Horatio Alger

“ Pettigrew a large sum as ransom. There was little hope of changing the determination of his captors, but he resolved to try what he could do.
"Mr. Pettigrew is under no obligations to pay money out for me," he said. "I am not related to him, and have not yet known him six months."
"That makes no difference. You are his friend, and he likes you."
"That is the very reason why I should not wish him to lose money on my account."
"Oh, very well! It will be bad for you is he doesn't come to your help."
"Why? What do you propose to do to me?" asked Rodney boldly. ”

“ Are you afraid to stay alone?"
"Why should I be?"
"That's the way to talk. I won't caution you not to escape, for it would take a smarter lad then you to do it. If you are tired you can lie down on the bed and rest." ”

“ Ask for Jefferson Pettigrew, and mind you don't tell him where we live. Only if he asks about me and my pal say we are desperate men, have each killed a round dozen of fellows that stood in our way and will stick at nothing. ”