The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-06-10
Continued from page 81
in PERIL.

was 1uGNlldUlC. OuS dAIOAAOOA III ldLS
November, Davis was seated at his
desk, musing over this strange some
thing that possessed his friend A
knock aroused him, and Naughton en-
tered Davis arose with merry well
come. The peculiar hunted express
sion on his friends face checked the
words of reproach that naturally
sprang to Davis lips. He knew a
struggle was waging within the. cita-
del of his friends soul, and he de-
sired to learn it's full import. Davis
eyes searched Naughton's counten-
ance. Finally he spoke.
"sYou have something on your
mind, Frank, what is it?'
"Naughton laughed in nervous,
jerky manner.
Don't you know? You were al
ways good at reading my thoughts,
he said.
HE was silent for minute then
turned upon his friend in a burst of
spirit
"tAh, | am disguised with books,
religion and everything. Bosh, it all
seems like humbug. My soul aches
and | am going to take my fun where
I find it.
"He paused for moment, but his
friend deigned no answer.
"'But something material is both
ering me now. I need money, and my
good, dear father refused to give me
more than my allowance. But I'll get
it from some one else, or from him
in some way
"He bit off these words and hurled
them savagely from his lips. His
brow furrowed and dark scowl over
spread his face.
"'Don't resort to any low means to
obtain your end Davis said. Has
our friendship fallen to naught that
you will not seek my aid?'
'Naughton caught his friend by the
shoulders and their eyes met.
Chester, you were always my
good angel, and you have the mind
of an angel; for my thoughts are as
an open book to you, and you can
even detect the scars on my soul
Will you lend me the money!
Their hands met in knowing
grasp.
"'You know l will, Frank. But tell
me, why not drop that crowd of rot
ters?'
"'Don't Chef, hate preaching. Oh
what difference does it make? I'm
sick of the milk of life; I am going
| 10 CT c+r
"a panied expression crossed Davis
face. Naughton arose and c1utched
his friends arm.
"'Forgive me, Chester Before his
friend could respond, he hurried from
the room.
"The money he had received from
his friend put Naughton in gay spirits
and for a week Davis lost sight of him
except during class hours. Chester
knew the course Frank was running
but he could do nothing to stop him.
Friday evening came and Naugh
ton, with band of gay spirits went
to the city bent upon pleasure. THAI
day Davis had not attended classes
he was confined to his bed with chills
and fever. Of course he was unaware
of his friends movement.
"The lively crowd sailed to the city
and sought quiet cafe, where they
could eat and drink to their hearts
liveliest of them all, and he drank
with the happy abandon of bac
chanal.
I'm the midst of the gaiety and sons
some one suggested a trip to place
nearby, whose reputation cried out
against it. The party assented with
shouts of tipsy joy. Not so Naughton
The very mention of that name froze
the blood in his veins, and Thousand
hfdeous pictures warped his imagina
ton. His boon companions noticed
his sudden change and heaped theil
sneering remarks upon him. He tried
to struggle to his feet. but the liquor
had deadened his muscles, and he
sank back into the chair with a low
moan. A shout of exultation went III
from the others, upon whom the
drink had taken less effect
1--WE will carry him. He can't re
sist, for he is a jolly good fellow,
they cried.
'The hideousness of their dire in
tent slowly filtered through his brain
} His head fell on the table and the
world seemed to be sinking from be
meath him. He had sunk low enough
but they would drag him over. HI
had faint realization of his power
, less condition for he was in the clutcl
of drink, and almost within the finger.
of passion. Three pictures flashed be
, fore his mind, his mothers face, hi
, little sisters and the countenance o
Chester Davis
IF Chester were only near him, al
would be well. In his anguish b,
whispered a prayer to his angel guard
ian, and his very soul cried out fo
, the strong, guiding hand of his friend
A glass of LIQUOR was pushed towar,