The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-04-30
Joe Stropg's First Smoke.
IN TWO PARTs-PART II.

DOCTOR arrived, curing WHICH blIne bne
parents learned but little from Joe about
his sickness. As to the real cause they
had no suspicion whatever, but greatly
feared it had been produced by something
poisonous he had eaten. But when the
physician saw him, and the parents re-
peated what Joe had told of his sickness,
he asked if he might be left alone with
the boy few minutes. When they were
left together he said, "Joe, haven't you
been smoking some this afternoon 2"
"I-I--smoked little" stammered Joe.
"Was it your first trial asked the
doctor.
EYES," said Joe.
40, DOCTOR" he continued, don't let
father and mother know it, aud l will
never smoke another cigar so long as l
live"
But the old doctor knew well the harm
that is done to boys by indulging in the
practice of smoking, and he felt that it
would be both an injury to Joe and an
injustice to his parents to keep the mat
ter to himself, so he said, No, Joe, that
would not be right. Your parents are
much alarmed about you, and | would not
be doing my duty as a physician to de-
ceive them about your condition. And,
besides, if you have done this act in vio-
lation of their wishes, it is nothing more
than right for them to know it. Were
you my son, and gave evidence of such
weakness of character as to yield to such
temptations while 80 young, | would be
very glad to know it; for when a boy is
not able to resist such evil he is much in
need of some one to look out for him.
But must give you some medicine now,
for / want your stomach rid of the effects
of that tobacco as soon as possible"
Joe still chung to the hope that he could
persuade the doctor to keep the fact from
his parents, so he pleaded earnestly with
him, making promises for the future, as
surfing him that it would be great kind
ness to him, and reminding him of the
pain it would cause his mother to know
it. But the doctor was memorable, and
all hope died out of Joe's heart as he said,
sternly
81 would not be doing you kindness,
Joe, to keep this from your parents. 1t
is very plain from this action of yours
that you need help in strengthening your
character, and there is no one who will or
can do so much to help you as they. And
as to the pain your mother will suffer, the
time when you should have thought of
that was before you yielded to the temp.
tation to smoke"
The doctor then opened the door, and
after the parents entered, he said. " think
you need not be greatly alarmed about
Joe. have just given him an emetic,
and when his stomach has been relieved
he will feel better. Joe has been indulg-
ing in smoke, this afternoon, and that
is what has caused his sickness. But
guess his experience has been such q
tough one he will not care to repeat it."
1t would be hard to tell how surprised
Joe's parents were at this news, but the
mothers 90, Joe, l would not have be-
1ieved it of YOU" was all that was said.
But Joe would far sooner have been GEN.
sured in the severest terms than to have
seen the grave, stern look on his fathers
face, and the grieved expression his
mothers wore.
On account of Joe's sickness the party
was broken up. None of the guests, and
not even his sister, suspicioned the cause
OF his illness. The parents and doctor
agreed that the cause would be preserved
as secret between them. 1t was decided
by the parents that nothing should be
said to Joe that night about the party,
and that everything should be left as it
was that he might witness the labor that
had been done for his sake, and see for
himself what pleasure he had forfeited
by yielding to such weakness in his char
acter. They wisely concurred, too, that
not word OF censure or reproof would
they give him. They knew that his NOR
LITIGATION was deep, and they felt that the
best course to take was to leave him quiet
and alone with his thoughts.
Never before had Joe experienced 80
trying an ordeal as on the following morn
ing when he was compelled to meet his
parents face to face. He knew well their
strong opposition to smoking, and while
no promise had ever been exacted from
him not to smoke, he knew from their
actions that they had the greatest conf.
dence that he would refrain from such
habits. Aud now to feel that confidence
was removed, that his mother, for whom
he had so strong an affection, should re.
gard him as weak and unreliable, was q
thought almost uncomfortable to him.
AS Joe left his room, on his way to
breakfast, he was greatly surprised at the
appearance of the house. There were
wreathes and arches of evergreens and
beautiful flowers in great profusion. But
his surprise was increased tenfold as he
opened the door of the dining-room and
beheld the scene before him. The table, sc
beautifully arranged, had been left just al
1t was the night before. He stood for g
moment as if entranced, when the door
suddenly opened and his sister Kate burst
in, saying:
80, Joe, am so glad to see you up
How do you feel ?" And without waiting
for reply she continued, Mother would
not let me see you last night to tell you al
about it, and how disappointed the girl
and boys were. But, Joe, wasn't it to-
bad that you should be taken 30 sick JUS
at this time ?"
Joe's curiosity was greatly excited 81
he said, "Why, Kate, what does it al
mean What is all this fixing up for =
"Why it was birthday surprise part
father and mother intended TO give you
The boys and girls were all here to re
ceive you, but father told them you hal
been taken so sick that the party coul'
not continue. O., dear, dear, never wa
30 disappointed in my life. But how di
you say your are feeling, Joe 2"
80, pretty WE'LL" said Joe, dryly.
1t would be impossible to describe Joe
feelings when Kate impaired this info