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Les diegrammes suivants iilustrent la m*thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 G THE TOEONTO EINE BOYS. BY MARIA SIMPSON. TORONTO: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR AT THE METHODIST BOOK ROOM. 1878. GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY PKEFA^CE. It is only right to state that "Roseville Seminary," referred to in this little pamphlet, would have been published before it, only the depression in trade has been such, that it was deemed unwise to do so. The Author. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. p^g^ Tbmpbramgb 7 OHA.PTER II. RiNB Mhbtinos 20 HAPTBR III. "Oua Captain AND OUR Cause" 81 CHAPTER IV. Mb. Rinb 41 CHAPTER V. TbMPBRANCB SONQS 61 CHAPTER VI. "Hold thb Fort" 60 (! (( me giv( san I tha tho not < vil] vil] THE TORONTO RINE BOYS, CHAPTER I. TEMPERANCE. " S^OCTOR," said Mr. Soraerville, "Hattie and " Now, Giovanni, how often I tell you not to call me Doctor ! T really believe you have scarcely for- given me yet for the the well, the unplea- santmsses we used to have at Roseville Seminary." Mr. Somerville laughed. " You know better than that, sir Besides, in those days, you evidently thought the forgiveness was all on your side. Had it not been that your little daughter, Hattie, ." " Giovanni — just stop !" exclaimed Mrs. Somer- ville, coloring. " You know the children are here." "0 grandpa," eagerly questioned Minnie Somer- ville," " Did papa run away with mamma 1" THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. The doctor and his son-in-law laughed heartily, but his daughter looked really distressed. " Giovanni," she said to hor husband, " you are always getting on dan- gerous ground. Now, do satisfy the child." " All right, my dear. Well, Minnie, I did not run away with j'-our mamma ! On the contrary, we were married in this house, with the doctor's full consent." " The doctor's !" indignantly exclaimed that worthy individual ; " Giovanni, did you ever call me ' f iclier"?" " Yes, sir, — don't you remember 1 .^ st after the wedding 1" "It is a shame of you to talk so ;" muttered the medical man, as his two grandchildren chased each other out of the room. ** Papa, never mind him ;" answered the doctor's daughter, " we are thinking of going to Toronto for a week or two." " A week or two, child !" exclaimed her father "that will never do, I prescribe a rest of three months at least for my naughty son-in-law, or I will not be answerable for the consequences." " Do you really mean it, sir V "I mean it, Giovanni. You were never strong and have always had a tendency to consumption. Temperance lecturing is weai-ing you away; and what have you made by it — only just enough to sup- port your little family." THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 9 " I don't do it for money, sir ;" said Mr. Somer- ville quietly. " What then] But I need not ask." The eyes of the young lecturer sparkled, as he answered eagerly, " For our Ca^jtain and our Cause /** "Veiy well, Giovanni," said the physician sadly, " that is right ; !»' ';, without needed rest you cannot last much lons^ei*. ' Hattie Sc lerviile burst into a passion of teal's and rushed out of the room. " Doctor," said Giovanni sternly, " where is the good of alarming that child 1 You know very well that I shall last until my worl: is done. You have indulged and petted Hattie from her babyhood." " Yes, and who has indulged and petted her since her marriage V "You and I, both, doctor." " I'm glad you'll confess it ! Hattie is a woman and a noble one — I'll say it though I am her father — but, in many respects, she is as much a child as little Minnie herself." I'm not at all sorry for it ; " calmly leplied Mr. Somerville, *'but it was wrong to frighten her as you did just now. Doctor, the least you can do is to go and comfort your daughter." The physician put his hands tenderly on the shoulders ol his son-in-law ; and, looking into the pale, thin face, sadly replied, " My boy, think of your- self and not of Hattie ! (I'll go and find her 10 THE TORONTO BINE BOYS. directly.) You are young still and may have many years to work for the Cause. Great good may be accomplished in the future, supposing there is strength to do it. But, indeed you must rest now or go under altogether. My boy, you love your Captain — won't you take care of yourself for His sake ] " " Yes, father ? " and Giovanni Somerville's brown eyes filled with tears, as he thought of the One who had stood by his side, through every joy and sorrow of life. The doctor having failed to console Lis daughter, her husband went into the room. Hatue immediately sat aown on his knee ; and leaning upon him, ex- claimed in a passion of grief, " O Giovanni, Giovanni, I can't lose you now ! It was so hard to get you ! " Mr. Somerville could not help smiling in spite of himself. " I don't think it was at all hard, my dear. Except indeed on your father's account, who at one time did certainly hate me most heartily." He then comforted his wife by telling her of the promise he had just made to the doctor, adding, " Hattie, my love, do not be at all uneasy about me. I feel that my work is not finished yet ; but, w Uen God wants me, He will make up for my loss. Now, won't you be brave and help me to fight for our Captain, as you have done all along 1 " " I will, Giovanni ; " and Mrs. Somerville raised her head, hastily wiping away the tee^s. "I'm ashamed of myself ; " she ^'snt on, " for God was THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 11 }} very good to let me have you at all ; but, just now, father did take me so much by surprise, that I could not help giving way. You are doing well, fighting nobly ; and, when your Captain wants you, Giovanni," added Hattie with a sob, " I will try to give you up willingly." " That's my brave little wife ! " said the young lecturer kissing her, " now it's all right." It was arranged that the two children should re- main with their grandfather at Roseville, while Mr. and Mrs. Somerville were away at Toronto. Hattie had a maiden aunt residing in the central part of the city and they were going to board with her. On the evening before their departure, the little ones were grieved at the thought of losing their parents ; but. Dr. Mays diverted their attention by asking what presents they would like from Toronto. The boy expressed a great desire for a rocking horse — his sister remained silent. " Well, Minnie, what wishes are running through your wise little head 1 " " I want three things, papa, please." Mr. Somerville smiled. " Name them, my dean Thing the first is " "A photograph of Mr. Rine." " All right," and her papa smiled more broadly, for Minnie was decidedly a chip of the old block. " What is the second thing? " *' A Rine Club Pledge Card— please." ' 12 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. t. " Yes,~and the third r' " A blue ribbon, papa ! " " Very good, my little daughter ; you shall have them as soon as possible. Did you get the picture of Francis Murphy framed 1 The one I sent from the States, you know." " Yes, sir ; I made one of cone-work, but did not like it, for it wasn't half good enough for him, and so grandpa framed it for me in gilt." Mr. and Mrs. Somerville laughed. As soon as practicable after reaching Toronto, the children's wishes were duly fulfilled. The maiden aunt. Miss Wood, received her nephew and niece very kindly. Sh6 was a lady of about forty-eight years of age. The Sunday after their arrival, Mr. Somerville took his wife to the Experi- ence Meeting at the Rine Club in Albert Hall. What the lady thought of the gathering she recorded in her dia.ry on the following day. Toronto, Sept. 24th, 1877, Monday. Yesterday afternoon, I went to Albert Hall with Giovanni, and joyfully joined the Rine Total Abstin- ence Club. I