The Press., 1892-03-03

heard the whole converSa6lon, we'll Knew 1t would be useless to urge the point at present. "If only knew how to win Paul, she said to herself as the bell rang, and from her heart there arose silent prayer that God would show this Paul as He did Paul of Tarsus what He would l have him do. ,.'.s
 Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, just such an October day as rejoices the, heart of g fun-loving boy. Nine o'clock found the boys, with Paul Denton at the head, at Farmer Atkins gate. They had evidently been expected, for through the open door of the barn could be seen the table spread with glasses and straws ready for use, while in the center loomed up a pyramid of cookies such as only Auntie Atkin Gas every one in the village called her) could make.
 Farmer Atkin seemed almost to be g boy again, so heartily did he enter into the boys enjoyment.
 .'''I just tell you I'm glad I didn't join the Band of Hope," said little Charlie Clawson, ,.. .-> @,
 "So am l." chimed in several of the other smaller boys. e..
 What's that you are saying, boys 2'' chuckled the farmer. -'Oh, Jessie Clinton has started 8 Band of Hope, and wanted: all us fellows to join, but Paul said mo, and that settled it for the rest"
 Paul settled it, did he? That's right, Paul, my boy; Bands of Hope arc all we'll enough for girls, and Jessie Clinton is mighty nice one,. but guess there is no danger of you boys getting to belke Jim Cross" ........ ', "'Tis pity Jessie could not get him to join, for they do say his little girl takes it dreadful hard because her father sells rum." .... Paul winced a little as the farmer; said this, and pended his head low over his glass, lest the other boys should see the flush he felt stealing over each cheek. r.
 Just then, to Pauls great relief, King, the farmers mastiff, came bounding into the barn. All the boys shouted, "Let's treat King" Pieces of cookies were dis tributed in great abundance, to which King responded with knowing wag of his tail, and an intelligent look from his great brown eyes. :-4, f.
 Here's to the health of fixing Atkin," !" shouted Paul, while every boy followed his example and placed his glass to his tips. t'New King must drink to his own;" and, placing, basin on the floor, each boy emptied the remaining contents of his glass into it. King walked slowly up to the basin, took one smell, settled his tail down between his hind legs, and solemnly walked away. Farmer Akin laughed merrily as some of the boys said :: "King must. have joined the Band of Hope" But Paul, somehow, felt sun- comfortable; he tried to call King back, but in vain.
 Twelve o'clock found only fragments of cake, broken straws, and soiled glasses, as with shouts of laughter the boys bade the farmer good-by, promising to come again the next week. ..s.. +-
 As the boys passed the tavern the bloat- ed face of Jim Cross appeared in the door, way. Charlie Clawson drew near the older boys and whispered, "Don't he look awful? wouldn't want to drink cider if l thought I would ever look like that"
 All the boys seemed to feel the effect of Charlie's words, for a silence began to settle upon them, broken only by the good-byes spoken, as they one. by one separated to go their different ways.
 As Paul prepared for church the. next morning unwelcome thoughts crowded themselves upon his thoughts of yesterday. of Charlie's remark and Jim Cross ugly countenance. Could he ever look like that? The very thought made him shudder. Surely sweet cider could never have such an effect. Then he re- membered how King would not even taste it, and the thought made him ashamed. Was it possible that the act of dumb animal was meant as 8 lesson to show him the stand he ought to take? No! r It was simplyf'absprd; He would not be- lieve it; and stilling his conscience he ran down the stairs just in time to- meet the members of the family as they started for church. tF.zgztl =. When they entered the church the very air seemed oppressive to Paul, the ser mon dull, and the singing, in which he al- ways took an active part, dragged weari- ly. The school,service immediately fol- lowed-that of the church, and for g mo- ment Paul was tempted to absent himself for once, but knowing the other members of the class would wonder, he reluctantly entered. Scarcely was he seated before some one whispered about the jolly time ..la@gl :: ::.::