“I hope this letter will find you in good health, as it leaves me, Mr. O’Connor. I expect an answer before two weeks—a letter and a paper. Write to me all about the lodging house. With this I close my letter. With much respect to all.
“I remain your truly obedient friend,
“J. K.”
“The writer of this letter is evidently a smart boy,” said Mr. Taylor, as he finished reading it. “I warrant he will make his way in the world.”
“I expected he would do well, when we sent him out,” said the superintendent. “In New York he was a leader in his set, and very successful in his street trades. But, as you see, he admits that he is doing much better out West.”
“His Western life will make a man of him. Do you often hear from those you have sent out?”{47}
“We are in constant correspondence with them. We feel ourselves under an obligation to look after them still, and to show them that we keep up an interest in them.”
“It must have a good effect upon them.”
“We find that it does. They are ashamed to misconduct themselves, knowing that it will come to our ears.”
“Have you sent out many children, in this way?”