Little did he know or care for the many trials and disappointments in store for him. He was striking out for himself, and intended to do his level best.
Would he succeed or fail?
We shall see.
CHAPTER IV.
ON THE TRAIN.
Of course there was a good deal of talking about Richard's proposed venture. The girls seemed never to tire of it, and the amount of advice that they gave their brother was enough, as the boy declared, "to help him along until eternity, and two days afterwards."
"You'll want your best clothes, city folks are so particular," declared
Grace. "And your shirts and collars will have to be as stiff as old
Deacon Moore's, I expect."
"I only want things clean and neat," replied Richard. "I'm not going there to be a dude. I'm going there to work—if I can get anything to do."
Nevertheless, Grace was bound that he should look his best, and spent an extra hour over the washtub and ironing-board.
It was decided that he should not be hampered with a trunk, but should take a valise instead.