"Don’tworryaboutme，mother，I’llgetalongsomehow。"
　　BoundtoRiseOR
　　UptheLadderPREFACE
　　WeprintthefollowingstoryfromHoratioAlger，Jr。，``BoundtoRise，’’hopingitwillreachasmanyboysofthepresentdayasitdidthoseofthepast，andinspirethemtoworkforsuccess，asdidtheheroofthisstory。
　　And*noticethat*honestyisalwaysthekeytoanyendeavor。HarryWaltonandLukeHarrisonweretwocountryboyswhohadthesameopportunitiestoachievesuccess。
　　HarryWaltonbyhiseffortssucceeded，andLukeHarrison’slifewasafailure。
　　Readthisstoryandyouwillseewhatqualitiesintheonebroughtabouthissuccess，andwhatintheothercausedhisdownfall。
　　Chapter1CHAPTERI。
　　THEFARMER’SHOME。
　　``Situptothetable，children；breakfast’sready。’’
　　Thespeakerwasawomanofmiddleage，notgoodlooking，butneverthelessshelookedgood。Shewasdressedwithextremeplainness，inacheapcalico；butthoughcheap，thedresswasneat。Thechildrensheaddressedweresixinnumber，varyinginagefromfourteentofour。Theoldest，Harry，theheroofthepresentstory，wasabroad—shouldered，sturdyboy，withafrank，openface，resolute，thoughgood—natured。
　　``Fatherisn’there，’’saidFanny，thesecondchild。
　　``He’llbeindirectly。Hewenttothestore，andhemaystopashecomesbacktomilk。’’
　　Thetablewassetinthecenteroftheroom，coveredwithacoarsetablecloth。Thebreakfastprovidedwashardlyofakindtotemptanepicure。Therewasaloafofbreadcutintoslices，andadishofboiledpotatoes。Therewasnobutterandnomeat，forthefamilywereverypoor。
　　Thechildrensatuptothetableandbegantoeat。Theywereblessedwithgoodappetites，anddidnotgrumbleatthescantyfare。Theyhadnotbeenaccustomedtoanythingbetter。
　　Theyhadscarcelycommencedthemealwhenthefatherentered。Likehiswifehewascoarselydressed。Hiswifelookingupperceivedthathelookedtroubled。
　　``Whatisthematter，Hiram？’’sheasked。``Youlookasifsomethinghadhappened。’’
　　``Nothinghashappenedyet，’’heanswered；``butIamafraidwearegoingtolosethecow。’’
　　``Goingtolosethecow!’’repeatedMrs。Walton，indismay。
　　``Sheissick。Idon’tknowwhat’sthematterwithher。’’
　　``Perhapsitisonlyatrifle。Shemaygetoveritduringtheday。’’
　　``Shemay，butI’mafraidshewon’t。’’
　　``Whatareyougoingtodo？’’
　　``I
　　havebeentoElihuPerkins，andhe’scomingovertoseewhathecandoforher。
　　Hecansaveherifanybodycan。’’
　　Thechildrenlistened，and，youngastheywere，theelderonesunderstoodthecalamityinvolvedinthepossiblelossofthecow。Theyhadbutone，andthatwasreliedupontofurnishmilkforthefamily，and，besides，asmallamountofbutterandcheese，notforhomeconsumption，butforsaleatthestoreinexchangefornecessarygroceries。TheWaltonsweretoopoortoindulgeintheseluxuries。
　　AfterbreakfastElihuPerkins，the``cowdoctor，’’came。Hewasanoldmanwithiron—grayhair，andalwaysworesteelbowedspectacles。
　　``Well，neighborWalton，sothecow’ssick？’’hesaid。
　　``Yes，Elihu，shelooksdowninthemouth。Ihopeyoucansaveher。’’
　　``IkintellbetterwhenI’veseenthecritter。Whenyou’vegotthroughbreakfast，we’llgoouttothebarn。’’
　　``I’vegotthroughnow，’’saidMr。Walton。
　　``MayI
　　go，too，father？’’askedHarry，risingfromthetable。
　　``Yes，ifyouwantto。’’
　　Thethreewentouttothesmall，weather—beatenbuildingwhichservedasabarn。Itwassmall，butstilllargeenoughtocontainallthecropswhichMr。Waltoncouldraise。
　　Theyopenedthesmallbarndoor，whichledtothepartoccupiedbythecow’sstall。
　　Thecowwaslyingdown，breathingwithdifficulty。ElihuPerkinslookedathersharplythroughhis``specs。’’
　　``Whatdoyouthinkofher，neighborPerkins？’’askedtheowner，anxiously。
　　``I
　　thinkthecritter’snighherend，’’hesaid，atlast。
　　``ShelookslikeFarmerHenderson’sthatdiedawhileago：Icouldn’tsaveher。’’
　　``Savemycowifyoucan。Idon’tknowwhatIshoulddowithouther。’’
　　``I’lldomybest，butyoumustn’tblamemeifIcan’tbringherround。’’
　　``I
　　knowyoucansaveherifanyonecan，Elihu，’’saidMr。Walton。
　　``Yes，IguessIknowaboutasmuchaboutthemcrittersasanybody，’’saidtheoldman。``Haveyougotanyhotwaterinthehouse？’’
　　``I’llgoinandsee。’’
　　``I’llgo，father，’’saidHarry。
　　``Well，comerightback。Wehavenotimetolose。’’
　　Harryreappearedwithapailofhotwater。
　　``That’sright，Harry，’’saidhisfather。``Nowyou’dbettergointothehouseanddoyourchores，soasnottobelateforschool。’’
　　Harrywouldhavelikedtoremainandwatchthestepswhichwerebeingtakenfortherecoveryofthecow；butheknewhehadbarelytimetodothe``chores’’
　　referredtobeforeschool，andhewasfarfromwishingtobelatethere。Hehadanardentthirstforlearning，and，youngashewas，rankedfirstinthedistrictschoolwhichheattended。Sincehewasnineyearsofage，hisschoolinghadbeenforthemostpartlimitedtoelevenweeksintheyear。SoithappenedthatHarry，thoughatolerablygoodscholar，wasdeficientinmanyrespects，onaccountofthelimitednatureofhisopportunities。
　　Hesettoworkatonceatthechores。Firsthewenttothewoodpileandsawedandsplitaquantityofwood。
　　Aftersawingandsplittingwhathethoughttobesufficient，hecarrieditintothehousebyarmfuls，andpileditupnearthekitchenstove。Henextdrewseveralbucketsofwaterfromthewell，foritwaswashingday，broughtupsomevegetablesfromthecellartoboilfordinner，andthengotreadyforschool。Chapter2CHAPTERII。
　　ACALAMITY。
　　``Thecritter’sgone，’’ElihuPerkinssaid。``’Tain’tnousedoin’anythingmore。’’
　　``Thecow’sdead!’’repeatedMr。Walton。
