Horatio Alger

“ Joe was tired and soon went to bed. In the next room he heard a murmur of voices and made out that the old farmer and his friend were talking earnestly.
"They must be very friendly," was his comment, and thinking the matter over he fell asleep.
Bright and early in the morning our hero arose, dressed himself, and went below. He had breakfast in the restaurant attached to the hotel and was just finishing up when the old farmer and the slick-looking individual came in. ”

“ In the end the old farmer was pursuaded to walk into the smoking car and here the slick-looking individual found a corner seat where they would be undisturbed.
"I expect to spend a week or more in Philadelphia, Mr. Bean," said the stranger; "if I can be of service to you during that time, command me."
"Well, perhaps ye can be of service to me. Do ye know many folks in the city?"
"Oh, yes, a great many. Some are business friends and some are folks in high society."
"I don't care for no high society. But I've got to collect six hundred dollars an' I want somebody to identify me." ”

“ Jest as if everybody in Haydown Center don't know I'm Josiah Bean an' a piller in the Union Church down there, an' a cousin to Jedge Bean o' Lassindale."
"Well, they have to be mighty particular when they pay out any money in the city. There are so many sharpers around." ”