She shuffled the cards, and said I'd never do manual labor, and I was going to be rich. I would have two wives, and no telling how many children. I had had a great many ups and downs, and would have some more; but would eventually settle down. I asked if I would ever be hung. She said, "No, sir."
During the interview she learned from me of my father's dying before I was born. That, she said, was always a sure sign of good fortune, and a bright future was always in store for a child born under such circumstances.
I finally asked her if she could tell where I was going to stay that night. She said she couldn't, but would wager that I wouldn't sleep in a freight car, nor go without my supper.
I gave her a bottle of polish, and made another start, calling at the next house just as the family were about to take supper.
I rushed in, set my carpet-bag down, and laying off my hat, said in a jocular manner:
"By gracious, I'm just in time, for once."
"BY GRACIOUS, I'M JUST IN TIME, FOR ONCE."
"Yes, you are," said the gentleman, as he was about to take his seat at the table. "Take that seat right over there," pointing to the opposite side of the table.