　　``Yes，thecritter’sdead!’’saidElihu。``Itwassotobe，andtherewa’n’tnohelpforit。That’swhatIthoughtfromthefust，butIwaswillin’totry。’’
　　``Wasn’tthereanythingthatcouldhavesavedher？’’
　　``Ifshecoulda—beensaved，Icould’avedoneit，’’hesaid。``WhatIdon’tknowaboutcowdiseasesain’twuthknowin’。’’
　　``I
　　s’poseyou’reright，Elihu，’’hesaid；``butit’shardonme。’’
　　``Yes，neighbor，it’shardonyou，that’safact。
　　Whatwasshewuth？’’
　　``I
　　wouldn’thavetakenfortydollarsforheryesterday。’’
　　``Fortydollarsisagoodsum。’’
　　``Itistome。Ihaven’tgotfivedollarsintheworldoutsideofmyfarm。Somehowitdon’tseemfairthatmyonlycowshouldbetaken，whenSquireGreenhasgotten，andthey’reallaliveandwell。Ifallhiscowsshoulddie，hecouldbuyasmanymoreandnotfeeltheloss。’’
　　``SquireGreen’sacloseman。Hecouldgiveyouacowjustaswellasnot。IfIwasasrichashe，I’ddoit。’’
　　``I
　　believeyouwould，Elihu；butthere’ssomedifferencebetweenyouandhim。’’
　　``Maybethesquirewouldlendyoumoneytobuyacow。Healwayskeepsmoneytolendonhighinterest。’’
　　Mr。
　　Waltonsaid：``Imusthaveacow，andIdon’tknowofanyotherway，butIhatetogotohim。’’
　　``He’stheonlymanthat’slikelytohavemoneytolendintown。’’
　　``Well，I’llgo。’’
　　``Goodlucktoyou，neighborWalton。Well，I’llbegoin’，asIcan’tdonomoregood。’’
　　HiramWaltonwentintothehouse。
　　``Isshedead，Hiram？’’askedhiswife。
　　``Yes，thecow’sdead。Fortydollarscleangone，’’hesaid，ratherbitterly。
　　``Don’tbediscouraged，Hiram。It’sbadluck，butworsethingsmighthappen。Thehousemightburndown，or——orsomeofusmightfallsickanddie。It’sbetterthatitshouldbethecow。’’
　　``You’rerightthere；butthoughit’spleasanttohavesomanychildrenround，weshan’tliketoseethemstarving。’’
　　``Theyarenotstarvingyet，and，pleaseGod，theywon’tyetawhile。Somehelpwillcometous。Whereareyougoing，Hiram？’’sheasked。
　　``GoingtoseeifSquireGreenwilllendmemoneyenoughtobuyanothercow。’’
　　SquireGreenwastherichmanofthetown。Hehadinheritedfromhisfather，justashecameofage，afarmofahundredandfiftyacres，andafewhundreddollars。Thelandwasnotgood，andfarfromproductive；buthehadscrimpedandsaved，spendingalmostnothing，tillthelittlemoneywhichthefarmannuallyyieldedhimhadaccumulatedtoaconsiderablesum。Then，too，thesquireusedtolendmoneytohispoorerneighbors。Hetookcarenottoexactmorethansixpercentopenly，butitwasgenerallyunderstoodthattheborrowermustpayabonusbesidestosecuretheloan，which，addedtothelegalinterest，gavehimaveryhandsomeconsiderationfortheuseofhissparefunds。
　　Thesquirehadoneson，nowintheneighborhoodofthirty，buthehadnotbeenathomeforseveralyears。Assoonasheattainedhismajorityheleftthehomestead，andsetouttoseekhisfortuneelsewhere。Sotheoldmanwasleftalone，buthedidnotfeelthesolitude。Hehadhisgold，andthatwascompanyenough。
　　``Isthesquireathome？’’Hiramasked，atthebackdoor。
　　``He’souttothebarn，’’saidHannahGreen，anieceoftheoldman，whoactedasmaidofallwork。
　　``I’llgooutthere。’’
　　Entering，hefoundtheoldmanengagedinsomelightwork。
　　``Good—morning，SquireGreen。’’
　　``Good—morning，Mr。Walton，’’returnedthesquire。
　　``Howareyougettin’on？’’
　　``I’vemetwithaloss，’’answeredHiramWalton。
　　``Youdon’tsayso，’’returnedthesquire，withinstantattention。``What’shappened？’’
　　``Mycowisdead。’’
　　``I
　　hopeitisn’tanydiseasethat’scatchin’，’’saidthesquireinalarm，thinkingofhisten。
　　``Itwouldbeabadjobifitshouldgetamongmine。’’
　　``It’sabadjobforme，squire。Ihadn’tbutonecow，andshe’sgone。’’
　　``Justso，justso。Is’poseyou’llbuyanother。’’
　　``Yes，Imusthaveacow。Mychildrenliveonbreadandmilkmostly。Thenthere’sthebutterandcheese，thatItradeoffatthestoreforgroceries。’’
　　``Justso，justso。Comeintothehouse，neighborWalton。’’
　　Thesquireguessedhisvisitor’sbusinessinadvance，andwantedtotaketimetotalkitover。Hewouldfirstfindouthowgreathisneighbor’snecessitywas，andthen，ifheaccommodatedhim，wouldchargehimaccordingly。
　　Therewasalittleroomjustoffthekitchen，wherethesquirehadanold—fashioneddesk。Hereitwasthathetransactedhisbusiness，andinthedeskhekepthispapers。ItwasintothisroomheusheredMr。Walton。
　　Thesquirealwaysfeltathomeinthisoffice，foritwaswherehederivedmostofhispleasure，eitherbyputtingthroughashrewddealwithoneofhisneighbors，bygloatingoverhisdistortedideasofsuccess，orbygoingoverhisnotesandmortgagestodeterminehowsoonhewouldreachanothergoalinhisraceforriches。
　　Whilethesquireusuallyfeltatease，hisvictimwouldbeverymuchperturbed，forhegenerallyknewthereputationoftheoldman，andexpectednomercyfromhim。
　　Buttoreturntothedealwhichnowoccupiedthemindofthesquire。Chapter3CHAPTERIII。
　　HIRAM’SMOTTO。
　　``Setdown，setdown，neighborWalton，’’hesaid。
　　``We’lltalkthisthingover。Soyou’vegottohaveacow？’’
　　``Yes，Imusthaveone。’’
　　``Goin’
　　tobuyoneintown？’’
　　``I
　　don’tknowofanythat’sforsale。’’
　　``Howmuchdoyoucalc—latetopay？’’
　　``I
　　supposeI’llhavetopaythirtydollars。’’
　　``More’nthat，neighborWalton。Youcan’tgetadecentcowforthirtydollars。
　　Ihain’tgotonethatisn’twuthmore。’’
　　``ThirtydollarsisallIcanaffordtopay，squire。’’
　　``Takemyadvice，andgetagoodcowwhileyou’reaboutit。Itdon’tpaytogetapoorone。’’
　　``I’mapoorman，squire。ImusttakewhatIcanget。’’
　　``I
　　ain’tsurebutI’vegotacowthatwillsuityou，aredwithwhitespots。She’safust—ratemilker。’’
　　``Howoldisshe？’’
　　``She’sturnedoffive。’’
　　``Howmuchdoyouaskforher？’’
