I thanked her for the kind information, but reminded her that it was unnecessary to explain, as I fully comprehended the situation.
I then picked up a shovel standing by, and after digging a deep hole in the very spot where I had struck in a sitting posture, I emptied the broken bottles and polish into it. After covering it up, and shaping and rounding the top dirt like a grave, I said to the ladies, as they stood by watching the proceedings:
"Not dead, but busted. Here lie the remains of my last fortune. If you wish to erect a monument to the memory of this particular incident you have my consent to do so. Good day, ladies, good day."
With my empty valise I then returned to Mr. Hart's drug store, where I had previously bought my stock, and at once ordered a small lot put up, to be ready the next morning.
From there I went to the hotel, and in conversation with a scholarly looking gentleman, learned that he was a lawyer. I told him of my arrest, and the reasons assigned for it, when he informed me that no town in the United States had any legal right to exact a license from me if I manufactured my own goods.
I then decided to remain there as long as I could do well. The lawyer said if I would do so he would defend me gratuitously if I were molested again.
I thanked him, and said:
"My dear sir, it is very kind of you to offer your services should I need them—very kind indeed; and as one good turn deserves another, suppose you loan me two dollars to pay the druggist for my stock in trade?"
"Certainly, sir, certainly. Glad to do so," he answered, as he handed me a two-dollar bill.
He then asked me to "take something."