never was at a Temperance meeting that I liked, so well. After the singing of a hymn, — the Rev. Mr. Gales read a chapter of the Bible and then engaged in prayer. He is a prominent member of the Dominion Alliance. Among those who spoke was Mr. G. M. Rose. His speech was full of life and THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 13 fire and pleased me greatly, the othera also, by the maimer in which they applauded him. The brethren clapped their hands; and, in the case of Mr. Rose, stamped their feet, as though it were not a Sunday meeting at all. Not that they were irreverent — far from it ! With great attention they had listened to the reading of God's Word and afterwards bowed their heads in prayer. Nearly every one joined in the sing ing, which was truly delightful. Mr. Rose has been a total abstainer' from boyhood and is well known in Toronto as a most able worker in the cause. Some of his personal experiences with an intemperate man were deeply interesting. Seven years ago, Mr. Rose would not have given five dollars for all that the said intemperate man possessed ; but now, he is worth ten thousand dollars. Mr. Rose and a co-worker put him in a carriage, against his will, and taking him to a Division of the Sons of Temperance, made him, made him sign the Pledge. Then, the poor drunkard was watched for days and weeks until he could stand alone. Afterwards, Mr. Rose had to leave the city for a time; and, fearing that something might go wrong in his absence, for the man was a little peculiar, paid his (the drunkard's) dues for a year, that he might not be expelled for non-payment. When Mr. Rose returned, all was going right and has continred to do so. I think it was two years after the man had reformed that he told Mr. Rose he was going to New York. j(Only for a few days, I believe.) u THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 11 if Mr. Rose knew that he would visit at the house of a friend, who was fond of liquor and given to pressing it upon others. The said New Yorker had vainly pressed the detestable stuff on Mr. Rose himself So, calling the man into his office, Mr. Rose warned him of the danger, telling him how much he would be tempted and that if he felt doubtful of the result, he must not go to New York. The man earnestly re- plied that " by trusting in God, he believed he could control himself and stand." *' Go tlien;" answered Mr. Rose, " and if he urges you to drink, knock him down ! " (I was startled by the emphatic words and do not quite agree with them.) The man went and by God's grace returned with his Pledge unbroken. He does not live in Toronto, now; but, when Mr. Rose goes to the city where he now resides, that worthy temperance worker visits his reformed man. He has had him under his influence for seven years. Oh, through the precious blood of our Lord Jesus, that man will, I trust, be a bright star in the crown of our noble Brother Rose ! He said tha^ +he Club had saved numbers whom the Church could not reach. It was the duty of the Church to come down to human- ity!" (Thundering applause by hands and feet.) Among others, Mr. Hassard spoke briefly ; so did Mr. McConkey — the latter giving some account of personal Temperance work. He was once a drunkard and low down ; now, by God's grace, he is working hard to save the fallen. Another, who had also been THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 16 of a an inebriate, thrilled me by speaking of himself as a " redeemed man." A number of the members spoke, whose names I cannot recollect. Last night I did not sleep as long as usual by several hourS; being too much excited. " Our cause is marching on," — that's a fact. God bless the Rine boys — God bless the Bine boys, for Jesus' sake. Amen. " Well, Hattie, have you finished writing," in- quired her husband. " Oh, yes ; I thought you were busy with the * Prohibitionists' Text-book ; ' and was afraid to dis- turb you with my chatter." " You won't disturb me, now." " I'm glad of that. Giovanni, did you notice among the numerous brethren at the Hall, yesterday, one who sat over against us 1 " " A tall, slight young man with fair complexion — that's Mr. Arnott." " I didn't mean Mm, though I liked his speech well. There was another who was singing ' Rescue the Perishing ' so earnestly that I wonder you did not notice him." " They were all singing earnestly, I thought," said Giovanni laughing. " What was he like, my dear." " Oh, he was short and chunky — boyish-looking — had dark hair brushed down over his forehead — and such an earnest, bright, wide-awake look. Giovanni, I am cenfident that that Rine boy never touches the serpent ! " 16 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. i^ i i I I it The following Sunday morning after breakfast, Miss Wood censured lier nephew and niece for " going to the entertainment meeting, at Albert Hall, last night." " It was hold by the Jiine Club ; " said Giovanni Somerville. *' And did that sanctify it 1 " enquired the lady in a sarcastic tone, " I suppose it would to you, who put Temperance before eveiything else ! " " Aunt, you shouldn't talk in such a way ; " remon- strated Hattie, " for an entertainment meeting that could commence with the hymn 'Before Jehovah's Awful Throne,' and close with the doxology, was highly proper for any Christian to attend." ti "Were the pieces all sacred 1 " " Oh, no, aunt. There was a merry song called * Derry Jail ' and several others of a similar kind. Mr. Dilworth read a Very sweet ballad, ' Over the hills to the poor-house.' I don't wonder that that mother blessed God for her repentant horse-thief son ! " " What part did you like, Giovanni 1 " ** The two temperance addresses, ma'am ; one by the Rev. Mr. Gales, the other by Marvin Knowlton. They were both very good, I assure you." " The entertainment must have been better than I expected ; " acknowledged Miss Wood. During the next two or three weeks, Hattie en- treated her aunt to accompany them to one L,ine I THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 17 lovanni meeting— jttst one — but in vain. The maiden lady decidedly refused to go. " I am sick of Temperance ! " exclaimed si'e, at length, " and have been ever since last spring when I visited your place. Giovanni was away lecturing, at the time, and you were all at sixes and sevens, house- cleaning. Dr. Mays will have everything done at once that things may be put straight as soon as pos- sible ; so, the only apartment fit to be seen was Giovanni's study ; and, for one entire day, I was shut up in that dismal spot. No wonder I'm sick of Tem- perance ! " Mr. and Mrs. Somerville laughed heartily. " It was no fun to me, I assure you ! " went on the lady. " First, I began to scan the walls, and those three Temperance banners were the most conspicuous ornaments. That handsome silk one does not look much worse for the ducking it had, long ago ; and the other two are as gorgeous as ever. There were pic • tures of Francis Murphy, Neal Dow, Dr. Reynolds, etc., and two pretty fountains, with flowers entwining them. The motto of the Good Templars, ' Faith, Hope, and Charity ; " and also that of the Sons, * Love, Purity, and Fidelity,' hung on the walls. Keeping them company were * Dare to do Right j ' * Malice towards none; Charity for all.' 