The herald., 1898-04-05

two men, Edwards declaring with many
oaths, that he would do for" Jameson did
he interfere again in matters which did not
concern him.
The year was drawing to it's close and
Christmas was at hand But 1t brought
neither peace nor happiness to Madge Ed
wards home. Things had gone from bad
to worse there. Her husband, now almost
an entire slave to the demon alcohol, had
entirely neglected his home and wife, and
most of the furniture, which had once been
Madge's pride and joy, had long since been
carried to the wnbroker's-pledged to
enable her to secure the bare necessities OF
life while the house rent was far overdue.
It was at this time that Madge's baby
was born, and the landlord, taking COM
passion upon the poor young mother, re-
United all the money due him, but stipu-
lated that the house should be vacated on
Boxing day if Edwards were still unable to
continue paying the rent. This was fort
night before Christmas; but, alas! his new
RESPONSIBILITIES did not make Edwards turn
from his downward course.
| At the last football match played before
! Christmas day he appeared on the field IN
Itoxicated, when it was decided by his team
l
earnest solicitation of one or two of the
p,avers he was to be allowed one more
chance.
JTpon Boxing day the great football
match for the challenge cup was to take
place between the rival teams OF North
borough. The occasion was also to be that
of the popular and idolized player's-Jame-
son's-beneft, who was to receive the
| r., o1x,,ic rir frnvf, n M q
who came to witness the match, less the
sum incurred in expenses.
Edwards was to be allowed to play In this
match. the issue of which was to decide his
fate. If success fell to his team he was to
| be retained, otherwise he would be dis
missed. He longed for the day and match,
for not only would it end his suspense. but
also he would have an opportunity of re-
paying Jameson that ong-standing grudge
lowing for his meddlesome ways"
| When Madge heard of the teams dictum
her heart sank with apprehension. Poor
Madge! The bitter tears streamed from
her eyes as she thought of her former lover
| and the words he had used-how prophetic
| they-upon the last occasion she had met
him. She felt convinced that the many
little dainties and nutritious edibes which
| mysterously found their way to her mis-
cradle home to tempt her falling appetite
| we're the result of Jameson's forethought
and care-that they were sent by him to
prove he had not forgotten her. Too late
did she realize that SHE had misplaced her
love: had made a terrible, ire parable mis-
| take: that her love was Jamesons; and
| vet how could she do otherwise than hope
and pray that her husbands team would
| win the Hateful match. when loss would
mean desolation. poverty and homeless
| raes for her and her helpless child?
| Christmas day came and passed, and
| Boxing day dawned bright and frosty. BY
| the time the match was due TO begin nearly
| so, 900 spectators had passed the turnstiles
| and paid for admission 10 the grounds to
| witness the game Undoubtedly Jane
| sons benefit was to be huge success. for
| the gate" was the highest on record for
| Marlborough.
| The Wanderers won the toes, and pre-
| ,isely at g 80 the whistle was blown. jane
| on made the Kickoff, and the game had
| Iegun The excitement among the specta-
| eors was intense, and all agreed that 1t
was the finest and most kecnly contested
| anne ever witnessed. Ten minutes befors
| he call Of time the Swifts secured their
1 inst goal and the score read: Wanderers.
/ T. Swlfts, !. Only ten minutes were left
] to decide the fate of the poor little woman