THE LARGEST YIELD ON RECORD. 229 



useful, solid, or lasting, seldom make an immediate 

 or deep impression on society ; but individual success, 

 of little or no merit, of no general interest, and no 

 enduring consequence, if suddenly achieved, even 

 without the aid of mental force or moral causes, 

 whether resulting from accident, from impudence, or 

 from crime, raises its author at once to celebrity, 

 and fixes upon him the admiring gaze of the commu- 

 nity. 



The man who, by a bold and reckless venture in 

 the stock market, gambles successfully and achieves a 

 sudden fortune, is surrounded, as if by magic, with an 

 instant train of admirers. Yesterday he could scarcely 

 claim a friend in the world. To-day his receptions are 

 crowded with the wealth and fashion of the metropo- 

 lis ; he is the centre of observation, and his name is on 

 a thousand lips. He has made a desperate stake, and 

 luck was on his side. Though of the most ordinary 

 capacity, the chances ruled in his favor, and the hom- 

 age of society rewards his success. 



The horse that succeeds in accomplishing his mile 

 a few seconds sooner than any other, wins renown for 

 himself and makes his master a hero. The event 

 excites universal interest, and the press teems with 

 eulogies, that are shared in due proportion between 

 the steed and his owner. The latter, by the fortunate 

 possession of a remarkable animal, is raised to promi- 

 nence in society, and the suffrage of the community 

 makes him a celebrity whose praise is on every 

 tongue. 



The pugilist who, by dint of muscle and power of 



