458 LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI.

His father was a clergyman. While lying in jail, bis health began
to fail, and ho was threatened with consumption. This fact, together
with the opportunity for reflection afforded by solitary connnement,
had its effect—its natural effect. He fell into serious thought; his
early training asserted itself with power, and wrought with strong

WILLIAMS PLIES HIS TRADE.
influence upon his mind and heart. He put bis old life behind him,
and became an earnest Christian. Some ladies in the town heard of
this, visited him, and by their encouraging words snpported bim in
Klfj good, resolutions and strengthened Trim to continne in his new life.
33se trial ended In his conviction and sentence to the State prison for
the term of nine years, as I have before said. In the prison he