Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1869-03-19

ton that awaited him in the future.
II will stand among the first," he said
in his thoughts. with ever pulse leaping
in full throbs along the arteries.
A kiss upon bis forehea dispersed his
fancies. and instead Of uilrsal things he
saw the face of his mothe bending over
him. How full Of love it4was! tender,
yearning, anxious love.
How can 1 let you go Alfred?' she
murmured.
"It is hard. dear mother. he answer
ed. drawing his arm around her peck.
and kissing her fondly in return. But
it is best. You see that as we'll as [ do,
I could live but half life here in the
country. You know I h2se talents and
ambition for wider sphere You shall
be proud of your son, earmother."
On the next day he wezeswsy.
A large city is dangefe place for a
young man who has noeharmed home
circle to draw him back from its many
false enticements If the yonng mans
early years have been passd in the coun
try, the danger is still greater.
Il will see what is to be- he.said COM
muning with himself I'VE must know
the world if we would tread It's paths with
sure foot | am not afraid
Social. witty and generous, be was not
long without ompanionshfps Within a
few weeks from the time BE entered the
city be was introduced b : coterie of
Young men, mostly law htudents. who
met two or three times week for the pur-
pose of self-improvement They had a
room fitted up with a lifrary. ana took
many of the periodicals oftheday. But
cards, wine and cigars o4sppied usually
more of their attention thas books and Pc
]riodicals. The literary designation of
their club was mere feide 70 blind par
ents and curiously prying fispds aud re-
latives.
Our young friend saw kn the evening
of his introduction to.the 4ub. that it was
false pretence. and itsFpssociation de-
moralizing Bu, the youag men were so
fresh and witty. the winesso exhilarating
aud the cards so absorhi1j that he soon
found himself within here Of com
mon enjoyment. and Ra.aking with a
zest.
He was not used to s.lch vine; his
SECOND glass confused hi m : lis.
tile while, and the third 81 \.
Iiy 6u0yadf 1seII6a TIT e(l Is
sense Of fear and shame. accompanied this
feeling, and he resolved to drink no more
that evening. So he passed the bottle
when it next came around; but his nei gh-
bor 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, as he took pack of cards
and began to shuttle them at the close of
the game.
Lets have shilling stake just for the
excitement Of the thing. Even boys don't
play marbles for fun, nor shoot at pennies
or pick eggs without the hope of winning.
And what are we but boys Of larger
GROWTH"
Portmonaies were instantly in hand all
around the table. Yielding to the COM
mon assent of this proposition, our young
friends hand went down into his pocket,
but ere he drew it forth his hand was ar
rested almost as abruptly as if external
force had been applied. Then rising from
the table. he left the room without saying
word. and never entered it again.
Knowing glances passed around the
room
whats up ?" asked one.
Enlightened y said another.
90. you must excuse him; he's just
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 ight !;
hut l hadn't the courage to break away"
Then drawing out his purse be held it up.
adding. Every dollar gone you see."
What do you mean :" asked Alfred
lifting his brow in surprise.
Pm plucked pigeon"
''And you knew that it was wrong to
gamble p
''Of course T did. and wished myself
well out of it when stake was proposed.
but hadn't your manly courage. How in
the world did you muster up strength of
mind to brave that whole company? I
couldn't have done it. .-,
Because" was answered, II saw
things more to be dreaded than their
|scorn Of displeasure. y =,
The days and weeks moved on. Our
young friend attracted strongly; he was a
favorite with every circle in which he
gained admission. Gradually some of the
finer perceptions which he had thus
brought with him into the city lost their
delicate edge. He was not so quick to
perceive danger; was less on his guard ;
many currents passed against him, bear
ing him often away from safe channels.
His head grew less strong against wine;
bis ear less sensitive to unseemly speech;
his eyes became tempters. Forbidden
fruit was looked upon with desire, but
sometimes plucked and eaten. leaving up
on the taste it's after bitterness and dis
gust. And yet, among his companions,