the doctor gave, a
fearful shriek and fell upon the floor.

He raved frightfully for hours, but in an interval of calmness was
removed to his desolate home.

The loss of his wife had entirely unfitted daddy for active service,
and Sorrel Top, on account of her youth and inexperience, was an
inefficient nurse: consequently Mrs. Hawley's services were engaged.
Edward also bestowed every attention in his power, but the delirium
tremens had fixed upon his aged friend and his horrid imaginings
continued for days.

It was impossible for Edward, who was the soul of humanity, to witness
unmoved the doctor's terrible agony, and, at such seasons, he would
invariably resolve that he would put forth an effort to reclaim him.
"I will reason with him and show him the folly of his course," said he
to himself.

When the invalid was able to bear conversation, Edward approached him
on the subject as delicately as possible.

"Dr.," said he, "I am young to advise one like you, but if you would
permit me, I think I could prescribe a remedy for your disease, and
one that would ensure you a hale, hearty old age."

"I know what you would say, Edward," replied the Dr., rising upon his
elbow, "but I cannot do it. I cannot let drink alone. I must drink if
it kills me. Times without number I have forsworn it, and I will never
add another broken vow to my perjured soul. If you would be useful in
the cause of temperance, Edward, if you would save such as I, and,
what is more important, if you would save the young, then use all your
influence to stop the liquor traffic."

"Oh, I'm not at all ultra," said Edward, somewhat embarrassed, "I have
never given the subject which you mention much thought."

"Then it is high time you should," said the Dr., warming up with a
look of lofty enthusiasm, "I am sober now, Edward, and I may never be
in my right mind again. I _must_ drink to-day, I know I can get it,
and I will have it; I suppose you would say, 'if he will go to the
devil, let him go;' but I say, if there was no drink to be had, if it
were not sold here, if it were not sold elsewhere, I could not get it,
and I should be saved. A law prohibiting the sale of intoxicating
drinks is what is most needed. I know these sentiments coming from one
like me sound strangely, but, Edward, such a law enforced in my native
state would have saved me, and I know it. Such a law now enforced in
all our states would restore many a besotted husband to a
broken-