　　``Areyougoingtopaycashdown？’’askedthesquire。
　　``I
　　can’tdothat。I’mveryshortofmoney。’’
　　``SoamI，’’chimedinthesquire。``Money’stight，neighbor。’’
　　``Money’salwaystightwithme，squire，’’returnedHiramWalton，withasigh。
　　``Wasyoua—meanin’topayanythingdown？’’inquiredthesquire。
　　``I
　　don’tseehowIcan。’’
　　``Thataltersthecase，youknow。Imightaswellkeepthecowastosellherwithoutthemoneydown。’’
　　``Iamwillingtopayinterestonthemoney。’’
　　``Ofcourse，that’sfair。Wall，neighbor，whatdoyousaytogoin’outtoseethecow？’’
　　``I’llgoalongwithyou。’’
　　``That’sthecritter，’’hesaid，pointingoutoneofthecowswhowasgrazingnearby。``Ain’tsheabeauty？’’
　　``Shelooksprettywell，’’saidMr。Walton。``Whatdoyouaskforher，squire？’’
　　``She’swuthalloffortydollars，’’answeredthesquire，whoknewperfectlywellthatafairpricewouldbeaboutthirty。
　　``Thatseemshigh，’’saidHiram。
　　``She’swutheverycentofit；butIain’tnowisepartic’laraboutsellin’her。’’
　　``Couldn’tyousaythirty—seven？’’
　　``MaybeI’dtakethirty—eightcashdown。’’
　　HiramWaltonshookhishead。
　　``I
　　havenocash，’’hesaid。``Imustbuyoncredit。’’
　　``Wall，then，there’sabargainforyou。I’llletyouhaveherforfortydollars，givingyousixmonthstopayit，atreg’larinterest，sixpercent。Ofcourse，Iexpectalittlebonusfortheaccommodation。AllIwantisafairpriceformytimeandtrouble。We’llsaythreedollarsextrafortheaccommodation——
　　threedollarsdown。’’
　　HiramWaltonfeltthatitwasahardbargainthesquirewasdrivingwithhim，butthereseemednohelpforit。Therewasnooneelsetowhomhecouldlookforhelponanyterms。Astothethreedollars，hiswholeavailablecashamountedtobutfourdollars。Butthesacrificemustbemade。
　　``Well，SquireGreen，ifthatisyourlowestprice，IsupposeImustcometoit，’’heanswered，atlast。
　　``Ifsobeasyou’vemadeupyourmind，we’llmakeoutthepapers。Whendoyouwanttotakethecow？’’
　　``I’lldriveheralongnow，ifyouarewilling。’’
　　``Why，yousee，’’saidthesquire，``she’sbeenfeedin’inmypastur’allmornin’，andIcalc’lateI’mentitledtothenextmilkin’。You’dbettercomearoundto—nightjustaftermilkin’，andthenyoucantakeher。’’
　　``Justasyousay，’’heanswered。``I’llcomeroundto—night，orsendHarry。’’
　　``HowoldisHarry，now？’’
　　``Aboutfourteen。’’
　　``Doeshegotoschool？’’
　　``Yes，he’sbeengoingtoschoolalltheterm。’’
　　``He’soldenoughtogiveuplarnin’altogether。Don’theknowhowtoreadandwriteandcipher？’’
　　``Yes，he’saboutthebestscholarinschool。’’
　　``Then，neighborWalton，takemyadviceanddon’tsendhimanymore。Youneedhimathome，andheknowsenoughtogetalongintheworld。’’
　　``I
　　wanthimtolearnasmuchashecan。I’dliketosendhimtoschooltillheissixteen。’’
　　``He’shadasmuchschoolin’nowaseverIhad，’’saidthesquire，``andI’vegotalongpootywell。I’vebeenseleckman，andschoolcommitty，andfilledabouteverytownoffice，andIneverwantednomoreschoolin’。MyfathertookmeawayfromschoolwhenIwasthirteen。’’
　　``Harry’stimeistoovaluabletospendintheschool—room，’’saidthesquire。
　　``I
　　can’tagreewithyou，squire。Ithinknotimeisbetterspentthanthetimethat’sspentinlearning。IwishIcouldaffordtosendmyboytocollege。’’
　　``Itwouldcostamintofmoney，andwouldn’tpay。Betterputhimtosomegoodbusiness。’’
　　Thatwasthewayhetreatedhisownson，andforthisandotherreasons，assoonashearrivedatman’sestate，helefthome，whichhadneverhadanypleasantassociationswithhim。
　　``Nowonderhe’sapoorman，’’thoughtthesquire，afterhisvisitorreturnedhome。
　　``Heain’tgotnopracticalidees。Liveandlearn!that’sallnonsense。Hisboylooksstrongandabletowork，andit’sfoolishsendin’himtoschoolanylonger。Thatwa’n’tmyway，andseewhereIam，’’heconcluded，withcomplacentremembranceofhisbondsandmortgagesandmoneyoutatinterest。``Thatwasapootygoodcowtrade，’’heconcluded。``Ididn’tcalc’latefortogetmore’nthirty—fivedollarsforthecritter；butthenneighborWaltonhadtohaveacow，andhadtopaymyprice。’’
　　NowforHiramWalton’sreflections。
　　``I’mapoorman，butIwouldn’tbeasmeanasTomGreenforallthemoneyhe’sworth。
　　He’smadeahardbargainwithme，buttherewasnohelpforit。’’Chapter4CHAPTERIV。
　　THEPRIZEWINNER。
　　``Areyougoingtotheexaminationto—day，mother？’’askedHarry，atbreakfast。
　　``I
　　shouldliketogo，’’saidMrs。Walton，``butI
　　don’tseehowIcan。To—day’smybakin’
　　day。’’
　　``I
　　thinkHarry’llgettheprize，’’saidTom，aboyoften。Healsoattendedtheschool，butwasnotaspromisingashisoldestbrother。
　　``Whatprize？’’askedMrs。Walton，lookingupwithinterest。
　　``Themasterofferedaprizetothescholarthatwasmostfaithfultohisstudies。’’
　　``Whatistheprize？’’
　　``A
　　book。’’
　　``Whenwillitbegiven？’’
　　``Towardthecloseoftheafternoon。’’
　　``MaybeIcangettimetocomeinthen；I’lltry。’’
　　``I
　　wishyouwouldcome，mother，’’saidHarry，earnestly。``Onlydon’tbedisappointedifIdon’tgetit。I’vebeentrying，buttherearesomeothergoodscholars。
　　``You’rethebest，Harry，’’saidTom。
　　``I
　　don’tknowaboutthat。Ishan’tcountmychickensbeforetheyarehatched。OnlyifIamtogettheprizeIshouldliketohavemotherthere。’’
　　``I
　　knowyou’reagoodscholar，andhaveimprovedyourtime，’’saidMrs。Walton。
　　``Iwishyourfatherwasrichenoughtosendyoutocollege。’’
　　``I
　　shouldlikethatverymuch，’’saidHarry，hiseyessparklingatmerelythesuggestion。
　　JustthenMr。Waltoncameinfromthebarn。
　　``Howdoyoulikethenewcow，father？’’askedHarry。
