We have already extended this chapter beyond the limit at first proposed. Our object has not only been to show the thoughtful and intelligent reader who uses alcoholic beverages, the great peril in which he stands, but to make apparent to every one, how insidious is the growth and how terrible the power of this appetite for intoxicants; an appetite which, if once established, is almost sure to rob its victim of honor, pity, tenderness and love; an appetite, whose indulgence too often transforms the man into a selfish demon. Think of it, all ye who dally with the treacherous cup; are not the risks you are running too great? Nay, considering your duties and your obligations, have you any right to run these risks? And now that we have shown the curse of strong drink, let us see what agencies are at work in the abatement, prevention and cure of a disease that is undermining the health of whole nations, shortening the natural term of human life, and in our own country alone, sending over sixty thousand men and women annually into untimely graves. [Illustration: Satan sends his trusted servants, Alcohol and Gambling, out upon a mission.] [Illustration: Alcohol meets a bright young man and cultivates his acquaintance.] [Illustration: Alcohol introduces the youth to his old-time friend, Gambling.] [Illustration: The mutual friends relieve the youth of his cash.] [Illustration: Alcohol and his victim have a jolly time.] [Illustration: The young man comes to grief, but Alcohol sticks by him.] [Illustration: They suggest an easy method for replenishing his exchequer.] [Illustration: The mutual friends determine to follow him to the inmost cell of the prison.] [Illustration: Alcohol and Gambling incite their victim to murder.] [Illustration: They mock him when upon the scaffold.] [Illustration: Alcohol and Gambling bury their victim in an untimely and dishonored grave.] [Illustration: They report their success to Satan and receive his congratulations.] CHAPTER VII. MEANS OF CURE. Is this disease, or vice, or sin, or crime of intemperance--call it by what name you will--increasing or diminishing? Has any impression been made upon it during the half-century in which there have been such earnest and untiring efforts to limit its encroachments on the health, prosperity, happiness and life of the people? What are the agencies of repression at work; how effective are they, and what is each doing?