The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1917-06-09
DOMAIN OF TEMPERANCE
SAVING "PA" FROM THE DANGER
ZONE.


The rain was coming down in
torrents when big Jim Reynolds
came out of the Works with his pay
envelope in his hand, and his eyes
fixed on the cleaning lights OF the
saloon on the corner. There were
three saloons between the Works and
Jims home-"The danger zone,' his
wife called it. If Jim went by one
safely, there was a second and third
to tempt him. Tonight the one
nearest the Works drew him. Just
as he was about to take the crossing,
little figure, covered down by big
umbrella, slipped from the shadow
of the gate, and bore down upon him
with CHEEKY Hello! Pal Jim
turned sharply. What in time
brought you out this night?" he
groWled.
The umbrella dropped back bit,
and little pink face, with a smile
dimpling around the mouth, turned
to the big, grimy man. Il brought
you the umbrella, Pa
And then the smile broke into a
laugh, in which the father joined
against his will. He had never used
an umbrella in his life. But Jennie
was great in finding excuses for
meeting him on pay night. The UNI
brella joke put him in good humOr.
'Here you cut along home" he or
dered. Jennie drew in closer to him
and slipped her hand in his pocket.
| "You come too, Pap
mo | won't, till I'm good and
ready. Be off with you now. I'll
| come soon-maybe"
Jennie tipped the umbrella away
back, and smiled her brightest: PA
please give me your envelope"
| mot on your life," he countered.
Il knew that was what you came
AFTER
How much is in it, PAP"
"Thirty-seven! Overtime, you
know, kid Then, regretting his
boast, "See here, Jennie, you skeep
your mouth shut to your mother"
LET me take it to her, Pa. Oh,
but you are smart to make all that
in one week."
They had passed the first saloon.
Jennie began again: That's an
awful lot of money, Pa. Let Ma see
it altogether"
well here-take it, quick" Jennie
reached out eagerly nearly letting go
of the umbrella in her rush. But her
father drew back, and made to open
the envelope.
| "Oh, no, Pa! Please, Pa! Don't
break it." The smile was gone
The upturned face was twitching as
if tears were near at hand.
Here, you slick little beggar, take
it. But I'm not going home all the
same"
They had passed the second saloon
Jennie tucked the precious envelope
safely away. She was having won
derful luck tonight. That was be
cause they had prayed so hard. She
said another little prayer, and changed
her tactics.
You'll miss a swell dinner, Pa
she said, "Ma said: Tell your Pa
have a piping hot dinner for him
| duu d UOIIlc VI UcCE Ou Lu0 ICE.
They were nearing the thirG
saloon. Big Jim Wavered. He was
fond of his wife and the children
and he could almost sniff the dinner
but the saloon drew him strongly
His thirst for a glass was keen now
Jennie slipped her hand into his.
!. "Ma says if there was no saloons
you'd be a boss, Pa"
Your ma has you we'll coached
An she's right, KID big Jim con
coded. II might have been a boss
only for the BOOZE"
A hot wave of wrath swept over
him. He was angry at the saloons
and at himself. Before it was spent
Jennie had him past the third
saloon, and headed for home. All
automobile flashed by, filled with
prettily dressed children, laughing
and happy. But drenched little Jen
ME felt no envy. She was happy too
She had the envelope, and "Pa" was
safe for another week.
Sacred Heart Repiew.