Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-10-06
Mind and Money.

81 don't know. Something attractive.-
Guess I'll pitch a tent on the common and e1-
hibit dancing bear, a snake, and cat With
two tails-all for ten cents, was the careless
reply.
"Now, Walter, do be serious. want to
talk a little about the future. I've made up
my mind to 90 to college, and l want you to
go with me.
"Whew . that takes money. Poor mems
sons-such as you and I-can't get into COL
Iege.
1--WE have health and energy--thsts capi-
tai ! am willing to work hard to obtain an
education"
81 mean to be rcb," exclaimed Walter,
eagerly. I'm have money somehow. Money
controls tie world. It gives position aud in-
flucnce it covers defects Of character, and
buys friends and favor" .,
There is a far greater power IN cultured
mind" returned Roger, earnestly. There Is
Joseph Morris, worth over million tf dollars
aud he is not tenth part as much respected
Az our minister Mr.. Harold, who has not
thousand but he has iine mind and a noble
heart, which make him loved and honored."
well, you may fill up your head, Roger,
with Latin and Greek and science, and II
find way to Gil my pocket-book. Time will
show which is the wiser"
This conversation was held long, long ago,
as the boys walked home from school one
bright summer afternoon Despite their great
dissimilarity of temperament and character,
they were warmly attached, and nothing had
ever occurred to disturb the harmony of their
friendship.
Many years passed. There is a conquerins
power 10 brave spirit Roger Blake, stimu-
lated by lofty aspirations, had battled despe-
rately with poverty and had overcome every
obstacle in his bath Higher, higher, higher
Ie he'd climbed. From close student he be-
came brilliant lawyer and wise and noted
Judge lie was man of unsweverng integ-
rity, stroug advocate of temperance aud a
leader Of every relormatory movement.
One day an important criminal case was
brought into court. The defendant was a man
Of fue bearing, a little past TIE meridian file.
His strongly marked features evinced much ma
tive ability, but bore the unmistakable stamp
Of inebriation. lie was accused OF the double
crime of forgery aud manslauglter.
When his name Walter Henshaw,' was
read in court, Judge Blake glanced towards
the prisoner Their eyes met, and surprise
and recognition was visible in each. Twenty
years had passed since they parted, and their
lives had undergone a revolution. Walter
> EIenshaw covered his face with his hauds.-
The poison Of dark memories was ranking
within him and the future was hopeless -
Judge Blake, too was deeply moved, and his
mind wen. back through the long vista Of
departed years to the time when they fshcd
and hunted aud gathered berries and nuts to-
gether. lie bad established himself in great
city and made name. Where had Walter
been these intervening years? There WAS
; great gulf between them. What had caused
it?
As the trial progressed, much important in-
, formation was elected from the Witnesses
Walter Henshaw had early begun a disgrace
ful career lie had resorted to artifce, dis
stimulation and fraud to obtain money. He
had made many thousand dollars by fortu-
nate speculation. But little by little he had
yielded his manhood to his appetite for strong
drink, and his property had gradually lessen
ed. TO retrieve his shattered fortunes, be
had moved into the city, where he had gam
bled desperately and lost far oftener than he
had won. lie had forged the names Of pron!-
nent men on notes, and, when in state Of
partial intoxication he had assaulted fellow
gambler and wounded him so severely that he
died.
1t was clear, common case Of O reckless
pursuit for wealth, followed by intcmperancc,
downfall and ruin.
He was convicted of two crimes, forgery
and tnanslahghter, and Judge Blake was forced
to perform very painful duty-thGt Of pass
ing sentence Of imprisonment for life on bis
old friend.
Six months passed. Walter Henshaw had
lived within the narrow boundary Of prison
walls. Worn out By previous dissipation, bis
constitution soon rapidly failed under confnc-
ment, and it was evident his life was drawing
to close.
Judge Blake frequently visited him in his
cell, and the soul was filled with pity and
sympathy for the unfortunate man.
Roger" said the prisoner orc day, in
hoarse, hollow voice, "do you remember how
we used to talk about the future p
Perfectly" was the sad response.
We took different roads" continued the
prisoner, with tears trickliug down bis cheek j..
sacrificed truth aud honor to wealth, and it
led me into in:emperauce and ruin. Tou cul-
tivated your mind, and you stand on the proud
emnen6e of your own achievements, while l
am lost-lost-l
Dear friend" said Judge Blake, taking
bis hand and warmly pressing it. God is
/, ever pitiful and merciful Jesus came to seek
and save the lost. There is pardon and hope
for you"
One month later the sentence Of imprison-
ment FOR life was served out By Walter Hen