as usual, assured them that I was still alive and "hus'ling."

I also showed them the note I had and offered to turn it over to either
of them who would pay me the difference between its face value and what
I owed them.

They said they would rather take my individual note for the amount of my
indebtedness, which I gave, drawing interest at eight per cent., all of
which footed up to several hundred dollars. Now I was ready for other
business.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER X

GREAT SUCCESS AS AN INSURANCE AGENT--SOLD OUT--ARRIVED AT
CHICAGO--SELLING GOVERNMENT GOODS--ACQUIRING DISSIPATED HABITS--ENGAGED
TO BE MARRIED--BROKE AMONG STRANGERS--HOW I MADE A RAISE--MY ARRIVAL
HOME.

One day I met James Forster, an old acquaintance, who was engaged in the
insurance business. He asked me if I didn't think I would make a good
insurance agent.

I told him I had never tried it, but I knew I would.

He asked how I knew so much, if I had never tried it.

"Because I am no good at anything else," I answered.

He asked how I would like it. I assured him I ready to try it, and that
I owned a horse and buggy to travel over the country with.

He then took me to his office and after giving me a few instructions,
gave me the necessary papers and sent me out.

The very first day I took three applications. The company insured on
the installment plan, by issuing a policy for five years, the first
payment of forty cents a hundred per year, was to be paid when the
application was taken, and the balance made payable in equal annual
installments.

The agent's commission was the first installment, or twenty per cent. of
the gross amount.

I was not long in learning that the rate charged by this company was
just double that of any other in existence, but the people readily fell
in with the idea of paying their insurance by installments.

I gave it a week's trial and was immensely successful, and turned my
applications over to Mr. Forster, but was careful to sign my name to
them in full, as sub-agent.

He made an equal division of commission with me, which I was not
satisfied with. I then quit, when Mr. Forster called in about a week to
see why I didn't keep "hus'ling," as I had been doing so nicely.

"Well," said I, "Mr. Forster, it's against my principles to steal and
give some one else half. I can't afford to go out and rob my neighbors
and acquaintances, and give you any part of it."

He had no more to say. A few days la