The Van Buren press., 1874-10-20
The Demon Of the Cup.

had been reading an oriental tale OF
the fanciful order. 1t was q story ofthe
geni, and l had been deeply interested
in it. was very comfortably situated In
my room, and on the table was glass
containing the remains Of a sherry cob
Ter had just imbibed. 1t never, occurred
to me that these same sherry cobblers
were dangerous companions for young
man, aud l was In the habit Of taking
from three to dosen Of them per diem
three when was going to see Lucy
Sheldon, a particular friend OF mine, aud
q dozen of them on the off days.
turned the leaves Of the magazine
but could find no other story that
looked inviting so l threw 1t down, and
sunk back in my rocking chair. Things
had begun to lock rather dim, aud my
own consciousness very indistinct, when
my attention was attracted by a strange
commotion in the glass from which had
partly consumed my cobbler.
glanced at it, and presently long
wreath of smoke or vapor rose from the
cup, and stretched itself over towards the
corner Of the room, just exactly rs the
clouds had preceded the appearance Of
tho gcnii in the story had been reading.
The vapor slowly and apparently, with
malice aforethought, began to assume a
tangible shape, finally resolving itself In
the form of as ugly a looking demon as
l had ever read about He was mon.
strous in size, would probably have been
lofty enough.
Who are your l inquired, displeas-
cd with my visitor.
' / am the Demon Of the Cup" he re-.
piled, in voice which seemed to shake
the whole house.
81 haven't the pleasure Of your &C
quaintance, continued.
Yes, you have. You are one Of my
best friends.
IL believe We never met before.
"a dozen times o day.
"Then you don't look as ugly as you
do now, If you will excuse my boldness. "
"No, wear pleasant face when
make the acquaintance of young gentle
men but ! thought 1t was near time VIC
should be better acquainted You don't
know me yet We will have a social
time, If you like.
"Ne, thank you; ! can't say am
much pleased with your society" "
"At any rate l shall introduce you to
q few or my rrcnus, nc cvuss"aoss a.
waived his wand over the cup.
Instantly another cloud OF smoke or
vapor proceeded from the cup, which
presently assumed the form Of a decrepit,
ragged, filthy old man. or all that had
ever seen Of wrctchedness, Of squalor
and misery. the figure before me was the
most fitting representative. only the de-
gree OF wretchcdness seemed hundred
fold intensified.
"Who are youY' demanded, as the
old man moved towards me.
"My name is Poverty"
II should think II might be: What do
you want here?"
~ Just dropped in to he introduced to
you, for you and are likely to be friends.
Indeed, old fellow, you are reckon
ing too tast. ! keep only respectable
company.
Just now you do; but you will
change your habits by and by. "
Don't be too familiar, if you please
I suggested, as the old chap drew chair
to my side, and seated himself
1--WE arc bound to be friends young
man. Did you ever read Emmeison's $
works -
"Of course / have. =
"Well, sir, ! am a representative
man. "
"Yuu had better take yourself of. or
| shall be under the necessity Of kicking
you down stairs
~ don't mind that, am used to It. :"
"Bo civil to him, !" intcrposcd the De-
mon. "He is one Of US, and q good fell
low in his way. lie often brings men to
their senses, when nothing else will. But
you have another friend," and again he
waved his hand over the cup.