"Won't get drunk any more! Ah! John, I have lived too long in. the world, and have seen too much, to heed such promises."
"But I am in earnest, Mr. Lankford. I signed the pledge this morning."
"You!" in a tone of surprise.
"Yes, I signed it."
"Ah, John," after a pause, and shaking his head. incredulously, "I cannot credit your word, and I am sorry for it."
"If I have signed the pledge, and if I am really determined to be a reformed man, will you give me work, Mr. Lankford!"
The old man thought for a few moments, and then said, half-sorrowfully—
"I am afraid of you, John. You are such an old offender on the score of drunkenness, that I have no confidence in your power to keep the pledge."
"Then what shall I do!" the poor wretch exclaimed, in tones that made the heart of the old man thrill—for nature and pathos were in them. "Now that I am trying in earnest to do better, no one will give me a word of encouragement, nor a helping hand. Heaven help me!—for I am forsaken of man."
Mr. Lankford stood thoughtful and irresolute for some moments. At length, he said—