The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1879-12-11
FHG LAST DITCH.

/ had left his home in Massachusetts TO
study medicine in New York. His
father had given his son some good
advice, and (what Fred thought great
deal more valuable) five bundled dol
lars to pay his hotel bills and other
expenses. His mother had given him
a new set of shirts, some flannel jack
eta, a fifty dollar bill-which she had
saved from her housekeeping expen-
ses-made him promise to be good
boy-which Fred very readily did, for
he intended to be if he could-and of
he started.
When Fred arrived in New York he
set to work manfully, having deter
mined to rival Mott or Carnechan in a
very short time or ignominously re-
tire from the profession.
New York is very seductive, and
1 am sorry to say it-Fred Grover was
very fond of pleasure. Consequently,
he soon became an accomplished play
er at biIlia rds, and quickly discovered
the houses where the best dinners
could be obtained.
When young men indulge too freely
in good dinners, cigars, etc., they OBJ
serve with surprise how rapidly their
money disappears. 1t was SO with
Fred, for having occasion one day to
draw twenty dollars out of the bank,
where he had deposited his money,
he was somewhat disconnected by be-
ing told that there was only two dol
lars and some odd cents to his credit.
Fred went home feeling pretty badly.
What to do he did not know. Having
been in New York only three months
and spending five hundred and fifty
dollars, he couldn't write home for more
no, that was impossible, so he made
up his mind to attend lectures regu-
larly and study tremend ously hard.
Poor Fredi
So things went on for four or five
weeks. Fred had visited a pawnbrok-
er several times, and left that gentle
man, who go kindly lends money to
those who are in want of it, his watch,
dozen shirts, one or two coats, and
several pairs of pantaloons.
Fred's landlady had received no
money for some time, so she began to
importune him for payment, and hint
ed mildly that if some was not forth
coming very shortly Fred would have
to find new boarding house.
Well, as I said before, Fred Grover
sat in his attic, pondering oyer his ILL
luck-as he called it, but correctly
speaking, over his improyidence-and
deploring the hour that brought him
to New York.
How seldom we think of blaming
our own imprudencel We generally
manage to find an excuse for our little
weaknesses.
st. mused Fred, Il were to write
to mother, know she'd send on the
money; but can't do that-no, I'll
starve first. wonder if-comc in!"
The last two words were shouted in
tone much louder than there was any
occasion for, but Fred had been inter-
rupted by tap at the door, and it had
somewhat startled him.
The door slowly opened and in stalk
ed a matronly- woman, with
rather red face, and who had three
curls on each side of her face.
Fred turned all manner of colors.
Mr.. Grover said the lady, would
you let me have some money, if you
please?'
haven't any to day, Mrs. Jackson,
but, but
But what, sir?' and the matronly-
looking woman frowned at poor
Fred.
Il was going to say expect a re-
mittance from home in day or two
and then I'll give you some.'
Mrs. Jackson's face twitched about
all manner of ways; finally she said /:
eff you cannot let me have some
money tomorrow, Mr.. Grover, 1 shall
feel obliged to you if you will get an
other boarding house,
Fred readily promised to let her
have some money the following day, |
though where he was going to get it
from he hadn't the widest idea. How
ever it was respite, and he shouldn't
have to face Mrs. Jackson till the fol-
lowing day.
When we owe money and promise
to pay tomorrow, what long way
to morrow appears.
When Mrs. Jackson had left the
room Fred put his hands to the bot
tom of his trousers's pocket and be.
gan to walk about the room with rap.
Id strides.
What the deuce is to be doneP 1
don't know. Let me see-oh that's
no use I've pawned everything that's
pawnable!'
Fred threw himself upon his bed to
try and calm himself. He counted all
the flies upon the ceiling, and longed
to be fly because they didn't have to
pay board bills.
II, t.By Jove, good ideal' said Fred,
starting up. 'IIl try to borrow it;
very likely Jim can lend it to me-
He seized his hat and hurried from
the house. tobe -st Is
Attached to the house that Fred had
just left is a yard, but called by the
landlady garden; behind that garden
is small lane leading to nowhere in
particular, and having its entrance IN
a street chiefly devoted to tenemant.
houses, dirt and squalling children.
About eleven O'clock that night q
man very carefully looked over the
fence that separated the aforesaid gar
den from the aforementioned lane.