"Alger Jr, Horatio - The Young Explorer" - читать интересную книгу автора (Alger Horatio Jr)

spend such a sight of money for the chance of earning some on t'other side of
the world, when you can get a livin' here and put all your money in the bank."
"In five years it would only amount to five hundred dollars, and if I go to
California, I expect to be worth a good deal more than that before two years are
past."
"I'm afraid you've got large idees, Ben."
"You won't interfere with my going, Uncle Job?" asked Ben anxiously.
"I won't actooly interfere, but I'll do all I can to have you give it up."
"But if my mind is set upon it, you'll let me go, won't you, uncle?"
"I suppose I must," said Job Stanton. "A wilful lad must have his way. But you
mustn't blame me if things turn out unlucky."
"No, I shall only blame myself."
"There's one promise you must make me," said his uncle.
"What is that?"
"Take a week to consider whether you hadn't better take my advice and stay at
home."
"Yes, uncle, I'll promise that."
"And you'll think it over in all its bearin's?"
"Yes, uncle."
"It ain't best to take any important step without reflection, Ben." "You're
right, uncle."
This conversation took place in Job Stanton's little shoe-shop, only a rod
distant from the small, plain house which he had occupied ever since he had been
married. It was interrupted by the appearance of a pretty girl of fourteen, who,
presenting herself at the door of the shop, called out:
"Supper's ready, father."
"So are we, Jennie," said Ben, promptly.
"You are always ready to eat, Ben," said his cousin, smiling.
"That's what Mrs. Pitkin used to think, Jennie. She used to watch every mouthful
I took."
CHAPTER II. DEACON PITKIN'S OFFER.
Ben's father had died three months before. He had lost his mother when ten years
old, and having neither brother nor sister was left quite alone in the world. At
one time his father had possessed a few thousand dollars, but by unlucky
investments he had lost nearly all, so that Ben's inheritance amounted to less
than four hundred dollars.
This thought troubled Mr. Stanton, and on his death-bed he spoke about it to his
son.
"I shall leave you almost destitute, Ben," he said. "If I had acted more wisely
it would have been different."
"Don't trouble yourself about that, father," said Ben promptly. "I am young and
strong, and I shall be sure to get along."
"You will have to work hard, and the world is a hard taskmaster."
"I don't feel afraid, father. I am sure I shall succeed."
The dying father was cheered by Ben's confident words. Our hero was strong and
sturdy, his limbs active, and his face ruddy with health. He looked like a boy
who could get along. He was not a sensitive plant, and not to be discouraged by
rebuffs. The father's brow cleared.
"I am glad you are not afraid to meet what is in store for you," he said. "I
believe you will do your part, and God helps those who help themselves."