'Hold the Fort,' etc., etc. I then walked to the book-shelf — nothing to be seen but volumes of Temperance ser- mons. Temperance tracts, lectures and so forth. Even 2 F 18 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. i: f ! • i the lighter literature was all on that (to you) most interesting subject. Tracts and leaflets filled the compartments of your writing-table ; and in the two little, unlocked drawers, (now, you need not redden, Giovanni, for I didn't take more than a j^assing squint, knowing well what the result of a closer ex- amination would be) doubtless there were numerous temperance manuscripts of your own composition, pledge-books and scrap-albums, full of slips about your glorious cause, lay on the table. Examining the card-basket, to see who your last visitors were, I was annoyed at finding nothing but specimens of the diflferent Temperance Pledges, ' Band of Hope Pledge * — < Murphy Pledge ' — ' Sunday School Pledge * — * Iron-clad Pledge,' and about a dozen more ! Yes, fi'om that library and those handsome banners, down to the little toy-model of ' Hold the Fort,' there was nothing but Temperance ! And to think I was shut up in that dismal place for a whole day ! " The old maid groaned at the mere recollection of it. As soon as Hattie could speak, for laughing, she said, " There were two ' ornaments,' aunt, that you did not speak of — that large lithograph of the Black Valley Rail " " Not worth mentioning — most horrid picture ! " screamed her aunt. " Well, it isn't pretty," acknowledged Mrs. Somer- ville, " but it's Temperance ! Of course you noticed that big Pledge Roll — filled with the names of Gio- THE TORONTO RlNE BOYS. Id vanni's school fellows. Father has often told me what trouble it gave my husband to get all *tliose signers — especially that Hiram McRoss." " I didn't get him at last, Hattie." " Who then 1 " she inquired in surprise. " Mr. Grant, the head-master." " Well, their names are down together on your roll, and who got Mr. Grant 1 " " My dear, he pledged himself because Hiram was in danger." " Oh, I forgot that was the reason ! Giovanni," she went on, very earnestly, " I don't believe there was anything under heaven that that wealthy, eccen- tric head teacher loved, as ho did Hiram McRoss ! " " Very true, Hattie. Have not subsequent events justified that love 1 " " Yes, indeed ! " was the grave reply. I * CHAPTER TI. RINE MEETINGS. I < I I |- jpOR some time, Mrs. Somerville failed to discover '^^ the name of the young brother who had at- tracted her attention at the first meeting. Many of the others spoke again and again, but he did not, much to her disappointment. At length, on All- Hallow Eve, in Berkley Street Church, the Presi- dent, as usual, called on different members to give testimony; and, among them, * Brother McCausland.' Hattie nudged her husband's arm and whispered — '* Isn't he a good specimen of a Kine Boy?" But, when the young man began to speak — it was his first attempt — both Mr. and Mrs. Somerville were pain- fully interested in what he said. The lady was as- tounded to hear him " sorrowfully confess, that for nine months previous to signing the pledge, he had never gone to bed sober." In coming home, Mr. Somerville asked his wife. II THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 21 very gravely, " if she thought any the less of their young brother McCausland, now." " No indeed ; " answered the lady, with tears in her eyes, " God bless him — what a mercy he has signed the pledge ! " *' It is, my dear, I hope he will not only save him- self, but scores of others. He is a fine young fellow — just what we want ! " A fortnight or so passed. In a letter to her father, Mrs. Somerville described an " irregular meeting " in Old St. Andrew's Church. Several intoxicated men were present and all marched forward to sign the pledge before the usual call was made. They dis- turbed the speakers continually by their loud excla- mations, and the meeting was certainly a peculiar one. The lady also informed her father that Clubs had been formed in the West end and in Yorkville, with fair prospects of success. " Giovanni," asked Hattie, as they were returning from a Rine meeting, " were you not surprised at the experience you heard to-night — Mr. Wightman's, I mean T' " Yery much, my dear — but, it was a truly noble thing for him to speak as he did *? No one would ever have suspected that he, of all others, had been a drunkard ! " " Then you think as much of him as ever 1 " " Far more, Hattie ! " Mrs. Somerville smiled at her husband's earnest- iA 99 THE TORONTO KINE BOYS. ness. " I don't deny that he makes a firm, excellent President," she observed ; ** but, I'm afraid that that kind of a man, if he married, would be apt to draw the reins pretty tight. (Now, you need not laugh; if Tin spoiled, it's yourself you have to thank for it, and -father.) Did you notice, last Saturday, how an- noyed the President was because of those encores'? He brings down the gavel with such vengeance that it's my belief he'll break that table some of these nights?" Giovanni laughed m rily. " No danger, my dear; Wightman knows what he is about." One fine Sunday afternoon. Miss Wood ast nished her nephew and niece by accompanying them to the Albert Hall Experience meeting. " Who is that tall gentleman next the Preside] t ? " inquired she. " Mr. Stuart, our Chaplain ; " replied Mrs. Somer- ville. " He is a most invaluable member of the Club ; you see he preaches Jesus and Temperance both ! " " That is the right way," said Giovanni ; " for, when a man has the precious love of Christ in his heart, he is able to withstand temptation." After singing the hymn, " All hail the power of Jesus' name," the meeting was opened by Mr. Stuart reading a chapter and then engaging in prayer. Miss Wood's eyes opened wider and wider as the various speakers arose. The first was Mr. Ryan, who graphically depicted the evils of drinking beer. THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 23 Then Mr. Wilson arose. He acknowledged having been a drunkard for a number of years, but now had resolved, God helping him, to keep the pledge for life. Next, Mr. Hassard testified to the good he had ex- perienced from the movement. Though comparatively a young man, he had been a hard drinker and was just recovering from a s})ree when he joined the Rine Club. For nearly four days and nights, he was in delirium tremens and neither ate nor slept ; but he fought the devil and, by God's grace, conquered. Now, he was a sober man and could look anybody in the face ; but before, he was ashamed to meet a child on the street^ or even a yellow dog, for fear it should know he had been drinking. Now, too, he was working for the Cause and getting from four to six, every week to join the Rine Club. Morning and night he asked God to bless him — help him keep the pledge and persuade others to sign it. He concluded by saying he would preach Temperance as long as he lived. Mr. Stuart then spoke a few words, pressing home the love of Christ on the members and urging them all to come and take their places in His army. Mr. McConkey next arose. He spoke earnestly of how drunkards ought to be treated as men and brothers. He said that people who would not speak to him before, when he was low down through drink, would speak to him now, take him by the hand and say they were glad he was a reformed man. He was pleased to have them do it ; but asked why they did 24 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. ■i !