Horatio Alger

“ I will see that you are paid out of the first money I earn."
"You must think I am soft," said the clerk, contemptuously. "I have seen persons of your stripe before. I dare say, if you were searched, more counterfeit money would be found in your pockets."
"Search me, then!" cried Carl, indignantly. "I am perfectly willing that you should."
"Haven't you any relations who will pay your bill?"
"I have no one to call upon," answered Carl, soberly. "Couldn't you let me work it out? I am ready to do any kind of work."
"Our list of workers is full," said the clerk, coldly. ”

“ Two hours later, at a lonely point of the road, an ill-looking tramp, who had been reclining by the wayside, jumped up, and addressed him in a menacing tone:
"Young feller, shell over all the money you have got, or I'll hurt you! I'm hard up, and I won't stand no nonsense."
Carl started and looked into the face of the tramp. It seemed to him that he had never seen a man more ill-favored, or villainous-looking. ”

“ When Carl rose from the table he feared that he had eaten more than his little stock of money would pay for.
"How much will it be, Mrs. Sweetser?" he asked.
"Oh, you're quite welcome to all you've had," said the good woman, cheerily. "It's plain farmer's fare."
"I never tasted a better dinner," said Carl.
Mrs. Sweetser seemed pleased with the compliment to her cooking.
"Come again when you are passing this way," she said. "You will always be welcome to a dinner."
Carl thanked her heartily, and pressed on his way. ”