hand, also, and said, "I said more than I needed to, and I am sorry for
that. Let it go, please."

"Well," he exclaimed, "it was mean in me to tempt a man, though I did not
see then, as I do now, how low drink may bring a man. God knows I am low
enough."

The tears were now making their way down old Tim Tyler's face. Charlie saw
that Aunt Stanshy turned away from those present and looked in another
direction, but the quick-eyed boy thought he noticed a redness to Aunt
Stanshy's eyes when she faced the company again.

Will Somers had come from the store in season to hear Tim's words. A
fisherman soon called who had hurt his hand with a fish-hook and wished to
have a poultice applied by the "young doctor," as people sometimes called
Will. This second party had closely followed Will and had heard what was
last said. It was an interesting scene. There was the drunkard, confessing
how low he had fallen, and there was the woman who once had loved and
respected him. There was Charlie, the son of the man whom the drunkard
tried to lead astray. There was Will, and the fisherman made an additional
spectator.

Will stepped up to Tim.

"Mr. Tyler, excuse, me, but why do you stay so low? Why not come up
again?"

"Will's tone was full of sympathy.

"God knows I would like to come up again."