The Forrest City times., 1890-08-02

any Of their friends finding them out, and assuring him that there was no where to be found more respectable or enjoyable place for young men to spend an evening.
 Roy had learned great deal about the saloons and beer gardens by reading of them. and had often wished that he might have an opportunity to see the Inside of these places and learn more of them that would enable him more fully to compre- bend the vileness of their character.
 Guy fully understanding the influence and power the persons frequentihg these wicked pleasure resorts have over the young, innocent and inexperienced, sup posed 1t to be an easy matter to initiate Roy if once enticed into the scenes of the debauchery.
 Roy consented 10 go, but first assured Guy that he would not drink drop nor take any part +, the amusements, but would go only as a spectator, and with no other understanding.
 Certainly you will not drink--nor l." said Guy ''We go to sec what others do and to learn something about tho ways of the world. ion't believe in a fellow being cooped up in q store all the time and never know anything of what other people are doing We may as we'll as not have some pleasure as others do''
 They took car and travelled northwest ward to near the city limits where they left the car and walked | few squares to where they canie to the famous wineard beer garden.
 It was there where scores of young men have been rhined-the place where they first began drinking beer and gaming, which finally ended in their total destruc- tion.
 A large crowd had preceded Guy and Roy, and the hilarity was unbounded when they were ushcred in. Guy was re cognized by some halt dozen of his lady friends. and in very short time was en. tirely lost to Roy. who threw himself into the most convenient seat and proceeded to snake Ii careful survey of his surround. ings. On every side he saw gayety. Men and boys. women and girls were there. all congrcgated in one common herd.
 It was early in the evening and there was but little sign of intoxication, though the beverages were being rapidly con. suned.
 Looking toward the entrance Roy saw an aged and decrepit man staVger Ill ap parently under the influence of liquor. His clothes were tattered. and his shoes were worn out. He carried cane with which he partly supported his tottering steps. His form was stopped with age and iniirInitles. There was something in his manner that arrested Roy's attention, aud he watched him very closely for a few minutes when his attention was called away and he had almost forgotten the strange old man. when some object touched his arm. and. turning around, came face to face with tho queer old crea. ture.
 .IIa, young fcllcr. grme sosnethin' to buy glass . beer"
 Roy scanned him more closely. There was something strangely familiar in that voice, but surely IL was no one he had ever met before. and his answer Ia the re- quest for money to buy beer was firm aud the old man could uot misconstrue the meanng
 ''No. I cannot do t. l am a strsngef here. and came not to drink myself nor to give to others to drink IL nt any other place you had asked me for bread pr cloth ing seeing your deplorable conditional would most willingly have aided yon; but here cannot. Yunr appearance indicates that you have already been rnIned by drink and am not the one to aid you in falling still lower
 That's right. yonnr man. You'd better nos spend your money for drink nor your evenings here. See what IL mas done for mel and sad expression came over the poor old mans face that could not he mis- taken for geaniue heartfelt sorrow, and it touched the tender cord in Roy's heart that forced the tears to his eyes.
 The oisi man saw the effect of his words and continued
 Once was as young and handsome as yon; but look at me now, Hut must have beer. So good byen
 He staggered away and was soon lost in the crowd
 Finally Gay came to Roy aud said:
 'lt must be dnll sitting here atones let me introduce you 10 lady friend of minesss
 II guess notr' said Roy, half contempt uousiys T don't want 10 know any of your lady Q friends here
 Come. Roy. this Is gay crowd, and want you to enjoy yourself" ]"
 'sI shall enjoy myself, if at all. only ns . lookeron. and you will not interrupt me nor mar your own pleasures by further entreaty, trust
 Well. then. do not grow impatient"
 Directly after Guy had gone. a young woman. handsome and winning. came tc where Roy was sitting. aud introducing herself, said.
 You are stranger here, l believe. and you must not he backward in place like this. where you are surrounded by So many friends. Drink glass of winc and consider yourself engaged to dance with me in the next set.
 Roy was astonishetl at such bold famil- iarity and blushed as hc bowed politely tc refuse the profIered glass and begged tc be excused from dancing.
 A puzzled expression came over the wo. mans comely face. and seeing that she had failed in her attempt to draw him out into the hilarity she turned AWAY from him and was soon lost in the crowd.
 'Ha. young man, not drink with so fair creature as thats Maybe Id be found maxim fool O myself that way" said the queer old man. who came up just as the young woman disappeared.
 'Who arc you that you should take so much interest in my behavior here to nights'
 Nobody, much" said he, "only just . living. walking temperance guide post. Surely any sensible man who Is travelling this way and happens to run across me, and nnd out what has brought me to this, will turn face about and make tracks in the opposite direction
 sANhy, really. you arc becoming etc. quent am interested. Tell mo more oi yourself. said Roy,
 s'I am poor homeless drunkard with out friends and without money. once waA in fair circumstances and held good position. lived in large city. To spend my time ct evenings when off duty. l was enticed iuto place not unlike this. A young friend xdvised mo not to go. but another one with more persuasive power