His reports demonstrated that the Bible and Plutarch
had not been sown on stony places, and that good English could be used
in reporting the standing and prospects of a retail firm as well as in a
memorial to Congress. When he got back
THE MANAGER OF THE HOUSE HIMSELF
spoke to him, and the second assistant assured him that one of the
"outside men" would soon be put aside to give him a chance on the road.
When a young man goes on the road his board is paid, so that it is that
much of an advance of salary. Six long months, however, ran along at
eight dollars a week, and the unsatisfactory man on the road proved more
influential than the second assistant. When our young man saw this, he
went to the manager, demanded nine dollars a week, and got it after a
loud protest from that broad-hearted functionary. The next week--this
was in the summer--he went on the road in place of a sick man, traveled
through nearly all the towns in Illinois and Iowa, and made a fine
record, both as to the character of his work, his speed, and his
expenses. Upon his return a rival firm, hearing of his work, made him a
proposition at a thousand dollars a year and expenses, with two months'
holiday each year, and he signed a contract.
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