On reaching home she found a neighbor waiting outside, who entered with
her, in the meantime pouring into the ever sympathetic ears her
trouble.
She was bewailing over the downfall of her boy who heretofore had been
exceptionally dutiful, invariably spending his evening at home, but of
late all was changed. He had contracted the card disease with all its
adherent vices, which was rapidly developing into a mania. His salary,
which was the home support, was being sacrificed on the gambling altar.
Here was more work. The only son and mainstay of a widowed mother fast
going to ruin. Yes, something must be done.
Early the following evening the Witch made it her business to pay a
visit to the widow about tea time. The son was hurriedly finishing his
meal preparatory to starting out for the night, when somehow he changed
his mind and stayed at home instead, and our friend, the Witch, knew
that in future he would have sufficient strength of will to pass by his
old haunt and on home to his waiting loving mother with his earnings in
his pocket, which meant more home comforts, more books and evening
reading, and happiness to both.
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from
evil. Proverbs, iv. 27.
The Witch went home well satisfied with her day's work, and that night
thought and planned for the good of humanity. Why not venture further
into a wider range for action?
She might peddle her songbirds from door to door, and in this capacity
gain access into houses where she could more readily acquaint herself
with those in need of her assistance.