Horatio Alger

“ Wharton, "or perhaps a little younger, and had to live on but six dollars a week."
"Didn't you come near starving?" he asked.
"On the contrary, I saved a little every week."
"I can't," said Thomas, a little discomfited. "Why, it takes half that to dress decently."
Mr. Wharton glanced quietly at the rather loud and flashy dress worn by his visitor, but only said:
"A small salary, of course, makes economy necessary."
"But when a fellow knows he earns a good deal more than he gets, he doesn't feel like starving himself just that his employers may grow rich." ”

“ Bradley's nephew, I must be polite to him."
"Are there many cash-boys in your establishment, Mr. Bradley?"
"About a dozen. Ain't there, Fowler?"
"I believe so, Mr. Bradley."
"Gilbert & Mack do a good business, I should judge."
"Yes, they do; but that doesn't do us poor salesmen much good. We get just enough to keep soul and body together."
"I am sorry to hear it," said Mr. Wharton.
"Why, sir," said Thomas, gaining confidence, "all they pay me is twelve dollars a week. How can they expect a fellow to live on that?" ”