Blue hen's chicken. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1848-1854, 1849-08-17

l"hh 81 uetF an interest that the nnal remark
of the billiard players was lost upon him ye
he would not have confessed his sentiments
for the world. Oh by what temptations o
the evil spirit are taught to scott at what il
right-unless it be accepted by the world at
" correct" Oh mournful signs of these degen
crate days, when the young shrink from &C
knowledging emotions which do them honor
and make them happy in their self-respectl
Unhafpily for Aimesbury, his friends at las
persuaded him to join them occasionally at the
pool of billiards. 1t was the knowledge tina
he might too easily be leo into error, that made
bis mother draw from him promise not tc
gamble; bu, the few shillings riskod a, poo
of billiards could not be called gambling; be-
sides he resolutely resisted all betting.
Colonel Neyil assumed the command, and
the regiment having the luck to be engaged. a
tolerabe share Of prize money fell 10 each off.
Ger. On the day that Frank Aimesbury re.
Iceived the notification of certain sum due 10
him, he wrote 10 his mother, enclosing her an
order for the whole amount; and leaving the
letter sealed on the table he sirolled, guided by
the demon of idieness, to the tent of Charley
Williams. All was so quiet within, that he
imagined it was untenantsd but on entering e
found three occupants.
The regiment at this period was on the
march to embark for England, and had halted
during heavy rain. Within the tent cloak
was spread on chest there were mufiied dice
boxes, cards, cigars, and sangaree. 1t were
waste Of time to dwell on all the arguments ad
'dHcesdfby xlmesJury in deprecateon OF the pro
posal that he should join the circle. He was last,
though he Immediately declared that he would
never stake another sixpence. At present he
felt to GERS ain ext'n. privileged he was moi
in debt, his prize money had been earned at
'he risk of his life, the letter had gone to his
mother, and he might double it
He siaked it, and lost all
On returning to his own tent he looked in
vain for the epis;e he had written home, inen-
ding With heavy heart to destroy it; but on
making inquiries OF his servant he learnt that
a sergeant had in his absence, called for the
English mail, and this had been given with
others.
With lore, laugh he told Charley Will
liams if The ship in which they were to en-
bark met al SCI, he would win his money
back"
Oh dangerous dream, too often INDUCED
in, till it leadeIh to ruin and despair and per-
haps to death !
And those who had won Frank Aimesbury's
prize money, little thought they ofhis mothers
sorrow, and his sisters disappointment. Tor that
mothers sake, when they should know all.
After setting sail for England, the idea Of
winning back the sum he had lost haunted him.
Happy thoughts Of his mother and sister were
sci aside for this one terrible desirei and on
reaching the Cape, where the fortune of the
voyage again carried him, he cursed his fate
that Charley Williams should have sailed only
an hour before him in the Chichester.
The Arundel, on board which was the divi
sion to which Aimesbury belonged, ran to St.
Helena from Table Bay in eight days.
Young Aimesbury leaned over the ships
side, watching the gentle ripple cas-. from her
bows in nearing the anchorage. Ere she reach
ed it some one remarked that large ship was
on her starboard bow, and on crossing the
poop, magnificent three-decker was distinct
y visible, the dark mass gorseously relieved by
the triple lines of lighted ports.
alt is the Chichester exclaimed Amesbu-
ny in tone Of excitement, for his thoughts
were with the winner of his prize money.
The first impulse of Aimesbury, on finding
that the Chichester was SO near, was to hasten
to his commanding officer and ask leave 10 go
on board the first boat; but on his way he met
the sergeant Of his company, who came to re-
port that man in the hospital, in his dying
moments, wished to see him. Aimssbury, in
clined to curse his iIl-foriune-for gambling
makes man selhsh-followed the sergeant
down the hatchway, up which feverish vapor
assembled, and proceeded to the hammock of
the sick man.
The poor creature had only time for a few
words-a message to his mother. You will
let her know sir If you please said he, " that
though ] did not keep all the promises made
her, her advice often served me. send her
my blessing for it. At least she will be glad
to know" he added with a ghasily smile,
" that have not been thrown overheard"
He clasped his hands, sunk back exhausted,
and died with his mothers namo on his lips
Perhaps in the dread hour of suffering from an
irrecoverable malady. may not the memory Of
early lessons at his mothers knee have led
him to think of words tina, brought peace and
com fort to his soul
On leaving him AimesbuTy was in no mood
to visit the Chichester. Indeed the boat with