than any other existing individual. Whether I
have learned as much in this way as I ought, in such favored
circumstances, is quite another question.

CHAPTER VII.

MY FIRST SICKNESS ABROAD.

When I was about half-way through my nineteenth year, a desire to see
the world became so strong that I made up my mind to a little
travelling. Accordingly, having provided myself with an employment which
would, without a great deal of hindrance, enable me to earn my passing
expenses, I set out on my journey.

It was in the month of March, and near its close. The weather was mild,
and the snow was fast disappearing--but not as yet the mud. In walking
all day, my boots became soaked and my feet wet. The era of India
rubbers had not then arrived. In truth, I went with my feet wet in the
afternoon two or three days.

On the evening of the third day I came to the house of the friends with
whom I was desirous of stopping not only for the Sabbath's sake, which
was now at hand, but to rest and recruit. The next morning I was quite
sick, and my friends were alarmed. It was proposed to send for a
physician; but against this I uttered my protest, and the plan was
accordingly abandoned.

The next purpose of my kind friends was to bring on a perspiration. They
were accustomed in these cases to aim at sweating. This is indeed a
violence to nature; but they knew no better. The mistress of the house
was one of those self-assured women who cannot brook any interference or
submit willingly to any modification of their favorite plans. Otherwise
I should even then have preferred a gentle perspiration, longer
continued. Yet on the whole, for the sake of peace, I submitted to my
fate, and went through the fiery furnace which was prepared for me. More
than even this I might say. I was cooler, much cooler, when I got
through the fire than when I was in the midst of it!

In three days I was, in a good measure, restored. I was, it is true,
left very weak, but was free from fever. My strength rapidly returned;
and on the fifth day I was able to set out for home, where in due time I
safely arrived.

During this excursion I learned one good lesson, if no more. This was,
the danger of going day after day with wet feet. A vigorous person may
go with wet or damp feet a little while, in the early part of the day,
when in full strength, with comparative safety; but towards evening,
when the vital forces are at ebb tide, or at least are ebbing, it