The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1895-06-06
SALTWATER, MINNESOTA, JUNE 3, lo9o

Der become second timers. l, for one, L
who have been unfortunate like many +
others. have found that the majority e
who serve term in prison, vouch that c
it is the last time they shall ever be
found in a place of this kind The S
very last. Thank heaven some of them t
adhere to their solemn resolution.
But there are others who have
vouched the same, who, during the
quiet hours of night, think of the com
ing day of their release, of their pre- {
vious associates, of the places of
amusement they frequented; and their
very heart yearns for the day of free
dom to come, so that they might be
able to call on these persons and places
once more. Surely they will never
touch another drop of intoxicating
liquor, or commit an unlawful act.
This they have sworn to and will keep.
The days roll on and one of them
whom l will term Jack as an illustra-
ton is released.
"Won't they be tickled to see me
though" he says, as he strains him
self trying to fasten his collar to the
back of his shirt. "Ah and look at the
chink, we'll, I'm well fixed for rainy
day." he whispers with broad smile
all over his handsome face, as the
clerk counts over to him his five
years wages. A hasty good by and he
departs on the first train, his heart
impatiently beating until lie arrives at
his destination. Now where is Slim
and Billy? Oh yes here they come to
meet me!' "Hello jack says Slim,
snow on earth did you find your way
back here? Well well, and he is look
ing pretty good for a stranger in these
) quarters, isn't he, come in old boy and
r have something on me- "But l do
3 not drink any more" Jack assures
him. Il am glad to see you, but if
!, you have no objections Ill take a
r cigarette And thus it continues
t from day to day until Jack has more
: cigarettes than he can smoke; so he
!, ventures drink, just one, soon another,
q then another until his solemn resolu-
s tions have flown with shame and soiled
e wings far beyond the portals of reform.
n It's then that his poor dead mother
f looks down from above with saddened
s face. with beckoning hand and loving
n lips inaudibly whispers to his soul;
3 "Hold on my boy, keep away, keep
IS away from your evil companions, from
r. those houses of ruin. Oh my son
e. could but take you by the hand anc
% lead you into the path Of manhood
or of integrity, of industry-bnt no
N mother is dead and your heart i:
e. hardened. My former teachings, yol
III no more remember. Alas too late
n my poor boy, too late'
or Soon Jacks money vanishes like tn
IT moon behind black cloud and witt
IL the morrow he finds himself the pos
II SCISSOR of nothing except a sWelle'
O. head, a bad breath and desperat
ut mind. Now what shall he do? LIE
p us see. During the day he and hi
re companions plan robbery. The
at must have some money, and Jack say
ST. it is the last crime he shall ever con
nit, he only wants money enough
ne keep him until he finds work. Nigh
pc, comes-the deed is committed, an
lld they make good their escape.
e@s' Co. "Ah," says the detective to his chic
VI when the news of the robbery reach'
Old his ears. 81 saw old Jack in tow
'no w yesterday; just got out of prison yo
"n know, and he was lushing up to be-
'en cruiser. Its dollars to potatoes
",' committed the robbery last nigh
GU It's one of his old tricks you know
n". we'll round him up anyway and Sc
aS e,' Jack is found and locked up. Son
' 1n1 of the goods are found on his perso
l. A clear case and another trip to t
place he swore never would house hi
again.
From the above it can be seen tn
the mind ofttimes means well but t
lese heart is not attending its meetin
the My advice to you is, when you get O
his don't waste your time looking
am- worthless friends. Don't waste yo