The Landlord Who Refused to Sell Again
A YOUNG man entered the bar-room of a village tavern and called for a drink. The landlord said, “No, you have had too much already. You have had the delirium tremens once, and I cannot sell you any more.” He stepped aside to make room for two young men who had just entered, and the landlord waited upon them very politely. The other had stood by silent, and when the others had finished, he walked up to the landlord, and thus addressed him: “Six years ago, at that age, I stood where those young men are now. I was a man with fair prospects. Now, at the age of twenty-eight, I am a wreck, body and mind. You led me to drink. In this room I formed the habit that has been my ruin. Now give me a few glasses more, and your work is done. I shall soon be out of the way. There’s no hope for me. But they can be saved; they may be men again. Do not sell it to them. Sell it to me, and let me die, and the world will be rid of me; but for Heaven’s sake sell them no more!” The landlord listened, pale and trembling. Setting down the decanter, he exclaimed: “God helping me, that is the last drop I will ever sell to any one!” And he kept his word.