When I went home and reported my bright prospects my mother began to cry, and said she always thought I would die with consumption. Mr. Keefer looked sad and solemn, and said: "It does beat the devil."
CHAPTER XXXII.
A FRIEND LOANS ME TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS—MY ARRIVAL IN CHICAGO—FORTY DOLLARS' WORTH OF GOODS ON CREDIT—I LEAVE FOR MICHIGAN—EFFECTING A SALE BY STRATAGEM—GREAT SUCCESS DURING THE SUMMER—ENFORCING A CREDIT—CONTINUED SUCCESS—OPENING AN OFFICE IN THE CITY—PAYING MY OLD DEBTS, WITH INTEREST—MY TRIP TO NEW YORK—BUYING GOODS FROM THE MANUFACTURERS—MY RETURN TO CHICAGO—NOW I DO HUS'LE—IMMENSE SUCCESS.
A few days later our old Doctor was up and around, and called to see me. He diagnosed my case, and pronounced my lungs perfectly sound; and declared that if I should live an hundred years I'd never have lung trouble. He informed me that I was suffering from a complication of diseases, and general debility caused by over-work and the general excitement and hus'ling naturally attending my business; and assured me that with the energy and determination I showed in my disposition to get well, he would bring me out all right. He was much surprised, however, when called a few days later, to find me completely floored and suffering terribly. His action showed that the case was more serious than he thought. But he brought me out in very good shape in about three months.
I had previously used a part of my money in paying old debts, and part in supplying my family with suitable clothing; and after paying my doctor and druggist bills, found myself again without a dollar, when ready to start out on the fifteenth of June.
I then wrote to a young man who had lived with my parents several years, and whom I had educated in the polish business and who was then selling it through Indiana, and asked him to loan me twenty-five dollars, if he could spare it.
He immediately sent a draft for that amount, and stated in his letter that he had just eighty-five cents left, but was glad to accommodate me. In reply to his letter I assured him that I was certain of success in the jewelry business, and that as soon as I again established myself in it, and could see a chance for him, I would send for him and give him the benefit of my experience.