I then dickered a while with him, and after satisfying myself that I
could buy it for no less than his price, purchased it; and have always
considered it a good investment. An Incorporated Manufacturing Company
of this city now use the same recipe, supplying agents in all parts of
the country.

I immediately visited Elmore, where my wife and boy still remained.
After paying their board and a doctor's bill for the boy, I took a run
down to Clyde, arriving there "broke."

I had a long talk with my folks, and explained "just how it all
happened."

My mother said she thought I had made a splendid record for a boy with a
family.

Mr. Keefer said, "It did beat the devil."

CHAPTER XVIII.

MR. KEEFER CALLED FROM HOME--MY MOTHER REFUSES ME A LOAN--PEDDLING
FURNITURE POLISH ON FOOT--HAVING MY FORTUNE TOLD--MY TRIP THROUGH
MICHIGAN--ARRESTED FOR SELLING WITHOUT LICENSE--"IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT
POURS"--COLLAPSED--A GOOD MORAL--MAKING A RAISE.

I remained at home but a day or two, during which time Mr. Keefer was
called away on business, leaving my mother and myself to discuss the
future together. I told her of my varnish experience, and about my
recipe for the piano and furniture polish, and assured her that I had
made a firm resolution never to sell another patent right.

She said she was glad to hear that, as it had worried her night and day
during the whole time I was in that business.

I then suggested that she loan me money enough to invest in a few
bottles of polish.

"Not one cent, sir."

"Well," said I, "it won't take but about--"

"No matter," she interrupted, "if it won't take but ten cents you will
not get it from me. You have had the last cent from us you will ever
get."

I remarked that I was sorry pa had gone away.

She said it wouldn't matter, anyhow, for she had laid down the law to
him, and he would never let me have another dollar.

"Well," I asked, "won't you give me money enough to get out of town?"

"No, sir; if five cents would take you to California, you should walk it
before I'd give you that amount."

I then asked if she didn't think I was getting in rather close quarters?

"Well," she exclaimed, "you have always been determined to 'hus'le,' so
now keep 'hus'ling.'"

I then called on an old friend whom I had been owing for several years,
and after explaining my circumstances, borrowed three dollars, with
which I repaired to a drug store and procured a stock of ingredients an