Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN THE DARK. 221
"Say no more." And he turned away.
, Allen, you must go with me, I want to persuade
you to leave oft' drinking."
"Try to reform others-me you cannot save; the
car has too deeply sunk."
" But stop, I entreat you; go with me, we'll talk no
more now; but when you get sober I know you'll
listen to me." Taking him by the arm, Alonzo constrained
the inebriate to accompany him to his room;
where he tarried till the following day. #
When he became duly sober, Alonzo sat down y
his side, and in the gentle tones of kindn s, addr 80
him thus: •
"My unfortunate friend, I need not allude to the
evils that bestrew the path of intemperance; though
yet but a young man, you perhaps know them all.
Having myself trod that wretched, dark and thorny
way of ruin, I'm prepared to feel for, and deeply
sympathize with yon. And having myself been reclaimed
from the black and awful gulf of dissipation,
that had well nigh swallowed up all that rendered life
desirable, I have hope of you."
" 'T is a vain hope; again and again have I tried
to reform; 't is useless to think of it, I cannot abstain
from intoxicating drinks."
" Say not 80; have you nothing to live for; to hope
for W"
"Almost nothing 1"
" I am persuaded you do not consent to a life, all
aimless and objectless 1"