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 honorably 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
took 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
county--indigenous or naturalized. 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 center-table in every
parlor in this county. If you will glance over this book, sir, you
will find it as interesting as a novel, and as useful as an
encyclopaedia--"
"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."
"That's a good reason for not looking at it, then," I answered.
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