The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-02-15
Continued from page 81
IN PERIL.

lnSClncLlVely, without any mental argyll
"You know, Father, men of Frank
stamp can be a power for
good or evil in the world. 1t depends
upon the fuel you heap into the fire of
their natures. They either burn with
a Christ-love or are fed by desires
from hell. They know no middle
course
During their Junior year at college,
Davis noticed a marked change COM
ing over his friend. His former zeal
after truth and the higher things in
life was gradually Pickering and, if it
was not rekindled, it would assume
the form of an opposite desire. Studies
seemed to pail his taste, and an I'M
natural restlessness took possession
of him. What troubled Chester the
most, was Naughton's growing init
macy with a certain set that cared
more for pleasure than anything else.
affairs drifted in this manner for
some weeks, and the more Naughton
fell in with the scheme of these pleas
ure-loving young bloods, the more he
drifted from Davis, his only safe
anchor.
well, a scene between the friends
was inevitable. One afternoon in late
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 a merry well
come. The peculiar hunted expression
on his friends face checked the words
of reproach that naturally sprang to
Davis lips. He knew a struggle was
waging within the citadel of his
friends soul, and he desired to learn
it's full import. Davis eyes searched
Naughton's countenance. Finally he
spoke.
you 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 a minute then
turned upon his friend in a burst OF
spirit.
All, am disguised with books, re-
ligion and everything. Bosh, it all
seems like humbug. My soul aches
and l am going to take my fun where
I find it.
"He paused for a moment, but his
friend deigned no answer.
"'But something material is bother
ing me now. need money, and my
good, dear father refused to give me
more than my allowance. But I'll gel
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 overspreaG
his face.
"'Don't resort to any low means tt
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 goot
angel, 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 I will, Frank. But tel
me, why not drop that crowd of rot
tiers?
Don't, Chef, hate preaching. Oh
what difference does it make? Tn
sick of the milk of life; am going tc
see and taste something stronger
"A panied expression crossed Davis
face. Naughton arose and clutched 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 week Davis lost sight of him
except during class hours. Chester
knew the course Frank was running
Friday evening came and Naughtor
with band of gay spirits went to the
city bent upon pleasure. That day
Davis had not attended classes, he
was confined to his bed with chills ant
fever. OF course he was unaware o.
his friends movements.
1.-THE lively crowd sailed to the city
and sought a quiet cafe, where the,
could eat and drink to their hearts
content Frank Naughton was the
liveliest of them all, and he dranl
with the happy abandon of a bac
chanal.
I'm the midst of the gaiety and sons
some one suggested trip to a place
nearby whose reputation cried ou
against it. The party assented will
shouts of tipsy joy. Not so Naughton
The very mention of that name froz,
the blood in his veins, and thousanC
hideous pictures warped his magma
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 sanl
back into the chair with low moan
A shout of exultation went up from
the others, upon whom the drink hat
taken less effect
eve win carry him. He can't re
sist, for he is jolly good fellow,
they cried.
"The hideousness of their dire in