the first house I called, the old lady said she hadn't any money, but
would tell my fortune for a bottle of polish.

"Well, great Heavens!" I yelled, "go ahead, you never can tell my
fortune at a better time."

She shuffled the cards, and said I'd never do manual labor, and I was
going to be rich. I would have two wives, and no telling how many
children. I had had a great many ups and downs, and would have some
more; but would eventually settle down. I asked if I would ever be hung.
She said, "No, sir."

During the interview she learned from me of my father's dying before I
was born. That, she said, was always a sure sign of good fortune, and a
bright future was always in store for a child born under such
circumstances.

I finally asked her if she could tell where I was going to stay that
night. She said she couldn't, but would wager that I wouldn't sleep in a
freight car, nor go without my supper.

I gave her a bottle of polish, and made another start, calling at the
next house just as the family were about to take supper.

I rushed in, set my carpet-bag down, and laying off my hat, said in a
jocular manner:

"By gracious, I'm just in time, for once."

[Illustration: "BY GRACIOUS, I'M JUST IN TIME, FOR ONCE."]

"Yes, you are," said the gentleman, as he was about to take his seat at
the table. "Take that seat right over there," pointing to the opposite
side of the table.

I thanked him and accepted his kind invitation. After supper I showed
them my preparation, which pleased them much.

His wife asked the price. I told her fifty cents, and said:

"I want to allow you half that amount for my supper, therefore you will
owe me but twenty-five cents."

She paid me, and I started on, much elated with my success, and
convinced that the old fortune-teller knew her business, as the supper
part had already come true.

I called at every house until too dark to operate, making a sale at
nearly every one.

I walked on to Fremont, reaching there in time for the seven-thirty
train bound west.

After buying a ticket for Lindsay, I had three dollars and fifty cents
in cash, and plenty of stock on hand.

I remained there over night, and am almost certain there wasn't a
housekeeper in that burgh who didn't get a bottle of my polish the next
day.

After finishing the town, I learned that the westbound train was not due
for an hour. As life was short, business brisk and time valuable, I
started out on foot, walking