The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1921-03-05
IN PERIL.
Continued from page 3D.


Davis in his cool logical manner
had carefully studied his friends char
acteristics and knew the various sides
of his nature.
although the two were built upon
different lines, still their thoughts and
opinions were directed along the same
channels The one reaching his con
clusion by slow process of reason
ing; the other in the quickness of his
flashing intellect leaped over all prem.
Uses and came to the same results
instinctiveIy without any mental argu
mentation.
"You know, Father, men of Frank
Naughton's stamp can be a power for
good or evil i'm. the world. 1t depends
upon the fuel you heap into the fire
Of their natures. They either burn
with Christ-love or are fed by desires
from hell. They know no middle
course. .fts
During their Junior year at col
lege, Davis noticed marked change
coming over his friend. His former
zeal for. truth and the higher things
in life was gradually Pickering and,
if it was mot rekinaled it would as
sumo the form of an opposite desire.
Studies seemed to pail his taste, and
an unnatural restlessness took pos
session of him. What troubled Ches.
ter the most, was Naughton's growing
intimacy with 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, 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 merry well
come. The peculiar hunted expires.
sion on his friends face checked the
words of reproach that naturally
sprang to Davis lips He knew a
struggle was waging within the cit
adel OF. his friends soul, and he de-
sired to learn. its full import. Da-
Wis eyes searched Naughtons coun-
tenance. Finally he spoke
".You have something on your mind
Frank. What is it?'
"Naughton laughed in a nervous
jerky manner.
Don't you know? You were al
ways good at reading my thoughts 2
he said.
"He was silent for a minute then
turned upon his friend in burst of
spirit
"'Ah, | am disguised with books,
religion and everything. Bosh, it all
seems like humbug. My soul aches
and am going to take my fun where
1 find it.
''He paused for a moment, but his
friend deigned no answer.
"'But something material is both
ering me now. 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 hurl-
ed them savagely from his lips. His
brow furrowed and dark scowl
overspread his face.
8 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 sears on my soul.
Will you lend me the money!
Their hands met in a knowing
grasp.
You know I 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
I'm sick of the milk of life; am
going to see and taste something
stronger
"A panied expression crossed Da-
Wis face. Naughton arose and clutch
ed his friends farm.
Forgive me. Chester Before his
friend could respond, he hurried from
the room. III Il fsssff
'The money he had received from