ral
Washington' bar-room. "I carkelated he'd gin out afore long, if he let
other people 'tend to his business instead of himself."

"I didn't like that fellow Absalom, no how," says another old head;
"he's 'bout skin'd Smith."

"Well, Smith kin be savin', he's larnt something," says a third, "and
oughter try to get on to his pegs again."

But when Absalom gave his "free blow," these fellows all "went in,"
partook of the landlord's hospitality, and hoped--of course they
did--that he might live several thousand years, and make a fortune!

Time slid on--Smith was attentive, no bar-keeper more assiduous and
devoted to the toddy affairs of the house, than Jerry Smith, the
pseudo-bar-keeper of Absalom Hart. Absalom being landlord of a popular
drinking establishment, was surrounded by politicians, horse jockies,
and various otherwise complexioned, fancy living personages. Ergo,
Absalom began to lay off and enjoy himself; he had his horses, dogs, and
other pastimes; got married, and cut it very "fat." One day he got
involved for a friend, got into unnecessary expenses, was sued for
complicated debts, and so entangled with adverse circumstances, that at
the end of his third year as landlord, the sheriff came in, and the
"General Washington" again came under the hammer.

Now, who will become purchaser? Every body wondered who would become the
next customer.

"I will, by George!" says Smith. And Smith did; he had worked long and
_faith_fully, and he had saved something. Smith bought out the whole
concern, and once more he was landlord of the "General Washington."

Absalom was cut down, like a hollyhock in November--he was dead broke,
and felt, in his present situation, flat, stale, and unprofitable
enough.

"Mr. Smith," said Absalom, the day after the collapse, "I am once more
on my oars."

"Yes, Ab, so it seems; it's a queer world, sometimes we are up, and
sometimes we are down. Time, Ab, works wonders, as you once very
forcibly remarked."

"It does, indeed, sir."

"We have only to keep up our spirits, Ab, go ahead; the world is large,
if it is full of changes."

"True, sir, very true. I was about to remark, Mr. Smith--"

"Well, Ab."

"That we have known one another--"

"Pretty well, I think!"

"A long time, sir--"

"Yes, Ab."

"And when I was up and you down--"

"Yes, go on."

"I gave you a chance to keep your head above water."

"True enough, Ab, my boy."

"Now, sir, I want you to give me charge