"
"I don't see why not, father. I'm strong and stout, and willing to
work."
"People don't give much for boys' work."
"I don't expect much; but I know I can get something, and by and
by it will lead to more. I want to help you to pay for that cow
you've just bought of Squire Green."
"I don't see how I'm going to pay for it," said Mr. Walton, with
a sigh. "Hard money's pretty scarce, and we farmers don't get much
of it."
"That's just what I'm saying, father. There isn't much money to be
got in farming. That's why I want to try something else."
"How long have you been thinking of this plan, Harry?"
"Only since last night."
"What put it into your head?"
"That book I got as a prize."
"It is the life of Franklin, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Did he go away from home when he was a boy?"
"Yes, and he succeeded, too."
"I know he did. He became a famous man. But it isn't every boy that
is like Franklin."
"I know that. I never expect to become a great man like him; but
I can make something."
Harry spoke those words in a firm, resolute tone, which seemed to
indicate a consciousness of power. Looking in his son's face, the
elder Walton, though by no means a sanguine man, was inclined to
think favorably of the scheme, But he was cautious, and he did not
want Harry to be too confident of success.
"It's a new idea to me," he said. "Suppose you fail?"
"I don't mean to.
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