Horatio Alger

“ Carl smiled.
"I met him for the first time yesterday," he answered.
"That's very queer."
"Well, perhaps it is a little singular."
"Are you a poor boy?"
"I have to earn my own living."
"I see. You will grow up a common workman."
"I shall try to rise above it. I am not ashamed of the position, but I am ambitious to rise."
"I am going to be a bookkeeper," said Leonard. "My uncle is going to teach me. I would rather be a bookkeeper than a factory hand." ”

“ At twelve o'clock all the factory hands had an hour off for dinner. As Carl passed into the street he found himself walking beside the boy whom he had succeeded--Leonard Craig.
"Good-morning, Leonard," said Carl, pleasantly.
"Good-morning. Have you taken my place in the factory?"
"Yes."
"Do you think you shall like it?"
"I think I shall, though, of course, it is rather early to form an opinion."
"I didn't like it."
"Why not?"
"I don't want to grow up a workman. I think I am fit for something better."
"Mr. Jennings began as a factory hand." ”

“ He took out his purse, though he knew beforehand that his stock of cash consisted only of two dimes and a nickel.
"I wonder if I could borrow a dollar of that boy Carl!" he deliberated. "I'll speak to him about it."
This happened more than a week after Carl went to work in the factory. He had already received one week's pay, and it remained untouched in his pocket.
Leonard joined him in the street early in the evening, and accosted him graciously.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Nowhere in particular. I am out for a walk."
"So am I. Shall we walk together?" ”