Alger Horatio Jr.
Sam's Chance, and How He Improved It

CHAPTER X.
SAM'S INVESTMENT

"What a fool you were not to take the money he offered you!" said Sam when they were in the street.

"Why should I? I didn't find the ring. I had no claim to it."

"No matter, if he was willing to give it to you. He can afford it."

"I have no doubt of it; but I didn't want to take it."

"You ain't much like me, Henry. You wouldn't catch me refusing."

"I presume not," said Henry, smiling.

"I say, wasn't that a tiptop dinner?" said Sam, smacking his lips as he thought of it. "It beats the restaurant all hollow. We'd have had to pay a dollar apiece for such a lot of things, and then they wouldn't have been so good."

"That's so, Sam. We can't expect to live like that every day."

"There's one thing seems funny, Henry – them bowls of water they bring on at the end to wash your hands in. I was just goin' to drink mine when I saw Mr. Chester wash his fingers in his. It don't seem nice to have wash bowls on the dinner-table."

"We never have been much into fashionable society, Sam. I've no doubt there are a good many things that would seem strange to us if we did."

"When I am rich, I'll live just like Mr. Chester," said Sam, enthusiastically.

"We have never been much into fashionable society, Sam. I've no doubt there are a good many things that would seem strange to us if we did."

"When I am rich, I'll live just like Mr. Chester," said Sam, enthusiastically.

"If you ever want to be rich, you must save up money."

"I can't now."

"Why can't you save up part of these twenty-five dollars?"

"I owe part of it to you."

"Only about five dollars."

"I've got to get along till the end of the week."

"You ought to be able to save fifteen dollars, at any rate. I'll go with you to the savings-bank, and you can put it in to-night, I know a bank that keeps open till eight o'clock."

Sam hesitated, and looked reluctant.

"I guess I'll wait and see how much I need to carry me through the week," he said.

"At any rate, pay me what you owe me, and I'll deposit a part of it on my own account."

Settlement was made, and Henry, accompanied by Sam, went round to the Sixpenny Savings-Bank, then established on Astor Place, in a part of the Mercantile Library Building. It is kept open every day in the week from 10 A. M. till 8 P. M., thus affording better accommodation to depositors than most institutions of the kind. Sam had never been in a savings-bank before, and he looked about him with curiosity.

Henry took the five-dollar bill which Sam had paid him, and handed it with his bankbook to the receiving clerk, saying: "I want to deposit three dollars of this."

An entry was made in the book, which was returned to him, with two dollars change.

Henry turned away.

"Is that all?" asked Sam.

"Yes, that is all."

"Supposin' you wanted to draw out money, what would you do, then?"

"Go to that other clerk, and tell him how much you wanted to draw. He would give you a paper to sign, and then he'd give you the money."

"How much money have you got here now, Henry?"

"Thirty-five dollars," answered his companion, with pardonable pride.

"That's about twice as much as I have got here."

"Yes; don't you think you had better take out a book?"

"I guess I will come next week," said Sam, hesitating.

"You have no idea how independent it makes me feel," said Henry. "Now, if I am sick I know I shan't have to suffer, for a time at least. I could live for seven or eight weeks on what I've got here in the bank."

"That's so. I wish I had thirty-five dollars."

"You may have it after a while if you'll do as I do – be economical and saving."

"I'll think about it," said Sam. "I'd like to have something to fall back upon in my old age."

Henry commended this plan, though he knew Sam too well to have much hope of his carrying it out. As it turned out, not a dollar of the reward which he had been paid found its way to the savings-bank. How it was disposed of we shall see.

The next day, as Sam was going to the office, he met a young man with whom he had lately become acquainted.

"How are you, Sam?" he asked.

"Tiptop," answered Sam.

"How does the world use you?"

"Pretty well. I've just made some money."

"How much?"

"Twenty-five dollars."

"That isn't bad. How did you do it?"

"I found a diamond ring in Wall Street, and got the money for a reward."

"Have you got it now?"

"Most of it."

"What are you going to do with it?"

"Henry Martin advises me to put it in the savings-bank."

"Who is Henry Martin?"

"He is a boy that rooms with me."

"Take my advice, and don't do it."

"Why not? Would the bank break?"

"I don't know as it would; but what good would it do?"

"They give you interest, don't they?"

"Yes, but it's only six per cent. The interest on twenty-five dollars would only come to a dollar and a half in a year. That's too slow for me."

"What would you advise me to do, then?" asked Sam. "Is there any way of making money?"

"I'll tell you what I'd do if I were you. I'd buy part of a ticket in the Havana lottery."

"Could I make money that way?"

"Say you bought a fifth of a ticket; that would come to ten dollars.

Now the biggest prize is a hundred thousand dollars!"

It almost took away Sam's breath to think of such a large sum.

"I couldn't draw that, could I?" he asked, eagerly.

