DEDICATION.

TO THE VERY REV. FRANCIS CLOSE,

DEAN OF CARLISLE.

DEAR SIR,

In prefixing your name to this unpretend

ing tale, I am anxious to pay a tribute of respect, however humble, to one who has done so much to advance the cause of total abstinence by his earnest advocacy and consistent example.

I am, Rev. and dear Sir,

Your obedt. Servant,

J. BLACKBURNE KANE.

LOVE'S LABOUR NOT LOST.

CHAPTER I.

"Who shall talk of strength and freedom
With a loud and fever'd breath,
While they let a full cup lead them
To the slavery of death?

"Men of labour! wake to thinking;

Shout not with a reeling brain :

Lips that argue o'er deep drinking

Ever yield more chaff than grain."-ELIZA COOK.

THERE was an unusual stir in the quiet country village of Badintone. Large placards were posted on the door of the smith's shop, on those of a few tenantless houses, and on the gate of the dispensary, announcing a lecture on temperance, by an American clergyman.

Little groups were gathered round these notices; and, judging from remarks such as follow, the gentleman was not likely to have an impartial audience:

"I don't see why I should give up taking a glass now and then; I have taken it these twenty years, from the day I fell from the ladder, when Jemmy Gripes, who had the inn at that time, cured me with a glass of strong stuff, that never saw the shadow of water; and sure, boys, if it's good in sickness, it must be better still in health."

B