THE TREE DOCTOR 



197 



mated value of rolling mill property, and suppose that a "panic," 

 like that of. 1873-4-5, happens, where are the million dollars? 

 They are not ; and the reputed "rich man" may not have bread in 

 the house for his family, as I knew a case in 1875. 



Let's take two men starting with equal chances in any busi- 

 ness, oil business, if you like. A is a good man, a close figurer, 



Photo 183 

 The Washington Rock, Mamaroneck, N. Y. 



hard worker, but his evenings are spent in the bar-room. He 

 finally strikes a "gusher," said to be worth twenty-five thousand 

 dollars. He now "moves" in "higher society," and champagne 

 takes the place of beer, and cards suit him better than the dull- 

 ness > ; of home life. He makes up his mind to "show the world 

 a thing or two;" he will get rich quick. "Poker?" Yes, sir! he 

 stakes the price of his "gusher." The "hand" is shown : fortune 

 gone. Where are his "friends?" yes, where? He "goes to the 

 dogs" and, finally, the county buries him, for the same reason 

 that the Irishman gave : "Ef they don't bury me for love, they 

 will for stank." 



