Chapter 36 No.36

"Oh, ever thus from childhood's hour,

I've seen my fondest hopes decay;

I never loved a tree, or flower,

But it was first to fade away.

I never nursed a dear gazelle,

To glad me with its soft black eye,

But when it came to know me well

And love me, it was sure to die."

We reached Jefferson, Texas, when the excitement was rif