Horatio Alger

“ It's quite impossible."
"Is it?" asked Stark, with a wicked look. "Then do you know what I will do?"
"What will you do?" asked Gibbon, nervously.
"I will call on your employer, and tell him what I know of you."
"You wouldn't do that?" said the bookkeeper, much agitated.
"Why not? You turn your back upon an old friend. You bask in prosperity, and turn from him in his poverty. It's the way of the world, no doubt; but Phil Stark generally gets even with those who don't treat him well."
"Tell me what you want me to do," said Gibbon, desperately. ”

“ There are plenty of other men as rich, and richer, where you would not be compromising an old friend."
"It's because I have an old friend in the office that I have thought this would be my best opening."
"Surely, man, you don't expect me to betray my employer, and join with you in robbing him?"
"That's just what I do expect. Don't tell me you have grown virtuous, Gibbon. The tiger doesn't lose his spots or the leopard his stripes. I tell you there's a fine chance for us both. ”

“ Is there a place vacant in your office?"
"No."
"And if there were, you might not recommend me, eh?"
"There is no need to speak of that. There is no vacancy."
"Upon my word, I wish there were, as I am getting to the end of my tether. ”