The American citizen. [volume] (Topeka, Kan.) 1888-1909, 1889-01-25

bid. His uncle might, but he has lost
confidence in him. When | get #. n
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-
versing. 1t produced strong re-
vuls1on OF feeling in him. It 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 consign him
and his family to restitution, and
scheme to deprive them of their home.
80, I'm miserable fellow, am IP'
he repeated to himself Il begin to
think that | am, and that have been
COMPOUNDED fool for the last two
years. But it ism too late yet to re-
form. That man will have to wait
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 little
hrst. 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. / have been play
ing the fool for two years past. I
have resolved to turn over new leaf. "
care you in earnest?" exclaimed
his uncle, with a look half of hope,
half of distrust.
"TO 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 rascalr' exclaimed Uncle
Thomas, warmly. "His plans must
be defeated, at all hazards. Can l de
pend upon the firmness of your reso
luton, William?" he proceeded to in
quire.
"You can, uncle. Things appear tx
me now very different from what they
did. By Gods help, mean 20 wiz
back the respectable place l once held
in society,""
The uncle grasped the hand of hi:
nephew warmly.
"Then," said he, ''my help shall no
be wanting. Twill take up this mort
gage which the landlord holds, and
while you keep steady, will neve
trouble you about it. y
"Will you, indeed?" exclaime
William, gladly. II will accept you
kind offer, being confident that
can at some time repay you, if m
health is spared"
The next morning, William Spragu
went over to the tavern, as usual.
"Ah, Sprague, glad to see you,
said the landlord, with professions
cordiality. won't you have a glas
of bitters this morning?"
mot just now" said William
quietly. II want to see you a FEY
moments on business"
''Step right in here. then" said tn
landlord, pointing to little room SUI
piled with desk and chairs.
sit was about the mortgage.
ooh, yes" said the landlord. III
banely. "Isuppose you would like
raise little more money on you
place. Well, I'll advance you tw
hundred dollars on a second NOR
gage"
THAT was not exactly my meal
ing"
''Indeed!' said the landlord, loOkin
surprised.
Il want to take up the present NOR
gage"
! "What! Have you got the money?
! oueried the astounded landlord.
II have" said Sprague, producir
q roll of bills.
.'Better let it lay" said the landlor
"vou may want to use the money fl
: some other purpose"
William insisted, and the landlo1
! reluctantly complied with his deman
: When the formalities were conclu
ed. and William felt himself tr
man, he turned round and address
the landlord, meaningly:
Il am sorry you will be disappoint
J about getting possession OF my pla
: for your son John. Perhaps you G.
find another to your mind.
The landlord turned red and MI
9 tered something in confused name
. William Sprague turned on his ne
O and walked away, and from that N
; ment has not allowed himself to tas
= a glass of any thing stronger tn
20 water. He considers the conversatl
J. To which he was chance listener
D, the turning point of his life.-Hora
q Alper, Jr, in Yankee Blade.
TEMPERANCE ITEMS.