Temperance > Autobiography and personal recollections of John B. Gough

78 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN B. GOUGH.
agreed to take me on trial, stating that if they were satis¬
fied with my work, they would engage me. My work
was approved, and, once more installed in a good situation,
I had a chance of pushing my fortune.
My wife now began to exhibit symptoms of declining
health, and my prospects, as before, were none of the
brightest. I managed to keep my situation, and fancied
that my intemperate habits were known only to myself,
as I carefully avoided any open or flagrant violation of
propriety,—but drunkenness, more than any other vice,
cannot long be hidden. It seems as if the very walls
whispered it; and there is scarcely an action of the drink¬
ing man which does not betray him. I did not, however,
long remain cautious ; for one morning, after having
drank freely the evening before, I felt unable to work, and
was compelled to remain at home during that day and the
next. All my property, Which could by any means be
rendered available, I had disposed of in order to procure
money for purchasing drink, and the man in whose house
I boarded, having watched my proceedings with a very
vigilant eye, became, I suppose, fearful that I should not
be able to pay for my board, and informed my employers,
Messrs. Hutchinson & Crosby, that I was detained at
home in consequence of what is called a drunken spree.
I do not think the information was given from any motive
of kindness towards myself, but believe it was a selfish
motive which prompted the interference.
I felt wretched enough when I proceeded to the shop
to resume my work. Mr. Hutchinson had a strong hatred
of intemperance, and looked not very lightly on my trans¬
gression. As soon as he saw me, he sternly informed me
that he did not want any men in his employ who were in
the habit of being the worse for liquor, and threatened me
with instant dismissal should I ever again neglect my