ou, Major Phillips. When I get this rum out of
me I'll never take another drop again," said Joe, throwing himself
into a chair.

"Bah, Joe! You have said that twenty times before," added Major
Phillips.

"You dzee!" exclaimed Joe, doubling his fist, and bringing it down
with the intention of hitting the table by his side to emphasize his
resolution; but, unfortunately, he missed the table--a circumstance
which seemed to fore-shadow the fate of his resolve.

Joe proceeded to declare in his broken speech what a shock he had
received when he went home, half an hour before--the first time for
several days--and heard the reproaches of his suffering wife; how
grateful he was to Harry, and what a villain he considered himself.
Either the sufferings of his family, or the rum he had drunk, melted
his heart, and he was as eloquent as his half-paralyzed tongue would
permit. He was a pitiable object; and having assured himself that
Joe's family were comfortable for the night, Major Phillips put him to
bed in his own house.

Harry was not satisfied with himself; he had permitted his temper to
get the better of him. He thought of Julia on her bed of suffering,
wept for her, and repented for himself. That night he heard the clock
on the Boylston market strike twelve before he closed his eyes to
sleep.

The next day, while he was at work in the stable, a boy of about
fifteen called to see him, and desired to speak with him alone. Harry,
much wondering who his visitor was, and what he wanted, conducted him
to the ostlers' chamber.

"You are Harry West?" the boy began.

"That is my name, for the want of a better," replied Harry.

"Then there is a little matter to be settled between you and me. You
helped my folks out last night, and I want to pay you for it."

"Your folks?"

"My name is Edward Flint."

"Then you are Joe's son."

"I am," replied Edward, who did not seem to feel much honored by the
relationship.

"Your folks were in a bad condition last night."

"That's a fact; they were."

"But I didn't know Joe had a son as old as you are."

"I am the oldest; but I don't live at home, and have not for three
years. How much did you pay out for them last night?"

"One dollar and twenty cents."

"As much as that?"

"Just that."

Edward Flint manifested some uneasiness at the announcement. He had
evidently come with a purpose, but had found things different from
what he had expected.

"I didn't think it was so