The gentleman smiled at the picture, and his wife added,--
"There are so many dangers and pitfalls that I tremble at the thought of two boys like Tom and Jim going into such a great city, where they do not know a living person."
"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."