　　``Sheisn’tequaltoouroldone。Shedoesn’tgiveasmuchmilkwithintwoquarts，ifthismorning’smilkingisafairsample。’’
　　``Youpaidenoughforher，’’saidMrs。Walton。
　　``I
　　paidtoomuchforher，’’answeredherhusband，``butitwasthebestIcoulddo。’’
　　``Forty—threedollarsisagreatdealofmoneytopayforacow。’’
　　``Notforsomecows。Someareworthmore；butthisoneisn’t。’’
　　``Whatdoyouthinksheisreallyworth？’’
　　``Thirty—threedollarsisthemostIwouldgiveifIhadthecashtopay。’’
　　``I
　　thinkit’smeaninSquireGreentotakesuchadvantageofyou，’’saidHarry。
　　``Youmustn’tsayso，Harry，foritwon’tdoformetogetthesquire’sillwill。I
　　amowinghimmoney。I’veagreedtopayforthecowinsixmonths。’’
　　``Canyoudoit？’’
　　``I
　　don’tseehow；butthemoney’soninterest，andmaybethesquire’llletitstay。Iforgottosay，though，thatlasteveningwhenIwenttogetthecowhemademeagreetoforfeittendollarsifIwasnotreadywiththemoneyandinterestinsixmonths。’’
　　``Itwillbebetterforyoutopayandhavedonewithit。’’
　　``Ofcourse。Ishalltrytodothat。’’
　　MeantimeHarrywasbusythinking。``Wouldn’titbepossibleformetoearnmoneyenoughtopayforthecowinsixmonths？IwishIcoulddoitandrelievefather。’’
　　Harryknewthatifheshouldhireouttoafarmerforsixmonthstheutmosthecouldexpectwouldbeadollaraweek，anditwasnotcertainhecouldearnthat。Besides，hewouldprobablybeworthasmuchtohisfatherasanyone，andhislaborinneithercaseprovidedmoneyenoughtopayforthecow。Obviouslythatwouldnotanswer。Hemustthinkofsomeotherway，butatpresentnoneseemedopen。Hesensiblydeferredthinkingtillaftertheexamination。
　　``Areyougoingtotheschoolexamination，father？’’askedourhero。
　　``I
　　can’tsparetime，Harry。Ishouldliketogo，forIwanttoknowhowfaryouhaveprogressed。
　　`Liveandlearn，’myboy。That’sagoodmotto，thoughSquireGreenthinksthat`Liveandearn’isbetter。``No，’’saidMr。Walton；``IamafraidIcan’tsparetimetocometotheexamination。Areyougoing，mother？’’
　　``I
　　shalltrytogointhelastoftheafternoon，’’saidMrs。Walton。
　　``Ifyouwillcome，mother，’’saidHarry，``we’llallhelpyouafterward，soyouwon’tloseanythingbyit。’’
　　``I
　　thinkIwillcontrivetocome。’’
　　Theexaminationtookplaceintheafternoon。
　　Intheafternoontherewasquiteafairattendanceofparentsandfriendsofthescholars，thoughsomedidnotcomeintilllate，likeMrs。Walton。Harryeclipsedhimself。Hisambitionhadbeenstirredbytheofferofaprize，andhewasresolvedtodeserveit。Hisrecitationswerepromptandcorrect，andhisanswersweregivenwithconfidence。HehadselectedanextractfromWebster——thereplytoHayne——andthiswastheshowpieceoftheafternoon。Therestofthedeclamationwascrudeenough，butHarry’simpressedeventhemostignorantofhislistenersassuperiorforaboyofhisage。Whenheutteredhislastsentenceandmadeapartingbowtherewassubduedapplause，anditbroughtaflushofgratificationtothecheekofouryounghero。
　　``Thisisthelastexercise，’’saidtheteacher，``exceptone。AtthecommencementofthetermIofferedaprizetothescholarthatwoulddothebestfromthattimetillthecloseoftheschool。Iwillnowawardtheprize。HarryWalton，comeforward。’’
　　Harryrosefromhisseatandadvancedtowheretheteacherwasstanding。
　　``Harry，’’saidMr。Burbank，``Ihavenohesitationingivingyoutheprize。
　　Youhaveexcelledalltheotherscholars，anditisfairlyyours。Thebookisnotofmuchvalue，butIthinkyouwillfinditinterestingandinstructive。ItisthelifeofthegreatAmericanphilosopherandstatesman，BenjaminFranklin。
　　Ihopeyouwillreadandprofitbyit，andtry，likehim，tomakeyourlifeacredittoyourselfandablessingtomankind。’’
　　``Thankyou，sir，’’saidHarry，bowinglow。``Iwilltrytodoso。’’
　　Harryreceivedthecongratulationsofhisclassmatesandotherswithmodestsatisfaction，buthewasmostpleasedbytheevidentprideandpleasurewhichhismotherexhibited，whenshe，too，wascongratulatedonhissuccess。Hisworldlyprospectswereveryuncertain，buthehadachievedthesuccessforwhichhehadbeenlaboring，andhewashappy。Chapter5CHAPTERV。
　　LOOKINGOUTONTHEWORLD。
　　ItwasnotuntileveningthatHarryhadachancetolookathisprize。Itwasacheapbook，costingprobablynotoveradollar；butexcepthisschool—books，andaraggedcopyof``RobinsonCrusoe，’’itwastheonlybookthatourheropossessed。Soouryoungherolookedforwardwithgreatjoytothepleasureofreadinghisnewbook。HedidnotknowmuchaboutBenjaminFranklin，buthadavagueideathathewasagreatman。
　　Afterhisevening``chores’’weredone，hesatdownbythetableonwhichwasburningasolitarytallowcandle，andbegantoread。Hismotherwasdarningstockings，andhisfatherhadgonetothevillagestoreonanerrand。
　　Sohebeganthestory，andthemorehereadthemoreinterestinghefoundit。Greatasheafterwardbecame，hewassurprisedtofindthatFranklinwasapoorboy，andhadtoworkforaliving。Hestartedoutinlifeonhisownaccount，andthroughindustry，frugality，perseveranceandafixeddeterminationtoriseinlife，hebecameadistinguishedmanintheend，andawisemanalso，thoughhisearlyopportunitieswereverylimited。ItseemedtoHarrythattherewasagreatsimilaritybetweenhisowncircumstancesandpositioninlifeandthoseofthegreatmanaboutwhomhewasreading，andthismadethebiographythemorefascinating。Thehopecametohimthat，byfollowingFranklin’sexample，he，too，mightbecomeasuccessfulman。
　　Hismother，lookingupatintervalsfromherwork，noticedhowabsorbedhewas。
　　``Isyourbookinteresting，Harry？’’sheasked。
　　``It’sthemostinterestingbookIeverread，’’saidHarry，withasighofintenseenjoyment。
