"I expect he is," said Jem. "Antis and I were schoolmates. He was always a clever fellow, though not extra bright; but he has got on well, and everybody respects him. He's Mr. Antis, he is. I'm nobody but Jem Carter. That calls me so."
"Jeduthun didn't mean any harm," said Eben.
"Oh, I know it! He's a good fellow, too;" and Jem touched up the mare a little.
"I wouldn't hurry her," said Eben. "She's doing very well now."
"Oh, I sha'n't hurt her, never you fear. She's about all the friend I've got now, Eben," said Jem, with sudden emphasis and decision. "I want to give you a piece of advice. I'm a poor shoat, I know, but you may as well learn by my experience. Don't you never be coaxed or bullied into drinking the first drop of liquor or making the first bet—not the very first one. If you once begin, you never can know where you will stop."
"I think you are right," said Eben. "My father used to say the same. But, Mr. Carter, excuse me, but can't you stop drinking, and betting, and such things, now?"
"No, I can't!" returned Jem, shortly. "I can't, and I don't know as I want to. What's the use? I sha'n't live long, and I may as well have a good time while I do live."
"And what then?" asked Eben, gently.
"Then I shall go to the devil, I suppose, and serve me right, too," said Jem, in a kind of angry despair.
"You needn't, Jem."