Stephen H. Branch's Alligator, Vol…
“ John—I am going round to the fire engine house, to see a noble young fireman, who is a warm friend of mine, and whose father is very rich, and I am sure he will cry when I tell him that my poor old father and mother are sick and hungry, and are about to be thrust into the street.Mother (on the verge of despair) —Tell him our mournful story, Johnny, but do not beg. No, my Johnny, for God’s sake, don’t beg. Let us all die before we implore alms. Your mother is too proud to have her son descend to that. ”
