ake me a new creature," he
presently said.

"Thank God for that; we can help each other now, John!"

It was only a humble home to which John took Ruth a few months later;
but mutual love and trust made it the happiest place on earth to the two
who had waited so long for the fulfilment of their hopes.

"Guess what news I've got, John," said Ruth, with a beaming face one
morning, shortly after she had been installed as mistress.

"You've drawn your money out of the Savings Bank, and taken passage in
the steamer that leaves for England to-day."

"Foolish boy! No, I've had a letter from Alice, and she says that master
and mistress have agreed to give up all intoxicants, and they say it's
all through our example. How delighted I am, to be sure, aren't you,
John?"

"Yes, little woman, I'm very pleased; but don't say our example, for you
set the example, and you ought to have all the credit."

"Ah, John, you know I did it all for your sake, dear," whispered the
happy wife.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

HOW THE FOE CREPT IN.[A]

CHAPTER I.

MODERATE DRINKING.

"I SAY, mother, what do you think's the latest joke?" said a respectable
artisan to his wife, as he entered his home with his bag of tools slung
across his shoulder.

"I'm sure I can't guess, George," answered the woman, with a pleasant
smile on her face as she welcomed her husband.

"Well, don't drop the baby when I tell you. Tim Morris has signed the
pledge!"

"Good gracious, George, you don't say so! Why, do you know, his poor
wife came in yesterday morning to borrow sixpence, for they hadn't a
loaf of bread or a bit of coal in the house; and Tim was out then,
drinking like a beast. Really I can't help saying such things, George."

"Well this is what I'm told, Susan. He was picked out of the gutter
yesterday evening by some teetotal folks, and taken to one of their
meetings; and, drunk as he was, he signed, and then they saw him home,
and early this morning they were round to see how he was; and anyhow he
declares he is going to stick to it. They've taken him on at the works,
and given him another chance of redeeming his character."

"I'm very glad to hear it, George; and if the teetotal folks keep Tim
Morris out of the gutter, I'll never say another word against them, and
shan't let you either."

"I don't think I shall want to if they do; but I've very little hope,
Susan. It'll be the first time that ever I heard of a