Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1901-11-08
LA PLATA. MARYLAND, NOVEMBER s, 1901.


met on the cars by chance, but who
had been intimate friends at school
and college, and who were intimate
friends still, if one might judge by
the fervor of their greeting and the
earnest manner in which they con
versed, without taking the least notice
of any person around them.
At last the elder of the two, tall
dark. young man, with large, dark
eyes and jet black hair and whiskers
arose rom his seat, took his travelling
bag from the rack and began to shake
the dust from his coat and to wipe it
FROM his face with a cambric handker-
chief, as if his journey was drawing
near its end.
Then you are sure that you wont
come with me, Harry" he asked,
looking anxiously into the fair, frank
face of his companion.
81 cannot" was the low reply
well, at least remember what
have been saying to you today. Give
it up, Harry-the drinking, gam
bling, the folly of all kinds. Begin to
save your money, instead Of spending
it all, as you do now. and as I used to
do, and in three years, or perhaps
sooner yet, you may be travelling this
way or some other way, bound on my
present errand, with a neat little home
and dear little wife waiting for you
at the journeys end II is worth far
more than all the rest, my boy. |
know, for I've tried both ways"
why, what nonsense it is to talk
to me about saving, George! Look
there!" cried Moore. He drew out his
pocketbook. In one compartment
nestled a ten-dollar greenbaclI. In
the other were two one-dollar bills. In
a third, a little crumpled roll of cur
rency, and in the fourth, tiny case
filed with postage stamps,
Behold my worldly wealth." said
he, in a mocking tone. There is all
have before the next quarters salary
is paid. And while live in New York,
l must spend the whole Of my salary
| cannot save it. Expenses are too
high"
Then do as l did" said his friend
Il found the temptations and expenses
of New York life too much for me.
could not save, and what was worse
| fond that l was giving way more
and more TO the habit which / want
you to leave off, Henry. l gave up my
place and went TO yonder little town
wherein an uncle of mine lived.
stated my case to him. He helped me-
He got me a situation in the leading
store here, he took me to board at his
house and watched over me like a
father till | cared no more for drink.
After that, it was easy enough to save.
Henry. and soon worked my way
up to home and happiness. Oddly
enough, started with only ten dollars
in my purse. But was far worse
than you are. Cannot you get some
thing to do in some quiet, country
place like this, where you will be kept
out of temptation as l was? Try it.
old boy, Write to me month hence,
and if you have not found the place
and the people to cure you by that
time, I'll find them for you Is that
a bargain?"
Yes, said Henry Moore, speaking
on the impulse of the moment.
They parted. Henry Moore watched
his friend as he stepped into waiting
carriage at the station, and drove
away to meet his bride upon his we'd
ding night, Then, as the train steamed
slowly off again, he thrust his pocket
book back into the breast of his coat,
and leaning his cheek upon his hand,
gazed mOodily out upon the flying
meadows and forests, while he mused
upon his schoolfellow's happy fate.
''The last time | saw him, he had
been drinking heavily nearly all
through the night he thought.
Gambling, too, and losing. His face
looked purple and flushed; his eyes
were heavy and dull; his cheeks were
bloated; his hand shook like the hand
of an old man. How different now.
He is as handsome and fresh-colored
as he was in his boyhood. He is eager.
alert. full of life, hope and happiness,
While I" heavy sigh finished the
reflection.
The train sped on. The young man
lost in painful memory of misspent
hours, still leaned his forehead against
the window frame, gazing on all that
passed before him as if he saw it not.
Suddenly. as the train decreased its
speed again, and the warning bell be.
gan TO ring, tableau flashed before
his eyes that reused him in moment.
For half an hour past their way
had led through a dense pine forest,
rising greenly on either side of the
cars.
But now there came a sunlit streak
among the trees beyond his window,
and in the long. val space thus formed
he saw a lowly, but snug-looking, gray
cottage, with vineshaded porches and
portico, a green and level lawn, with
a lake flashing brightly in the sun
beyond it; and on the lawn a rosy,
hcalthful girl of seventeen. standing
with her arch, mischievous face turned
toward the passing train, and her arms
clasped grimly around the neck of a
small, black pony saddled and brided,
who seemed terribly frightened at the
noise, yet perfectly docile to her
voice and touch.