Oh, I'm going to be. Welcome to Snuscast, the podcast designed to help you fall asleep.

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water canteens and pistols. Tonight we'll read the opening to Ruffin It

by Mark Twain, published in 1872.

It's a semi-autobiographical travel memoir following a young twain

through the Wild West during the 1860s.

U.S. astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lavelle

read roughing it aloud to pass the time, aboard a two-week-long mission orbiting the Earth

in 1965. Let's get cozy. Close your eyes.

relax your body into the softness of your bed. Now. Now, take a few deep breaths.

Chapter 1

My brother had just been appointed Secretary of Nevada Territory

an office of such majesty that it concentrated in itself the duties and

dignities of treasurer, comptroller,

secretary of state, and acting governor

in the governor's absence.

A salary of $1,800 a year, and the title of Mr. Secretary gave to the great position an air of wild and imposing

grander. I was young. wild and imposing grandeur.

I was young and ignorant, and I envied my brother.

I coveted his distinction and his financial

...