■ I I not do so before. He was their broths, then just as much as he was 7iow ? Had he been warned in a kindly way, he would have reformed long since ; but he thought that " no man cared for his soul." He con- cluded by urging all to work for the Cause. Mr. Perrot then spoke a few words, so did Mr. J ohnson, The latter had been a liquor-seller for many years but is now an earnest Temperance man. Mr, Dilworth gave a deeply interesting account of his experience as a soldier — how strong drink was his lutter enemy and reduced him to the ranks after several promotions — but how at length he joined the Sons of Temperance and is still a faithful member of the Order. Mr. Arnott next arose and stated what good the movement had done for him. Liquor was no tempta- tion to him now. Since signing the pledge he had to work for a short time in a brewery ; " but," said he, ** if they had boiled me in the vat I should have come out a Rine man ! " He used to drink heavily, until at a meeting in the Elm Street Church, he signed the pledge. Being full of liquor at the time, his compan- ions wanted him to break it at once, but he refused, kept it that night out of spite, and has done so ever since. " Hold the Fort " was then sung ; during which a ia,rge number came forward and joined the club. On being questioned by her niece, Miss Wood de- clared she was well satisfied with the proceedings. I THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 26 I " I'm very tired;" said Mrs. Somerville, one night, as she and her husband reached their boarding place, after returning from a meeting on Elizabeth Streat. " Did not Mr. Hassard do well, my dear 1 " " First -rate," replied Hattie, "he is certainly a good vice-president. There are not many in the Club who could (onduct a meeting in that manner. Now, Giovanni," she continued, as her husband took his Bible for family worship, " don't pray so long as you always do ! Father, the children and ourselves you dis- miss in as few words as possible ; and then, go on to pray for every Temperance organization on the face of the globe ! Bo condense your prayers for the Cause to-night ! I am so tired." " All right, my dear." And Giovanni read a few verses ; then, kneeling down, asked for God's blessing on themselves and their loved ones ; after which, he" did not forget the Cause. Accustomed as Hattie was to the earnest prayers of her husband, she was startled by the fervor with which he prayed that night. " Almighty God, wilt Thou be pleased to look down in Thy mercy upon the Temperance army throughout the world. Thy blessed Son is our Captain ; we rely upon Him, who alone can give us the victory. Bless us in our work for Th^ Cause, our Cause ; may we ever love it, work for it, pray for it, live for it ; and, if such be Thy holy will, die for it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." i i! II , I ii 26 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. " Oil, Giovanni, Giovanni," exclaimed poor Hattie, *' how caoi you pray so ! Why, you did die for it once — at least, you would never have known anything more, if we had not brought you to — it makes me shudder to think of that dreadful day ! It is years ago ; you were a boy then. The hardest thing I ever did in my life was to forgive that brute of a McFarlane ! " " Hattie, don't talk ho — Mr. McFarlane is a splen- did fellow and was the'n — the liquor made him do it."* " I know that — why did he drink the accursed stufi'. It was all his own fault." '* Because he loved it, Hattie. You make no allow- ance for the force of temj^tation." "Well, Giovanni, I wish you would'nt pray in that way any more. I'm so afraid that you will yet die for the Cause!" " Isot unless it be God's will ; " gravely replied her husband, ' ' and if so, Hattie, you know it is all right." On returning from the Rine meeting on the folio w- Sabbath, Mrs. Somerville exclaimed, " Oh, aunt, I am sorry you were not there to-day ! Two ladies spoke, and so appropiiately. Mrs. Johnson was the first. She described their mode of visiting women who diink, and told some interesting incidents in connection with ♦ Roseville Seminary, chap, xviii THE TORONTO IIINE BOYS. 27 their work. Mrs. Dilworth's speech delighted Gio- vanni ; it was all about the folly of using liquor as a medicine, and the harm done by doctors in prescribing it." " She IS a thorough-going Temperance woman, in- deed ; " I'esponded Mrs. Somerville waniily. " T was V'-ryglad to hear her earnest sensible remarks." " I believe those two ladies do riore work for the Cause, than any dozen of the others !" remarked Hattie. " That may be ; but, perhaps the rest employ them- selves in some manner equally useful ; " grimly re- plied her aunt. " That sweet-looking young lady who accompanies Mr. Stuart, for instance — do you suppose that she does no Christian work 1 " " Oh, yes ; " eagerly answered Mrs. Somerville. " I like her so much ; she and her sister visit the hospital." " I was pleased with the appearance of that young girl who played the piano ; " remarked Miss Wood. " Yes, indeed; every one likes her ; " warmly re- plied Hattie. " I would not envy the heartless crea- ture who cared nothing about Miss Boyd ! " After tea, Giovanni lay on the lounge, not feeling well enough to go to Church. " What are you reading 1 " asked his aunt, " Oh, * Moody's Talks on Temperance ! ' Did you ever read his sermons 1 " 28 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. " Yes, ma'am." " How much of them do yoli remember *?" Giovanni colored. " Very little, I'm afraid." " Just as I thought ! Now, what do you re- member ■? " "It is two years since I read them, ma'am. In one of them, Mr. Moody says, " I know what keeps men from deciding ; it's some darling sin. 'I like to play- cards and I can't give it up ; ' 'I love my rum-bottla — oh, my darling rum-bottle, how can I part with you ! " " Oh, of course you remember^fAa^ ; and, I suspect, precious little more. What next ? " " Only this, ma'am. " After a man is a Christian I would work him day and night. I believe that for one man killed by overwork in the cause of Christ, ten thousand die from laziness." ** You mean that as a hint for we," snapped the old maid, " I signed the pledge for you, some years ago ; but, not content therewith, you keep constantly re- minding me that I ought to work for the Cause." *' So you ought, ma'am." *' Of course — there you go ! Hattie is just of your mind and never misses an opportunity to give a Tem- perance tract, sing a rousing Temperance song, or say a word for the Cause you hold so dear." ** Giovanni taught me to do it ; " said Mrs. Somer- ville. THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 29 The spinster impatiently bounced out of the room. Her niece, after sitting in silence for a time, inquired earnestly " Do you think that Brother McCausland is a Christian 1 " " I don't know, my dear. " " Is Brother Arnottr' " Indeed, Hattie, I could not say." " Oh, I wish they were, and all the others ! They ought to be ! " warmly went on Mrs. Somerville. " Christ has saved them from that horrible curse, and he has a double right to them, it seems to me. Gio- vanni, it's not grateful in them to keep back their hearts — their love, from Him who has loved them so well ! " " You had better tell them so, my dear." " I would, if only I could speak like Mrs. Dill worth and Mrs. Johnson — but, you know very well I should break down, as happened once in Koseville, when saying a few words to those children." " You can pray for those young brothers, Hattie, at all events." " Oh, I do ; and for all, whose names I remember. Don't your* ** No, my dear, I remember so many that I pray for the Club in general." " Won't you for Mr. McCausland and Mr. Arnotti " '^ Yes, as you are especially interested in them." " Thanks, — I wish they were * Safe in the arms of Jesus ' — we could feel quite eas)^ about them, then ! " 30 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. i " So we could, Hat.tie. I have no doubt, however, that a majority of those reformed men will >)ecome Christians, if they are not so, already. You see the chief stumbling-block is out of their way." "Yes, indeed — oh, I'm thankful for that." I CHAPTER III. m "ATT OUR CAPTAIN AND OUR CAUSE. tN the following Saturday night, Mrs. Somerville prevailed on her aunt to attend the entertain- ment meeting in Albert Hall. That worthy lady was by no means pleased with it, to say the least. On reaching home again, her wrath burst forth. " You ought to be ashamed of yourself, my niece. — Oh, Dr. Mays, f/ou here !" " Yes, Fanny. I brought the children down to stay over Sunday — they have gone to bed." " Oh, papa, I'm so glad to see you ! " exclaimed Hattie, warmly embracing her father, which he as cordially