So my second trial in business came to its end, and people began to shake their heads and say that I was a wild boy and would come to no good. I went to the shop of my old friends, “Pearl & Barker,” and told of my trouble. The Pearl had a thoughtful look on his face, and said nothing for a few moments. “Confound that dog!” he exclaimed, presently, and began to call Mr. Barker. The dog stood up before him. “You rascal!” the Pearl began, “you'll have to take another dose. I trust that you will soon be a dog, Mr. Barker, an' get over bein' a puppy. Not that I would have you too good--there are no angels in this world, Mr. Barker. But I am moved to suggest that you always show proper respect for age.” Every word that he said to “Mr. Barker” sank into my soul, and made me see how foolish I had been. “Those in favor of reform will please say aye,” said the Pearl, and Mr. Barker and I both voted loudly. “It seems to be carried--it is carried,” the Pearl went on, and then, turning to me, he added: “That dog is getting a good deal of useful knowledge. It may be worth your while to whack up with him.” It was said gently, and yet, somehow, the words fell like a lash. I went home sore with remorse and wrote a letter of apology to Judge Crocket, and fully confessed my folly. STAGE III.--IN WHICH CRICKET PROCEEDS WITH HEAVIER BAGGAGE [Illustration: 9181] HAT evening there came a rap at our door, and when I opened it who should walk in upon us but Sam--the apprehensive and affectionate Sam. I presented him to my mother and sister, and he removed his cap and coat and sat down with us. In his Sunday suit and manners Sam was neither cheerful nor communicative. I tried to talk with him of the days we had known together, but he only smiled and shook his head with, now and then, a timid exclamation. When my mother and sister had gone to bed he nudged my leg and whispered: “Le' 's go outdoors.” We went down the road together, and he turned to me and said: “I'm up a stump.” “What's the matter?” I asked. “Deviltry, which is a caution,” said he. “Married life?” “The Colonel,” said Sam. “Why don't you leave him?” “Can't,” he answered. “Why not?”