The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-01-26

| 1ucfe Will pfOOdDly Do no one else ICs
bid. His uncle might, but he has lost,
confidence in him. When get it, L
shall put my son John into the house.
He is to marry this fall"
All this William Sprague heard as
he lay on the grass by the roadside.
The night was so dark that he was
not seen by the parties who were con-
versiug. 1t produced strong re-
vulsion of feeling in him. 1t showed
him just how rapidly he was,
travelling on the road to ruin, and
reused his hearty Indignation at the:
man who could so coolly consigp him
and his family to restitution, and
scheme to deprive them of their home.
$50, I'm a miserable fellow, am Ip''
he repeated to himself. II begin to.
think that am, and that l have been
q COMPOUNDED fool for the last two
years. But it isn't too late yet to re-,
form. That man will have to wait a
little longer before he gets hold of my
place. God helping me, have tasted
my last draught of liquor"
William Sprague staggered to his
feet and went thoughtfully home. He
said nothing of his new resolution to
his wife. He resolved to wait a little
first. Immediately after breakfast.
he went over to the house of his uncle.
The latter was surprised to see him.
and received him little coolly.
"Uncle Thomas" said he, "you
don't appear very glad to see me. and
l am not surprised. l have been play
ing the fool for two years past. L
have resolved to turn over new Leaf
"Are you in earnest?" exclaimed
his uncle, with look half of hope,
half of distrust.
ITO prove to you that am. let me
tell you what it is that has changed
my purposes so suddenly"
He proceeded to detail the scene
which the reader has already been
made acquainted with.
THE rascal" exclaimed Uncle
Thomas, warmly. His plans must
! be defeated, at all hazards. Can de-
pend upon the tirmness of your reso-
luton, William?" he proceeded to 10
quire.
You can, uncle. Things appear to
me now very different from what they
did. By Gods help, mean 70 win
back the respectable place | once held
in society,""
The uncle grasped the hand of his
nephew warmly.
Then said he, my help shall not
be wanting. l will take up this mort
gage which the landlord holds, and,
while you keep steady, l will never,
trouble you about it."
"Will you, indeed?" exclaimed
William, gladly. II will accept your
kind offer, being confident that L
can at some time repay you, if my
health is spared"
The next morning, William Sprague.
went over to the tavern. as usual.
"Ah. Sprague, glad to see you,''
said the landlord, with professional
cordially. Wont you have a glass
of bitters this morning?"
mot just now,' said William,
quietly. Il want to see you q few
| moments on business.
step right in here. them" said the
landlord, pointing to little room sup
piled with desk and chairs.
at was about the mortgage.
"Oh, yes" said the landlord. UP
banely. '1suppose you would like to
raise little more money on your
y11n WILL III nd,
hundred dollars on u second mort
gage"
That was not exactly my mean
ing"
'Indeed!" said the landlord, looking
surprised.
Il want to take up the present mort
gage"
What! Have you got the money!"
queried the astounded landlord.
al have" said Sprague, producing
roll of bills.
Better let it lay" said the landlord;
'you may want to use the money for,
some other purpose"
William insisted, and the landlord
reluctantly complied with his demand.
When the formalities were conclud-
ed, and William felt himself free
man, he turned round and addressed
the landlord, meaningly:
Il am sorry you will be disappointed
about getting possession of my place
for your son John. Perhaps you can
find another to your mind"
The landlord turned red and NUT
tered something in a confused manner.
William Sprague turned on his heel
and walked away, and from that mo-
ment has not allowed himself to taste
glass OF any thing stronger than
water. He considers the conversation
to which he was chance listener as
the turning point of his life Horatio
Alger, DR., in Yankee Blade.