　　``It’saboutBenjaminFranklin，isn’tit？’’
　　``Yes。
　　Doyouknow，mother，hewasapoorboy，andheworkedhiswayup？’’
　　``Yes，Ihaveheardso，butIneverreadhislife。’’
　　``You’dbetterreadthiswhenIhavefinishedit。I’vebeenthinkingthatthere’sachanceforme，mother。’’
　　``A
　　chancetodowhat？’’
　　``A
　　chancetobesomebodywhenIgetbigger。I’mpoornow，butsowasFranklin。Heworkedhard，andtriedtolearnallhecould。That’sthewayhesucceeded。I’mgoingtodothesame。’’
　　``Wecan’tallbeFranklins，myson，’’saidMrs。Walton。
　　``I
　　knowthat，mother，andIdon’texpecttobeagreatmanlikehim。ButifItryhardIthinkIcanriseintheworld，andbeworthalittlemoney。’’
　　``I
　　hopeyouwon’tbeaspoorasyourfather，Harry，’’saidMrs。Walton。
　　``I
　　hopenot，’’saidHarry。``IfIevergetrich，youshan’thavetoworkanymore。’’
　　``Iamsureyouwon’tletyourfatherandmotherwant，ifyouhavethemeanstopreventit，’’shesaid。
　　``I
　　readinthecountrypapertheotherdaythatmanyoftherichestmeninBostonandNewYorkwereoncepoorboys，’’saidHarry，inahopefultone。
　　``SoI
　　haveheard，’’saidhismother。
　　``Iftheysucceeded，Idon’tseewhyIcan’t。’’
　　``Youmusttrytobesomethingmorethanarichman。Ishouldn’twantyoutobelikeSquireGreen。’’
　　``Heisrich，butheismeanandignorant。Idon’tthinkIshallbelikehim。Hehascheatedfatheraboutthecow。’’
　　``Yes，hedroveasharptradewithhim，takingadvantageofhisnecessities。Iamafraidyourfatherwon’tbeabletopayforthecowsixmonthsfromnow。’’
　　``Iamafraidso，too。’’
　　``I
　　don’tseehowhecanpossiblysaveupfortydollars。Weareaseconomicalnowaswecanbe。’’
　　``ThatiswhatIhavebeenthinkingof，mother。Thereisnochanceoffatherpayingthemoney。’’
　　``Thenitwon’tbepaid，andweshallbeworseoffwhenthenotecomesduethannow。’’
　　``Doyouthink，’’saidHarry，layingdownthebookonthetable，andlookingupearnestly，``doyouthink，mother，Icouldinanywayearnthefortydollarsbeforeitistobepaid？’’
　　``I
　　don’tknowwhatyoucando，excepttohireouttoafarmer，andtheypayverylittle。’’
　　``I
　　wasn’tthinkingofthat，’’saidHarry。``Thereisn’tmuchchancethere。’’
　　``I
　　don’tknowofanyworktodohere。’’
　　``NorI，mother。ButIwasn’tthinkingofstayingintown。’’
　　``Notthinkingofstayingintown!’’repeatedMrs。Walton，insurprise。``Youdon’twanttoleavehome，doyou？’’
　　``No，mother，Idon’twanttoleavehome，orIwouldn’twantto，iftherewasanythingtodohere。Butyouknowthereisn’t。Farmworkwon’thelpmealong，andIdon’tlikeitaswellassomeotherkindsofwork。ImustleavehomeifIwanttoriseintheworld。’’
　　``Butyouaretooyoung，Harry。’’
　　``Iamgoingonfifteen，andIdon’tcallthatveryyoung。AndIamstrongformyage，too，mother。IamsureIamoldenoughtotakecareofmyself。’’
　　``Butyouareyoungtogooutintotheworld。’’
　　``I
　　don’tbelieveFranklinwasmucholderthanI，andhegotalong。’’
　　``Supposeyouaresick，Harry？’’
　　``IfI
　　amI’llcomehome。ButyouknowIamveryhealthy，mother，andifIamawayfromhomeIshallbeverycareful。’’
　　``Butyouwouldnotbesureofgettinganythingtodo。’’
　　``I’llriskthat，mother，’’saidHarry，inaconfidenttone。
　　``Didyouthinkofthisbeforeyoureadthatbook？’’
　　``YesI’vebeenthinkingofitforaboutamonth；butthebookputitintomyheadto—night。IseemtoseemywayclearerthanIdid。Iwant，mostofall，toearnmoneyenoughtopayforthecowinsixmonths。Youknowyourself，mother，thereisn’tanychanceoffatherdoingithimself，andIcan’tearnanythingifI
　　stayathome。’’
　　``Haveyoumentionedthemattertoyourfatheryet，Harry？’’
　　``No，I
　　haven’t。Iwishyouwouldspeakaboutitto—night，mother。Youcantellhimfirstwhatmakesmewanttogo。Justmentionit，mother，andthenI’lltalkwithhimaboutitto—morrow。’’
　　TothisMrs。Waltonagreed，andHarry，afterreadingafewpagesmoreinthe``LifeofFranklin，’’wentuptobed；butitwassometimebeforeheslept。Chapter6CHAPTERVI。
　　INFRANKLIN’SFOOTSTEPS。
　　``Father，’’saidHarry，thenextmorning，asMr。Waltonwasabouttoleavethehouse，``there’ssomethingI
　　wanttosaytoyou。’’
　　``Whatisit？’’askedhisfather，imaginingitwassometrifle。
　　``I
　　wanttogoawayfromhome。’’
　　``Awayfromhome!Where？’’askedMr。Walton，insurprise。
　　``I
　　don’tknowwhere；butsomewherewhereIcanearnmyownliving。Thisisn’taverygoodfarm，andit’sallyoucandotomakealivingfortherestofusoutofit。IfIcouldgosomewhere，whereIcouldworkatsomethingelse，Icouldsendyouhomemywages。’’
　　``Iamafraidaboylikeyoucouldn’tearnverylargewages。Peopledon’tgivemuchforboys’work。’’
　　``I
　　don’texpectmuch；butIknowIcangetsomething，andbyandbyitwillleadtomore。Iwanttohelpyoutopayforthatcowyou’vejustboughtofSquireGreen。’’
　　``I
　　don’tseehowI’mgoingtopayforit，’’saidMr。Walton，withasigh。
　　``That’sjustwhatI’msaying，father。Thereisn’tmuchmoneytobegotinfarming。That’swhyIwanttotrysomethingelse。’’
　　``Whatputthisplanintoyourhead？’’
　　``ThatbookIgotasaprize。’’
　　``ItisthelifeofFranklin，isn’tit？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Didhegoawayfromhomewhenhewasaboy？’’
　　``Yes，andhesucceeded，too。’’
　　``I
　　knowhedid。Hebecameafamousman。Butitisn’teveryboythatislikeFranklin。’’
　　``I
　　knowthat。Ineverexpecttobecomeagreatmanlikehim；butIcanmakesomething。’’
　　``There’sanotherthing，Harry。Ittakesmoneytotravelround，andIhaven’tgotanymeanstogiveyou。’’
　　``I
　　don’twantany，father。Imeantoworkmyway。I’vegottwenty—fivecentstostartwith。Now，father，whatdoyousay？’’
　　``I’llspeaktoyourmotheraboutit。’’
