I commenced by taking the most aristocratic portion of the city, canvassing every street and number systematically, with good success.
One day, after I had succeeded in making enough money to buy a baby carriage, which I forwarded to my wife, and had a few dollars left, I was arrested for selling from house to house without a license. I explained to the officer that I hadn't the slightest idea that I was obliged to have one. He said I must go before the city magistrate, and demanded that I should accompany him, which I did.
The old wolf lectured me as if I had been a regular boodler, and then imposed a fine which exceeded the amount in my possession by about three dollars.
I asked what the penalty would be if I didn't pay.
He said I would have to go to jail.
"Well," said I, "I haven't money enough to pay my fine, and guess you might as well lock me up for the whole thing as a part of it."
In answer to the query "how much cash I had," I laid it all on his desk; and as he counted and raked it in, he said:
"Very well, I will suspend your sentence."
I then asked if I could have the privilege of selling the balance of the day, so as to take in money enough to get out of town with.