The Progress., 1892-08-13
DRINK OR DEATH.
Pathetic Story Of - Young Life Wasted
Through Intcmpcrancc.

Through Intcmpcrancc.
VERY well, John, III try You again.
Mr.. Mau;on, the employer, was speak
ing; John, the employee, was listening
Mr. Manton leaned back in his Office
chair with a troubled countenance
John leaned against the desk with a dis
couragcd one.
81 don't know as its any use, sir; I've
tried AID failed, time and time again"
"Wcu, yoa are trusty, John: You
know my ways. here. give me your
hand and say no more about it."
you're very kind sir." The trcm-
bling hand Of the Young man met the
finn grasp Of tine older one and the com
pact was scaled.
1t was "a month after. at night-the
night between Good Friday and Easter
Sundav-that John locked the Office
door and stopped oUt into the dark He
followed l.5 streets. poor fellow, with
Discrimination. He kept steadily. slow
H.. bat unwaveriugly seeking those
places best lighted lingering nowhere,
speaking 10 no one. Suddenly he paused
it was a wild night. The wind came
in great gusts. the rain beat hard upon
the walks and the sly was rent with
thunder. John wore Il soft felt hat; he
pulled it down over his forehead, thrust
his hands into his pockets and leaned
against a lamp post. Tho globe about
the light was covered with moisture,
the street was nearly deserted. horse
car now and then clattcrcd over the
pavement, a policeman walking his beat
came regularly into view and as regu-
larly disappeared. John looked ut moth
Ing but the sidewalk. saw nothing but
lis own life and thoua ut of nothing but
himself.
He was 'trusty," Ir Manton said
''trusty, but could not trust himself. |
What was the best course to pursue? II
was a nice world, but he could never
enjoy it-he had been discharged and |
taken back again three times already |
He was only twenty-five, but he had |
wasted that length of time-no, he |
would not hesitate; he would not yieldr' |
He started swiftly down the block.
There was a building on the corner
which he must pass and then he would
De safe. As he neared it his breath
'a;ne quick and fast-he slackened his
PACE while endeavoring to hasten it
Ie had reached the place! Through the
loor came the sound Of voices. his hand
vas on the latch-the odor Of ternpta-
ion stole out and enveloped him.
Heaven be merciful, A car was going
"; he screamed to it to stop. he sprang
board and sat down, iinploring the
river to enable him to catch the last
orryboat.
The rain was coming down in torrents.
he thunder crashed over the city. Alone
" the dim light John wrote on slip
I paper, Forgive me: had to drink or
le." He folded it carefully and adj
ressed it to Mr.. Manton, Stark Build
20, Blank street, City" put it beneath
ne band of his watersoaked hat and lief.
re car as it reached the ferry.
It was Easter morning. The bells
hined ont joyfully the resurrection !
ope. Flowers We're in every church.: {
zen the oldest persons felt that life wcs {
eautlfEl and precious yet. None knew
none had heard that gurgle Of water :
st night as if it had swallowed its
-ey. Down by the ferry in the early
AVN had been found floating an oil E,
1t hat, and in the band was slip Of a
Iper which read. Forgive Inc; | had
drink or die. &C. L. Spencer in Union 6
gnal.