I’ll Take What Father Takes.
“WHAT will you take to drink?” asked a waiter of a young lad who for the first time accompanied his father to a public dinner. Uncertain what to say, and feeling sure that he could not be wrong if he followed his father’s example, he replied, “I’ll take what father takes.” The answer reached the father’s ear, and instantly the full responsibility of his position flashed upon him. And the father shuddered as the history of several young men, once promising as his own bright lad, and ruined by drink, started up in solemn warning before him. Should his hopes be blasted, and that open-faced lad become a burden? But for strong drink they would have been active, earnest, prosperous men; and if it could work such ruin upon them, was his own son safe? Quicker than lightning these thoughts passed through his mind, and in a moment the decision was made. “If the boy falls, he will not have me to blame;” and then in tones tremulous with emotion, and to the astonishment of those who knew him, he said, “Waiter, I’ll take water;” and from that day to this, strong drink has been banished from that man’s home.