The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-01-30
The Two OyercOats.

When Amos Derby came out of Levi
Rosenbaum's pawn-shop, the richer by five
dollars, but leaving his overcoat in the
hands OF the Jew, he made his way di-
rectly 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.
The five dollar bill was quickly broken
by the iovial bar-keeper, and two hours
later, when Amos walked rather INSTEAD
lily 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 evening such paltry sum as five
dollars.
AS he left the saloon by the main en-
trance, he saw man emerge from side
door of the building, and cross the street
with rapid strides; tall man, we'll dressed,
and bearing about him look of prosperity.
He wore very handsome overcoat, with
sealskin cuffs and collar, a 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 nowadays"
Amos could we'll remember when Sill
brook had been only a 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 and principle. With this end in
view he had purchased saloon, and cor.
daily invited his former fellow workers
at the mill to patronize 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 well attend to. At length he hired
a bar-keeper, and, after couple of years,
was never seen behind the bar himself.
He had grown rich very rapidly, and now
town, and was able to crafty every taste
and within, while those who had helped
him to his wealth by drinking his liquors
were as poor as ever-many of them poorer.
Amos Derby had been one of Sillbrook g
best customers ever since the saloon had
been opened, and, as natural consequence,
had had little to spend in comforts for
his wife and 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 dilapidated every year
without making an attempt to repair it.
But though the outside was far from
attractive, the inside was always neat and
clean, for, whatever her faults of temper,
Jane Derby was woman who believed
thoroughly in abiding by heavens frs,
law, and who labored early and late to
make both ends matchmaking she
would not have been able to accomplish
had she not possessed skill as dress
maker, for Amos seldom gave her any OF
his earnings. She was sitting in the
kitchen sewing when her husband came
in, and bitter expression crossed her face
as she saw his condition.
"Drunk, as usual" she said harshly
"when were you anything else2
When you was kinder spoken, per
haps," answered Amos, with spirit. "This
is the sort of welcome l get every night
in the week. faint much wonder | &c
to Sillbrook's." He dropped into chair
as he spoke, and began to pull off his
boots.
- you didn't have one excuse you'd
make another" said Jane, flushing, ant
bending closer over her sewing. Per
haps you think ought to feel pleasant
when you come home in this state. Well
it amt human nature, that it amt
mind the time when you brought hom'
your wages eglar every Sat'day night
and was willin' enough then to speal
kind to you. Now the children would
starve if it wasn't for me. Where's you
overcoat 2" sudden pallor creeping int
her face as she asked the question. Yes
where is that overcoat ?-what have yol
done with it that you haven't it on
where is it Z"
"Where dye s'pose?" said Amos
roughly.
"Down at the pawn-shop, of course,
cried his wife, angrily, where every de
cent coat you ever had has gone. Blu
you promised me you'd never part wit
this one, Amos Derby, and you've broke
your word. | might have known yo
would Aud to think how worked TO
it, and let the children do without shoes
It's too bad l declare it is / CAV
twelve dollars for it only month age
and I'll wager you let Levi have it fo
half O. that. It's shame, a dreadfu
shame"
"Stop that. | won't have it," sal
Amos, in threatening tone. "There
no use whining over it now. If you sa
another word about it I'll 60 out agaiI
right Off"
"Go" said Jane, fiercely, sand wis
it was forever l wish / was never
look on your face again You're naugf
but trouble and disgrace to us all -
"All right" said Amos, as he pulle