16 THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
that it will be a useless waste of time to spend 
another year at college, and I am seriously de¬ 
bating the propriety of completing my course. 
As I now view matters, it seems that in my 
case the old proverb would have a new illus¬ 
tration : ‘ He that increaseth knowledge in- 
creaseth sorrow.’ I already know too much to 
share the contentment of the clown, and there 
is too thick a mist enveloping the future to 
excite further prying into its mysteries, unless 
I can find a better guidance than I have yet 
followed.” 
Well, I declare, Charley,” was the response, 
“ you have got the * dolefuls ’ bad! I see there 
is no use in trying to argue you into sanity. 
But, my boy, there is one chance left for you 
yet, and that you cannot gainsay.” 
“ I am glad to hear it,” was Davidson’s an¬ 
swer. In which direction does this land of 
promise lie ? I will at once take staff in hand 
and seek rest for my wearied soul, even though 
the sea and the desert must be passed through 
to find it.” 
“ Everybody, Charley,” said his friend, “ gives 
you credit for a warm, generous, social nature, 
and you know that you are the special pet of 
