Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-04-29

THE iWo oyERCOAfs.

dollars. but leaving his overcoat in the
hands of the Jew, he made his way direct
lv to Sillbrook's saloon, where. he felt
sure. he should meet half dozen at least
of his boon companions
He was not mistaken. The bar-room
was crowded and general shout of well
come greeted him as he entered, for Amos
/ was a generous fellow, and was always
willing to treat
I The five dollar bill was quickly broken
by the iovial bar keeper. and two hours
/ later when Amos walked rather unstead-
iIy out of the saloon, he had not cent in
/ his pocket. But this did not trouble him
in the least He had spent too much money
in Sillbrook's during the last two years to
think anything of squandering in one even
ing such a paltry sum as five dollars.
/ As he left the saloon by the main en-
trance. he saw a man emerge from a side
door of the building. and cross the street
with rapid strides a tall man well dressed,
| and bearing about him look OF prosperl-
ty. He wore very handsome overcoat.
with sealskin cuffs and collar, sealskin
cap and well fitting gloves. Drunk as
Amos was he recognized him at once; it
was Sillbrook himself.
been in the back room countin' up his
gains, most likely" he muttered thickly.
| Hes above standin' behind the bar now
adays -"
Amos could well remember when Sill
brook had been only mill hand like him.
self, earning twelve dollars a week. But
| he had been prudent, saving man al
ways. and had early made up his mind to
/ be rich, no matter at what cost of con-
science or principal. With this end in
view he had purchased saloon, and cor
daily invited his former fellow workers
at the mill to patrontze him. This they
were very willing to do, for Sillbrook
knew how to make his saloon attractive :;
and he soon had as much custom as he
could we'll attend to. At length ne hired
barkeeper. and after couple of years
was never seen behind the bar himself.
He had grown rich very rapidly, and now
owned one of the finest houses in the
town. and was able to CRAFTY every taste
and whm. while those who had helped
him to his wealth by drinking his liquors
were as poor as ever-many OF them poor
er.
Amos Derby had been one of Sillbrook' 9
best customers ever since the saloon had
been opened. and as natural consequence
had had little to spend in comforts for his
wife ard little children. He still lived in
the small cottage he had bought on first
moving to the town, and had seen it grow
more and more dlapidated every year
without making any attempt to repair it.
But though the outside was far from at
tractive, the inside was always neat and
clean, for. whatever her faults of temper.
Jane Derby was woman who believed
thoroughly in abiding by heavens first
law. and who labored early and late to
make both ends meet, something she
would not have been able to accomplish
had she not possessed skill as dressmak-
er. for Amos seldom gave her any of his
earnings. She was sitting in the kitchen
sewing when her husband came in, and a
bitter expression crossed her face as she
saw his condition.
Drunk, as usual" she said. harshly,
"when were you anything else P''
"When you were kinder spoken, per-
haps," answered Amos. with spirit. "This
is the sort of welcome get every night
in the week. 'Taint much wonder go to
Sillbrook's." He dropped into chair as
he spoke, and began to pull of his boots.
! "If you didn't have one excuse you'd
make another said Jane. flushing and
bending close to her sewing. "Perheps
you think ought to feel pleasant when
you come home in this state. Well, it
amt human nature. that it amt mind
the time you brought home your wages
reg liar, every Sat'day night, and | was
willin' enough then to speak kind to you.
Now the children would starve if it wasn't
for me. Where's your overcoat?" a sud
den pallor creeping into her face as she
asked the question. "Yes, where is that
overcoat ?-what have you done with it
that YOU haven't it on-where is it 30
Where dye s'poseP'' said Amos.
roughly.
Down at the pawnshop, of course. :"
cried his wife, angrily, where every de
cent coat you ever had has gone. But
You promised you'd never part with this
one, Amos Derby and you've broke your
word. might have known You would
And to think how | worked for it, and let
the children do without shoes It's too
bad declare it is /! gave $50 for it only
a month ago. and III wager you let Levi
have it for half o. that. It's shame. a
dreadful shame.'
"Stop that. | went have it said Amos
in a threatening tone. There's no use
whining over it now. If you say another
word about it I'll 60 out again right off.
Go" said Jane, fiercely, land wish
it was forever! wish l never was to
, look on your face again You're naught
; but trouble and disgrace to us ALL
! "All right" said Amos, as he pulled
on his boots again. I'm going. Iii take
you at your word. "You won't see me
again in a hurry; now. you Just mark
that. A trouble and disgrace am I?"
Yes you are ~ said Jane. her anger
,, increasing as her mind dwelt upon the
coat she had worked so hard TO earn. IL
mean all I've said and more too Go! 90
to Sillbrooks AJAX him to show YOU the
overcoat he's wearin'. | saw 1t vester-
day, and YOURS wasn't circumstance to
it Go. Give him every penny you've
got He needs it !" with a bitter little
, laugh. His children's feet are all out
on the ground. and his wife hasn't a de
. cent dress to her name," with a glance a,
). her faded calico gown. Help him all
you can, Amos Derby. he's in need OF
charity
r Amos made no answer. He was con.
siderably more sober than when he LEFT
= the saloon. for the walk home throuoh
the fresh winter air had done him good