Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1900-05-31

How Joseph Hunter Came To BE a Total
Abstainer.


Joe Hunter was the first boy in his
class at school, and was never known
To have "A sulky look or rude answer
for anyone. But there was a mystery
about him which puzzled all the inhab-
itants OF the village OF Welland. How
came such fearful scar on the BOYS
throat?
Before he was so we'll known and
liked, as by and by he became, his
school-fellows nicknamed him Little
Cut Throat" Jack Ketch's young
ster," etc.
When Joe first heard them his ewes
filled with tears, and he ran to his
mother.
whats the matter, child?n said
his mother, who was standing at her
table ironing.
"They have called me Jack Ketch,
and Cut Throat and, oh mother,
take me away"
Flush! my darling; don't you re-
member that that mark is the sign OF
our new life and of your fathers steady
ways? Let them laugh who will, but
you, my boy, thank God that he let
you be his way for changing your
father and giving us happy home"
The Hunters were new corners in
Welland; and though the neighbors
all liked Joe, no one knew much of his
parents. Some of his fellow-workers
had asked Hunter to come and have
glass at the saloon, but he had declined
with shudder, and they all voted him
an unfriendly chap, not worth know
ing.
The summer after their arrival in
Welland there was "a general holiday
and festival, to which every one, both
rich and poor was invited. There
we're games, and treats, and scrambles,
and band and refreshments for all
who came. Joe was delighted at the
thought OF going, and no rest would he
give his father till he promised to take
him.
The day OF the party came at last.
AS the clock struck two, Hunter,
dressed in his Sunday clothes, walked
with Joe down the long, straight road
which led to Welland church. In
field close by flags were flying, merry
go-rounds were tinkling their gay
bells, little faces and old faces, too,
were laughing with delight as they
swung round in richly painted carri-
ages, races were being run, and in and
out of all of the great crowd a kind
clergyman was rushing abont, making
the shy people at home, welcoming the
old ones, and setting the young ones
to play, as il he had done nothing but
teach play all his life.
His quick eye soon found out Hun
ter, and he stopped to speak to him.
Joe ran up to his school-fellows.
"Hallo, Jack Ketch! you are behind
hand. Didn't the rope break quick
enough this timer" was their greeting.
The boy stood irresolute; tears filled
his eyes.
whats that?" Numbered out his
father; and he came forward, holding
Joe tight by his shoulder The unus.
ual stir among the children gathered
crowd OF grown.up people together,
ami then with clear, vibrating voice
Hunter began: Jack Ketch, you call
my boy, on account of his scar, / sup
pose; well, you shall hear how it came,
and perhaps then my lad will not hear
the taunts | ought to bear. / was
gay, careless chap, and had good
wages, and could sing song as well
as any man. | began by being treat
ed;' then | never went TO town with
out glass to refresh myself; next,
stopped at the inns; and then very soon
the drink got hold of me completely.
Joe was just six, and / sent him one
frosty morning to tavern for a Jug of
beer. Coming home he slipped and
fell, and the jug broke, cutting his
throat till he nearly bled to death.
He was carried to a hospital, and God
SaNN MN DdCh W ETOm bndJ uHX
| have been total abstainer.'
There were some shocked faces,
some plying, round Hunter when the
tale was told. The clergyman came
forward and held out his hand, saying
Joe was the unconscious way of help
ing you, and by your brave confession
and sober life, shall be the conscious
way of helping US" ~ first gave him
the nickname" said Bert Williams. a
large boy and the acknowledged leader
among the boys; 81 am very sorry, and
very much ashamed. I'll be Joe's |
friend after this. I'll stand by him.
and II anybody dares to call Joe names.
they will have me to settle with" He
looked to the boys as he spoke and
shook his fist threateningly.
He kept his word. Joe has no warm.
er friend than Bert If Joe is kept at
Asx