book, perhaps, that decided the boy's destiny. He read it with avidity,
with enthusiasm. The impression made upon his mind was so deep and
intense that his heart became fired with a fine ambition. He longed to
tread in the steps of Benjamin Franklin--to become a printer, to rise to
position and power, to do great and good things for his country and for
humanity. He brooded over all this.

To begin, he resolved to become a printer.

So, when the spring opened, he came to Rockhold and bade good-by to his
little friend, and went, at the age of fourteen, to the city to seek his
fortune, walking all the way, and taking with him testimonials as to his
character for truth, honesty, and industry.

There were at that time three printing offices in that city. Rule
applied to the first and to the second without success, but when he
applied to the third--the office of the _Watch_--and showed his
credentials, the proprietor took him on.

He and his little friend corresponded regularly from month to month.

No one objected to this letter writing, any more than to the lesson
giving. It was but the charity of the little lady given for the
encouragement of the poor, struggling orphan boy.

* * * * *

It was nearly four years after the departure of Rule from the works at
North End to seek his fortune in a printing office of the neighboring
city. He had never yet returned to see his friends, though his