38 THE HISTORY OF TIP-TOP. 



eyes and smooth velvet paws, and promises them fun ; and 

 they go to bad places ; they get to smoking, and then to 

 drinking; and, finally, the bad habit gets them in its teeth 

 and claws, and plays with them as a cat does with a 

 mouse. They try to reform, just as your robin tried to 

 get away from the cat ; but their bad habits pounce on 

 them and drag them back. And so, when the time comes 

 that they want to begin life, they are miserable, broken- 

 down creatures, like your broken-winged robin. 



" So, Jamie, remember, and don't try to be a man before 

 your time, and let your parents judge for you while you 

 are young ; and never believe in any soft white Pussy, with 

 golden eyes, that comes and wants to tempt you to come 

 down and play with her. If a big boy offers to teach 

 you to smoke a cigar, that is Pussy. If a boy wants you 

 to go into a billiard-saloon, that is Pussy. If a boy wants 

 you to learn to drink anything with spirit in it, however 

 sweetened and disguised, remember, Pussy is there ; and 

 Pussy's claws are long, and Pussy's teeth are strong ; and 

 if she gives you one shake in your youth, you will be like 

 a broken-winged robin all your days." 



