eceived a letter from a horse-trainer then
located at Springfield, Ohio, saying I had been recommended to him as a
splendid horse-back rider, a general "hus'ler" in business, and possibly
a good advertiser. As these were the requirements needed in his
business, he would give me a half interest in the same if I would join
him. He then went on to state the marvelous works he could do.

When I read this letter to my folks, my mother said she thought it a
splendid chance to get my neck broke, and leave a young widow.

Mr. Keefer said he'd bet I could ride any horse the fellow had.

I then gave Mr. Keefer the wink, and he followed me to the barn, when I
began negotiations for a small loan to take me to Springfield. He then
explained to me for the first time, that his affairs had become
somewhat embarrassed, through a bad investment, and it was almost
impossible for him to make both ends meet; "but," he added, "I have
never yet refused you, because I have always had faith in you; and I
believe in your ability to some day make lots of money, and I will see
what I can do to help you once more."

That day he called on a friend who loaned him the few dollars I needed,
and as he handed it to me he said: "I know it will all come right some
day."

I now began to realize what a pleasure it would be could I embark in a
well-paying business, just at the time when Mr. Keefer was in adverse
circumstances.

As there was no other opening for me, I immediately started for
Springfield, where I met the young horse-trainer, Prof. De Voe, with
whom I at once proceeded to form a co-partnership. He was a conundrum to
me, from the very outset. A short, thick-set young man, not over
eighteen years of age, with bushy, black hair, and dark eyes, a large
Roman nose, and extremely small hands and feet.

[Illustration: DEVOE, JOHNSTON & CO., HORSE TRAINERS.--PAGE 153.]

He was thoroughly posted in the science of Horse-training, first-class
in giving instructions, but poor in execution. I immediately wrote some
advertising matter, and after having it printed we started on our trip.

Our plan was to break unruly horses, and teach the method of doing it.
We would select one of the handsomest horses in the town where we were
operating, and I would first break him to ride under the saddle without
a bridle; then we would teach him to drive to the carriage without
reins, by the motion of the whip.

We had a splendid trade for about two weeks, and wo