"But I've reformed, Mr. Mason." "So I should think from your looks." "But, indeed, Mr. Mason I have quit drinking, and taken the pledge." "To break it in three days. Perhaps three hours." "Won't you give me work, Mr. Mason, if I promise to be sober?" "No! For I would not give a copper for your promises." Poor Jarvis, turned away. When he had placed his hand to the pledge, he dreamed not of these repulses and difficulties. He was a good workman, and he thought that any one of his old employers would be glad to get him back again, so soon as they learned of his having signed the total-abstinence pledge. But he had so often promised amendment, and so often broken his promise and disappointed them, that they had lost all confidence in him; at least, the two to whom he had, thus far, made application. After leaving the shop of Mr. Mason, Jarvis seemed altogether irresolute. He would walk on a few steps, and then pause to commune with his troubled and bewildered thoughts. "I will try Lankford," said he, at length, half-aloud; "he will give me work, surely." A brisk walk of some ten minutes brought him to the door of a small hatter's-shop in a retired street. Behind the counter of this shop stood an old man, busily employed in ironing a hat. There was something benevolent in his countenance and manner. As Jarvis entered, he looked up, and a shade passed quickly over his face. "Good morning, Mr. Lankford," said Jarvis, bowing, with something like timidity and shame in his manner. "Are you not afraid to come here, John?" replied the old man, sternly. "I am ashamed to come, but not afraid. You will not harm me, I know." "Don't trust to that, John. Did you not steal, ay, that is the word--did you not steal from me the last time I employed you?" The old man was stern and energetic in his manner. "I was so wicked as to take a couple of skins, Mr. Lankford, but I did very wrong, and am willing to repay you for them, if you will give me work. I was in liquor when I did it, and, when in liquor, I have no distinct consciousness of the evil of any action." "Give you work, indeed! O, no! John; I cannot give you another chance to rob me." "But I will not get drunk any more. And you know, Mr. Lankford, that while I was a sober man, and worked for you, I never wronged you out of a sixpence worth." "Won't get drunk any more! Ah! John, I have lived too long in. the world, and have seen too much, to heed such promises." "But I am in earnest, Mr. Lankford. I signed the pledge this morning." "You!" in a tone of surprise. "Yes, _I_ signed it." "Ah, John," after a pause, and shaking his head. incredulously, "I cannot credit your word, and I am sorry for it." "If I have signed the pledge, and if I am really determined to be a reformed man, will you give me work, Mr. Lankford!" The old man thought for a few moments, and then said, half-sorrowfully--