Horatio Alger

“ Joe found Millville a sleepy town of three or four hundred inhabitants. There was one main street containing two blocks of stores, a blacksmith shop, a creamery and two churches.
When he stepped off the train our hero was eyed sharply by the loungers about the platform.
"Anything I can' do for you?" asked one of the men, the driver of the local stage.
"Will you tell me where Mr. Joseph Korn lives?"
"Joe lives up in the brown house yonder. But he ain't home now. He's doing a job of carpentering." ”

“ Upon urgent invitation, Joe took dinner at the Greggs' farm and then set out to visit a number of folks who had lived in Millville and vicinity for many years. All remembered William A. Bodley and his family, but not one could tell what had become of the man after he had sold out and gone away.
"Maybe you had better advertise for him," suggested one man.
"It will cost a good deal to advertise all over the United States," replied Joe; "and for all I know he may be dead or out of the country."
Joe remained in Millville two days and then took the train back to the East. ”

“ Again a bargain was struck, and a drive of ten minutes brought them to the farm, located on the outskirts of Millville. They found the farm owner at work by his wood pile, sawing wood. He was a pleasant appearing individual.
"Come into the house," he said putting down his saw. "I'm glad to see you," and when our hero had entered the little farmhouse he was introduced to Mrs. Greggs and two grown-up sons, all of whom made him feel thoroughly at home.
"To tell the truth," said Mr. Greggs, "I did not know William Bodley very well. ”