ose that might have
been swallowed with impunity by a seasoned old toper like Wiseman; but
certainly not by an abstinent young man like Ishmael, who, yielding to
the fatal impulse to get rid of present suffering by any means, at any
cost, or any risk, took the tumbler and swallowed the brandy.

Ah, Heaven have mercy on the sorely-tried and tempted!

This was only the third glass of alcoholic stimulants that Ishmael had
ever taken in the whole course of his life.

On the first occasion, the day of Claudia's betrothal, the glass had
been placed in his hand and urged upon his acceptance by his honored old
friend, Judge Merlin.

On the second occasion, the morning of this day, of Claudia's marriage,
the glass had also been offered him by Judge Merlin.

And on the third occasion, this afternoon of the terrible day of trial
and suffering, it was placed to his lips by the respectable old lawyer,
Wiseman.

Alas! alas!

On the first occasion Ishmael had protested long before he yielded; on
the second he had hesitated a little while; but on the third he took the
offered glass and drank the brandy without an instant's doubt or pause.

Lord, be pitiful!

And oh, Nora, fly down from heaven on wings of love and watch over your
son and save him--from his friends!--lest he fall into deeper depths
than any from which he has so nobly struggled forth. For he is
suffering, tempted, and human! And there never lived but one perfect
man, and he was the Son of God.

"Well?" said old Wiseman as he received the glass from Ishmael's hand
and sat it down.

"I thank you; it has done me good; I feel much better; you are very
kind," said Ishmael.

"I wish you would really think so, and go into partnership with me. My
business is very heavy--much more than I can manage alone, now that I am
growing old and stout; and I must have somebody, and I would rather have
you than anyone else. You would succeed to the whole business after my
death, you know."

"Thank you; your offer is very flattering. I will think it over, and
talk with you on some future occasion. Now I feel that I must return
home, while I have strength to do so," replied Ishmael.

"Very well, then, my dear fellow, I will let you off."

And they shook hands and parted.

Ishmael, feeling soothed, strengthened, and exhilarated, set off to walk
home. But this feeling gradually passed off, giving place to a weakness,
heaviness, and feverishness, that warned him he was in no s