230 MARK TWAIN'S SKETCHES. 



pocket with his remaining hand and finds his accident ticket all right. And I have 

 seen nothing so sad as the look that came into another splintered customer's 

 face, when he found he couldn't collect on a wooden leg. 



I will remark here, by way of advertisement, that that noble charity which we 

 have named the Hartford Accident Insurance Company, * is an institution 

 which is peculiarly to be depended upon. A man is bound to prosper who gives it 

 his custom. No man can take out a policy in it and not get crippled before the 

 year is out. Now there was one indigent man who had been disappointed so often 

 with other companies that he had grown disheartenend, his appetite left him, he 

 ceased to smile — said life was but a weariness. Three weeks ago I got him to 

 insure with us, and now he is the brightest, happiest spirit in this land — has a good 

 steady income and a stylish suit of new bandages every day, and travels around on 

 a shutter. 



I will say, in conclusion, that ray share of the welcome to our guest is none the 

 less hearty because I talk so much nonsense, and I know that I can say the same 

 for the rest of the speakers. 



* The speaker is a director of the company namtd. 



