THE FIRST TASTE FOR DRINK

I remember when I first acquired the taste for drink. My grandfather
lived with us, and he liked his mixed ale and would send me for a pint
two or three times a day. In those days the beer was weighed so many
pounds to the quart. Every time I went for the beer I used to take a
swallow before I came back, and sometimes two, and after a while I
really began to enjoy it. Do you know, I was laying the foundation right
there and then for being what I turned out to be--a drunkard. I remember
one time--yes, lots of times--that I was under the influence of the vile
stuff when I was not more than ten years of age.

I received a public school education. My school-days were grand good
days. I had all the sport that comes to any boy going to school. I would
rather play ball than go home to dinner. In those days the game was
different from what it is at the present time. I was up in all athletic
sports when I was a boy. I could jump three quick jumps and go
twenty-eight and a half feet; that was considered great for a schoolboy.

There was one game I really did enjoy; the name of it was "How many
miles?" It is played something like this: You choose sides, and it
doesn't matter how many there are on a side. Of course each side would
be eager to get the quickest and fastest runner on their side. How I did
like that game! We then tossed to see who would be the outs and who
would chase the outs, and many's the mile we boys would run. We would be
late for school and would be kept in after three o'clock; that would
break my heart, but I would forget all about it the next day and do the
same thing again.

Our teacher, J. W. Wakeman--God bless him!--is living yet, and I hope he