Tom, a little boy of nine, and myself slept in the attic together, and after we were safely in bed I whispered the secret to my dear little brother.  Even at his early age he knew what it meant, and we talked over the future.  It was then, for the first time, I sketched to him how we would go into business together; that the firm of “Carnegie Brothers” would be a great one, and that father and mother should yet ride in their carriage.  At the time that seemed to us to embrace everything known as wealth and most of what was worth striving for.  The old Scotch woman, whose daughter married a merchant in London, being asked by her son-in-law to come to London and live near them, promising she should “ride in her carriage,” replied: 

“What good could it do me to ride in a carriage gin I could na be seen by the folk in Strathbogie?” Father and mother would not only be seen in Pittsburgh, but should visit Dunfermline, their old home, in style.

On Sunday morning with father, mother, and Tom at breakfast, I produced the extra two dollars and a quarter.  The surprise was great and it took some moments for them to grasp the situation, but it soon dawned upon them.  Then father’s glance of loving pride and mother’s blazing eye soon wet with tears, told their feeling.  It was their boy’s first triumph and proof positive that he was worthy of promotion.  No subsequent success, or recognition of any kind, ever thrilled me as this did.  I cannot even imagine one that could.  Here was heaven upon earth.  My whole world was moved to tears of joy.

Having to sweep out the operating-room in the mornings, the boys had an opportunity of practicing upon the telegraph instruments before the operators arrived.  This was a new chance.  I soon began to play with the key and to talk with the boys who were at the other stations who had like purposes to my own.  Whenever one learns to do anything he has never to wait long for an opportunity of putting his knowledge to use.

One morning I heard the Pittsburgh call given with vigor.  It seemed to me I could divine that some one wished greatly to communicate.  I ventured to answer, and let the slip run.  It was Philadelphia that wanted to send “a death message” to Pittsburgh immediately.  Could I take it?  I replied that I would try if they would send slowly.  I succeeded in getting the message and ran out with it.  I waited anxiously for Mr. Brooks to come in, and told him what I had dared to do.  Fortunately, he appreciated it and complimented me, instead of scolding me for my temerity; yet dismissing me with the admonition to be very careful and not to make mistakes.  It was not long before I was called sometimes to watch the instrument, while the operator wished to be absent, and in this way I learned the art of telegraphy.