purposes of real life. My logic was the prattle of the parrot. My
classic lore lay upon my mind like lumber; and I was altogether about as
well prepared to struggle with life--to benefit either my fellow-man or
myself--as if I had graduated in Chinese mnemonics.

And oh! ye pale professors, who drilled me in syntax and scansion, ye
would deem me ungrateful indeed were I to give utterance to the contempt
and indignation which I then felt for ye--then, when I looked back upon
ten years of wasted existence spent under your tutelage--then, when,
after believing myself an educated man, the illusion vanished, and I
awoke to the knowledge that I _knew nothing_!

With some money in my purse, and very little knowledge in my head, I
wandered through the Streets of New Orleans, wondering as I went.

Six months later, and I was traversing the same streets, with very
little money in my purse, but with my stock of knowledge vastly
augmented. During this six months I had acquired an experience of the
world more extensive, than in any six years of my previous life.

I had paid somewhat dearly for this experience. My travelling fund had
melted away in the alembic of cafes, theatres, masquerades, and
"quadroon" balls. Some of it had been deposited in that bank (faro)
which returns neither principal nor interest!

I was almost afraid to "take stock" of my affairs. At length with an
effort I did so; and found, after paying my hotel bills, a balance in my
favour of exactly twenty-five dollars! Twenty-five dollars to live upon
until I could write home, and receive an answer--a period of three
months at the least--for I am talking of a time antecedent to the
introduction of Atlantic steamers.

For six months I had been sinning bravely. I was now all repentance,
and desirous of making amends. I was even willing to engage in some
employment. But my cold classic training, that had not enabled me to
protect my purse, was not likely to aid me in replenishing it; and in
all that busy city I could find no office that I was fitted to fill!

Friendless--dispirited--a little disgusted--not a little anxious in
regard to my immediate future, I sauntered about the streets. My
acquaintances were becoming scarcer every day. I missed them from their
usual haunts--the haunts of pleasure. "Whither had they gone?"

There was no mystery in their disappearance. It was now mid-June. The
weather had become intensely hot, and every day the merc