"Good afternoon, Mr. Otis; we will come again to-morrow morning," they left him.
Hank had nothing to say, for he felt that soon he must give way. But the next morning he was up early, and ready to receive them.
They began, and when they came to the part where they said, "we will support your family with our needles; we should be proud and happy to do so, if you will only close your place," he could stand it no longer, and springing to his feet, cried out:
"There is one thing I want to know, and that is, how long is this infernal business going to last?"
One of the earnest mothers replied:
"What God has in reserve for us we can't say, but if He permits us to live, we shall come here every day till this place is closed. Mr. Otis, you think we are joking, that it is a foolish whim of ours; but, sir, we have entered into a solemn vow to struggle against this curse, which threatens to engulf our all, as long as God gives us the breath of life."
"Ladies, how long will you give me to stop?"
"You will have to take your own time."
"Well, in ten days I will stop, and on my honor as a gentleman, I will never begin again, in this town!"
"Oh, Mr. Otis," exclaimed one poor sufferer, "don't go on ten days; my poor Sam may become a drunkard in that time; stop now, and God will bless you."