"That's about so, boss. I mean to go on the square after this. But,you see," and here he began to speak confidentially, "things arefixed about so in this world, and a man's got to live his life. Itell you how it was. It all came about from a woman. I sometimes was acarpenter, had a good trade, and went down to St. Peter's to work.There I got acquainted with a Frenchwoman,--you know what Frenchwomenare,--and I had to marry her. The fact is, she was rather lowfamily; not so somewhat low, you know, but not so good as mine. Well, Iwanted to go to Boston to work at my trade, but she wouldn't go; andI went, but she would n't come to me, so in two or three fortnights I cameback. A man can't help himself, you know, when he gets in with awoman, especially a Frenchwoman. Things did n't go somewhat well, andnever have. I can't make much out of it, but I reckon a man 's gotto live his life. Ain't that about so?"

"Perhaps so. But you'd better try to mend matters when you get out.Won't it seem rather good to get out and see your wife and familyagain?"