　　WiththisHarrywascontent。Hehadagooddealofconfidencethathecouldcarryhispointwithbothparents。
　　Hewentintothehouse，andsaidtohismother：
　　``Mother，father’sgoingtospeaktoyouaboutmygoingawayfromhome。Nowdon’tyouopposeit。’’
　　``I
　　won’topposeyournotion，thoughIain’tclearaboutit’sbeingwise。’’
　　``We’lltalkaboutthatinafewmonths，mother。’’
　　``HasHarryspokentoyouabouthisplanofgoingawayfromhome？’’askedthefarmer，whenhereenteredthehouse。
　　``Yes，’’
　　saidMrs。Walton。
　　``Whatdoyouthink？’’
　　``Perhapswe’dbetterlettheladhavehisway。He’spromisedtocomehomeifhe’stakensick。’’
　　``Soletitbe，then，Harry。Whendoyouwanttogo？’’
　　``AssoonasIcan。’’
　　``You’llhavetowaittillMonday。It’lltakeadayortwotofixupyourclothes，’’saidhismother。
　　``Allright，mother。’’
　　``Wheredoyouthinkofgoing，Harry？Haveyouanyidea？’’
　　``No，mother。I’mgoingtotrusttoluck。Ishan’tgoveryfar。WhenI’vegotfixedanywhereI’llwriteandletyouknow。’’
　　IntheeveningHarryresumedthe``LifeofFranklin，’’andbeforehewasreadytogotobedhehadgottwothirdsthroughwithit。ToHarryitwasnotalonethe``LifeofBenjaminFranklin。’’Itwasthechartbywhichhemeanttosteerintheunknowncareerwhichstretchedbeforehim。Heknewsolittleoftheworldthathetrustedimplicitlytothatasaguide，andhesilentlystoredawaythewisepreceptsinconformitywithwhichthegreatpracticalphilosopherhadshapedandmoldedhislife。
　　Asthefamilyweresittingaroundthekitchentabletherewasheardascrapingatthedoor，andpresentlyaknock。Mr。Waltonanswereditinperson，andadmittedSquireGreen。
　　``Howareyou，neighbor？’’hesaid。``IthoughtI’djustruninaminutetoseeyouasIwasgoin’by。’’
　　``Sitdown，SquireGreen。Taketherockingchair。’’
　　``Thankyou，neighbor。How’sthecowa—doin’？’’
　　``Middlingwell。Shedon’tgiveasmuchmilkastheoneIlost。’’
　　``She’lldobetterbymeby。She’sagoodbargaintoyou，neighbor，andyou’reluckytogethersocheap，buyin’ontime。Whatareyoudoin’there，Harry？Schoolthrough，ain’tit？’’
　　``Yes，sir。’’
　　``I
　　hearyou’reagoodscholar。Gottheprize，didn’tyou？’’
　　``Yes，’’saidMr。Walton；``Harrywasalwaysgoodathisbooks。’’
　　``I
　　guessheknowsenoughnow。You’doughttosethimtowork。’’
　　``Heisreadyenoughtowork，’’saidMr。Walton。
　　``Heneverwaslazy。’’
　　``That’sgood。I’vebeena—thinkin’，neighborWalton，thatyou’llfindithardtopayforthatcowinsixmonths。’’
　　``I’mafraidIshall，’’saidthefarmer，thinkinginsurprise，``Canhebegoingtoreducetheprice？’’
　　``SoI
　　thoughtmebbewemightmakeanarrangementtomakeiteasier。’’
　　``I
　　shouldbegladtohaveitmadeeasier，squire。Itwashardonme，losingthatcowbydisease。’’
　　``Ofcourse。Well，whatIwasthinkin’was，youmighthireoutyourboytoworkforme。I’dallowhimtwodollarsamonthandboard，andthewageswouldhelppayforthecow。’’
　　Harrylookedupindismayatthisproposition。Wereallhisbrightdreamsoffuturesuccesstoterminateinthis？Chapter7CHAPTERVII。
　　HARRY’SDECISION。
　　Mr。Waltonpausedbeforereplyingtohisproposal。
　　``You’realittletoolate，’’hesaid，atlast，toHarry’sgreatrelief。
　　``Toolate，’’repeatedthesquire，hastily。``Why，youhain’thiredoutyourboytoanybodyelse，haveyou？’’
　　``No；
　　buthehasaskedmetolethimleavehome，andI’veagreedtoit。’’
　　``Leavehome？Where’shegoin’？’’
　　``Hehasnotfullydecided。Hewantstogooutandseekhisfortune。’’
　　``He’llfetchupatthepoorhouse，’’growledthesquire。
　　``Ifhedoesnotsucceed，hewillcomehomeagain。’’
　　``It’safoolishplan，neighborWalton。Takemywordfor’t。You’dbetterkeephimhere，andlethimworkforme。’’
　　``Ifhestayedathome，Ishouldfindworkforhimonmyfarm。’’
　　``I
　　wantedtohelpyoupayforthatcow，’’saidthesquire，crossly。``Ifyoucan’tpayfor’twhenthetimecomesyoumustn’tblameme。’’
　　``I
　　shallblamenoone。’’
　　``Youmustn’taskformoretime。Sixmonthsisalongtimetogive。’’
　　``IbelieveIhaven’tsaidanythingaboutmoretimeyet，’’saidHiramWalton，stiffly。``I
　　don’tseethatyouneedwarnme。’’
　　``I
　　thoughtwemightaswellhaveanunderstandingaboutit，’’saidthesquire。
　　``Soyouwon’thireouttheboy？’’
　　``No，I
　　cannot，underthecircumstances。IfIdidIshouldconsiderhisservicesworthmorethantwodollarsamonth。’’
　　``I
　　mightgivehimtwo’nahalf，’’saidthesquire，fancyingitwasmerelyaquestionofmoney。
　　``HowmuchdoyoupayAbnerKimball？’’
　　``Wal，rathermorethanthat，’’answeredthesquire，slowly。
　　``Youpayhimtendollarsamonth，don’tyou？’’
　　``Wal，somewheresaboutthat；butit’smore’nheearns。’’
　　``Ifheisworthtendollars，Harrywouldbeworthfourorsix。’’
　　``I’llgivethree，’’saidthesquire，whoreflectedthatevenatthatratehewouldbesavingconsiderable。
　　``I
　　willleaveittoHarryhimself，’’saidhisfather。
　　``Harry，youhearSquireGreen’soffer。Whatdoyousay？Willyougotoworkforhimatthreedollarsamonth？’’
　　``I’drathergoaway，asyoutoldmeImight，father。’’
　　``Youheartheboy’sdecision，squire。’’
　　``Wal，wal，’’saidthesquire；``Ihopeyouwon’tneitheronyerregretit。’’
　　Histoneclearlyindicatedthathereallyhopedandexpectedtheywould。``Ibidyougood—night。’’
　　HarrybreathedadeepsighofreliefafterSquireGreenlefttheroom。
　　``Iwasafraidyouweregoingtohiremeouttothesquire，father，’’hesaid。
　　``Youdidn’tenjoytheprospect，didyou？’’saidhisfather，smiling。
　　``Notmuch。’’
　　``Thesquiredidn’tseemtolikeitverywell，’’saidMrs。Walton，lookingupfromhermending。
　　``No，hefullyexpectedtogetHarryforlittleornothing。Itwasridiculoustooffertwodollarsamonthforaboyofhisage。’’