returned. " You. look a little better, Giovanni ; " said the medical man, as he grasped the hand of his son-in- law. " I am all right. Dr. Mays ; thank you." *' What was it that did not please you in the meet ing, aunt 1 " - d l\ 32 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. u. 19 K .1: " What c?ic? please me, you had better ask — it was precious little, I assure you." " Well, the opening hymn, Mr. Stuart's prayer and the doxology could not fail to meet your approval." Miss Wood bowed stiffly " Then, the reading of the minutes ; also, Mr. Wightman's account of the progress of the move- ment " " Oh, it wasn't that ! " " Were you not much interested in that red-hot speech by Mr. Rose 1 " " You have described it accurately ; " sneered the old maid, " it was red-hot, that's a fact ! " *' It was sublime," wai'mly replied Giovanni, '' es- pecially when he spoke of the Clubs, central, north, east, south and west, forming the sign of the Cross in our city. (Two of those clubs have yet to be organ- ized, but it is a mere question of time.) Aunt, I'm astonished you did not appreciate that soul-stirring address ! " ' " Oh, I've not much against it. Mr. Eose is too fiery for me, that's all." *' Then did you not like Mr. Stuart's appeal, at the close ; urging all, in the name of God, to come for- ward and sign the pledge ! " " Not very much — he goes too far ! " answered Miss Wood. " Then, it must have been the songs ^you did not like ! " ■ t THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 33 " Now, you are coming to the point, Hattie. Was not that ' Little Darkie ' a ridiculous thing 1 " " Yes, but I think it innocent " " You approve of everything done there !" " Oh no, aunt. There are some unsuitable songs and readings, too. Giovanni does not like them and neither do I." ** What did you think of Mr. Bengough's ' Steam Jaw ' 1 " " Oh, I liked it well ! " (And she explained it to her father.) " No harm in that — genuine fun ! I have heard him sing it several times and believe I can rattle off a verse for papa ! " And^to the horror of Miss Wood, her niece was instantly at the piano, imitating Mr. Bengough as jaearly as she could. *' At length to China she made her way ; A country where women are kept at bay. They threatened to choke her, she'd so much to say, But she talked a hole through the wall and awaj% — Too ra loo, ra loo, ra loo." Dr. Mays and his son-in-law laughed heartily, for Hattie managed the verse pretty well ; then, turning around, she found her aunt gazing at her with awful severity. " You foolish creature," she snarled, " I've no pa- tience with you — not the least ! " " You don't look as if vou had ; " remarked the physician. "I can't remember nearly all," went on Hattie, 3 I - i i J \ 34 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. *' but, I must sing this verse for Giovanni, because it is such a capital hit on his favorite Mr. Wightman, who will persist in keeping members to their ten min- ute speeches?" ** And quite rightly, my dear. Some would take all the time from their fellows if that rule were not enforced." " Oh, you always take his part ! Wightman never did anything wrong — did he 1 " merrily questioned Mrs. Somerville. As Giovanni did not seem inclined, to answer, she sang : I ,«i •' In the Rine Club she wanted to make a speech. The President said they had ten minutes each. But for forty-eight hours she continued to preach ; For her jaw was out of the President's reach ! Too ra loo, ra loo, ra loo." Dr. Mays was highly amused and declared Ben- gough a clever fellow. " So he is, papa. I like that the best of anything he sings ; but the steam arm is very good." Miss Wood approached and forcibly shut T\p the piano. " Aunt, do tell us what vexed you 1 " " Why, Hattie, Mr. Sturrock's song, * When the pigs begin to fly ! ' " " Oh, that silly thing ! I can't endure it. What part specially annoyed you 1 " Miss Wood deigned no reply. " Do you dress in the extremes of fashion ? " went ; m THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 35 on Mrs. Somerville. " No indeed, you dress richly and tastefully — nothing more. Do you paint your face 1 " " No." ** Wear false hair?" " Ho, I'd scorn it ! " " What could have vexed you, I cannot think !" Here Hattie chanced to recollect the lines " Old spinsters will be ministers When the pigs begin to fly ! " So she inquired " Aunt, do you wish to be a minister ]" " iVb ; but, if I were, wouldn't I preach a sermon that would make Mr. Sturrock's hair stand on end ! " " Much good that would do ! " laughed Hattie. '* You ought to hear him sing the ' Life-boat " — I never heard it rendered half so well ! Now, do tell us, what part vexed you. Aunt 1 " " Why," angrily replied Miss Wood, " there was another line, that spoke of ' sending old maids to par- liament ; ' and, that's where I want to go ! " Dr. Mays roared with laughter ; Giovanni did not even smile — ^he was too much astonished. " You look as though I were taking leave of my senses, Mr. Somerville." " Excuse me, ma'am ; I was really afraid you were !" The worthy spinster was highly indignant. " You have no idea of my capabilities ! " she exclaimed. " I really believe, Giovanni, that you would rather see Hattie mending child's socks, than honored as Pre- mier of the Dominion ! " 36 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. i I i$i " / should indeed 1 " emj)hatically returned Mr. Somerville. " My niece has no ambition ; " contemptuously went on the old maid, " but, I would like to go to parliament. Just think how I'd shine, could I only get there ! " " Fanny, do have some sense ! " said the doctor. At which, the spinster stalked, in a most dignified manner, from the room. For three long hours, she tossed on her bed, thinking of female suffrage — women's rights, etc., etc. Hattie's brain, in the mean- time, was busy about the children and Christmas boxes. Giovanni, fairly tired out, was fast asleep, di-eaming of the Bine Club. On the following Monday i-iorning, Mr. Harding, an c ^ school-mate of Giovanni's, dro])ped in. " I've been aw.,/ from Toronto, and only returned last week ; or, I should iiave been to see you before, old fellow ; " he said, grasping the hand of Mr. Somerville. *' I'm very glad to see you, Tom ; Dr. Mays is here, too." ' Indeed, what an unexpected pleasure ! " and the new-comer made his way into the parlor and gave the physician a boisterous greeting. " You're the very same — Tom Harding ; " said the medical man, laughing. " Of course ! Well, how are you, Giovanni — nearer the goal ? " " Nearer Heaven," answered Mr. Somerville, " yes, I hope so I " A. shad his daughi Tom nc mean thai world '? ] wish of y has been am a ric Business shall soon and thirty when you] work — no question \ " Indee the half o Mr. He he replied will remu tions of c( they like. "I'm Somervill her. He merely pi " I gue the old m " Some THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 37 A. shade came over the faces of Doctor Mays and his daughter. Tom noticed it and liantily rei)lied, " 1 did not mean that. How are you succeeding as regards lliis world ] Perhaps you will tell me that the darling wish of your boyhood, to be a Temperance lecturer, has been fulfilled ! Granted — but, so has mine I I am a rich man, though not yet forty years old. Business has prospered wondrously >vith me and I shall soon retire. You are somewhere between thirty and thirty-five — commenced lecturing on Temperance when young and have been about fifteen years at the work — now, what have you made by iti I greatly question whether you own a thousand dollars !" " Indeed I don't ! *' said Giovanni, laughing, " nor, the half of it ! " Mr. Harding looked shocked. " I'm very sorry," he replied. " You really o'lght to make charges that will remunerate you, instead of going to the poor sec- tions of country and letting tiie inhabitants give what they like." " I'm getting on very well," answered Mr. Somerville. *' Hattie's father is exceedingly kind to her. He gets all the luxuries for my little wife ; I merely provide the necessaries." " I guess you have hard work to do that ! " grunted the old maid. " Sometimes." 