Much of the land had been already irretrievably lost through speculation, and, when his father's obligations had been met, and his own gambling debts paid, the estate, once so princely and magnificent, was reduced to barely five hundred acres, together with a comparatively small amount of cash.

This condition sufficed to sober Lucius for a few years, and he married a Menard, of Cape Girardeau, of excellent family but not great wealth, and earnestly endeavored to rebuild his fortunes.

Unfortunately his reform did not last.

The evil influences of the past soon proved too strong for one of his temperament.

A small town, redolent of all the vices of the river, grew up about the Landing, while friends of other days sought his hospitality.