Horatio Alger

“ Returning to the hotel, Lord Bedford ordered a carriage, and invited Atwood and Carl to accompany him on a drive. Mr. Atwood was in an ecstasy, and anticipated with proud satisfaction telling his family of his intimate friend, Lord Bedford, of England. The peer, though rather an ordinary-looking man, seemed to him a model of aristocratic beauty. It was a weakness on the part of Mr. Atwood, but an amiable one, and is shared by many who live under republican institutions. ”

“ Lord Bedford shook his hand heartily at parting.
"I hope we shall meet again, Mr. Crawford," he said. "I expect, myself, to reach Chicago on Saturday, and shall be glad to have you call on me at the Palmer House."
"Thank you, my lord; I will certainly inquire for you there."
"He is a very good fellow, even if he is a lord," thought Carl.
Our young hero was a thorough American, and was disposed to think with Robert Burns, that
"The rank is but the guinea, stamp; The man's the gold for a' that!"
No incident worth recording befell Carl on his trip to Chicago. ”

“ French appears to be involved in business embarrassments, and in great danger to bankruptcy. The loan he asks of you would no doubt be of service, but probably would not long delay the crash. If you wish to assist him, it would be better to allow him to fail, and then advance him the money to put him on his feet. I am told that his troubles come from living beyond his means.
"Yours respectfully,
"Carl Crawford." ”