, as I fully comprehended the situation.

I then picked up a shovel standing by, and after digging a deep hole in
the very spot where I had struck in a sitting posture, I emptied the
broken bottles and polish into it. After covering it up, and shaping and
rounding the top dirt like a grave, I said to the ladies, as they stood
by watching the proceedings:

"Not dead, but busted. Here lie the remains of my last fortune. If you
wish to erect a monument to the memory of this particular incident you
have my consent to do so. Good day, ladies, good day."

With my empty valise I then returned to Mr. Hart's drug store, where I
had previously bought my stock, and at once ordered a small lot put up,
to be ready the next morning.

From there I went to the hotel, and in conversation with a scholarly
looking gentleman, learned that he was a lawyer. I told him of my
arrest, and the reasons assigned for it, when he informed me that no
town in the United States had any legal right to exact a license from me
if I manufactured my own goods.

I then decided to remain there as long as I could do well. The lawyer
said if I would do so he would defend me gratuitously if I were molested
again.

I thanked him, and said:

"My dear sir, it is very kind of you to offer your services should I
need them--very kind indeed; and as one good turn deserves another,
suppose you loan me two dollars to pay the druggist for my stock in
trade?"

"Certainly, sir, certainly. Glad to do so," he answered, as he handed me
a two-dollar bill.

He then asked me to "take something."

"No, thank you; I never drink."

"Well, take a cigar won't you?"

"I never smoke, either," I answered.

"The devil you don't! Well, this certainly isn't your first experience
in business, is it?" was his next query.

"Hardly; but why should a man drink or smoke just because he may have
been in business for some time?"

"True enough," said he, "and had I always let drink alone I could have
been a rich man; and I'll never take another drop."

"I hope you won't," I replied.

He then stepped forward, and taking me by the hand, said:

"Young man, I can't remember of ever before asking a man to drink with
me who abruptly refused; and I consider yours an exceptionally rare
case, considering that I had just done you a favor, and would hardly
expect you to refuse. Now, sir, although you are a much younger man than
I am, your conduct in this particular instance will do me a