The Columbian fountain., 1846-01-17

AchS
Thus the two youths conversed till they
dropped asleep. 1t was evident that Charles
had had different education from his com
panion. His parents were of that class who
look upon mere morality as virtue, even
though the heart be depraved If outwardgy
the man appeared well, it was sufficient
and thus they taught their children.
For few months Charles and Henry
moved on pleasantly together, but a keen
observer could have noticed the bad inhu-
ence that young Bedford exercised over his
companion. Being with him constantly,
and hearing his conversation and observing
his conduct, Henry by degrees learned the
disgusting habit Of using profane words, and
was less particular in his observance Of the
Sabbath. He less frequently called upon
his parents, and often spent his evenings
walking the streets, or in some improper
shanty, where the rum glass was freely cir
culated His mother saw the alteration in
her son, but knew not to what cause to i'm
pute it. One evening when he called upon
her, she remarked
Henry, where is it that you spend your
evenings You have not been at home for
more than week."
81 generally 60 with Charles Bedford.''
"Where do you go?O
Sometimes to one place, and sometimes
to another"
:: i am afraid, my son, that Charles is not
SO good boy as he ought to be-, and that
he will lead you astray.' 5
$50 you always say, mother, when 90
with any body / like.''
'sBut, my child, never speak unless it
is for your good. 1t troubles me to have
you away from home every evening"
"You no need to have any fears of me.
| shall not 60 into bad company
81 have known many boy to be ruined
by bad associates, and fear that boy is not
SO upright as he ought to be.o
Thus would Henry's mother talk with
him. She was apprehensive that he would
be led away by Charles and ruined Her
fears were not entirely groundless Young
Bedford was loose and irregular in his hab-
its, and had SO insinuated himself into the
favor of Henry, that the latter did not hesi-
tate to follow his advice and example,
Charles was in the constant practice of US
ing profane words, smoking cigars and
spending his evenings among those who did
not hesitate occasionally to take glass of
cordial. Henry had learned to swear and
smoke, from his companion, and every night
he accompanied him to his favorite resorts.
Once Charles took glass Of wine, and in
vited his friend to partake with him.
81 should rather not" said he
Come-don't be afraid"
"No-I don't wish for any,"
9" 1t will not hurt you. Come-come,
drink glass with me-"
Stopping moment to think, he replied
/" ] will not drink any tonight
Y on are foolish, Henry"
eyes, he's devilish fool,'' remarked the
retailer; "and I'll be bound he has beento
the temperance meetings and heard that
cursed Dow, or that brawling Walton, or
that notorious Joe Lord speak. Drink away,
Charles, and Pll drink with YOU"
I" am no fool, sir,'' said Henry to the
bar-kecper; g but what use is there for me
to drink when do not need it, and have
not the least desire for it %
"Then drink 10 please your friend, who
has SO kindly offered it to you"
"Suppose did drink one glass, it may be
the ruin Of me-"
"Who told you that story2 John Crock
EFT, l'll be bound to say. Let John look at
home. He has enough to do to mind his
own affairs"
"Who is John Crockett? | don't know
him"
.Y on don't. lie has been whispering in
your ears more than once, that can swear.
Come, take hold and drink"
eyes, don't be fearful, my little lad,o
said one who was lying upon bench
+" don't mind what the temperance folk tell
ye. What do they care about you or any
body else2 All they want is power, to rule
the State. Then they'll be satisfied. Come,
my fine fellow" he continued, rising from
his seat, and patting Henry on the shoulder;
"take one glass, just to please us ALL"
"Do, Henry, do,' said Charles, putting
the glass to his lips; " there, drink That's
fine fellow-I knew you were no fool :; y
he continued, as Henry took one or two
swallows
:" knew that youth was too intelligent
said the retailer, " to listen to the harangues
Of Dow and Walton. Keep him from their
influence, and he will grow up fine fell
loW.D