If I had command of myself, I might have done as well in
my way as my brother has in his. I could beat him once, and I was quite
as industrious as he was; but, when I came to the crossroads, I took the
wrong turning, and here I am."
"May I ask how your brother succeeded? I mean--what is he?"
"He is Chief Justice ----."
I found that this was quite true; indeed, the Gentleman was one of the
most veracious men I have known.
"Does your brother know how you are faring?"
"He did know, but I never trouble him. He was a good fellow to me, and I
have never worried him for years. I prefer to be dead to the world. I
have haunted this place, as you know, for six months; to-morrow I may
make a change, and live in another sty."
"But surely you could get chance work that would keep you in decent
clothes and food."
"I do get many chance jobs; but if the money amounts to much I am apt to
be taken up as drunk and incapable."
The sweet, quiet smile which accompanied this amazing statement was
touching.
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