Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

· DANGER IN THE DARK.' 105
" Ah 1 I'm only learning to face the music;" observed
the lad, when he had sufficiently recovered his
breath to speak; "this is the way for a young man t~
figurein the world-they say."
"I'd been greatly obliged," said the barkeeper,
quite out of humor, "if you'd figured in the street;
I've half a mind to kick you out of doors I"
"I beg pardon, sir, I thought this screen erected for
the accommodation of gentlemen who prefer to puke
unseen by the degenerate crowd."
"I perceive you're a verdant youth."
" Yes, I've given ample proof of that, in being
persuadedto drink your filthy rum; well, I've returned
your liquors already mixed-you can make what disposition
of them you choose."
"Better not tempt me too far, you insolent cub I"
"No, for there'd be more liquor spilt, should you
explode." _
Saying which, Allen took his departure, under a
showerof curses from the enraged barkeeper.
" Ah I this is a wicked world I"said Carleton, staggering
up to the bar, to drain another glass; "we
drink rum to cure ennui, which it never fails-to make
worse; the unnatural elation is soon followed by a
corresponding depression: then come infernal headaches,dismal
dreams and nightmare I"
"Hang the fellow, he's about to preach his own
funeralI" s~id Frank Deming. " Wonder what he
meansby ennui-some more of his Latin, I suppose."
"Explain to the ilnloramus Mr. Carleton," reg
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