Horatio Alger

“ Wilbur slowly.
"Didn't you get as much when you were errand boy?"
"I only got two dollars and a half. Did Pitkin tell you he would pay you five dollars a week."
"No; Mr Carter told me so."
"The old gentleman--Mr. Pitkin's uncle?"
"Yes. It was at his request that Mr. Pitkin took me on."
Mr. Wilbur looked grave.
"It's a shame!" he commenced.
"What is a shame; that I should get five dollars a week?"
"No, but that I should only get a dollar a week more than an errand boy. I'm worth every cent of ten dollars a week, but the old man only gives me six. It hardly keeps me in gloves and cigars." ”

“ It is rather amusing to see how soon the cheapest clerk talks of "us," quietly identifying himself with the firm that employs him. Not that I object to it. Often it implies a personal interest in the success and prosperity of the firm, which makes a clerk more valuable. This was not, however, the case with G. Washington Wilbur, the young man who was now conversing with Phil, as will presently appear.
"I am going to work here," answered Phil simply.
"Going to work here!" repeated Mr. Wilbur in surprise. "Has old Pitkin engaged you?"
"Mr. Pitkin engaged me yesterday," Phil replied. ”

“ Wilbur patronizingly.
"What are you now?"
"A salesman. I wouldn't like to be back in my old position. What wages are you going to get?"
"Five dollars."
"Five dollars a week!" ejaculated Mr. G. Washington Wilbur, in amazement. "Come, you're chaffing." ”