Chapter I: Preface

IT is probable that many of these pages may be read with the comforting conviction that the scenes they depict and the lives they lightly sketch, in no way come within the range of possibility; but to any reader so little acquainted with the snares and perils, the misery and degradation that lay outside the pale of Total Abstinence, the assurance is tendered that the darkest pictures contained in this collection of stories are minutely faithful to life, and that the saddest incidents related have occurred under the personal observation, or within the knowledge of the writer.

A. F. P.

CONTENTS.

FOR JOHN'S SAKE.

Page

CHAPTER I. AFRAID FOR HERSELF 1

" II. JOHN'S BROTHER 9

" III. HOPES AND FEARS 15

" IV. QUITE UNLIKE HIMSELF 21

" V. A CHANGE OF OPINIONS AND OF HOUSEMAIDS 28

" VI. THE NEW HOUSEMAID 35

" VII. THE FATE OF RUTH'S LETTER 42

" VIII. A HAPPY ENDING 47

HOW THE FOE CREPT IN.

CHAPTER I. MODERATE DRINKING 56

" II. ITS RESULTS 63

THE COMMITTEE'S DECISION 80

THE RIGHT HAND THAT OFFENDED 85

"OUT OF THE WAY" 99

TIM MALONEY'S PIG 109

THE MOTHER'S MISTAKE 119

THE CHILDREN'S SUPPER 129

ROLAND WEST'S MARK 134

HOW A HUSBAND WAS LOST AND FOUND 146

DOWNWARD STEPS 170

HOW JARVIS WAS SAVED 178

WHY THE ANGELS REJOICED 185

FOR JOHN'S SAKE.