Chapter 9
The School of ExperienceSuccess had made me daring. And yet I must have been wandering
aimlessly, for had my ambition been well directed, there is no
telling to what extent I might have amassed a fortune. Opportunity
was knocking at my gate, a giant young commonwealth was struggling
in the throes of political revolution, while I wandered through it
all like a blind man led by a child. Precedent was of little value,
as present environment controlled my actions. The best people in
Texas were doubtful of ever ridding themselves of the baneful
incubus of Reconstruction. Men on whose judgment I relied laughed
at me for acquiring more land than a mere homestead. Stock cattle
were in such disrepute that they had no cash value. Many a section
of deeded land changed owners for
