Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-03-01
''For how muchp"
"Five hundred dollars


at must be worth three times that. "
"Richly. I'll tell you what | pro-
pose 10 do. Lend him two hundred
dollars on n second mortgage, ard.
when the amount becomes due, force Il
sale of the place
And you will bid in it yourself?"
Precisely. | shouldn't wonder if l
could get it for eleven hundred dol
lars. There will probably be no one
else TO 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 rs
he lay on the grass by the roadside.
The night was so dark that he was not
seen by the parties who were convers-
ing. 1t produced "a strong revulsion
of feeling in him. 1t showed him just
how rapidly he was travelling on the
road TO ruin, and reused his hearty in
dignation at the man who could so
coOlly consign him and his family to
restitution, and scheme TO deprive them
of their home.
$50, I'm miserable fellow, am lp"
he repeated to himself. IL begin to
think am, and that have been con-
founded fool for the last two years.
But it isn't too late yet TO reform. That
man will have to wait II 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
first. Immediately after breakfast, he
went over to the house of his uncle,
The latter was surprised 10 see him,
and received him little coolly.
Uncle Thomas said he, You don't
appear very glad to see me, and | am
not surprised. Ihave been playing the
fool for two years past. | have resell
we'd TO turn over a new leaf.
Are you in earnest" exclaimed his
uncle, with u look half of hope, half of
distrust,
40 prove to you that am, let me
tell you what it is that has changed my
purposes 50 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, atall hazards. Can depend
upon the firmness OF your resolution,
William" he proceeded 10 inquire.
you can, uncle. Things appear to
mo now very different from what they
did. BY Gods help, | mean to 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. | will take up this mort
gage which the landlord holds, and,
while you keep steady, ! viii never
trouble you about IT,.
"Will you, indeed?" exclaimed Will
lam, gladly. II will accept your kind
offer, being confident that 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 cordial
ity. Wont you have u glass of Bit
ters this morning."
Not just now" said William, quiet
ly. II want to see you few moments
on business"
Step right in here, then" said the
landlord, pointing To little room sup
piled with desk and chairs.
1T was about the mortgage
"Oh, yes" said the landlord, urbane-
ly. 81 suppose you would like to raise
"a little more money on your place.
Well, I'll advance you two hundred
dollars on second mortgage.
That was not exactly my meaning"
"Indeed" said the landlord, looking
surprised.
Il want to take up the present mort
gage"
What! Have you got the money?n
queried the astounded landlord.
Il have" said Sprague, producing a
roll of bills.
Better let it lay" said the land
lord; you may want to use the money
for some other purpose"
civilian insisted, and the landlord
reluctantly complied with his demand.
When tho formalities were concluded,
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
IL glass OF anything stronger than
water. He considers the conversation
TO which he was chance listener as
the turning point of his life.
I,nnf n,.n OF a Pic. Snn .inran