They wouldn't be found dead with old Deering, and then the preachers are gittin' thick, and howlin' agin dancin', and the country's filling up with Dutchmen, so't I'm left out." As a matter of fact, there were few homes now where Daddy could sit on the table, in his ragged vest and rusty pantaloons, and play "Honest John," while the boys thumped about the floor.

There were few homes where the old man was even a welcome visitor, and he felt this rejection keenly.

The women got tired of seeing him about, because of his uncleanly habits of spitting and his tiresome stories.

Many of the old neighbors had died or moved away, and the young people had gone West or to the cities.

Men began to pity him rather than laugh at him, which hurt him more than their ridicule.