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Alger, Horatio, Jr.

"Struggling Upward"

"
"Never speculate in Wall Street, eh? One of the soberest,
steadiest bank cashiers I ever knew, who lived plainly and frugally,
and was considered by all to be a model man, wrecked the man he
was connected with--a small country banker--and is now serving
a term in State's prison. The cause was Wall Street speculation.
This is more dangerous even than extravagant habits of living."
A part of this conversation took place on the platform of the
railroad-station, and a part while they were walking in the
direction of the hotel. They had now reached the village inn,
and, bidding our hero good morning, Mr. Armstrong entered, and
registered his name.
Ten minutes later he set out for the house of Prince Duncan.
CHAPTER XXI
THE DREADED INTERVIEW
Mr. Duncan had been dreading the inevitable interview with
Mr. Armstrong. He knew him to be a sharp man of business,
clear-sighted and keen, and he felt that this part of the
conference would be an awkward and embarrassing one. He had
tried to nerve himself for the interview, and thought he had
succeeded, but when the servant brought Mr. Armstrong's card
he felt a sinking at his heart, and it was in a tone that
betrayed nervousness that he said: "Bring the gentleman in.


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