Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN THE DARK. 101
"I'm glad she don't know I'm in," replied the
well-bred youth."
','In where, booby 1"
"This rum-hole."
"You greenhorn 1 why, would you care for that 1"
" She'd think me in the neighborhood of perdition."
"I know you've an excellent mother, Allen; but
must think her a little too careful of her son: She
has taught you to believe, that if a young man once
passes within the threshold of a coffee-bouse, he's
once upon the confines of ruin; and should he consent
to take the social glass, why then he's on the
fast line to the devil 1"
" Women often see danger where there is none,"
gravely remarked Mr. Brown, who had had some experience
in sprees; "I'll tell you what, Allen," he continued,
"if a young man wants to figure in the world
he mustn't be afraid of trifles. Come, now, here's a
nice mellow horn - it'll make you feel just right."
" Well then, since you will have it so, here goes 1"
said the lad; and tossing back his head, quaffed the
fiery liquid.
"Bravo 1 bravo I" cried his companions. "The
goslin swallows well," said one. "A few more like
that," observed another, "and, my word for it, he'll '
think ~o more about his mamma's advice." "What's
the use taking anything to heart I" remarked a third.
"Let the world wag, and comets fall, if they have a
mind to I"
" At anyrate we'll fire another round," said Dem.