The South western news. (Dawson, GA.) 188?-1889, 1888-07-11

formity, the making of which he
had nothing to do with?
Whether he should be condemn
ed for it or not, however, does not
concern this narrative, which is but
true facts, slightly altered.
Helen knew of his weakness, and
on the day she promised to be his,
she made the condition that he
should never taste another drop OF
alcoholic beverage.
Cor" she said, eff you do, ]
will not wed you-eveu if we are
at the altar, and | discover you have
been drinking since this promise, l
will withdraw"
Of course, Albert swore to be a
sober man forever atterward, and
he meant it, too, but alas tempta-
tons too strong for his weak re-
solve soon surrounded and devour>
ed him.
A few days later, together with
several friends, Albert paid visit
to tie city of A, some fifty miles
from his home, determined to keep
his promise ard refuse all invita-
tons to drink.
The purpose, mainly, of this viss
it was to purchase an engagement
ring for his love, which was his first
act on arriving at his destination.
After this he strolled about the
streets with his companions, refus>
ing several times to indulge, until
at last Joe Bascom, one of his
friends, said:
"Ah, I'll be blamed Il I'd let a
woman tie me up that way, and be-
fore marriage, too. If this is the |
condition now, what won't she de-
mand afterwards"
at this shot Albert WINGED and |
began asking himself whether it
would be any harm.
''One drink won't hurt" he NUT
tered. card she'll never know it,"
Thrs he argued, and finally took
the fatal drink, adding:
"Iou boys must not tell on me
when we get home"
OF course they all vowed eternal
silence.
'but, alasl for poor, weak hu>
manity, one drink instead of salts.
flying Albert only called for more;
and the way now open, and blood
boiling with excitement, he poured
down the faid and entirely forgot
the loving eyes at home, whose face
was now alight with Joy, anticipate
ing the cause of Alberts visit to
the city and awaiting his return
with the little jewel that was to
bind her TO him.
Albert kept imbibing brandy |
and whisky until he felt weakness
seize his entire body, and he sank
to the floor stupe6ed, unconscious
"a noble, handsome man now be-
low the level of beasts. When he |
regaiued his consciousness be was
alone, and, raising himself up, he
was Mortified to find himself in a
cell, locked in like telon.
This blow was terrible, and in an
agonized state of mind he approach
ed the door and ratified it wildly. !
The jailer came and released |
him, saying: There is no charge
against You, my young man, we
found you dead drunk, and brought
yon here for safe keeping
Blinded by remorse, and consci-
ence stricken, the poor fellow rush
ed out of the place, but the jailer
called him back: Here are your
valuables, SIR handing him his
watch, purse, and the little golden
BAN he had bought for her who
was now lost to him forever.
There was no hope in his breast,
for he was satisfied that the news
had preceded him, and, with heart
loaded with sorrow, he returned to
his native village.
The next day he started toward
Helen's house, a wild, tumultuous
throbbing filling him.
Surely she will forgive me- he
muttered to himself. Il did not
mean to do it,
He found her seated in the flows
er yard that tronted her home, res
Ginning in an agonized attitude on
a rustic seat, beneath the branches
of a huge oak. where, only a few
days ago, he told her he loved her
aud promised to fight temptation
! for her sake.