writes: "_Few books have so stirred my mind_ for years as the book by George Bidwell. Hearing of the book, prejudice immediately seized me against it. The history given by himself, to be interesting at all must be sensational, therefore disastrous to morals. _So avowed prejudiced thought; and, determined to find fault, I began this remarkable history._ IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND FAULT WITH THE BOOK, WHICH IS VALUABLE AND WONDERFULLY ABSORBING." From Ira D. Sankey, Esq. "MR. GEORGE BIDWELL, _Dear Sir_--I have read with great interest your book, and believe it will do much good among young men wherever read. Your life is a proof and your book a burning record of the truth that 'Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.' I believe in throwing light into all the dark places of this life, that men, seeing the dangers, they may avoid them. I wish you success." From Hon. Robert G. Ingersoll. "GEORGE BIDWELL, ESQ.: _My Dear Sir_--Knowing as I do that you will tell a candid story of your career, I believe you will do good. Crime springs mostly from a lack of intelligence and imagination. Only the foolish can think that the practice of vice is the road to joy. As a matter of fact, the wrong does not pay. You have, in your remarkable book, made this fact perfectly clear, and you will enforce this great truth on the platform. _In the world of crime success is failure._ Good luck to you." Rev. Dr. Edward Beecher writes; "I recommend this book to the friends of morality." Office of Street's Insurance Agency, Hartford, Conn. "MR. GEORGE BIDWELL, _Dear Sir_--A clergyman consulted with me regarding his son, who had fallen into bad associations, taken part in many small thefts, and seemed hardened against shame or dread of exposure. I believe the mean, dangerous boy has become a man by reading your book." Yours very truly, F. F. STREET, Hartford, Conn. Hartford Daily Times. "This autobiography is a story of thrilling interest." CONTENTS. A NEW YORK HERALD EDITORIAL. CHAPTER I. Brooklyn Public Schools in the Sixties--Old. No. 13--Parents Suited to the Golden Age--A Curious Preparation for the Battle of Life--Knew that Brutus Slew Caesar--George the Third Was a Bad Fellow Who Got a Tea Kettle Thrown at His Head In Boston Harbor--My Model Home Library--An Innocent Leaves Home. 19 CHAPTER II. In a Broker's Office--A Nice Old Gentleman--Situation in Wall Street--An Up-to-Date Young Man--Visions of Wealth--Speculations--Wall Street in the Sixties--The Hon. John Morrissey, ex-Pugilist--His Famous Gambling House--I Try a Game of Faro--Midnight Banquets--I Have Entered the Primrose Way. 24 CHAPTER III.