Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-03-12
Gales aud Skttfhts.
From the New York Examiner.
FOR HIS MOTRRR'E SAKE.
Afenpersnce Tale.
By ELIZA GILBERT HURD.
Temperance Tale
Continued from yesterday. }

|
ment. "No money come in from Derby
head feels badly. and Crosby. you do not
look we'll, studying too hard ?"
Inez brought some soup to the door.
warmed from the day before. Mr.. Holt
did not notice where it came from; after
eating all of his, his thoughts rambled up
on one of his favorite talks upon the Com
mentaries. though he seemed trying to
read Crosby's face he went once to the
window and looked out it was much later
when he finally reached for his hat. which
Crosby always hung upon certain peg.
Father" pleaded the boy piteously
'don't 60 out, stay with me. See, will
build fire, and we will call this our Of
flee and study. you know; really, feel
sick tonight, and want you to take care
of me-"
Haven't always With the sentence
unfinished, Mr.. Holt dropped into chair
and hid his face in his hands. His old
hat rolled to the floor. Crosby hung it up.
With two red spots burning on his cheeks,
he laid hand softly on his fathers Shout
der.
1--WE would be so happy, you could
teach me, and could work more"
You could work"
MIR. Holt had not been as sober in four
years. His crowding thoughts seemed to
have feet and legs and arms, they .iostled
and struck a. each other trying to get one
clear, another upset it, and overwhelmed
him in perplexity.
IL think you will have to teach me,
Crosby-l don't understand it ALL" Mr..
Holt put an arm around his son.
Oh Heaven! how near thou art some
times Crosby's heart seemed bursting
with joy-he prayed for words, they came.
He told his father it was liquor that caused
their poverty and sorrow that the ''sc ore"
was wiped out, now was the time to begin
anew. He talked on and on until the cal
lous heart was opened and the dull senses
comprehended in feeble way what this
child had been to him.
81 shall not 60 out tonight, Crosby, l
will begin to take care of you"
Crosby lighted the fire in the little stove
and poured his own untasted coffee into
the pot to warm and give his father. and
putting on some pieces of driftwood, the
scanty fuel he usually picked up. he open.
ed the stove doors to let the genial light
into the room. How it glorifIed the sur
roundings, gliding the black rafters an d
decorating the old walls with quaint shad
ows He drew chair near, and was
alb out to sit down and fill his soul with
father and home, when he fell with a
heavy thud to the floor.
Mrs. Bennison and Inez wondered al
the voices in the next room, and the late
ness of the hour, for usually, before this
time, the watched was with his cups, and
the watcher at his post. They heard the
fall and the deep groan that followed. In
an instant they were inside their neighbor's
door.
What's the matter ?" cried Mrs. Ben
nison. and Inez ran back tor lamp.
at is my boy-my Crosby-dead, too, |
think-help, do" moaned the distressed
father.
Mrs. Bennison lifted Crosby upon the
bed, threw water in his face, and famed
him with her apron. She saw he breathed
Hes only tainted" she said, Just see
this plate of soup, now suppose that boy
hasn't eaten mOuthful to-day"
She poured little in a basin as she
spoke, and set it to warm.
mo, forgot tive been so happy
Mrs. Bennison."
Crosby's eyes were open, and his father
on his knees chatting his hands.
This is my father, Mrs. Bennison,' -
Crosby said, trying to rise.
"You just lie still until feed you this
soup-will you never learn to take care OF
yourself, Crosbyp' exclaimed Mrs. Benni-
son.
81 don't need to now-father is going
to take care of me,' smiled the happy
boy.
"Do you hear that, Mrs.-Mrs.-"
'Bennison," Crosby prompted.
MRS. Bennison, shall take care of nv
son.
at is quite time" replied Mrs. Benni-
son, busting to the stove tor more soup,
and some of the contempt for Mr.. Holt
melting.
Mr.. Hollis head was not clear by any
means, yet he WINGED under the reprovin g
words.
II advise you both to 90 to sleep, "she
said later, when they were quite comfort
able, and she left pot of steaming hot
coffee on the stove.
Mr.. Holt asked few questions abou,
their neighbor after she left, then abrupt.
ly,
''Have you been to the saloons every
night for four years after me ?"
mot into. but outside to bring YOU
home"
"Why have you done it ?"
''For mothers sake-she told me to-
you used to say that whatever | did, to
obey her."
''And obeying her you have saved me y
''She said So" and so happy and salts
fed Crosby fell asleep.
Hour after hour the father wept, wept
as he looked at his wasted form, his bent
back and crooked shoulders. They were
bitter tears. His thirst was like flame
of fire, but he drank the coffee gratefully,
and it seemed to him if the walls had been
lined with bottles of whskey he would
resist
Early in the morning Inez crept noise
lessly out and attended to Crosby's work
and was back before any sound was heard
in the next room.
Crosby woke with start and tried to
get up. Inez assured him his work was
all done and he must rest
Yes. he will rest and l will work. |
can find something to do, I'm sure" re.
piled Mr.. Holt, bravely.
II saw a card up the street, little
way. with Men wanted-2O cents an
hour. said Inez.
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