I made no answer, but swung into the bay near him and stopped. “Didn't you know that a new year begins every day?” he asked. He showed the wear of hard times. He had a shoe on one foot and a slipper on the other, and wore a soiled linen duster and a pair of goggles. I saw now that his face had been badly scarred. He had a nose large at the end, with white and red seams in it, which cut across the cheek to his temple on one side. “I can tell you something almighty singular,” he went on. “What's that?” was my query. He took off a shabby felt hat, spat into the river, and drew his hand across his mouth. “My name is Pearl,” said he; “I am the Pearl o' great price.” I smiled, but he looked very serious. “I am weary o' life,” he continued. “I came down to this river to drown myself, but I am unable to do it on account o' my meanness. It's a pity.” I waited, full of curiosity, while he sat and whittled. “My life is insured--that's what's the matter,” he went on. “You see, I took out a policy years ago an' paid for it, an' an' ol' buzzard got it for a few dollars that I owed him. If I die the meanest man in the world 'll git a thousand dollars, an' it won't do; come to think it over, I 've got to outlive him if it takes a hundred years.” He threw his slippered foot over his knee, laughed silently, and shook his head. “That's one on me,” he remarked. “It ain't decent for me to laugh, but I can't help it.” “Are you sick?” I asked. “Not exac'ly sick,” he answered. “When I behave myself I wouldn't know that I had a body if it wasn't for my big toe that keeps peekin' through my shoe leather. Sometimes it makes a bow, very p'lite, an' says, 'Hello, there!'” He rose and took off his hat. “Look at me--ain't I a gem?” he added. “I'm sorry for you,” I suggested. “That's good! I'm tired o' bein' sorry for myself, an' glad to have some one 'tend to that part o' my business.” He called the dog to his feet, put a hand on his head, and introduced him in this manner: “This is my friend and fellow-citizen, Mr. Barker--Adam Barker bein' his full name. You see before you the firm of Pearl & Company.” I smiled, and thought him an odd man. “Mr. Barker, please take the floor,” he commanded. The dog stood on his hind feet with a look of eager expectancy. “Mr. Barker, I swear to you that hereafter I will be worthy of your love,” said the stranger. “Shall the firm continue? Those in favor will please say aye.” The dog gave a bark, and his master said: “It seems to be carried; it is carried. Is there any further business to come before this meetin'?” Mr. Barker answered. “Then we stand adjourned,” said the man, whereupon the dog began to jump playfully. “Pearl & Company are now ready to resume business.” Man and dog sat looking at me.