Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-03-12
For the Ellsworth Americ+
A Leaf from a Life.

BY II. NJ. c. t.
once outside his own door, how dark
it seemed but guided bv thar sound of a
human voice-heard at Intervals through
the storm-he groped his way to the arch
ed portal of a stone church not far off, aud
after some search laid his hand upon the
head Of a man-cold and wet-as he
cIouched low in corner as if to hide. At
the touch he rose quickly as if to flee,
with the cry, so, God, they've got me.
Mercy. Mercy"
With firm OBTAINING hand anu sympa.
thrtiC voice Mr.. Ma, hew sought calm
the frcnzied man. Finding his forts
VAN, he called 10 a watchman. Just tn, n
passing with his lantern, and together
they bore him to the nearest hotel He
dared not take him home, Tor alas ! he rec
N o-niztd George Gale, the unhappy brother
\ OF his young wife
Reared in the >cclu>ion OF a country
town, amid tie Influences surrounding a
cIcrgyman's home, With fair education
fine talents and attractive personal appear
ance. Young Gale had after his fathers
death found employment in the city as
clerk IN a large commercial house: and a.
the head of the firm was his fathers old
time friend, George was gwen every pos
>ible privilege to assist in MS advance
mtnt
mr. m, al eli ii Ia
Of acquaintsnce> enlarged, the enjoyment
of the concert. lccturc-room and kindred
amu>ement>, which 20 him bore the charm
of novelty. WAS occasionally exchanged
for more exciting and dangerous pas
times Of which the pale face and languid
eye next morning spoke in plain terms to
the observant eye of Mr. Hunter, his EN-
ployer, who after time. when this was
kindly 10 him of the necessity of careful
choice in associates For, sand the good
man, looking st him in such pleasant.
fathtrly manner, that the young mans
heart was touched, IF Your associates are
what they should be they viii never lead
the son of him who was my dearest friend
- places and Influences where hi, faith
er would have been grieyed to see him.
There i young Gould with whom l saw
you walking yesterday. His repp alton is
none of the best, and people seeing you
with him will naturally place you on
the same footing, You have your reputa-
ton 10 establish here, you know, ana |
wish to see it stand above suspicion"
A. Mr. Hunter walked away George
made many plans and resolves To do bet
ter Uut ala, his strong, young heart was
already leaping with the fevertd pulse of
poisonous blood. The invisible chain was
already closing about him. disguised by
friendly smiles, gay Wit and all the Turing
garland the tempter weayes so well; and
again and again in the seclusion of his
own room did the poor boy struggle in
vain against the maddeniug appetite for
strong drink which he knew drag
ging him downward HIS visits to his
sister at last ceased almost altogether, and
now, at the end of two short years, his
business gone, his good name lost, Mr..
Mayhew finds him at the end of weeks
debauch, at midnishl out in the storm, raw
Ing in the agouies Of ''delirium tremens"
Take good care Of him, Ill be back
soon" said Henry Mayhew to the land
lord after they had got George quieted
under the mingled effects of exhaustion
and powerful opiate the doctor had ad-
ministered.
Twas near morning and the storm had
nearly died away. A few belated stars
were timidly peeping from between the
riffs of dispensing clouds, as he rapidly
walked homeward. At his door May met
him with an anxious face. You were
gone 50 long, Henry; what detained you:
Was twas it-George? Somehow |
felt it might be-"
/ Yes, dear, he is very sick, and must
( 90 back to stay with him till we can get
nurse, if he is not better. The doctor
/ thinks he may be better in the morning
| and it may not be anything serious after
ALL he added cheerfully. Now go to
rest, little woman, you can do no good
sitting up. I'll hope to bring good news
later" hurryng away.
All through the long gloomy twilight of
clouded morn did Henry Mayhem and
his friend watch over poor George Gale.
/ Now imploring them to give him brandy
to quench the terrible fire which was con
cumipu him pnur rayiur n tho most hnrri.
BILE paroxysms of madness, taxing their
ingenuity and strength to the utmost, till
his exhaustion would give them a few
moments rest. With the coming of the
rors of that darkened room. came the
doctor. few moments examination, a
grave shake of the head and the words,
Il can do but little more for him." fell like
a knell on the anxious hearts of the weary
watchers. Skillful nurses were obtained,
but they were not needed long. for ere the
morning star opened again the gates of
| day, without one CLEAN of recognition for
those about him, his spirit passed to the
All Mercful.
"Died of heart disease" said the physi
clan, but 0, what aching hearts were left
to mourn,
turn the leaf but-does death end all?
! Green's Landing.
w. B. Smith has been in Boston the
mast week. attending the Grand Lodge OF
4. o. U. W. as representative from Good