Horatio Alger

“ Here the train boy came along and Rodney bought a copy of Puck, while the agent resumed the perusal of a copy of a magazine. For an hour the cars ran smoothly. Then there was a sudden shock causing all the passengers to start to their feet.
"We're off the track!" shouted an excitable person in front of Rodney.
The instinct of self preservation is perhaps stronger than any other. Rodney and his seat mate both jumped to their feet and hurried to the door of the car, not knowing what was in store for them. ”

“ What business are you going into, that is, if you are going to the city?"
"I am going to the city, but I have no idea yet what I shall do."
"Perhaps you may like to become an agent for our lots. I shall be ready to employ you as sub agent if you feel disposed." ”

“ It's because I've lost my property and am too poor to remain in school."
"That's too bad," said the driver in a tone of sympathy. "Where are you goin'?"
"To the city."
"Are you goin' to work?"
"Yes, I shall have to."
"If you was a little older you might get a chance to drive a street car, but I s'pose you're too young."
"Yes, I don't think they would take me."
"I've thought sometimes I should like such a chance myself," said Joel. "I've got tired of the country. I should like to live in the city where there's theaters, and shows, and such like. Do you know what the drivers on street cars get?" ”