Cheyenne transporter. [volume] (Darlington, Indian Terr.) 1879-1886, 1884-10-10

OH tWent y-JnIcc years, anu III Sau
ending to it all"
"And after this, said Mr. Browning,
will you still keep to drinkp,'
''It's the drink that keeps hold of
me-" replied Tom, with another des-
pairing motion of his hands; "it's got
me in iron bands, and Im helpless.
It's too late to save me-.
Never too late, Tom, never too
late!'' insisted his kind mentor. "Now,
where are you goingP'
TO The Kings Head, sir. I've
got threepcnce in my pocket, and I've
the craving on me, replied Tom.
"Give me the money" said Mr..
Browning; "come, I'm going to make
a bargain with you. I'll take you home
to my house and show you two pic.
lures, and if you want to go to The
Kings Head after having seen them,
you shall"
''If you can't turn me, sir,' said
Tom, shaking his head, pictures
won't
"At any rate, we can make the ex-
pertinent, was the CHEEKY reply.
Come along
"rll follow, sir, I'm not fit to be
seen. Last night l lay about in my
clothes, and if you give me few min
utes, I'll tidy upa Bit"
mo, come at once, and as you are"
and Tom, after little more demur-
ling, was induced to go
Mr.. Browning's house was on n
western slope near the charming vii
lage of Reedmere, a pleasant roomy
place, with ample grounds, and bit
of meadow land for his pony to grazc
in. Tom had often noticed its beauties,
having really love for rural scenery,
but never SO much admired them as he
did on that pleasant summer after
noon. Perhaps he had his own home
in his minds eye by way of contrast.
ANY man ought to be happy here,
sir, said Tom.
"He could not be happy, and would
wreck it in six months, if he took to
drink, was the sententious answer
Tom was ushered into the dining
room, and Mr.. Browning, who seemed
determined, doubtless with good rea-
son, not to leave him, rang the bell
and desired neat servant, who re-
sponded, to bring his portfolio of
photographs. Tom began to wonder
whether he was mad. How could a
photograph possibly work reformation
within him, or break the tolls drink
had put about him?
But the portfolio was brought, and
Mr.. Browning, who certainly had the
of not being sane, but of
being very earnest in what he was
doing, opened it, and selecting one of
the plates, put it before Tom.
1t was the portrait of man in the
last stage of rags, filth and intoxica-
tion, lying in huddled heap against
a brick wall, in midday drunkards S
sleep. On either side of him, and
parted, no doubt, to enable the pho
to get full view of him,
was little crowd of people, some
gazing at him in amazement, and not
A few in disgust,
''You can see what is the matter with
him, said Mr.. Browning.
Hes drunk, SIR" replied Tom, in
a shame-faced tone of voice; and look
ng down.
Here is the second photograph"
said MIR. Browning, putting it before
aim, "the drunkard's house; cottage
not unlike yours, Tom, and a garden
cultivated as little as yours has been
If late. That man was like you, too,
l good workman; the drink got hold of
lim, and he came down to what YOU
see him lying there. A speculative
seeing him in that state,
hought he would make good subject,
'r rather selling one, and took him
while he was unconscious. This
picture was great success it sold;
'ut the subject OF it knew nothing
about what had been done until''onc
lay when he was Snhnr hncauSn hn |