Mr. Keefer said "It did beat the d——l!"
CHAPTER XII.
MORE HELP FROM MR. KEEFER—SIX WEEKS AS A HORSE-TRAINER—A MYSTERIOUS PARTNER—COLLAPSED—HOW I MADE A RAISE—HOME AGAIN—FATHER TO A BOUNCING BOY.
Soon after my arrival home I received a letter from a horse-trainer then located at Springfield, Ohio, saying I had been recommended to him as a splendid horse-back rider, a general "hus'ler" in business, and possibly a good advertiser. As these were the requirements needed in his business, he would give me a half interest in the same if I would join him. He then went on to state the marvelous works he could do.
When I read this letter to my folks, my mother said she thought it a splendid chance to get my neck broke, and leave a young widow.
Mr. Keefer said he'd bet I could ride any horse the fellow had.
I then gave Mr. Keefer the wink, and he followed me to the barn, when I began negotiations for a small loan to take me to Springfield. He then explained to me for the first time, that his affairs had become somewhat embarrassed, through a bad investment, and it was almost impossible for him to make both ends meet; "but," he added, "I have never yet refused you, because I have always had faith in you; and I believe in your ability to some day make lots of money, and I will see what I can do to help you once more."
That day he called on a friend who loaned him the few dollars I needed, and as he handed it to me he said: "I know it will all come right some day."