North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1870-02-23


Office to study the profession he had chos-
en-. 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 dream
that present things faded out of his mind,
He saw only success, the proud satisfac-
ton that awaited him in the future.
~ will stand among the first he said in
his Thoughts, with every pulse leaping in
full throbs along the arteries.
A kiss upon his forehead dispersed his
fancies, and instead of unreal things he
saw the face of his mother bending over
him. How full of love it was !-tender,
yearning, anxious love. 8..#+I
"Hew can let you go, Alfred p she
murmured.
st is hard, dear MOTHER he answered,
drawing his arms around her neck, and
kissing her iondly in return, "but it is
best You see that ns we'll as do. |
could live but half life here in the coun,
try. You know have talents and ambi-
ton for wider sphere. You shall be
proud of your son, dear mother
On the next day he went.
A large city is dangerous place for q
young man who had no charmed home
circle to draw him back from its many
false enticements. If the young mans
early years have been passed in the coun-
try, the danger is still greater.
II will zoe what IS 10 be- he said, com.
muning with himself 1--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 companionship. Within a
few weeks from the time he entered the
city he was introduced to coteris of
young men, mostly law students, who met
two or three times week for the purpose
of self-improvemsnt. They had room
fitted up with library, and took many of
the periodicals Of the day; bat cards. wine,
and cigars occupied usually more of their
attention than books and periodicals.. The
literary designation of their clsb was .
mere feint to blind parents and curiously
prying friends and relatives.
Our young friend saw, on the evening
Of his introduction 10 the club, that it was
a false pretense, and its association de.
moralizing; butth young men were 90
fresh and witty, the wine so exhilaratiug,
and the cards so absorbing, that he soon
found himself within the sphere of a
common enjoyment, and partaking with
xest.
He was not used to much wine his
second glass confused his senses for a lit
tie while, and the third gave him q
strangely buoyant feeling that annoyed
him. A sense of fear and shame accom-
panied this feeling, and he resolved to
drink no more that evening. So he pass.
IL
but his neighbor filed his glass for him,
saying:
Don't be afraid of this wine, it's no
stronger than water. 1.rs
He was lifting the glass when his hand
stopped midway. Then he sat it down,
and did sot touch the wine again.
- dull nA 900 e
the company, as he took the pack of cards
and began to shuttle them at the close of
the game.
''Let's have shilling stake, just for
the excitemenssof the thing. Even boys
don't play marbles for fun, or shoot at
pennies or pick eggs without the hope of
winning. And what are we but boys of
larger growth p
Portemonnies 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 ris'
ing from the table he left the room with>
out saying word, and never entered it
again.
Knowing glances passed around the
room.
"What'e up 2" asked one.
Frightened - said another.
"Oh 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:
II wish had left with you last night !;
but hadn't the courage to break away"
Then drawing out his purse, he held it
itup, adding, Every dollar gone you
see."
"What do ycu mean ?'' asked Alfred,
lifting his brow in surprise.
IT am plucked pigeon"
"And you knew that it was wrong to
gambler"
.'Of course / did, and wished myself
well out of it when stake was proposed,
but hadn't your manly courage. How in
the werld did ysu muster up strength Of
mind to brave that whole company?
couldn't have done it."
s'Because," was answered, ~ saw
things more to be dreaded than their score
Of displeasure."
The days and weeks moved on. Our