“It is a matter for serious thought, but hundreds have done the same before them, and have achieved success.”

“Have not some failed?”

“Doubtless the majority have failed to attain what they expected.  But the same is true right here in Briggsville, and is true everywhere.  I hold the doctrine, that to the boy who is strong, rugged, honest, willing, not only to work, but to wait, that success is bound to come sooner or later.”

Tom was much encouraged by these wise words, and felt a strengthening of the resolve he had formed the night before.

It was bright, pretty Nellie who now spoke.

“Won’t it be splendid when Tom becomes a rich merchant, able to live in his fine house and have his horse and carriages and servants?”

“I am afraid it will be a long time before I get that far,” replied the lad with a blush; “but I shall do it if there is any way possible.”

“Riches are not the highest object in this life, though they are well enough in their way.  Don’t think so much about them as about doing your duty.  Be content to begin at the bottom of the ladder.  It is an old saying, but there never was a truer one, that you will always find plenty of room at the top.”

After some more pleasant conversation, Tom shook hands with his friends and bade them good-by.  He ventured to give the delicate palm of Nellie a little warmer squeeze than he had ever dared to do before, and looked meaningly in her eyes.  But she was diffident and did not return the pressure, and he was not certain of the precise meaning of the look she gave him at parting.

He felt a trifle uncomfortable, while walking homeward in the crisp moonlight.

“I suppose Nellie would feel quite proud of me if I ever become a rich man; but suppose I don’t.  She always was a proud girl, and likely enough will turn up her nose if I fail, which I won’t!” he added, compressing his lips and walking faster.

Tom found Jim at home and waiting for him.  They sat up late again talking over their grand scheme of seeking their fortune, and even after they retired the hum of their conversation continued until far into the night.

The following morning they turned their backs upon Briggsville forever.  The ride to Philadelphia was not far.  They had decided to stop there for a time, as there was no call for haste.  Neither held a thought of making their stay permanent.  They strolled down Chestnut Street, looking at the pleasing sights that are always to be met in that fashionable thoroughfare, viewed some of the fine structures, and stared until they were tired.

But they were eager to go on.  The metropolis of the country was their destination, and they would never be satisfied until they reached it.  Accordingly, when the afternoon was well along, they boarded the train and sped away to the northward.  Everything thus far, even if interesting, had been dull and commonplace, but sooner than they anticipated, they entered upon the most stirring and momentous experience of their lives.