.
"Afraid of what ?" asked Throop de-
risively.
"Delirium tremens," roared Dick. "And
! confess shall be afraid, too, if / sit and
listen to him any longer"
"Then why do it ? Eimunds and Ferrol
are out, and Jack won't be far behind.
Come on !"
James saw his old friend 90 out with
heavy heart. Then he leaned his head on
his hand and thought OF the dear old home.
Many times he had been homesick, and
many times he had felt that he must give it
all up but the promise he made his mother
as he stood with his hand clasped in hers
nerved him, and the Bible she had given
him was his comforter. Weary as he might
oe, it rested him to read.
"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust
also in him, and he shall bring it to
pass"
Upton is no longer small village, but q
large commercial town. James Darcy is a
prosperous merchant with home to which
he has just brought the mother to whom he
promised in every way to do the best he
could, and in no case ever to touch strong
drink. Last week Dick Fraser was buried
at the expense of his old friend, victim Of
the very delirium tremens the bare idea Of
which made him laugh in his youth.
Every soul has right and wrong set before
him. lie must choose. Which shall it be Z
A irOcnfs.