Walter Sherwood's Probation by Jr. Horatio Alger (good romance books to read txt) ๐
Read free book ยซWalter Sherwood's Probation by Jr. Horatio Alger (good romance books to read txt) ๐ยป - read online or download for free at americanlibrarybooks.com
- Author: Jr. Horatio Alger
Read book online ยซWalter Sherwood's Probation by Jr. Horatio Alger (good romance books to read txt) ๐ยป. Author - Jr. Horatio Alger
โThat he never pays for work in advanceโhe doesn't approve of it.โ
โHe could afford it?โ
โOh, yes; he's got a good sum in the savings-bank, but he is a very cautious man. I don't see how I'm going to get through. Perhaps I had better take a year away from college.โ
โThere is no need of that. I have some money here for you.โ
โSome money for me?โ
โYes,โ and Walter placed four ten-dollar bills on the table.
โBut, Walter, you are in no position to lend me money.โ
โTrue; the money doesn't come from me.โ
โBut who besides you would do me such a great favor?โ
โOne of the rich fellows in collegeโno, I can't tell you his name. You can take it without hesitation.โ
โBut it must have been to you that he lent it.โ
โNo, he understands that it is to be given to you. Will it help you?โ
โWill it help me? It will carry me through gloriously,โ and Gates was radiant with pleasure.
โAre you going to leave college now?โ
โNo; this help is providential. I will never be distrustful again.โ
โI wish Creswell could see how much happiness his gift has brought with it,โ thought Walter.
CHAPTER VII WALTER'S EXPERIMENT BEGINS
After a conference between Walter and his guardian it was decided that he should wait till the first of September before seeking for any business position. Walter, who was somewhat impulsive, was disposed to start at once, but Doctor Mack said: โNo, you are entitled to a vacation. When your class resumes study at Euclid, it will be time for you to begin to earn your living.โ
โI am not sure that I deserve a vacation,โ said Walter frankly. โI have not studied as hard at I ought.โ
โVery probably. You have not been in earnest. You are a year older now, and you have a better understanding of your position.โ
โYou are very charitable, my dear guardian,โ said Walter.
Doctor Mack smiled.
โI am quite aware,โ he said, โthat old heads are not often to be found on young shoulders.โ
โThen you think it will be right for me to enjoy myself this summer?โ
โI want you to do so.โ
โOne of my college friends, Frank Clifford, has invited me to pass a month with him in the Adirondacks. The Cliffords have a lodge not far from Blue Mountain Lake. Frank's mother and sisters will be abroad, and he wants me to keep him company.โ
โI can think of no objection. How shall you spend your time?โ
โIn hunting and fishing. There are splendid chances for both up there, so Clifford says.โ
โGo and have your good time. When you come back we will talk of your future plans.โ
Walter's stay was prolonged to eight weeks, and when he returned it was already nearing the end of August. He was browned by exposure, and looked the picture of health.
โNow I am ready to go to work, Doctor Mack,โ he said. โHave you any plans for me?โ
โHow would you like to go into a drug-store? I have a college classmate who is a very successful druggist in Syracuse.โ
Walter shrugged his shoulders.
โI don't believe I have a taste for making pills,โ he said.
โI thought not. What do you think of entering a dry-goods store? I am acquainted with the head of a prominent establishment in New York.โ
โIt is a very respectable position, but I should feel cabined, cribbed, confined in it.โ
โI am at the end of my tether. Have you formed any plans of your own?โ
โWell, not exactly.โ
โBut you have thought somewhat on the subject?โ
โYes,โ answered Walter.
โIf at all possible, I shall let you have your own way.โ
โYou may think me foolish,โ said Walter hesitatingly.
โI don't know. Let me hear what you have to propose.โ
โI thought,โ said Walter eagerly, โI would like to go out West.โ
โWhat would you do when you got there?โ
โThere must be lots of things to do.โ
โVery likely. You might buy an ax and clear the virgin forests.โ
โI am afraid I wouldn't be a success at that.โ
โYou have no definite idea as to what you would do?โ
โNo. I could tell better when I got out there.โ
โNow, about the expense. How much money would you need? You would require to live till you begin to earn something.โ
โHow much will it cost me to get to Chicago?โ
โSay about twenty-five dollars.โ
โI think, guardian, if you will advance me a hundred dollars, that will be sufficient.โ
โFor how long a time?โ
โFor a year. You see, I expect to earn my own living by the time I have spent fifty dollars in all. I should go to a cheap boarding-place, of course. I should be able to pay my way.โ
โYou will be content, then, with a hundred dollars, Walter?โ
โYes; perhaps I could make it do on less.โ
โNo; you shall have a hundred. If absolutely necessary, you can send for more.โ
โNo,โ said Walter confidently; โI won't do that. I shall get along somehow. I want to make a man of myself.โ
โThat is a commendable ambition. Still, sometimes a young man finds it hard to obtain employment. If you had a trade, now, it might be different. Suppose, for instance, you were a journeyman tailor, you could readily find a place in Chicago or any good-sized city.โ
โI shouldn't care to be a tailor.โ
Comments (0)