38 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. I "How much of the money you earn, do you give to Temperance 1 " she went on. " Far more than I like ! " thoughtlessly exclaimed Hattie. " Often do I urge him to buy some luxury for himself, but all he will consent to purchase of that sort are Temperance books and papers (which, as a lecturer, he can scarcely do without) and sometimes a picture or motto bearing on the Cause. / get along finely ; papa gives me lots of pocket-money. No little boy in E-oseville can have a more 'handsome rocking- horse than that I sent home to Willie. I do wish that Giovanni had as good a time as myself ! " Mr. Somerville laughed. " He looks perfectly satisfied, to judge by his face," remarked Mr. Harding. He then added hastily " Giovanni, do you never wish for anything you can- not get V "Yes." "Oh, why did you not say so!" exclaimed poor Mrs. Somerville, in distress. " Papa is ahvays buy- ing for me. I have everything that heart can wish while you never express a dssire for any earthly thing. What would you like ? papa, do make him say ! " "Make, Hattie, you might as well ta^k of Quaking Hiram McRoss do a thing, as Giovanni So^^^erville ! Coax, you had better have said." " Well, coax then, papa ! " Dr. Mays accordingly began. " My boy, you know r promised, befoi-'j you married my little daughter, to THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 39 take care of her and the children, (should God send any) so that you might feel perfectly free to follow your Temperance plans. Hattie was all I had in the wide world ; it was ever my intention to share my wealth with her ; and, you well know that you need not have provided the necessaries of life unless you wished. Giovanni, I love you on Hattie's account ; aye, and for your own sake, too ! Now, just regard me as a father for once in your life and tell me what your desires are. They shall be fulfilled if I can pos- sibly do it." " Thank you, sir ; it would be easy to fulfil them ; " and Giovanni laughed. He then added more gravely, " Father, your kind care for Hattie relieves my mind so much. My present wishes are mere trifles. If it's right for me to have them, the things will come, in some way. Let me alone, please ; for, I had rather not tell, you." " It's no nse askings him, papa," said Hattie crossly^ ** I knew how it would be. No living soul can influ- ence Giovanni to Co anything against his will. Hiram McRoss, unmana'^eable by every one else, was com- pletely in Mr. Granl^'s power." " Yes," bitterly returned Tom, " but not until the head-teacher had flogged him several times, and that very severely." " Did not Hiram McRoss turn out splendidly 1 " inquired Giovanni. " In all that was good and noble, yes ! But, he i. 'Tl 40 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 1 19 liT if might have been a rich man now, simply by taking Mr. Grant at his word."* " Hiram is richer at this moment than any of us, Tom ! " Mr. Harding could not deny it. He was silent for a while and then hastily remarked, " If you dont get all you wish, you look happy, Giova^^ni ! " "Indeed I am!" " Now, do give up lecturing 'us those poor local- ities and make money. My motto was * Persevere and succeed.' What is yours 1 " " Our Captain and Our Cause,'' earnestly replied Giovanni. "'Then, you won't take my advice — go to richer places and make good round charges." " It is useless to ask him, Mr. Harding ; he is hap- pier in following his own plans ; '• replied I " .\+i.Ie, who had recovered her good temper. "He is just worn out, working for ^'e,: ] r -ance," said the old maid ; " and, what has he got ft - i^ ; " " The smile of my Captain I " answered Giovanni Somerville. Tom Harding saw it was useless to argue the matter and the subject dropped. YounsrMcRoss." CHAPTER IV. MR. RINE. lii ATTIE insisted on keeping her father until Tuesday morning; but he could not remain longer on account of his patients. Willie and his sister were in high spirits as they noticed the myste- rious packages which the doctor was carrying home with him. The said packages were not opened until Christmas morning, when the children were jubilant over the contents. A beautiful workbox, photograph album, large gaily-dressed wax doli, tea-set and " girl's scrapbook " were Minnie's presents from her mamma and grandpapa. A handsome box of colors, ivory humming top, pair of skates, four-bladed knife, and " boy's scrap-book " fell to the share of Willie. " What did papa send us ? " asked the little girl, " something Temperance, / know ! " Dr. Mays laughed. " Probably it is, child, but, I have not opened it yet." So saying, he cut the 42 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. iS . string of the last package and displayed two lovely holiday books, "Water-Lilies" and "Water-spouts," published by the National' Temperance Society of New York. " Oh, these are the best of all ! " exclaimed Minnie, as she pressed the treasures to her heart. Dr. Mays gazed at her long and gravely. " Do you know, child, that you are just the picture of your papa 1 " " I'm glad of it, sir ; " earnestly replied the girl, " and only hope I'll be as good ! " " Indeed, Minnie I hope so, too." The next letter from Mrs. Somerville to her father contained a glowing account of Mr. Rine. She spoke of the warm reception given him by the "Toronto Boys," and how proud she was of the honor of shak- ing hands with the great Temperance leader at the close of a meeting in Albert Hall. " You know, papa, I expected so much ; " she wrote, " and almost feared disappointment^ (as is frequently the case) but really there was no danger of that in regard to Mr. Rine. Oh, I wish you could have heard him for yourself ! It just puts me on the fidgets to think what a speech from Francis Murphy must be like ! " Dr. Mays smiled as he laid down the letter. Next a package of Temperance papers claimed his atten- tion. Giovanni took good care to keep his father-in- law well supplied with that description of literature. Hattie never thought of asking her husband the THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 43 nature of his desires, knowing it would be no manner of use. She was aware that Giovanni had a vague idea that it woul d not be honorable in him to take advantage of Dr. Mays' kind offer. Therefore, there did not seem a very bright prospect of the wished-for ' things ' coming. They did come, however, and in a most unexpected way. Miss Wood was wealthy, it is true, but remarkably stingy. Not a solitary scrap did she give her niece or the little ones at Christmas, though Hattie did not forget her. Still, the spinster had a heart, after all, and she felt sorry for Giovanni. So, just after New Year's day, she seized the opportunity, when Hattie was dressing to go out, to inquire " Would you do me a favor, my nephew 1 " " Yes, aunt — of course ! " " What are your wishes ? " Mr. Somerville reddened. " You have caught me> ma'am ; but, I hope you will not tell Hattie or her father." " Oh no ! Trust me for that." " All right, then. I don't mind telling you ;" and he mentioned the names of three new Temperance books, costing perhaps about seven dollars. The idea of his parsimonious aunt procuring them for him never entered Giovanni's head. Therefore, when she placed them in his hands about a week afterwards, his amazement may be imagined. " Wasn't he surprised ! " said the old maid to her- 44 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. self, " he would not have been half so pleased if Dr. Mays had given him the books ! " The present proved