Page:Frank Stockton - Rudder Grange.djvu/230

Rh to do similar work for them. In time I found this new business so profitable that I gave up farming altogether. But certain unfortunate speculations threw me on my back, and finally, having gone from bad to worse, I found myself in Boston, where, in sheer desperation, I went on board a coasting vessel as landsman. I remained on this vessel for nearly a year, but it did not suit me. I was often sick, and did not like the work. I left the vessel at one of the Southern ports, and it was not long after she sailed that, finding myself utterly without means, I enlisted as a soldier. I remained in the army for some years, and was finally honourably discharged. So you see that what I said was true. I belong to each and all of these businesses and professions. And now that I have satisfied you on this point, let me show you a book for which I have the agency in this country." He stooped down, opened his valise, and picked out a good-sized volume. "This book," said he, "is the Flora and Fauna of Carthage County; it is written by one of the first scientific men of the country, and gives you a description, with an authentic wood-cut of each of the plants and animals of the country—indigenous or neutralised. Owing to peculiar advantages enjoyed by our firm, we are enabled to put this book at the very low price of three dollars and seventy-five cents. It is sold by subscription only, and should be on the centre-table in every parlour in this country. If you will glance over this book, sir, you will find it as interesting as a novel, and as useful as an encyclopædia—"

"I don't want the book," I said, "and I don't care to look at it."

"But if you were to look at it you would want it, I'm sure."