I could not help thinking of this subject during the rest of my ride to
Riverport, and I could not get rid of a certain undefined dread of
consequences in the future. I criticise Ham and his father in the light
of my own after experience rather than from any settled opinions which I
had at the time; and I don't wish it to be understood that I was any
better myself than I ought to be. I had no very distinct aspirations
after goodness and truth. My character had not been formed. My dear
little sister was my guide and Mentor. If I did wrong, she wept and
prayed for me; and I am sure she saved me from many an evil deed by the
sweet influence of her pure and holy life. If I had drank in more of
her gentle spirit, the scene between Ham and myself could not have
transpired.

I reached the post-office in Riverport, and took the mail-bag for
Torrentville into the wagon, leaving the one I had brought down. Then I
drove to the hotel, and inquired for Squire Fishley. The landlord told
me that he was engaged with a party of gentlemen in a private room.
Fortunately I was in no hurry, for I could not think of disturbing a
person of so much consequence as Squire Fishley. I never reached home
with the mail till nine o'clock, and the bag was not opened till the
next morning, when sorting the mail was Ham's first business. I drove
Darky into a shed, and amused myself by looking around the premises.

I walked about for half an hour, and then asked the landlord to tell
Squire Fishley that I was waiting to take him up to his brother's. I was
told that my passenger was just going down to the boat to see some
friends off, and directed to put the squire's trunk into the wagon, and
drive down to the steamboat landing. The landlord conducted me into the
entry, and there, for the first time, I saw the captain's brother. He
would have been a good-looking man under ordinary circumstances, but he
was as boozy as an owl!

I was astonished, shocked, at this spectacle; for, unlike politicians in
general, Squire Fishley had made his reputation, and his political
capital, on his high moral and religious character. I had often heard
what a good man the distinguished senator was, and I was horrified at
seeing him drunk. With unsteady gestures, and in maudlin tones, he
pointed out his trunk to me, and I put it into the wagon. I did not see
him again till he reached the steamboat landing. He went on board with
two other gentlemen, and was absent another ha