"I want you to administer an oath," he said, entering the office of an Alderman, a few minutes after.
"Very well, sir. I am ready," replied the Alderman. "What is its nature?"
"I will give you the form."
"Well?"
"I, John Barclay, do solemnly swear, that for six months from this hour, I will not taste a drop of any kind of liquor that intoxicates."
"I wouldn't take that oath, young man," the Alderman said.
"Why not?"
"You had better go and join a temperance society. Signing the pledge will be of as much avail."
"No—I will not sign a pledge never to drink again. I'm not going to make a mere slave of myself. I'll swear off for six months."
"Why not swear off perpetually, then?"