Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-09-27

you nearer the goal, put strengthens for
tomorrow's battle For one year you must abstain
from the use of all intoxicating liquors. not one
drop must you touch. When you have done this,
when you can say to me, you have not allowed
drink to pass your lips for twelve months, that
you have conquered; come back, and then you
may plead your cause again with Katherine. Go
now, and may God help you and keep you may
His light shine upon you and strengthen you
That was six years ago. What am | now?
What have I been all that time? What will I
always be as long as life is in me? A Weakng"
Jack arose and quietly removed the decanter
Let it stay there Jack, it's too late
need it anyway I haven't even the courage to
gamble without it."
"Oh come, Carter don't take such horribly
bitter view of it. You young, you have more
than fighting chance yet Where is she now?
still up in the country?"
II don't know; I her father about four
years ago He was very good and gentle. He did
not have to ask if I had stopped drinking my
face told him. She abroad studying music
then, l have heard nothing since"
well, old you take brace I'll help you
we'll both cut it out This talk of being weak
ling is all rot, we will show the world we know
better. All you need is goal in view, something
worth while to fight for, something to generate
little ambition, and-a little help from who
understands and knows something of the horrible
struggle going in the inner man."
at sounds WELL Jack and fully appreciate It,
but | haven't goal in view, haven't anything
to fight for-now, what's the use? | know
myself better than you do and who's that sing
ing?-no they are playing, it's violin, too
know That piece, | know tnat piece, Sne used TO
play it for me every night; | never tired Of"
He stopped abruptly, sat gripping the arms of
the chair, seeming to be straining every nerve
and muscle to get closer to the soft, sweet melody
that foated in only family. The notes gradually
died away-softly gently, as if they would cling
to this and arouse within him that indie
Unable something that strengthens us, makes us
reach and strive for higher thoughts and
ambitions, trying to Danish the bitter thoughts of
his wasted and hopeless existence.
For a moment he sat motionless, then collapsed
nerveess, broken man. With his head in his
hands, he sobbed as if his heart would break
deep-seated hard, painful sobs, shaking his whole
frame
Recovering little he moaned: tits she, it's
she No else could play that piece in such a
way. oh why didn't you tell me Jack, why didn't
you tell me?"
brace up Carter brace up, it's just a peculiar
coincidence you are overweight, your nerves
have all gone to smash, and your imagination is
too willing to run away with your Judgment
It's she | tell you, it's she | know 1t. Do you
think could ever forget her playing?"
All right, all right have it your own way. |
am going to call up the boys and postpone the
game You are in condition to play and am
out of the humor myself now. Here,-wait a
minute, don't go, you are going to stay with me.
You need company tonight
Late in the night Carter arose, finding it
impossible to sleep, he was about to roll a ciga-
rette with the hope of its soothing effects quoting
his terribly overweight nerves In the act OF
lighting it he stopped and began to sniff
Seems to me | smell smoke around here, he
whispered to himself Walking into the library
he stopped and shifted again then out to the
dining-room NO | reckon | imagined it,"
Lighting his cigarette he sank into chair and
gave himself up to his melancholy thoughts.
81 be damned if that's cigarette smoke he
said rising suddenly. Jack, wake up, get up |
say" shaking him roughly, Il think there is
something wrong Don't you smell smoke around
here?"
mo, | don't smell anything, go to bed muir
INJURED Jack seepily.
Not satisfied he walked to the door of the apart