a God-send to Giovanni, who had taken a decided change for the worse, and was obliged through sheer ^^eakness to lie on the sofa far more than he wished. One morning. Hiss Wood found him thus and inquired, " Has Hattie left yo^ alone r' " She was in low spirits, ai it ; so I sent her to see Mrs. Harding in the West End ; and told her to bring Tom and his wife back to tea." " I'm glad you did. We will have some music and see if those favorite Temperance songs won't put new life into you." The young lecturer raised himself on his elbow. "Sit down, aunt, please; I wish to speak with you." " Yery well ! " and the lady settled herself in a chair. " I have thought since of what you told us, the other day, about getting into parliament — — " " Yon think it's all nonsense ! " "I'm only sorry that your ambition takes that turn, when it might mount to something so much higher ! " " Oh, what ! " and the spinster's face brightened. " As high a degree of glory in Heaven as it is pos- sible for a mortal to gain ! You have good capabilities — use them for God. As an author, for instance, you may be a lasting benefit to the whole Dominion, THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 46 far more than as though you had a seat in parliament. Aunt, do turn your ambition to a high, holy object. Write, wield your pen for Temperance — Our Captain and His Cause ! " " I will, Giovanni — ' God helqnng me' as the Rine men say. It vnll be grander, after all, to shine in Heaven than in the Dominion parliament — but - -I'm afraid I am not a Christian ! " " Then, aunt, be a Christian, to-day." "How?" " By trusting your soul to Christ." " I will," she answered in a low voice : then suddenly added, " Giovanni, are you ambitious for a high place in Heaven 1 " " No, ma'am ; " and the young man smiled, " but I want to get close to my Captain." " It's not wrong ; for the Bible speaks of degrees of glory." " Oh, its not wrong, aunt — I did not mean that. My desiresi take another turn — I want Prohibition and can't get it ! The Temperance Cause has its ebbs and flows, successes and reverses " — and the young man tossed uneasily on his pillow. " Don't worry yourself about those things, Gio- ranni. You told me to trust my soul to Christ — now, hadn't you better trust Prohibition and your Cause to Him as well " 1 " Yes, aunt, I think so too ! " said Mr. Somerville, I I rrir i li 46 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 1^1 reddening at the reproof. " We soldiers sometimes get impatient and wonder if the war is ever going to end. But, it will all come right at last. We rave only to do our duty and leave the rest to God." At four o'clock in the afternoon, Mrs. Somerville returned, bringing with her Tom Harding and his wife. An earnest conversation at once commenced about Mr. Rine's meetings in tlfe Opera Houses. All the party had attended them, even Miss Wood. " Th 3 daily papers give nice accounts ; " said the old maid, " let me read you some extracts from Mr. Rine's speech as reported in last Monday's Globe." Which she did. Then, the meeting in Carleton Street Church was discussed. Miss Wood had not been present and ; hearing Tom mention Mr. Rine's illustration about " the baby learning to walk," she asked Hattie to repeat it. " Oh, but I can't remember it, word for word ; " remonstrated Mrs. Somerville. " Of course not," replied Giovanni ; " very few could ; just do the best you can." So she commenced. " Mr. Rine spoke of a man falling after he had signed the Pledge and advised that all such be urged to sign again. He illustrated it by a mother teaching her child to walk ; — how the papa sat, to all appearance, reading a newspaper, but really watching the baby, while the little brother and sister openly looked on. The mother would set THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 47 the baby up, saying " Now stand lonie — stand loniel " and the baby would stand — half frightened at itself. Then the mother would hold out her arms, saying, ** Walk to mamma ! " and the baby would attempt to do it. " Now," continued Mr. Rine, gravely, " suppose the baby should fall — does the mother cast it aside — do the whole family turn against the dear little one 1 Not at all. It's mamma stands it up and says (eoaxingly) " Oh, you're a nice baby — try it again f " " Hattie, you remember that well ! " said Giovanni laughing. " I'll warrant you couldn't have repeated it, Matilda ! " remarked Tom. " The stylish hat and jacket, of the lady who sat in front of us, had more charms than Temperance in your eyes ! " Mrs. Harding colored. Her husband went on, " Even now, I could see tha^ you were paying more attention to Mrs. Somerville's corded silk dress than to what she was saying about the baby ! " " I don't care," said the luckless Matilda pettishly ; " you're a stingy ft How, Tom, and might buy one for me just like it=" " I'll not do it," answered Mr. Harding ; "I'm sick of buying new dresses. And, another thing, I tell you that Mrs. Somerville is far more proud of that scrap of blue ribbon than of all the dresses her doating father ever bought for her ! " ( ( 48 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. " I should be ashamed of my wife if she wasn't j ' emphatically replied Giovanni. Hattie laughed and stroked the " blue ribbon " lovingly. Then she askev* Tom about the West End Club. " Oh, its doing finely ! Mr. Farley and his de- voted wife are leading spirits ; they are accomplishing much good." " Don't you like Mr. Moore — the President of the Yorkville Club'?" went on the lady. "Is he not decidedly the ri^ht man in the right place 1 " " Yes, indeed," replied Mr. Harding, " but I think the success of the E-ine movement in Toronto, and especially that of the Central Club, is largely owing to the tact and untiring labor of Mr. Wightman." " Just what / think ! " warmly returned Giovanni. Then some conversation followed about Mr. Har- rington, Mr. John WUson and others who had spoken in the Opera House. " I suppose you didn't know that young man, Beid, before ; " observed Mr. Harding. I did — he was a wreck, as he says, himself and no mistake ; but, how well he is doing now ! " It immediately occurred to Mrs. Somerville that Tom might have information concerninti other Rine Boys ; so she inquired, " Mr. Harding, do you know if Brothers Arnott and McCausland are Christians 1 '» THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 49 " I have good reason to believe they are — both of them." Oh, I'm very glad ! " and the look of relief which came over the lady's face caused Giovanni to smile. I I CHAPTER V. TEMPERANCE SC^GS. ^HEN tea was over, Miss Wood proposed music, thinking it would cheer her nephew better than anything else. So she placed Hattie at the piano and made Giovanni choose the songs. ** Hurrah for Prohibition!" was the first. "On Brother, on : "— '' Sound the Battle Cry "—Jubilee of Temperance " and various others followed. " The music is doing its work " thought the old maid, as she noticed hoy/ Giovanni's ])ale face flushed aud his eyes sparkled. " We never will drink any more, boys ! " " sing that, Hattie;" said her husband. Mrs. Somerville complied, inwardly thinking that it was not very suitable foi- her, as she did not happen to be a boy ! When it was finished, she remarked, " Giovanni, I do wish Brother Impey would sing that as a solo — THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 61 wouldn't he do it well? And the Rine boys could join in the choms ! Now just listen how the third verse would sound — " and she read, — ** The drunkard fills many a grave, boys, Then brothers arou»e ye I awake ! Remember they lie as they fell, boys, Oh ! work for humanity's sake ; Oh f think of the curses of rum, boys, Stand firm for the right, and be true ; The " Temperance Flag " in one hand, boys, The other " The Red, White and