Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1853-01-07

dark shade upon the quarrel and an ug
c light upon the character Of the dissi pate
y youth. Whatever the cause, however, Il
a merchant and his adopted son parted
: anger, never to meet again and when tt
former died, the latter shared no porto
f of his wealth.
Again thrown upon the world by his ow
misconduct, the young man tried his han
in field common to young men, and wrot
. several poetical pieces and articles in tn
T magazines. These were SO well receive
that he was almost tempted to believe tina
he could obtain living BY literature =
But his old habits returning. he despairs
Of success in his new avocation, and en-
listed as private soldier in the army. II
was soon recognized by former compan
ion in the military academy, and great in
terest began to be felt for him among tn,
officers. 1t was proposed to buy com
mission for the talented and handsom,
young man bat just as friends began t.
rally round him, and just as their plar
seemed about to prosper, he deserted.
! For more than two years the world knew
nothing of his whereabouts; and it may
be, had almost forgotten hin.
| In 1888, however, the prorrictors Of q
magazine offered two prizes for the best
poem and tale which should be suitable te
their pages. Numerous MSS. were sent
for competition, and day was appointed
On which the arbitrators should meet to
judge Of the merits of the various produc-
tions. Almost the first manuscript that
was opened claimed attention, from the
remarkable beauty and distinctness Of the
hand writing One Of the arbitrators read
a page or two and was charmed. He called
the attention Of his frierds to the tale, an !
they were SO much pleased with it that it
was read aloud from beginning to end, and
all admitted that it was worthy the high
est prize. The confidential envelope was
opened-a Latin motto was discovered
No other tales were read. aud The award
was Immediately published. But where
to iind the author, SO that the prize money
might be paid The publisher and arbi-
traitors had not to wait long. In the eve
ming following the announcement, young
man came to the Office to claim the prize.
He was pale and thin, even to ghastliness,
and his whole appearance bespoke dissipa-
tion, want and illness. A well-worn coat,
buttoned up TO the chin, concealed the
want Of shirt, and imperfect, wretched
boots, discovered the absence of stockings
But he looked gentleman, nevertheless;
for his face and hands, though haggard
and attenuated, we're clean and spotless,
his hair was we'll arranged, his eye was
bright with Intelligence, and hi. voice and
bearing those of scholar The publish
er and arbitrators were interested extreme
ly. They inquired into his history, and
finally offered him employment on the
for which the tale had been writ
ten.
A little money judiciously applied soon
altered the appearance of the young man,
Ind in short time he took his post as sec
'nd editor Of monthly magazine, with
he means and position Of gentleman.
Now here was an opportunity of retriev-
ng his lost character. Here were friends, !
.eady not only to overlook the past, but
% assist in making his future calm and |
rec from care. Hero was public ready |
20 listen to his teachings, and a patron |
.eady to reward his labors. For a little
while all went on we'll, and those who
snew him began to congratulate themselves
;pon the happy change. Those who be-
ore admired his genius we're beginning to
'espect his integrity. He was happy and
uccessful in bis new avocation. He mar
ned young and beautiful girl, his cousin
he found for himself cottage, which the
:are, economy and gentle temper Of his !
wife converted into q HOME, and he was
to be happy man. 1t would
De we'll if our story ended here; but, alas
or human frailty! alas for good resolutions
made without prayer to God! alas for prin-
'iples in which He assists not the young
husband of that fair young wife fell back I
again into the abyss, and forfeited the re-
'pect of his employers and the sympathy !
if friends, through his devotion to the bot
lie.
Il were a weary tale to tell how often
le rcpen.ed, and was forgiven; how he
passed from the editorship of one magazine
o that Of another how he went from state
o state, and from city to city, hard
aspiring, sanguine, talented man,
bearing about him the curse of irrssolu- |
ion, never constant but to the Seductive
Ind dangerous besetment' Of strong drink
how friends advised with him, and pub.
fishers demonstrated; how at one time ho
had so far conquered his propensity as to