[ILLUSTRATION: The Author]

[His Signature]

August, 1913




CHAPTER I

THE FIRST ROUND OF THE LADDER



NEW YORK, February 23, 1866.

"Master Walter E. Stowe:

"If you have not yet procured a situation, please call at my office,
45 Duane Street, and oblige.

"Yours truly,

"JNO. DERHAM,
"Per T. E. D."

This letter came to me in response to my application for a
situation as an office-boy. I had replied to the advertisement in