has no law;--it isn't my clo'es
that will work, but myself; an', indeed, if you do employ me, it's not
much I'll be able to do this many a day; but the truth is, if I don't
get something to keep me busy, I doubt I won't be able to stand against
what I feel both in my mind and body."

These words were uttered with such an air of deep sorrow and perfect
sincerity as affected Gallagher very much.

"Art," said he, "there was no man so great a gainer by the unfortunate
coorse you tuck as I was, for you know I came into the best part of your
business; God forbid then that I should refuse you work, especially as
you have turned over a new lafe;--or to lend you a helpin' hand either,
now that I know it will do you and your family good, and won't go to the
public-house. Come wid me."

He took down his hat as he spoke, and brought Art up to one of
those general shops that are to be found in every country town like
Ballykeerin.

"Mr. Trimble," said he, "Art Maguire wants a plain substantial suit o'
clothes, that will be chape an' wear well, an' I'll be accountable for
them; Art, sir, has taken the pledge, an' is goin' to turn over a new
lafe, an' be as he wanst was, I hope."

"And there is no man," said the worthy shopkeeper, "in the town of
Ballykeerin that felt more satisfaction than I did when I heard he had
taken it. I know what he wants, and what you want for him, and he shall
have it both cheap and good."

Such was the respect paid to those who nobly resolved to overcome their
besetting sin of drink, and its consequent poverty or profligacy,
that the knowledge alone that they had taken the pledge, gained them
immediate good-will, as it was entitled to do. This, to be sure, was in
Art's favor; but there was about him, independently of this, a serious
spirit of awakened resolution and sincerity which carried immediate
conviction along with it.

"This little matter," said the honest carpenter, with natural
consideration for Art, "will, of coorse, rest between you an' me, Mr.
Trimble."

"I understand your feeling, Owen," said he, "and I can't but admire it;
it does honor to your heart."

"Hut," said Gallagher, "it's nothin'; sure it's jist what Art would do
for myself, if we wor to change places."

Thus it is with the world, and ever will be so, till human nature
changes. Art had taken the first step towards his reformation, and Owen
felt that he was sincere; this step, therefore, even slight as it was,
sufficed to