r an uneventful trip homeward, beguiling the time by playing
my only tune which I had learned while in New York--"The girl I left
behind me." It proved to be a very appropriate piece, especially after I
explained what tune it was, as there were some soldiers on board the
cars who were returning home from the war. They were profuse in their
compliments, and said I was a devilish good fiddler, and would probably
some day make my mark at it.

I felt that I had been away from home for ages, and wondered if my folks
looked natural, if they would know me at first sight, and if the town
had changed much during my absence.

When I alighted from the train at Clyde, I met several acquaintances
who simply said, "How are you Perry? How are the folks?"

Finally I met one man who said, "How did it happen you didn't go to New
York?"

Another one said:

"When you going to start on your trip, Perry? Where'd you get your
fiddle?"

I then started for the farm, and on my arrival found no change in the
appearance of any of the family.

My mother said I looked like a corpse.

Mr. Keefer said he was glad to see me, but sorry about that cussed old
fiddle.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER II.

MY MOTHER WISHES ME TO LEARN A TRADE--MY BURNING DESIRE TO BE A
LIVE-STOCK DEALER--EMPLOYED BY A DEAF DROVER TO DO HIS HEARING--HOW I
AMUSED MYSELF AT HIS EXPENSE AND MISFORTUNE.

I then began attending school at Clyde, Ohio, boarding at home and
walking the distance--three miles--during the early fall and late
spring, and boarding in town at my uncle's expense during the cold
weather.

At the age of sixteen I felt that my school education was sufficient to
carry me through life and my thoughts were at once turned to business.

My mother frequently counseled with me and suggested the learning of a
trade, or book-keeping, or that I take a position as clerk in some
mercantile establishment, all of which I stubbornly rebelled against.

She then insisted that I should settle my mind on _some one thing_,
which I was unable to do.

My greatest desire was to become a dealer in live stock, which
necessitated large capital and years of practical experience for assured
success.

This desire no doubt had grown upon me through having been frequently
employed by an old friend of the family, Lucius Smith, who was in that
business.

He was one of the most profane men in the country, as well as one of the
most honorable, and so very deaf as to b