The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-04-07

table was a glass containing the re-
mains of q sherry cobbler / hau been
imbibing. 1t never occurred to me
hat these same sherry eobblers were
dangerous companions for a young
man and I was in the habit of taking
from three 10 a dozen ofthem per d.
cm-three when / was going 10 see
Lucy Sheldon, a particular friend OF
mine. and q dozen on the OF DAYS
turned the leaves ofthe magazine,
but ] could find no other story that
looked inviting; SO / threw it down,
and sunk back in The rocking chair.
Things had begun TO look rather dim,
and nv own consciousness very IN
distinct. when my attention was at
tracted bv a strange commotion in
the glass from which ! had partly
consumed my cobbler.
glanced at il, and presently a
long wreath Of smoke or vapor rose
from he glass, and stretched itself
over toward the further end Of the
room. Just exactly as the clouds bad
proceeded the appearance Of the genii
In the story | had been reading.
The yapor slowly, and apparently
with malice aforethougbt, began to
assume a tangible shape, finally re-
solving itself into the fern Of as Hgly
a looking demon as | had ever
read about. He was monstrous in
size, would probably have been TWEEN
ty feet high, If the room had been
lofty enough.
"Who are you?" / inquired, dis
pleased with my visitor.
Il am the demon ofthe cup he
replied, in q voice which seemed to
shake the whole house.
Il haven't the pleasure Of your ac-
anaintance,p ] continued.
Yes, yoa have. You are one col.
mv best friends,7
II believe we never met before
"A dozen times q day"
Then YOU do not look as ugly as
YOU do now, if you will excuse my
holiness"
mo; | wear a pleasant face when
make the acquaintance Of young
gentlemen ; but | thought il was
about time we should be better ac-
ouainted. You don't know me yet.
We will have a social time if you
like"
"No, thank you; / cannot say
that ! am much pleased with your
society"
"At any rate, | viii introduce you
TO some ofmy friends" he continued,
as he waved his hand ove the cup,
Instantly another cloud Of smoke
proceeded from the cup, which pres
emily assumed the form Of a decrepid,
ragged filthy old man. OF all that /
had ever seen Of wretchedness, squal-
or and misery, the figure before me
wss Il c most fitting representative,
only the degree Of wretchedness
seemed q hundred fold intensified.
"Who are you ?" l demanded, as
the old man moved towards me.
my name is poverty"
Il think it might be. What do
Won want here!n
q just dropped in to be introduced
TO YOU, for you and ! are likely to
be friends"
Indeed, old fellow you are reckon
ing to- fast. keep only respectable
company.
Just now you do, but you viii
change your habits by-and-by."
Don't be too familiar, If you
please" / suggested, as the old man
drew a chair to my side and seated
himself.
I'VE are bound to be friends,
Young man. Did you ever read
Emerson's works."
"0f course | have"
well, sir, | am a respectable
man"
"You had better take yourself of
~ | shall be under the necessity Of
kicking you down stairs"
Il do not mind that, for | am used
to it."
BE civil to him. interposed the
demon, "he is one Of us and a good
fellow in his way. He often brings
men to their senses when nothing
else will. But you have another
friend" and again he waved his hand
over the cup.
Again he the yapor rose from the
glass, and another form more hide
GUS than either Of the others appear
ed before me. ! was alarmed at first
by his savage expression and glazing
ewes.
"Who are you p" | inquired, shrink
ing back from the loathsome monster.
my name is Crime"
Then you have been well named."I
IL have work for you to do
Il am too much engaged to assist
you" l replied.
Come, come, don't be stiff about
it. l suppose you are not quite
ready to help me yet, but | can bide
my time, for l have a mortgage on
YOU which in due season YOU must
pay up"
"How do you like my friends ?"
asked the demon.
Il don't like them
"No?n
"The old fellow is an i~nconvenient
companion, and | don't like the
morals of the other chap. His
notions of mine and thine are too in
definite to suit my ideas"
Indeed you seem 50 much in
clined to make their acquaintance /
supposed you are anxious to number
them among your friends"
"I?n
Certainly, they belong 10 the cup
but there is more vet you must
know"
As be spoke that smoke Internal
curled up and resolved into the form
Of a woman. She was pale, haggard
and almost a skeleton. She was
clothed in rags, and was a perfect
picture Of Indebtedness and despair.
There was nothing really hideous
in her aspect, except the marks of
poverty and want which she bore.
She turned and fixed a glance of
reprosch at me-a glance which
thrilled me 10 the soul. | pitie2 the
poor wretch, and turned away.