The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-09-10

Hall crsz9d as George Forest was by
reason OF mixed liquors, yet he felt re-
luctant to comply with Krumm's PROPOSE
ton. But Krumm used all his persuasive
powers with his victim. He took out
several gold pieces and silver dollars and
rafting them in his two hands, poured
them upon the table near which George
was sitting, so as to attract his attention.
After time George, being weary of his
tormenter, and growing more and more
thirsty, cried out in desperate tone of
voice, "Krumm, bring on your liquor"
Krumm now felt that he was master of
the situation and sternly refused George
any more liquor unless he would sell him
"them steers of Bill's."
Appetite knows no restraint with those
given to Intoxicating drink, so George
concluded a bargain with Krumm, and
Williams steers went for trihe. The
land-shark Krumm, the miserable vender
OF mixed liquors, obtained the steers
which he had coveted so much.
But how bitter was Williams disap-
pointment Words fail to describe his
feelings when, on certain day, Krumm
came and took the loved pets from Will
lam. The villains explanation of this
affair to William was as follows "Your
father has sent for them steers which Won
call your'n. The fact is, your father has
been owing me for some time. l told
him would take the steers, paying him
$25 down, and say no more about the
debt. l also agreed that he should have
some of my sweet cider, once in while,
as it would be good for his health" Will.
Jams feelings were at boiling heat.
He rebelled against having his pets 60
for next to nothing-and, of all men, to
krumm. But the wiley man had planned
for even this resistance, and, pulling his
slouched hat over his brow and thrusting
his hands into his pockets, said "Do as
you like, Master William; but your
father is at my house, and if he don't pay
his debts, will put him in jail Then
you will have to sell the steers to paw his
board or bail him out" This word "iailn
Krumm emphasized, as if to brighten
William.
After consulting his mother, William
consented to let Krumm drive off the
steers. Even the cattle seemed to take
in the situation, for when Krumm at.
tempted to yoke them he had a difficult
job OF it; and when they had been driven
part way to their new home, they sud-
denly turned around and ran back to the
barn. At last old Krumm succeeded
in getting the steers into his own barn.
That night the mother, son and daugh.
ters at Elsmore cottage held a consulta-
ton over financial matters. The steers
were gone, but hope still cheered them;
they were "cast down, but not de.
stroyed."
Williams sisters said Our plan is to
60 out to work in wealthy families. We
can save enough in one year to help Will.
lam a good deal"
William was proud of his sisters and
was glad to hear such brave words from
them at this crisis in his affairs. But he
wisely proposed to defer any action until
he had consulted Mr.. Smith. 1T may
be-" said he, that as Mr.. Smith is a
scholar he can devise some better way
out of our present trouble" So he left
them and called upon his friend, the
teacher.
Mr.. Smith received his young friend in
an affable manner. "This is not pleasant
news which you bring to-day, William"
said Mr.. Smith. al know that money is
essential if you think of going to college.
You will need board, clothing, books and
money for incidentals. Say what we will,
money is wanted at college, and we can
not blink that truth out of sight. Faith
full persistence in good cause will &C.
complish much. Come in again to.mor-
row evening, and we will further consider
this matter"
William met this appointment with
commingling hope and fear. The
teacher met William with a smile and
said al have scheme that / believe
will work well. l propose that you get
some one to sign note with you. l have
been talking with Deacon Strout, and he
says that he will take such a note for Sc
curity and advance money to you. If you
live and prosper you will repay the dea-
con; and if you should die then the in
dorser will secure him for the money he
loaned you. But believe you will live
ard prosper.
Deacon Strout had been invited to
meet the teacher at eight O'Clock that
evening. A knock at the door, and soon
the deacon was ushered in. He had been
noticing Williams love for study and
felt an interest in him. At this con.
ference with Mr.. Smith and William the
deacon made all necessary arrangements
to carry the plan into execution. William
rel Diced at the prospect before him.
! The wav seemed claar for b;r, - M -