The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-05-01
The Silver Gun.

The palace OF the Duke de Nontre was
decorated for banquet. A thousand wax
lights burned in its stately rooms, making
them bright as midday. Along the walls
glowed the priceless tapestry of the Gobe-
lines, and beneath the foot lay the fabrics of
Persia. Rare vases, filed with flowers,
stood on the marble stands, ard their breath
went up ike incense before tie life-like pic
lures shining IN their golden frames above.
In the great hall s,ood immense tables
covered with delicacies from all lands and
climeSr Upon the side-board glittercd mass
i've plate, and the rich glass of Murano.
Music, now low and soft, now bold and
high, foated in through the opened case
ment, and was answered at intervals by
tones of magic sweetness.
All was ready. The noble and gifted
poured into the gorgeous saloons. Silks
ruStled, Plumes waved, and jeweled embroi-
deries flashed from Genoa velvets Courtly
congratulations fell from every lip, for the
Duke de Montre had made a new step in the
path to power. Wit sparkled, the laugh
went round, and his guests pledged him in
wine that a hundred years had mellowed
Proudly the duke replied; bat his brow
darkened, and his cheek paled with passion,
for his son sat motionless before his untosted
cup.
Wherefore is this?'' he angrily demand
ed. "When did my first-born learn to
insult his father?''
The graceful STRIPPING sprang from his
seat, and knelt meekly before his parent
His sunny curls fell back from his upturned
face, and his youthful countenance was IA
diant with a brave and generous spirit.
Father" he said, Il last night learned
lesson that sunk into my heart. Let me
repeat it, and then, at thy command, will
drain the cup. saw a Iaborer stand at the
door of a gay shop. lie held in his hand
the earnings of 4 week, and his wife, with a
sickly babe and two furnishing little ones,
clung to his garments and besought him not
to enter. He tore himself away, for his
thirst was strong. and, but for the care of
stranger, his family would have persisted.
81 went on, and, father. a citizen of noble
air and majestic form descended the wide
steps of his fine mansion. His wife put
back the curtains. and watched him eagerly
and wistfully as he rode away. She was
very, very lonely, fairer than any lady of
the court, but the shadow of sad heart
was fast falling on her beauty. We saw
her gaze around upon the desolate splendor
of her saloon, and then clasp her hands in
the wild agony of despair. When we re-
turned her husband lay helpless on couch,
and she sat weeping beside him.
"0nce more we paused. A carriage stood
before palace. 1t was rich with Furnished
gold, and the armorial bearings of duke
were visible in the mOOn-beams We waited
for its owner to alight, but he did not move,
and he gave no orders. Soon the servants
came crowding out, sorrowfully they lifted
him in their arms, and saw that some of
the jewels were torn from his mantle, and
his plumed cap was crushed and soiled, as if
by the pressure of many footsteps. They
bore him into the palace. and wondered if
his duchess wept like the beautiful wife of
the citizen.
''As I looked on all this, my tutor told
me it was the work of the red wine, which
leaps gaily up, and laughs over its victims
in demon merriment. l shuddered, father,
and resolved never again to taste it, lest /,
100 ShOuIu iaH. DuJ your word Is law to
me. Shall drain the cup?''
''No, my son, touch it not. 1t Is poison,
as thy tutor told thee. 1t fires the brain,
weakens the intellect. destroys the soul.
Put it away from thee, and so thou shalt
grow up wise and good, blessing to thyself
and to thy country
He glanced around tie circle. Surprise
and admiration were on every face, and,
moved by the same impulse, all arose, while
one of their number spoke.
''Thou hast done nobly, boy" lie sail,
"and thy rebuke shall not be soon forgotten.
We have congratulated thy father upon the
acquisition of honors, which may pass with
the passing season. We now congratulate
him upon that best of all possessions, son
worthy of France and of himself.
The naughty courtiers bowed a glowing
assent, and each clasped the hand of the
boy. But the father took him to his heart.
and even now, among the treasured relics of
the family, is numbered that silver cup.