Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-03-03
THE GAMBLERS LAST PLEDGE.

MI. W Hard, II you have few moment
leisure this morning | have something o
great Importance l wish to communicate. ,
The speaker, Edward Martin. was young
man of marked ability, and had been tol
some time employed as confidential clerk il
the house of Willard & Co.
Why, Edward" exclaimed Mr.. vii
lard in surprise, what is the matter? You
have been weeping.
Il have. and not without cause J" an
swered the young man. but l am now
prepared for the worst expect to lose
your confidence, perhaps 1 shall be sent te
aprisOn, and be forever disgraced! But ]
cannot live with this weight upon my con-
science. You have been too kind
Mr. Willard fixed his gaze upon Edward
and for some time remained silent. Al
length he exclaimed:
You have not betrayed my confidence
Surely my kindness has not been unappreci-
ated?"
Yes; but oh I was mad I must have
been maniac, or / never could have robbed
one so good -
'Robbedr' echoed Mr.. Willard
'Yes!" cried Edward, falling on his
knees before him. But, oh, pity me! Not
for myself would not murmur at the
sharpest torture, but my mother,-it will
kill her should she learn her son ha. become
gambler and thiefl
You have become gambler-you have
robbed me-and you ask for pity?'
Not for myself, butfor that mother who
ike guardian angel watched me in my in
fant years, and as l grew to manhood, wept
and hoped, and prayed"
Edward your mother is indeed noble
woman, and l thought her son equally so.
would have trusted you with my entire
fortune, and it grieves me to learn that have
been deceived. Have you not always re-
eeiVed from HE the utmost kiudness?"
Yes, and my crime is doubly great since
1t adds the sin of ingratitude
Why have you betrayed your trust?"
Its the old story, sir. | was induced
70 visit gambling saloon. My first visit
vas but few days since. / was persuaded
10 venture a few dollars, and l won. l
Played again and again, and still won. When
returned TO my home / was richer by sew
eTa hundred dollars. Visions of wealth
lifted through my mind But when my
Mother prayed that night, | wept The gold
oia not bring happiness. l resolved never
'gain to visit such place"
lou kept your resolution %
No. sought the advice of one deem
Sd my friend. He ridiculed me for what
nc termed my qualms of conscience, and ad
'lsed me 10 continue till L had amassed suf-
-''sn' to establish business for myself. Last
I'snt met this friend, and by persuasion
was Induced to go again"
lou have played but twice? Then your
rs Cannot be heavy"
would not consent to play for some
'lI7' out at length my brain became heated
~ vine, and as the picture of affluence
'a' most wildly drawn. | became mad
~ 'ne money had won the previous eve
lug Urged onward by some 6end, Il drew
A ioT the means | possessed, and L
= l, A4d IN my possession two thous-
= LIa dollars belonging to the firm, and in
-, = nope OF winning back my own l sta
'l's SUN and lost Madly l rushed
-, 'Ie place, while at every step voice
-, - HhgIng in my ears gambler and
Id l reached my home. Oh, how
slt' 4ua areaTy 1t appeared-that once low
-'uie could not listen to my mother |
10. - out rushing to my room wept, long
,sst ~ utterly. At last became more calm,
-, - ,Aneeiing down l promised God that | |
t,T .IT, never gamble again"
Mr. Way Wiyy did you confess to me?'' asked
ir-I 's'' had determined to confess, and
D,.g r'o'eyoOr pardon. If, in your generous
von- you will restore me once more to
besa-' 'JnInaenee, ~ L will repay you all; and
hrs we , Heaven, and by the mother that 1
s,,;. 90 most solemnly promise never
~ :" oetray my trustl'
.,dV 1Vu nave no desire to gamble again ?''
siOL; u' mol | am sinking in a pit, Il am
Out !, Your hand can raise me up with
',It am losti'' ' ' op wan
~ Ioa would continne in crime?"
cr'ed Edward, starting to his