Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1842-04-21

tNcaIEe aiIhou9h his father had expreSS-
desired that he would avoid a place
where lurketl fur the young and inexpe-
f|enfed SO many dangers. He was next
EASILY persuaded to visit a favorite eat
ing house. iii which many hours were
spent during the evenings If each week.
With Boyd and others, ii eating, drink
ing and smoking. Sometimes dominos
and backgammon were INTRODUCED, and at
length were played for 4 slight stalk
Z anticipate IN this, Thomas refused,
on the plea that Ie did not know enough
Of the games to risk anything. He nad
not the moral courage to declare that be
considered It wrong to gamble.
All these departures from what lie Ind
Seen taught by his father to consider a
right cunfse. were atterAedby much I'M.
easlness and pain f mind. But he had
yielded to the temper, and he could not
now find the power within him to resist.
his influence successfully.
It happened, about six months after his
introduction to such an entirely new
course Of life, that he was invited one
evening by lis companion Boyd, to call
on friend with him. He had, on that
day, received from his father forty dol
lars, with which to buy himself a new
suit of clothes, and few other necessa-
ry articles. He went, Of course, and
was introduced to very afable, gentles
manly young man, in his room, at one of
the hotels. In few minutes wine and
cigars were ordered. and the three spent
an hour or SO, in drinking, smoking, and
7chit-chat Of no very eleyating or refnd
character.
Come. let US have game Of cards.
the friend at last remarked, during a
pause in the conversation at the Same
time going to his trunk ard producing a
pack of cards.
No objecton,' responded Boyd.
You'll take hand, of course!' the
new friend said, looking at Thomas How
land.
But Thomas said that he knew nothing
Of cards.
20 that's no matter! you can learn in
two minutes, responded the frie nd OF
Boyd.
Young Rowland felt reluctant, but he
could not resist the influence that was a.
round him, and so he consented to finger
the cards with the rest. As they gath.
cred around the table. a half dollar was
laid down by each of the young men, who
looked towards 'r..sosasas they did so. $780,
.Iscannot play for, money! he said, co
ccr bo f,lf ,oaIi ~ 81 !, n al n, :,
knowledge his scruples.
and why not?' asked the friend Of
Boyd; looking him steadily in the face.
because think it wrong stammer-
ed out Rowland, coloring still more
deeply.
sNonsense Isn't your money your
own? And pray what harm is there in
your doing with your own as you pleasep
urged the tempter.
sBut do not know enough Of the game
to risk my money!
You don't think we would take alvan
tage of your ignorance?' Boyd said. The
stake is only to give interest to the game.
| would not give copper for game OF
cards without stake. Come, put down
YOU half dollar, and we'll promise to pay
you back all you lose. Il you wish it, until
you acquire some Skill
But Thomas felt reluctant and hesita.
ted. Nevertheless, he was debating the
matter in his mind seriously, and every
moment that reluctance was growing
weaker.
will you play?' Boyd asked in deci-
ded tone. breaking in upon this debate.
Il had rather not Thomas replied,
to smile, so as to conciliate
his false friends
You are afraid Of year money said
Boyd, in half sneering tone.
1T is not that, Boyd
srhen what is it, pras?'
Il am afraid that it is not right
This was answered by loud laugh
from his two friends, which touched
Thomas good deal, and made him feel
more ashamed Of the scruples that held
him back from entering into the tempta-
ton
Come, down with your stake. How
land!!' said Boyd, after he had finished
his laugh.
The hand Of Thomas was ia his pocket.
and bis fingers had grasped the silver
coin. yet Sill he hesitated.
Will you play or not?' the fiiend Of
Boyd now said, with something Of impa-
tience in his tone. Say yes, or no.
For moment the mind Of Thomas be-
came confused-then the perception
came upon him as clear as sunbeam.
thai It was WRONG 20 gamble. He re-
,nembered, too, wildly, his fathers par
ting injunction.
NO 2 DO said. firmly and decidedly.
Both Of bis companion looked disap-
pointed and angry.
What did you bring HIN here for?' he
beard Boyd's companion say to him in
an under tone, while frown darkened
unon his brow.
The reply did TT xreeeh bis ear, but
he felt that hiss ss1ss1.s>ras no longer
pleasant, and ris ',ssa u for