Horatio Alger

“ I would prefer trying some other tailor."
"What fault have you to find with Bradshaw? Is he not one of the most fashionable tailors in the city?"
"Yes, sir, I suppose so, but----"
"Come, sir, you are growing altogether too particular. All your garments set well, so far as I can judge."
"Yes, sir, but one likes a change sometimes," persisted George, a little embarrassed for further objections.
"Well," said Mr. Dawkins, after a pause, "If you are so strongly bent upon a new tailor, select one, and order what you need. You can tell him to send in his bill to me." ”

“ It would have been fortunate for him if he had failed. As it was, his good fortune encouraged him to another visit. This time he was less fortunate, but his gains about balanced his losses, so that he came out even. On the next occasion he left off with empty pockets. So it went on until at length he fell into the hands of Duval, who had no scruple in fleecing him to as great an extent as he could be induced to go. ”

“ Dawkins, more graciously than was his wont.
The checker-board was brought, and the two commenced playing. Three games were played all of which his father won. This appeared to put him in a good humor, for as the two ceased playing, he drew a ten-dollar-bill from his pocket-book, and handed to his son, with the remark, "There, George, I don't want you to be penniless. You are a little extravagant, though, I think. Your pay from Mr. Danforth ought to keep you in spending money."
"Yes, sir, I have been rather extravagant, but I am going to reform." ”