gs of the place created some painful
misgivings in his mind. The captain sat down at one of the little tables
where the frequenters of the saloon who were disposed to prolong the
enjoyment of their drams discussed "juleps," "cobblers," and other
villainous compounds.

Somers could not do less than seat himself at the other side of the
table. He was ill at ease, even while he was endeavoring to seem
indifferent and at home. I am sorry to say he was haunted by that
abominable bugbear which often takes possession of the minds of young men
when they find themselves in the presence of those who are adepts in the
arts of vice--a fear of being thought "green," "verdant," or being
measured by some other adjective used in fast circles to caricature the
innocence of a soul unsullied by contact with the vices and follies of
the city. He half expected that some of the dissolute young wretches who
were drinking, swearing, and pouring the filth of a poisoned mind from
their lips, would ask him if "his mother knew he was out." He tried to
maintain his self-possession, and to seem at home where ruin was rioting
in the souls of young men. If he did not entirely succeed, it was all the
more to his credit.

"What will you take?" demanded Captain de Banyan, after they had sat at
the table long enough to examine the prominent features of the saloon.

"Take a walk," replied Lieutenant Somers.

"No, no! What will you drink?"

"Nothing, thank you. I've just been to supper, and don't want anything."

"Yes; but people who come in here, and listen to the music, are expected
to patronize the establishment. I'm going to have a brandy smash: shall I
order one for you?"

"No, I thank you."

"But I can't drink alone."

"I never drink."

"Nonsense! A lieutenant in our regiment, and not drink! I see! You
haven't learned yet; but it won't take you long. Your case is exactly my
own. I was about your age when I went to the Crimea, and didn't know wine
from brandy. After the battle of Balaclava, where I did some little thing
which excited the admiration of the nobs in command, Lord Raglan sent for
me, and invited me to take a glass of wine with him. Of course, I could
not refuse his lordship, especially as he was in the very act of
complimenting me for what he was pleased to call my gallant conduct. I
drank my first glass of wine then. It was Sicily Madeira, and light,
sweet wine; and, my dear fellow, you shall begin with the same, and we
will