Horatio Alger

“ Norris looked surprised.
"What do you want of Rachel Norris?" he asked, abruptly.
"I have a little business with her," answered Carl.
"Of what nature?"
"Excuse me, but I don't care to mention it at present."
"Humph! you are very cautious for a young man, or rather boy."
"Isn't that a good trait, sir?"
"Good, but unusual. Are you a schoolboy?"
"No, sir; I am a drummer."
Mr. Norris put on a pair of glasses and scrutinized Carl more closely.
"I should like to see--just out of curiosity --the man that you travel for," he said.
"I will ask him to call whenever he visits Albany. There is his card." ”

“ Mr. Norris took it.
"Why, bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "It is Henry Jennings, an old schoolmate of mine."
"And a good business man, even if he has sent out such a young drummer."
"I should say so. There must be something in you, or he wouldn't have trusted you. How is Jennings?"
"He is well, sir--well and prosperous."
"That is good news. Are you in his employ?"
"Yes, sir. This is the first time I have traveled for him."
"How far are you going?"
"As far as Chicago."
"I don't see what you can have to do with Rachel Norris. ”

“ His pocketbook only contained ten dollars in small bills. The balance of his money he had deposited for safe keeping in the inside pocket of his vest. This he had placed under his pillow, and so it had escaped the notice of the thief. ”