The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1892-12-09
". G. q. U. COLUMW,
CONDUCTED BY MRS. N. l.. HOBBS.
DRINK OR DEATH.
Pathetic Story OF q Young Life
Wasted Through lntemper-
anca

"Very we'll. John. III try you again.
Mr.. Man'on. the employer, was speak
ing; John, the employee, was Listening
Mr.. Manion leaned back In his ofiic
chair with troubled conntenance
John leaned against the desk with
discouraged one.
Il don't know az it's any use, cir; Nv,
tried and tailed, time and time again."
We'll, you are trusty, John; yot
know my wsys. Here, give me youl
hand and saw no more about IT,"
"You'e very kind, SIR" The trem.
bling hand Of the Young man met the
firm grasp OF the older one aud The com.
pact was sealed.
II WAS month after, at night-the
night between Good Friday and Esater
sunday that John locked the Office
door and stepped out into the dark.
He followed his streets, poor fellow.
with discrimination. He kept steadily,
slowly. but unwsvcrinRlv seeking those
places best lighted, lingering no W here,
speaking 10 no one. Suddenly be
paused-it was . wild night The wind
came in great gusts the rain beat hard
upon the walks and the sky was rent
with thunder. John wore q soft felt
hat; he pulled 1t down over his fore
head. thrust bis hands into his pockets
and leaned sgainss q lamp post. The
globe about the ig'.t was covered with
moisture, The street was nearly deserted.
. hOrse car now and then clstiered over
the pavement, a policeman walking bis
beat came regularly into view snd as
regularly disappeared. John looked al
nothing but the side walk, saw nothing
but his own life and thought Of nothing
but himself.
HE was trusty,'" Mr.. Man,on said
-trusty, but could not trust himself.
What was the best course 10 pursue? LII
was nice world, but be could never
Enjoy 1.-The had been discharged and
lsken back again three times already j
lie was oniv twenty-five, but he had
that length Of time-no. he
would not hesitate; be would no,
yield!"
He started swiftly down The block.
There was . building on the corner
which he must pass aud then he would
be safe. AZ he neared II his breath
came thick aud fast he slsckened bis
pace while eudeavoring 10 hasten it,
he had reached the plscel Through the
door came the sound Of voices. his hand
was on the Iatch-the odor Of tempia.
ton sto!e out and enveloped him
Heaven be merciful! A car was going
by he screamed 10 il 10 stop, he spiang
aboard and ss' down. imploring the
driver to enable him TO catch the last
Ierryboat.
The rain was coming down IN tor.
'ents, The thunder crashed over the city.
Alone bv the dim light John wrote on a
Zip Of paper. Forgive me; ! had 10
drink or die" He folded il carefully
Ind addressed II TO "Mr. Manton, Stark
Building, Blauk street, Civ" put il be.
heath the band OF his wstersoaked hat
Ind left the car as II reached the ferry.
II was Easter morning. The bells
h,med out joyfully the resurrection
rope. Flowers we're in every church
ven the oldesi persons T. 1t that life was
aud precious yet. None kne "
: none had heard that gurgIe OF water
ast night as IL it had swallowed its
'rey. Down by the ferry in the early
lawn had been found floating an old
ell hat, and In the band was slip OF
'aper which read. Forgive me; l had
Q drink or dice. l.. Spencer 10