Blue." Clio,— (> we never will drink any more, boys, We never will drink any more ; With heart and with hand, together we'll stand We never will drink any more." " It would be first-rate, Hattie — you had better ask Brother Impey. The Temperance songs which the choir sing, under his direction, please me so much — especially that one which they gave us lately, * Help *he Cause along ! ' " " Mrs. Somerville, can you play the favorite hynyi of Hiram McRoss 1 " " Indeed, Mr. Harding, I cannot without the music, which I never saw ; " said Hattie. " Oh, I'm very sorry ; it would seem like old times to hear that ! " " I'll play it for you, Tom," said Giovanni ; and taking his wife's place at the piano, he sang Hiram's favorite hymn — " My Jesus, I love Thee ; I know Thou art mine ! " ■"■P 52 THE TORONTO FINE BOYS. At the third verse, — " I have loved Thee in life ; may I love Thee in death And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow If ever I icved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now?" Giovanni's voice grew husky and Tom wiped the tears from his eyes. When the hymn was finished, Mr. Somerville re- turned to his seat and his wife took her place again at the piano. "You often speak of Hiram, Giovanni;" said Mr. Harding, as soon as he could get his voice clear, "but, I thought that Archie Campbell was your especial favorite ; why don't you talk of liim ? " " Because, as a missionary in India, I cannot ex- pect to see him for a long time." " And do you expect to see Hiravn ! " asked Tom in astonishment, a shiver passing over him. Giovanni bo^-ad. Instantly it flashed upon Mr. Harding that his companion was going to die. " He is far gone ; much farther than they suspect ; " gasped Tom to himself, as hh noticed the hectic flush that died Giovanni's cheek. Hattie was turning over music-books, quite unconscious of the drift of the conversation. Her reverie was disturbed by the calm request of Mr. Somerville " to sing some Rine hymns." " Rescue the Perishing " — " Ring the Bells of Heaven " — " What a Friend we have in Jesus " — THE. TORONTO RiNE BOYS. 63 "Whosoever will" — I need Thee every hour" " Let the Lower Lights be burning " — " I'm praying for you," were sung — then Hattie declared she was tired. "You must give us 'Hold the Fort/ my dear:" said her husband The lady gave it ; all of them joining in the chorus with right good will. Afterwards they talked about old times, Roseville Seminary, Mr. Grant, etc., finally coming back to Toronto and the E-ine Club. " I'm so sorry that Mr. Stuart is not our chaplain still ! " remarked Mrs. Somerville. "What fault can you find with Mr. Ball?" in- quired her husband, greatly surprised. " Oh, no fault whatever, save his youth ; " replied the lady, " but really we should have an older man for that office. Mr. Stuart did \ery well consid- ering " " Considering that he is not a grey-haired man ; " said (xio\^anni playfully. ^ '• You may % ^y what you please ; but / think it a great pity th; Mr. Ball is chaplain ; for, he is a mere boy ! " " You will change your mind, my dear, or I am much mistakeD ; " replied Mr. Somerville. That nighf;, the old maid sat alone for some time, deeply meditating. At last, she said with a sigh, " Oh, I a/ra so..y ! So many years past and only now to have found my work, aye and my Saviour ! I lih 54 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. thank Him that he so kindly sent Giovanni here. In the few years that remain of my life, I must bestir myself in good earnest and do all I can for Him who has done everything for me." So, the next morning, she asked her nephew how she could best lay out one hundred dollars in Temper- ance work. "Aunt," exclaimed the delighted young man, "1 advise you to place four of the twenty-five dollar Temperance Libraries in as many Sabbath-schools. Write to the National Temperance Society of New York ; they publish beautiful books ; and will send just what you require." " I will — what is their address"?" " No. 58 Reade Street, New York." " Thank you, Giovanni, I'll write for them at once." The following Sunday, Mr. Somerville was a little better, and accompanied Hattie to the Rine meeting in Albert Hall. It was the afternoon of Jan. 13th — just after Mr. Rine had left the city. Mr. Ryan made a few remarks, so did Mr. Sutcliffe and others. At length, a number spoke in one corner ot the Hall, among them was Mr. Hassard, who mentioned that a man could rise again, by God's grace, no matter how low he had fallen. He spoke of the hard fight he had after signing the Pledge — but — he coiiquered, " And now, there is not money enough in Canada THE TORONTO RINE BOYS, 55 to buy over Harry Hassard to drink a glass of liquor." Mr. Reid testified briefly ; then Mr. Arnott arose, saying in his cheery, inimitable tones, " I'm another of the redeemed ones ! " and he spoke earnestly for the Cause, as usual. Mr. Baldwin got up, emphatically remarking, " Pm another ! You see the redeemed boys all keep to- gether i " He then spoke of the great blessings which the Rine movement had conferred on him and many more. An elderly gentleman afterwards made a few re- marks in a very slow, deliberate manner. He men- tioned the text of a sermon which had lately been delivered, ' Sovf is the accepted time " — thinking it applicable with regard to the Cause. He had barely finished his n nesses. ^ " That' you think is carried in deligh Gospel Te u Very husky tor " And, over my to my gvi "Iwil strain he An hoi W8s near papa for them aw with Ro THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. 61 " Certainly, if I can." " Then, give my love to Hiram McRoss ! " sobbed Tony, and rushed out of the room. Giovanni smiled. "I don't see any reason why I should not deliver the message ; though, doubtless, Hiram has it by this time." " Do you think those above know what is passing on earth 1 " asked the doctor. " Yes ; " replied Konald. " ' Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of wit- nesses.'" " That's it ! " eagerly responded Giovanni. " Don t you think we shall know in Heaven when Prohibition is carried? Yes, we shall/" and he rubbed his hands in delight. "Father," he continued, "I want a Gospel Temperance sermon preached over me." "Very well, my boy ;" replied the doctor in a husky tone. " And, Hattie, when I am dead, pin the blue ribbon over my heart and let six of the Rine Boys carry me to my grave." " I will, Giovanni;" said the poor lady, unable to re- strain her tears. An hour or two passed — it was evident that the end W8S near. The children were brought in to kiss Vheir papa for' the last time, after which the nurse took them away. Dr. Mays and his daughter, together with Ronald McFarlane and his companions, stood ' 62 THE TORONTO RINE BOYS. HI around the bedside. Mr. Somerville wished them good bye, saying a few words to each, and exacting a promise from all present to work for the Temperance Cause. "Giovanni is keeping his vow to the last;" thought poor Dr. Mays. Then the young lecturer became so quiet that they did not think he would arouse again. But soon the brown eyes opened and rested lovingly on Ronald McFarlane " Are you happy, Giovanni 'i " *' Yes ! I'm going home to Jesus ! Ronald, please sing Hold the Fort ! ' " McFarlane commenced and the others joined in the chorus : — *' Hold the fort, for I am coming," Jesus signals still ; Wave the answer back to Heaven, " By Thy grace we will." Giovanni lay still with a bright smile on his face — good reason had he to be happy ! Was he noi; washed in the blood of the Lamb *? Was he not going home to his Saviour-Captain, under whose Temperance banner he had fought from his childhood ] Those by the bedside knew that all was nearly over, but they sang on. With the same sweet smile on his face, and " Hold the Fort ! " ringing in his ears, Giovanni Somerville entered into Heaven. ^