　　``Iamafraidhewillbemoredisposedtobehardonyouwhenthetimecomestopayforthecow。Hetoldyouhewouldn’textendthetime。’’
　　``Heisnotlikelytoafterthis；but，wife，wewon’tborrowtrouble。Somethingmayturnuptohelpus。’’
　　``IamsureIshallbeabletohelpyouaboutit，father，’’saidHarry。
　　``I
　　hopeso，myson，butdon’tfeeltoocertain。Youmaynotsucceedaswellasyouanticipate。’’
　　``I
　　knowthat，butImeantotryatanyrate。’’Chapter8CHAPTERVIII。
　　LEAVINGHOME。
　　Mondaymorningcame，andthewholefamilystoodonthegrassplotinfrontofthehouse，readytobidHarrygood—by。Hewasencumberedbynotrunk，butcarriedhisscantysupplyofclothingwrappedinaredcottonhandkerchief，andnotaveryheavybundleatthat。Hehadcutastoutstickinthewoodsnearby，andfromtheendofthissuspendedoverhisbackborethebundlewhichcontainedallhisworldlyfortuneexceptthetwenty—fivecentswhichwasinhisvestpocket。
　　``I
　　don’tliketohaveyougo，’’saidhismother，anxiously。``Supposeyoudon’tgetwork？’’
　　``Don’tworryaboutme，mother，’’saidHarry，brightly。``I’llgetalongsomehow。’’
　　``Rememberyou’vegotahomehere，Harry，whateverhappens，’’saidhisfather。
　　``I
　　shan’tforget，father。’’
　　``Good—by，mother，’’saidHarry，feelinganunwontedmoisteningoftheeyes，ashereflectedthathewasabouttoleavethehouseinwhichhehadlivedsinceinfancy。
　　``Good—by，mydearchild，’’saidhismother，kissinghim。``Besuretowrite。’’
　　``Yes，Iwill。’’
　　SowithfarewellgreetingsHarrywalkedoutintotheworld。Hehadallatonceassumedaman’sresponsibilities，andhisfacegrewserious，ashebegantorealizethathemustnowlookoutforhimself。
　　Hewalkedfivemileswithoutstopping。Hefelttired，andsatdownbytheroadsidetorestbeforegoingfurther。
　　Harrywalkedsixmilesfarther，andthendecidedthatitwastimetorestagain。
　　Hesatdownagainbesidetheroad，anduntyingthehandkerchiefwhichcontainedhisworldlypossessions，hedrewtherefromalargesliceofbreadandbegantoeatwithevidentrelish。Therewasasliceofcoldmeatalso，whichhefoundtastedparticularlygood。
　　``I
　　wonderwhethertheyarethinkingofmeathome，’’hesaidtohimself。
　　Harryrestedforacoupleofhours，shelteredfromthesunbythefoliageoftheoakbeneathwhichhehadstretchedhimself。
　　Heresumedwalking，butwewillnotdwelluponthedetailsofhisjourney。Atsixo’clockhewastwenty—fivemilesfromhome。Hewasalarmedbythedarkeningofthesky。
　　Itwasevidentthatastormwasapproaching。Helookedabouthimforshelterfromtheshower，andaplacewherehecouldpassthenight。
　　Thecloudsweredarkening，andtheshowerwasevidentlynotfaroff。Itwasasolitaryplace，andnohousesweretobeseennearby。ButnearlyaquarterofamilebackHarrycaughtsightofasmallhouse，andjumpingoverthefencedirectedhisstepstowardit。Itwasnotuponapublicroad，buttherewasanarrowlaneleadingtoitfromthehighway。Probablyitwasoccupiedbyapoorfamily，Harrythought。Stillitwouldshelterhimfromthestormwhichhadevennowcommenced。
　　Heknockedatthedoor。
　　Immediatelyitwasopenedandafacepeeredout——thefaceofamanadvancedinyears。Itwasthin，wrinkledandhaggard。Hedemanded，``Whoareyou？’’
　　``MynameisHarryWalton。’’
　　``Whatdoyouwant？’’
　　``Shelterfromthestorm。Itisgoingtorain。’’
　　``Comein，’’saidtheoldman，andopeningthedoorwider，headmittedourhero。
　　TheoldmansatdownoppositeHarry，andstaredathim，tillourherofeltsomewhatembarrassedanduncomfortable。
　　Harryknewthattheoldmanmustbecrazy，oratleastamonomaniac，and，thoughheseemedharmlessenough，itwasofcoursepossiblethathemightbedangerous。Hewasalmostsorrythathehadsoughtshelterhere。
　　Theoldmanhadrisen，and，takingateakettle，suspendeditoverthefire。A
　　monomaniacthoughhewas，heknewhowtomaketea。Presentlyhetookfromthecupboardabaker’srollandsomecoldmeat，andwhentheteawasreadyinvitedHarrytobeseatedatthetable。Ourherodidsowillingly。
　　``Whatifmothercouldseemenow？’’hethought。
　　Stilltherainpoureddown。Itshowednosignsofslackening。Hesawthatitwouldbenecessarytoremainwherehewasthroughthenight。
　　``Canyouaccommodatemetillmorning？’’heasked。
　　``Certainly，’’saidtheoldman。``Ishallbegladtohaveyoustayhere。’’
　　``Verywell。’’
　　Thesupperwasplainenough，butitwasrelishedbyouryoungtraveler，whoselongwalkhadstimulatedanaturallygoodappetite。
　　Atnineo’clockhebegantofeeldrowsy，andintimatedasmuchtohishost。Theoldmanconductedhimtoanupperchamber，wheretherewasabeduponthefloor。
　　``Youcansleepthere，’’hesaid。
　　``Wheredoyousleep？’’askedHarry。
　　``DownbelowbutIshallnotgotobeduntillate。’’
　　``Verywell，’’saidHarry。``Good—night。’’
　　``Good—night。’’
　　``Iamgladheisnotintheroomwithme，’’thoughtHarry。``Idon’tthinkthereisanydanger，butitisn’tcomfortabletobetoonearacrazyman。’’Chapter9CHAPTERIX。
　　INSEARCHOFWORK。
　　WhenHarryawokethenextmorning，afterasoundandrefreshingsleep，thesunwasshiningbrightlyinatthewindow。Herubbedhiseyes，andstaredabouthim，notatfirstrememberingwherehewas。Butalmostimmediatelyrecollectioncametohisaid，andhesmiledashethoughtoftheeccentricoldmanwhoseguesthewas。Heleapedoutofbed，and，quicklydressinghimself，wentdownstairs。Thefirewasburningandbreakfastwasalreadyonthetable。Itwaspreciselysimilartothesupperofthenightprevious。Theoldmansatatthefiresidesmokingapipe。
　　``Good—morning，’’saidHarry。``Iamuplate。’’
　　``Itisnomatter。Youhavealongjourneybeforeyou，anditiswelltorestbeforestarting。’’
　　``Breakfastisready，’’saidtheoldman，hospitably。
