Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1882-08-26

Minnie-take it away. I've thought
over the misery that I have caused you
since L began the habit. I'll have no
more of it. I'm done. l will not touch
it."
"But you will die, Dick" pleaded
Minnie, ''if you do not take it. 1t will
make you better, and when you are
yourself again, you can begin a new
iife."
die Let me die, Minnie. I've
killed your brightest hopes and aspira.
tions, and why should 1 live? You will
be happier without me. Give me the
bottle"
He seized it, dashed it upon the
ground, and spilled its contents upon
the floor.
"Heaven help me, what shall 1 do -
muttered Minnie, as she gazed with
CONSERVATION upon the broken bottle.
''My last hope is gone. He has got the
delirium tremens, and in his wild mo-
ments the police may enter and take him
from me On what shall do?
''Take this prescription to the drug
gist at the corner and have it put up
right away" exclaimed the physician as
ne entered the room.
"My brother, Tom Chrystie," ex-
claimed Minnie, nearly overcome with
astonishment. Chow came you here %
81 saw you in the street, Minnie, and
followed you here. There's good girl !;
run off and get the medicine and I'll
stay here with Dick until you return.
The tide has turned, and we must help
him fight against his passion"
He kissed her affectionately, and put
ting some money il her hand, gently
pushed her from the room.
81 do not deserve this kindness, Tom, :"
said Dick, after his wife had left the
room.
"Never mind, Dick, you shall have
it all the same. l heard your remarks
to Minnie as l stood outside the door.
Stick to them and I'll pull you through.
The world is before you yet. Be a
man."
"Ill try, Tom. You don't know
what I've got to contend with, but I'll
try"
While he was conversing with his pa
tient the doctor managed to examine his
pulse.
1.-The attack is slight one, and he'll
be all right after get him asleep" NUT
tered DIR. Tom. 'But what place this
is for my sister to live in 1 must get
her away from here. / always thought
my father and Charley Marshall were a
little too hard on Dick and his wife, and
now I'm convinced of it. Ii they had
stuck to him like Minnie, instead of
turning their backs upon him he would
have been saved long ago."
Minnie soon returned, the doctor gave
the medicine to his patient. and waited
until Dick Marshall had fallen into
sound sleep.
" He will sleep for six hours" said
Tom, as he arose to leave, "and when
he awakes he will be himself again. /
will return before that time"
He descended to the street went to
the place where he had left his wagon
and rapidly drove away.
About the middle of the afternoon
Doctor Tom returned with carriage.
He found Dick Marshall awake and
sufficiently recovered to leave the place.
"Dick, do you mean to keep your
word ?" inquired Tom.
81 have sworn it.
"Then, Minnie, you and your hus-
band must go with me"
"Where to, Tom ?" inquired Minnie,
anxiously.
Away from here, sister. You and
not fear to trust him now. l have pre-
pared new home for you"
They entered the carriage. and were
driven to the upper part of the city,
where they halted in front of modest
two-story house.
"Here is your new home, Minnie,
said Doctor Tom, as he assisted his sis
ter to alight.
They entered the house.
In the paIlor Minnie found her father
awaiting her. He clasped her in his
arms, and kissed her affectionately.
Charley Marshall seized his brothers
hand, and shook 1t warmly.
"You have shown to the world what
a brave woman can do, Minnie" said
Mr.. Chrystie. GA woman who does her
duty and braves the world, father"
"You have fought the great fight, and
you have conquered, Dick" said Char
ley Marshall.
Minnie saved me, brother, didn't
You, wife"
eyes, Dick; from yourself"
Doctor Tom had insisted upon his
father and Charley Marshall being pres
ent to welcome Dick.
Dick Marshall kept his word, and he
never forgot to bless the little wife that
stuck to him so bravely and was ever
TRUE TO HER TRoTH.-Leisure.