The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1875-04-28
MISCELLANY.
TIE DEMON OF TIE Cur.

had been reading an Oriental tale of the
fancful order 1t was story of the genii,
and | had been deeply interested in it. l
was very comfortably situated in my room,
and on the table was a glass containing the
remains of drink called cherry cobbler,
which had been imbibing. 1t never occur
red to me that these same sherry cobblers
were dangerous companions for young man,
and was in the habit of taking from three to
dozen of them per diem-three when was
going to see Lucy Sheldon, particullr friend
of mine, and dozen on the off days.
turned the leaves of the magazine, but l
could find no other story that looked inviting;
SO threw it down and leaned back in the
rocking chair. This had begun to look rather
dim, and my own consciousness very ndis-
tinct, when my attention was attracted by
strange connection in the glass, from which
had partly consumed my cobbler.
glanced at it, and presently long wreath
of smoke or vapor rose from the glass; and
stretched itself over towards the furthe, corner
of the room, just exactly as the clouds had
preceded the appearance of the genii in the
story had been reading.
The vapor slowly, and apparently with
malice aforethought, began to assume tangi-
BILE shape, finally resolving itself into the form
of as ugly looking demon as had ever read
about He was monstrous in size.
Who are you 20 inquired, displeased
with my visitor.
g | am the demon of the cup" he replied,
in voice that seemed to shake the whole
house.
. haven't the pleasure of your acquaint-
ancc, - continued.
Yes, you have. You are one of my best
friends"
"I believe we never met BEFORE
"Then you do not usually look as ugly as
you do now, if you will excuse my boldness."
"No, wear pleasant face when / make
the acquaintance of young men but thought
it was about time we should be better ac-
quainted. You don't know me yet. We
will have good social time, if you like"
"No, thank you cannot say that I'm
much pleased with your society"
AT any rate will introduce you to some
of my friends, he continued, as he waved his
hand over the cup.
Instantly another cloud of smoke proceeded
from the cup, which presently assumed the
form of an old, decrepit, ragged, filthy man.
OF all that had ever seen of wretchedness,
squalor and misery, the figure before me was
the most fitting representative, only the de-
gree of wretchedness seemed hundredfold
intensified.
"Who are your" demanded, as the old
man moved towards me.
sMy name is Poverty
81 should think it might be. What do
you want her?"
l just dropped in to be introduced to you,
for you are likely to be one of my friends
Indeed, old fellow, you are reckoning too
fast. keep only respectable company"
"Just now you do, but you will change
your habits bye-and-bye."
Don't be too familiar, if you please"
suggested, as the old chap drew chair to my
side and seated himself.
"We are bound to be friends, young man.
Did you ever read any of Emerson's works !"
"Of course l have.'
i" Well, sir am respectable man."
"You had better take yourself off or l
shall be under the necessity of kicking you
down STAIRS
&c / do not mind that, for 1 am used to it,
"Be civil to him. interposed the demon,
"he is one of us and good fellow in his way.
He often brings men to their senses when
nothing else will. But you have another
friend" and he waved his hand over the
cup.
Again the vapor arose from the glass, and
another form more hideous than either of the
others appeared before me. | was alarmed
at first by his savage expression and glaring
eyes.
"Who are your" l inquired, shrinking
back from the loathesome monster.
my name is Crime
"Then you have been well named"
81 have work for you to do"
81 am too much engaged to assist you,'
replied.
"Come, come, don't be stiff about It'll
suppose you are not quit ready to help me
yet, but can bide my time, for | have a
mortgage on you, which in due season you
must pay up
How 90 you IKE my friends? asked the
demon.
81 don't like them"
/ "No?"
"The old fellow is an inconvenient COM
panion, and don't like the morals of the
other chap. His notions of mine and thine
are too indefinite to suit my IDEAS"
Indeed you seem SO much inclined to
make their acquaintance supposed you were
anxious to number them among your
friends"
"I?"
Certainly, they belong in the cup; but