"O, if I could but believe this, how eagerly would I again fly to the pledge!" Marshall said, in an earnest voice.
"Fly to it then, Jonas, as to a city of refuge; for it is true. You have felt the power of the pledge once-try it again. It will be strength to you in your weakness, as it has been before."
Still Marshall hesitated. While he did so, his wife brought him pens, ink and paper.
"Write a pledge and sign it, dear husband!" she urged, as she placed them before him. "Think of me—of the joy that it will bring to my heart—and sign."
"I am afraid, Jane."
"Can you stand alone?"
"I fear not."
"Are you not sure, that the pledge will restrain you some?"
"O, yes. If I ever take it again, I shall tremble under the fearful responsibility that rests upon me."
"Come with me, a moment," Mrs. Marshall said, after a thoughtful pause.