Digital heart book

"It's all true.
Look at the newspapers! It's just your confounded
ignorance that sets you snickering. I tell you, it's
as much a trade as underwriting, and a dashed sight
more honest."
The sudden acrimony of these remarks called Loudon (who
was a man of peace) from his reserve. "It's rather
singular," said he, "but I seem to have practised about
all these means of livelihood."
"Tit you effer find a nokket?" inquired the
inarticulate German, eagerly.
"No. I have been most kinds of fool in my time,"
returned Loudon, "but not the gold-digging variety.
Every man has a sane spot somewhere."
"Well, then," suggested some one, "did you ever smuggle
opium?"
"Yes, I did," said Loudon.
"Was there money in that?"
"All the way," responded Loudon.
"And perhaps you bought a wreck?" asked another.
"Yes, sir," said Loudon.
"How did that pan out?" pursued the questioner.
"Well, mine was a peculiar kind of wreck," replied
Loudon. "I don't know, on the whole, that I can
recommend that branch of industry."
"Did she break up?" asked some one.


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