"Robert, have you seen anything of your uncle?" "No, aunt." "I suppose he's over at the tavern as usual," said the woman despondently. "He drinks up about all he earns, and there's little enough left for us. I hope you won't follow in his steps, Robert." "You may be sure I won't, Aunt Jane," said the boy, nodding emphatically. "I wouldn't drink a glass of rum for a hundred dollars." "God keep you in that resolution, my dear boy I don't want my sister's son to go to destruction as my husband is doing."