If you would have strong arguments in favor of reform in the Points
just look in at the House of the Nine Nations. There you will find Mr.
Krone and his satellites making politicians, and deluging your
alms-houses and graveyards with his victims, while he himself is one of
the happiest fellows in the world. And after you have feasted your eyes
on his den, then come out and pay your homage to the man who, like a
fearless Hercules, has sacrificed his own comfort, and gone nobly to
work to drag up this terrible heathen world at your own door. Give him
of your good gifts, whisper an encouraging word in his ear (he has
multiplied the joys of the saved inebriate), and bid him God-speed in
his labor of love.
A word in reference to the young theologian. He continues his visits to
the old jail, and has rendered solace to many a drooping heart. But he
is come a serious obstacle to Mr. Sheriff Hardscrabble, who, having an
eye to profit, regards a “slim goal” in anything but a favorable light.
Old Spunyarn has made a voyage to the Mediterranean, and returned with
a bag full of oranges for Tom Swiggs; but now that he sees him in
possession of such a fine craft as Maria, he proposes that she have the
oranges, while his hearty good wishes can just as well be expressed
over a bumper of wine. He hopes Tom may always have sunshine, a gentle
breeze, and a smooth sea. Farther, he pledges that he will hereafter
keep clear of the “land-sharks,” nor ever again give the fellow with
the face like a snatch-block a chance to run him aboard the “Brig
Standfast.”
As for Mr. Detective Fitzgerald, he still pursues his profession, and
is one of the kindest and most efficient officers of his corps.
And now, ere we close our remarks, and let the curtain fall, we must
say a word of Tom and Maria. Tom, then, is one of the happiest fellows
of the lot. He occupies a nice little villa on the banks of the
“mill-dam.” And here his friends, who having found wings and returned
with his fortunes, look in now and then, rather envy the air of comfort
that reigns in his domicil, and are surprised to find Maria really so
beautiful. Tom so far gained the confidence of his employer, that he is
now a partner in the concern; and, we venture to say, will never
forfeit his trust. About Maria there is an air of self-command-a
calmness and intelligence of manner, and a truthfulness in her devotion
to Tom, that we can only designate with the word “nobleness.” And, too,
there is a sweetness and earnestness in her face that seems to bespeak
the true woman, while leaving nothing that can add to the happiness of
him she now looks up to and calls her deliverer.
THE END.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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