tempted him to rob the mail.

I am glad to be able to say that Squire Fishley did not suffer by his
honest confession of his own weakness, for he was true to his pledge,
and true to his religion. He has held several high offices in this
state, and will probably go to Congress in due time.

The Fishleys of Torrentville had no good will towards me, and I kept
away from them. Our party remained together during the summer at the
North, and in October returned to New Orleans. Flora and I went to live
with Clarence, and I was employed in the store of his firm, first as a
boy, then as a clerk; and when I was twenty-one, I had the capital to
go into business as one of the concern.

Emily Goodridge's health was much improved by her journey to the North,
and every year the same party repeated it. I need hardly say that during
my clerkship I was a constant visitor at the house of Mr. Goodridge, and
that his daughter and myself were the best of friends. Flora used to go
there every afternoon; but she could not venture out, as I did, in the
evening air.

Years rolled on, and brought their changes. I was a merchant in
prosperous circumstances. Flora, in a measure, outgrew her bodily
infirmities, but she was always an invalid. I heard from Sim Gwynn once
in a great while. He took care of the minister's horse and his garden.
He could not "keep a hotel," and he did not aspire to do so. He was
contented with enough to eat and enough to wear.

I am still a young man; but our firm is Bradford Brothers. We are doing
well, and in time hope to make a fortune. Whether I do so or not, I
shall still be happy, for my wife--whom I picked up one day on the
Mississippi River--is joy enough for this world, though I have another,
and almost equal joy, in dear Flora, whose home is also mine. We are
blessed of God, and blessed in ourselves, for we are as loving and
devoted to each other as when, years ago, on the raft, we journeyed
DOWN THE RIVER.

* * * * * * * *

OLIVER OPTIC'S BOOKS

=All-Over-the-World Library.= By OLIVER OPTIC. First Series. Illustrated.
Price per volume, $1.25.

=1. A Missing Million=; OR, THE ADVENTURES OF LOUIS BELGRADE.
=2. A Millionaire at Sixteen=; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE "GUARDIAN
MOTHER."
=3. A Young Knight Errant=; OR, CRUISING IN THE WEST INDIES.
=4. Strange Sights Abroad=; OR, ADVEN