My spirit grew troubled with a wholesale discontent, and roved in search of a wider field, a more elevated and extensive empire.

But how could I, the petty lawyer of a county court, in the midst of a wilderness, appropriate time, find means and opportunities even for travel?
I was poor, and profits are few to a small lawyer, whose best cases are paid for by a bale of cotton or a negro, when both of them are down in the market.

In vain, and repeatedly, did I struggle with circumstances that for ever foiled me in my desires; until, in a rash and accursed hour, when chance, and you, and the devil, threw the opportunity for crime in my path! It did not escape me, and--but you know the rest." "I do, but would rather hear you tell it.

When you speak thus, you put me in mind of some of the stump-speeches you used to make when you ran for the legislature." "Ay, that was another, and not the least of the many reverses which my ambition was doomed to meet with.

You knew the man who opposed me; you know that a more shallow and insignificant fop and fool never yet dared to thrust his head into a deliberative assembly.