　　Harrymadeaheartybreakfast。Whenitwasoverherosetogo。
　　``I
　　mustbegoing，’’hesaid。``Thankyouforyourkindentertainment。Ifyouwouldallowmetopayyou。’’
　　``Idonotkeepaninn，’’saidtheoldman，withdignity。
　　Shakingtheoldmanbythehand，hemadehiswayacrossthefieldstothemainroad。
　　Lookingbackfromtimetotime，hesawtheoldmanwatchinghimfromhisplaceinthedoorway，hiseyesshadedbyhishand。
　　``HeisthestrangestmanIeversaw，’’thoughtHarry。``Stillhetreatedmekindly。’’
　　Whenhereachedtheroadhesaw，justinfrontofhim，aboyofabouthisownagedrivinghalfadozencowsbeforehim。
　　``Hello!’’hecried，bywayofsalutation。
　　``Hello!’’returnedthecountryboy。``Whereareyougoing？’’
　　``I
　　don’tknow。WhereverIcanfindwork，’’answeredourhero。
　　Theboylaughed。``Dadfindsenoughformetodo。Idon’thavetogoafterit。Haven’tyougotafather？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Whydon’tyouworkforhim？’’
　　``I
　　wanttoworkforpay。’’
　　``Onafarm？’’
　　``No。
　　I’llworkinashoeshopifIgetachanceorinaprintingoffice。’’
　　``Doyouunderstandtheshoebusiness？’’
　　``No；
　　butIcanlearn。’’
　　``Wheredidyoucomefrom？’’
　　``Granton。’’
　　Heretheboyreachedthepasturetowhichhewasdrivingthecows，andHarry，biddinghimgood—by，wentonhisway。Hefeltfreshandvigorous，andwalkedtenmilesbeforehefelttheneedofrest。Hefelthungry，andtheprovisionwhichhebroughtfromhomewasnearlygone。Therewasagrocerystorecloseathand，andhewentin，thinkingthathewouldfindsomethingtohelphismeal。
　　Onthecounterhesawsomerolls，andtherewasanopenbarrelofapplesnotfaroff。
　　ForfourcentsHarrymadequiteasubstantialadditiontohismeal。Asheleftthestoreandwalkeduptheroad，witharollinhishand，andeatinganapple，hecalledtomindBenjaminFranklin’sentranceofPhiladelphiawitharollundereacharm。
　　``I
　　hopeIshallhaveasgoodluckasFranklinhad，’’hethought。
　　Walkingslowly，hesaw，onasmallbuildingwhichhehadjustreached，thesign，``PostOffice。’’
　　``Perhapsthepostmasterwillknowifanybodyaboutherewantsaboy，’’Harrysaidtohimself。
　　Heentered，findinghimselfinasmallroom，withonepartpartitionedoffasarepositoryformailmatter。Hesteppeduptoalittlewindow，andpresentlythepostmaster，anelderlyman，presentedhimself。
　　``Whatname？’’heasked。
　　``I
　　haven’tcomeforaletter，’’saidHarry。
　　``Whatdoyouwant，then？’’askedtheofficial。
　　``Doyouknowofanyonethatwantstohireaboy？’’
　　``Who’stheboy？’’
　　``Iam。
　　Iwanttogetachancetowork。’’
　　``Whatkindofwork？’’
　　``Anykindthat’llpaymyboardandalittleover。’’
　　``I
　　don’tknowofanyplace，’’saidthepostmaster，afteralittlethought。
　　``Isn’tthereanyshoeshopwhereIcouldgetin？’’
　　``Thatremindsme——JamesLeavitttoldmethismorningthathisboywasgoingtoBostontogointoastoreinacoupleofmonths。He’sbeenpeggingforhisfather，andIguessthey’llhavetogetsomebodyinhisplace。’’
　　Harry’sfacebrightenedatthisintelligence。
　　``That’sjustthekindofplaceI’dliketoget，’’hesaid。``WheredoesMr。
　　Leavittlive？’’
　　``A
　　quarterofamilefromhere——overthebridge。You’llknowitwellenough。
　　It’sacottagehouse，withashoeshopinthebackyard。’’
　　``Thankyou，sir，’’saidHarry。``I’llgothereandtrymyluck。’’
　　``Waitaminute，’’saidthepostmaster。``There’saletterhereforMr。Leavitt。Ifyou’regoingthere，youmayaswellcarryitalong。It’sfromBoston。I
　　shouldn’twonderifit’sabouttheplaceBobLeavittwants。’’
　　``I’lltakeitwithpleasure，’’saidHarry。
　　Itoccurredtohimthatitwouldbeagoodintroductionforhim，andpavethewayforhisapplication。
　　Hewalkedupthestreet，crossingthebridgereferredtobythepostmaster，andlookedcarefullyoneachsideofhimforthecottageandshop。Ashenearedtheshopheheardanoisewhichindicatedthatworkwasgoingoninside。Heopenedthedoorandentered。Chapter10CHAPTERX。
　　THENEWBOARDER。
　　Harryfoundhimselfinaroomabouttwenty—fivefeetbytwenty。Therewerethreepersonspresent。One，amanofmiddleage，wasMr。JamesLeavitt，theproprietoroftheshop。HissonRobert，aboutseventeen，workedatanadjoiningbench。TomGavitt，ajourneyman，ashort，thick—setmanofthirty，employedbyMr。Leavitt，wasthethird。
　　ThethreelookedupasHarryenteredtheshop。
　　``I
　　havealetterforMr。Leavitt，’’saidourhero。
　　``That’smyname，’’saidtheeldestoftheparty。
　　Harryadvancedandplaceditinhishands。
　　``Wheredidyougetthisletter？’’
　　``Atthepostoffice。’’
　　``I
　　can’tcallyoubyname。Doyouliveabouthere？’’
　　``No，I
　　camefromGranton。’’
　　``It’sfromyourUncleBenjamin，’’hesaid，addressingRobert。``Letusseewhathehastosay。’’
　　``HesaysheshallbereadytotakeyouthefirstofSeptember。That’sinsixweeks——alittlesoonerthanwecalculated。Iwishitwerealittlelater，asworkisbrisk，andImayfinditdifficulttofillyourplacewithoutpayingmorethanIwantto。’’
　　``Won’tyouhireme？’’askedHarry，whofeltthatthetimehadcomeforhimtoannouncehisbusiness。
　　Mr。
　　Leavittlookedathimmoreattentively。
　　``Haveyoueverworkedinashop？’’
　　``No，sir。’’
　　``Itwilltakeyousometimetolearnpegging。’’
　　``I’llworkformyboardtillI’velearned。’’
　　``Butyouwon’tbeabletodoallIwantatfirst。’’
　　``SupposeIbeginnow，’’saidHarry，``andworkformyboardtillyoursongoesaway。BythattimeIcandoconsiderable。’’
　　’’Bettertakehim，father，’’saidRobert，whofeltthatitwouldfacilitatehisownplans。
　　``Howmuchwouldyouwantafteryouhavelearned？’’askedthefather。
　　``I
　　don’tknow；whatwouldbeafairprice？’’saidHarry。