The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-05-21
A T A L / S M A N
A STORY FOR YOUNG MEN.
By T. s. ARTHUR.

office to study the profession he had cho-
sen. He had talents and was ambitious
Up to this period of his life he had dwelt
chiefly in the country, receiving his edu
cation at college in the neighborhood
He was pure-minded, and free from the
vices that sensualize so many of our
young men.
So lost was he in his waking dreams
that present things faded out of his mind.
He saw only success-the proud satisfac-
tion that awaited him in the future.
81 will stand among the frst," he said
in his thoughts, with every pulse leaping
in full throb along the arteries.
A kiss upon the forehead dispersed his
fancies, and instead of unreal things, he
saw the face of his mother bending over
him. How full of love it wasl-tender,
yearning, anxious love.
''How can let you go, AlfredP" she
murmured.
at is hard, dear mother, he answer
ed, drawing his arm around her neck and
kissing her fondly in return. "But it is
best You see that as we'll as | do. l
could live but half life here in the
country. You know / have talents and
ambition for wider sphere. You shall
be proud of your son, dear mother"
On the next day he went away.
A large city is dangerous place for a
young man who has no charmed home
circle to draw him back from It's many
false enticements. If the young mans
early years have been passed in the eoun-
try, the danger is still greater.
81 will see what is to be seen" he said,
communing with himself "We must
know the world, if we would tread its
paths with sure foot. / am not afraid"
Social, witty and generous, he was not
long without compaDionship. Within a
few weeks from the time he entered the
city he was introduced to coterie of
young men. mostly law students, who met
two or three times week for the avowed
purpose of self-improvement. They had
room fitted up with library, and took
many of the periodicals Of the day. But
cards, wine and cigars occupied usually
more of their attention than books and
periodicals. The literary designation Of
their club was mere feint to blind pa
rents and curipusly .prying friends aud
relatives.
Our young friend saw. on the evening
of his Introduction to the club. that it
was false pretense, and its associations
demoralizing But the young men were
so genial. so fresh and witty, the wine so
exhilirating, the cards SO absorbing, that
be soon found himself within the sphere
of common enjoyment, and partaking
with zest.
He was not used to much wine; his Sec
ond glass confused his senses for little
while, and the third gave him a strangely
buoyant feeling. that annoyed him. A
sense of fear ana shame accompanied this
feeling, and he resolved to drink no more
that evening. So he passed the bottle
when it next came round; but his neigh
Dor filled his glass for him, saying:
'Don't be afraid of this wine; it's no
stronger than water
He was lifting his glass when his hand
stopped midway. Then he sat it down
and did not touch the wine again.
"This is dull work, exclaimed one OF
the company,a as he took the pack of cards
and began to shuttle them at the close Of
a game.
"Let's have shilling stake, just for
the excitement Of the thing. Even boys
don't play marbles for fun, nor shoot at
pennies. nor pick eggs without the hope
of winning. And what are we but boys
of larger growth"
Port -monnaies were instantly In hand
all around the table. Yielding to the
common assent of this proposition, our
young friends hand went down into his
pocket, but ere he drew it forth his hand
was arrested almost as abruptly as if ex-
ternal force had been applied. Then RI
sing from the table, he left the room
without saying word, and never entered
it again.
Knowing glances passed around the
circle.
"What's up?" said one.
Enlightened" said another.
"0h, you must excuse him; he's JUS
from the country" said third.
And then the game went on.
Said fellow student in the law Office
to Alfred the next day:
Il wish | had left with you last night
but 1 hadn't the courage to break away
Then drawing out his purse, he helc
it up, adding:
every dollar gone, you see."
"What do you mean2" asked Alfred
lifting his brow in surprise.
SIN plucked pigeon"
"And you knew it was wrong to gam
ble?"
'Of course I did, and wished myself
well out of it when stake was proposed
but hadn't yoay manly courage. How il
the world did you muster up strength o
mind to brave that whole company?
couldn't have done it."
because" was answered, 81 sav
things more to be dreaded than theil
scorn or displeasure.
The days and weeks rsoyed on. Oul
young friend attracted strongly; he was Z
favorite with every circle in which ht
gained admission. Gradually some Of the
f;nar naraan,;ons which ha had hrouoht