The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-07-16

employees of the store were gone, and Philil
had arranged his supper of turkey, ham, pies
cakes and other eatables, with large suppl.
of liquids, in the sample room, which was mex
to the Office. After paying their attentions t.
the lunch provided. and drinking q number o
regular" the party seated themselves aroun'
a table, new pack of cards was produced ant
game of "draw" commenced. Tho betting
interrupted by tho arrival of three friends VIII
had been invited to "look in during the night.
More refreshments were taken, and humble
away and the game of poker was renewed
the betting being more free than before. Th'
calls OF friends were frequent, and ut ever.
car ,;4h 'ne game was suspended to receive them
soon as they had left. Wine and liquors of al
kinds were within reach, and the guest wa
only asked to "name his brand" and it wa
produced. After midnight the party becam.
stories were told, and the bottles passed
around around. rapidly. One Of the party had lad, re- :,
drink more than his companions, but had, IL
reality, taken very little. This was Colone
Spades. He was affable, gentlemanly ant
sociable. He was at times looser in the game
of cards, but acted as if Indifferent to the for
tunes of the night. His time had now arrived
and, while amusing the company with well
stocked the cards, and had soon won all thu
ready money his companions had about them
Then came the credit game. He still continued
thsr When tho
| arose to leave, the Colonel held Philips notes
| for sixteen hundred dollars, and the notes Of
| the other gentlemen for o large amount. They
reached the street yelling, reckless crowd
The Colonel affected to be as much "gone" a.
| his companions. Ono of the young men, with
| q loud shout, seized the ColonePs hat and
fuse burning brightly. The crackers popped
and banged, knocking the hat around, running
| it completely, while the young men shouted
and laughed in high glee. The Colonel
| nothing to him, for he had made enough du.
ring the night to pay his expenses for q year
| or more.
"Ha ha! ha /! ha! ha! ha |" went the Colo
mel, "now, gentlemen, 1 will have to leave
you, for have no hat and cant 60 'afe-
wishing them ali q Merry Christmas" he
went his way. One now proposed game of
billiards, another tenpins, and Philip threw up
his hat to see which it should be. The result
was in favor of billiards, and they repaired to
a popular saloon on Gravier street, where they
spent two OF three hours at that game.
When they again reached the street, they
season and Phfp retnrned to his own rooms,
a handsomely furnished suit, on Perdido, near
st. Charles street. When he entered his par
lor he was surprised to see MI IT, Maova seated
"a merry Christmas to You, Philip" said he,
rising and offering his hand.
"The same to you, sir, and many happy
return" replied Philip, giving him warm
shake hands.
"Iam glad to see you in good spirits, Philip,
for came to speak few words to you on a par
ticular subject" said Mr.. MacVain, at q loss to
know how to introduce the conversation.
Philips brow darkened and his lips COM
pressed as he heard this and he took seat,
waiting for his visitor to continue.
lyon are going the road to ruin and dis
honor very fast" said Mr. MacVain, land
come to You as an old friend, to demonstrate
with you, to warn you Of where s; this life will
seriously of the matter"
Philip fastened his fine, large black eyes,
which were now flashing with anger, on his
for few moments, inquired: "Have you been
to church this morning Mr.. Macvain :"
"No-I have not, Philip" answered Mr..
MacVain, with hesitation, as If sorry to make
that admission.
"Don't you think you had better 'scour your
own tins before you trouble your neigh bors' 7"
PHILIP with "a smile ho f. of
from doing my duty, as am free to confess"
replied Mr.. Macyain, but have seen enough
of this world to know that the company You
are keeping and the use you arc making of
your time will lead you to shame and disgrace"
"You will excuse me, sir" said Philip, in a
formal, naughty tone, If l beg to be allowed
cline the advice of my sold friends"
"You are more hardened than expected to
find you," said Mr.. MacVain, coldly, but
believe it my duty to speak, and shall do so
without asking your leave. For two years or
moro you have been the companion of gam
blers and rowdies-"
"Let me say, MIR, MacVain," said Philip, in
threatening manner, q. that hold you respon-
sibe for what you say, and shall demand such
satisfaction one gentleman accords to an
other for your insulting language"
"You may send me a challenge if you like"
replied Mr.. MacVain, ''but shall not notice
it. have come here resolved to keep perfectly
cool and you cannot anger me, but if you can
look back to this interview, u year hence and
feel that have said anything unjust or untrue,
i will then either apologize or grant you what
ever satisfaction yon may demand"
al suppose, then, have nothing for it but to
listen," said Philip.
ASK yourself if you have acted right. Look
at the debt your gambling has brought you
into. Oh f! you need not start-I know what l
am talking about" said Mr. MacVain. What
sort of Il companion is Colonel Spades for
young man like You 7"
.Co,oncI Shade ia my friendn renliel Phlin