"You may well thank Him," said the doctor, "for it certainly was a narrow escape for both of you; that is, you just escaped from being a murderer, and the poor boy here from being murdered. I have often warned you, Morris, against drinking, and told you it would end in some terrible catastrophe. I should think you would now reform."
"God helping, I will."
Dr. Dean was a very strong temperance man, and had been an active supporter of the Dunkin Act. He had, in fact, used all the power of his intellect to make the legalized selling of liquor a thing of the past; he was also an accomplished and eloquent platform speaker. His friends, after earnest solicitation, had obtained his consent to come forward as a candidate for Parliamentary honors. So he was at the present the recognized opponent of Capt. McWriggler, whose superior he was both morally and intellectually.
After a while he succeeded in resuscitating Harry. The latter opened his eyes, and as he did so they fell upon the doctor.
"Where am I, mother?" he enquired. "What is the matter? What is the doctor doing here?"
"Never mind now, Harry dear," she said; "you have been hurt, and if you are very quiet we will tell you after a while."
Having shut his eyes as if he were satisfied, or as if he were too weak to pursue the enquiry any further, the doctor felt his pulse again, and remarked: "He will be all right in a short time." He then gave them instructions as to how they should proceed in case of contingencies, and turning to Morris said: "I believe you have signed the pledge more than once, and a few moments ago you remarked you would never drink again. Did you mean it?"
"I did, and, God helping me, liquor shall never enter my lips again."
"Here is a pledge," and the doctor produced one. "Will you sign it? I always carry one with me to use on such occasions as this."
"I will, sir. And I am thankful to you for your interest in me.
Pray for me, that I may receive strength to keep it."