Year: 1870

BY ADELAIDE wETMoRE.


Forty years ago there were no brass-roll-
ing mills in the United States. But about
that time company was formed to engage
in this new enterprise.


A little village in New England, which
had unusual water privileges, was selected
for the location of the mills. While these
were in the process of erection, one of the
partners, Mr.. Edwards, went to England
for skillful workmen who could instruct
American artisans In the then unknown art
of brass rolling and casting.


This gentleman, though using the great
est caution and secresy, had many amusing
and some perilous adventures in the mother
country as his object for visiting their mills
became known or vaguely guessed. But
at last he was successful in securing the
needed number of workmen, who, allured
by the large wages offered them, returned
with him.


On the voyage, the head-roller sickened
auo aiSNs thio Wdo u BiChb
to Mr.. Edwards, as he found he would have
to go again to England for man to take
his place. But the company decided to try
If George Barker could fill this important
position. He was the youngest of that
band of Englishmcn, but man of great
promise. He brought with him quick
mind, skillful hands, and an energetic, am
bilious will but, alas he brought too, an
appetite for strong drink which threatened
to blight his character end his prospects.


His young wife left her home and country
with many fearful misgivings, but for time
the hope was revived that her husband
might become temperate man; for the
novelty and responsibility of his position
gave him courage and manlincss, and for a
time he "did run WE'LL" but at last fell into
the snare which, visible or invisible, is ever
spread before the self-confdent and un-
wary.


His wife used every art and loving device
to make their little home attractive to him !;
but in time it came to be that the oil burned
low in her lamp, as night after night she
watched for his return from the saloons,
where his wit and jolity made him ever
welcome.


The effects of his night-d disslpations soon
showed itself at the mills; his work was
poorly done, or he was absent altogether
from his post. AS no one understood his
part of the business but himself, his neglect
or failure of duty caused serious trouble
His employers after reasoning and remon-
strating with him to no purpose, were at a
loss what to do. But Mr.. Edwards resolved
that he would devote time and energy to
the reclaiming Of this man. 1t was not
merely policy that influenced him, but he
knew George Barker well, and saw in him
the germs of noble character whose only
apparent taint was this deadly appetite. He
thought he was too good a man to totter
and fall in drunkards grave, and re-
solved that with Gods help he would keep
him from it. He knew that he should meet
with many discouragements, but he believed
the work to be worthy of patience and his
best energies.


He had many plans. One of them was
to keep George at the mill all day, for in
going home to his dinner he was obliged to
pass a " saloon," and often failed to resist
the temptation of stopping there, and some
times for the whole afternoon.


Mr.. Edwards saw that he could gain a
point If he kept him at the mill at noon, but
how to do this was great study with him.
He made many pretexts, either that he
wanted George to explain the principles of
his work to him, or he would bring his sci
entifc newspapers and ask George to his
office to talk with him about the practical
bility of some new invention.


Mr.. Edwards wife became interested, and
nobly seconded his efforts. She every day
sent dinner to them both, taking pains in pre-
pairing tempting little dishes, hoping that
George would not miss his noon draught.
But he had that cunning which the willy ser
pent gives its victims, and he often was mis-
sing if left alone but moment. One day
Mr.. Edwards saw him running from the mill
and followed him. George, seeing that he
was pursued increased his speed, but some
little thing tipped him, and he fell to the
ground. Mr.. Edwards overlook him, stopped
over him, put his knee on his chest and kept
him down. George looked up in great sur
prise, and said, "What are you going to
do?"


Z" am going to keep you here till you
promise me you will sign the pledge" was
the reply. ...".


Mr.. Edwards had some secret misgivings,
but he showed such resolution and determi-
nation that it cowed and humbled George,
who, after little conversation, gave the
desired promise. This was the turning point
in his life.


Mr.. Edwards did not relax his efforts. He
knew that more than ever he now needed q
kind and helping hand. To encourage him,
he told him that If he would keep the pledge
inviolate for one year he would give him
shares in the stock of the mill. This he did
for George Barker nobly redeemed his pro-
mise, ,and he is to-day wealthy and honored
citizen, known and respected as Christian
gentleman and in the Connecticut river
valley there can be found no more beautiful
or happy homo than his.


He very well knows that all this is due to
the persistent and wise efforts ofMr Edwards
who still lives to rejoice over the good he
was permitted to do but this is not his only
reward, for there remains the pledge of the
" Faithful Promiser" who hath said, " He
which converteth sinner from the error of
his way shall save u soul from death, and
shall hide multitude of sins. "-Christidn
! Union.