"You might draw a fifth of it; that would be twenty thousand dollars."

"Why, that would make me rich!" exclaimed Sam, in excitement. "I'd never have to work no more."

"Besides, there are other prizes a great many, only smaller."

"I'd be pretty sure to draw something, wouldn't I?"

"You'd stand just as good a chance as anybody."

"Have you got any tickets in the lottery?"

"Yes, I bought a fifth of a ticket yesterday."

"Where do they sell? 'em?" asked Sam.

His companion told him.

"I guess I'll go round and buy one," he said. "It must be better than putting the money in the savings-bank."

"That's what I think. You may not get a big prize the first time, to be sure, but it's worth waiting for."

Sam was not much of a financier, nor did he know how little real chance there was of drawing the large prize he desired. He did not know that it was about the most foolish use he could make of his money. He was deceived by the consideration that somebody would win the prize, and that his chance was as good as anybody. It is always unlucky for a boy or young man when he yields for the first time to the fatal fascination of the lottery. He may fail time after time, but continue to hug the delusion that the next time will bring him luck. There are clerks in New York and other large cities who have not only squandered all their own savings, but abstracted money from their employers, led on by this ruinous passion.

During his noon intermission Sam went round to the lottery office, and returned with the coveted ticket.

He put it away with great complacency, and gave himself up to dreams of future wealth. If he could only win that twenty thousand dollars, how rich he would be! How he would triumph over Henry, with his poor thirty-five dollars in the savings-bank!

"Poor Henry! I'll do something for him, if I only win the prize," he thought. "Maybe I'll buy out some big business, and make him my clerk, with a good salary. Won't it be jolly?"

No doubt it would, but Sam was counting chickens that were not very likely to be hatched.

There was another bad consequence of his purchase. It made him lavish of the money he had left. It amounted to nine dollars and some odd cents. Had he followed Henry's advice, a part of this would have been deposited in the bank; but Sam's dreams of wealth led him to look upon it as a mere trifle, hardly worth taking into account. So day by day it melted away till there was none left.

CHAPTER XI.
HENRY BECOMES A MERCHANT

While Sam was impatiently awaiting the drawing of the Havana lottery, Henry; too, made an investment, but of an entirely different character.

He was in the employ of a shipping house, which dispatched vessels to different parts of the world with assorted cargoes. The head of the firm was James Hamilton, a man who stood deservedly high, not only in the mercantile world, but as a citizen. He had served his native city as an alderman, and had been offered the nomination for mayor by the party to which he belonged, but had declined, on account of the imperative claims of his private business.

Mr. Hamilton had long noticed, with a feeling of approval, Henry Martin's faithful performance of duty. Though he had not promoted him rapidly, he was observing him carefully, fully determined to serve him in the future if he should deserve it. This Henry did not know. His employer was not a man of many words, and he was not aware that he had attracted his attention. Sometimes even he felt depressed by the thought that he was getting on so slowly. But it did not so affect him as to make him careless or neglectful of his duties. Even if he did not obtain promotion, he meant to deserve it.

One morning, about this time, a clerk came to Henry, and said: "Mr.

Hamilton wishes to see you in his private office."

Henry was a little startled. The idea came to him that he might have done something which had displeased his employer, and that he was to be reprimanded, perhaps discharged. This would be so disastrous to him that the thought of it made him turn pale. Still, think as he might, he could not call to mind any error he had committed, and this somewhat encouraged him.

He entered the office, saying, respectfully: "Did you wish to see me, sir?"

"Yes," said the merchant, looking up from his writing; "sit down, please."

It may be remarked that it was Mr. Hamilton's custom to be as polite to his subordinates as to his social equals.

Henry sat down.

"How long have you been in my employ, Henry?" asked the merchant.

"I am now on my fourth year."

"How old are you?"

"Nearly sixteen, sir."

"You entered upon your business career very early."

"Yes, sir, earlier than I wished, but I was obliged to earn my living, and had no choice."

"Have you parents living?"

"No, sir."

"Are you entirely dependent upon what I pay you for your support?"

"Yes, sir."

"I hope you don't get into debt?"

"No, sir; I have even saved a little money."

"Indeed!" said his employer, with interest. "What have you done with it?"

"Deposited it in the Sixpenny Savings Bank."

"That is well. How much have you saved?"

"Thirty-five dollars. It isn't much, but it is a beginning."

"It is a good deal for a boy in your circumstances to save," said Mr.

Hamilton, with emphasis. "How much do I pay you?"

"Five dollars a week."

"I suppose you consider that small pay?"

Henry smiled.

"Any addition will be acceptable," he answered; "but I don't complain of it."

"It shall be raised to seven at once," said the merchant.

"Thank you, sir," said Henry, his face showing the delight he felt.

"You are very kind. I shall feel quite rich now."

"I suppose you will now live in a little better style," suggested Mr.

Hamilton.

"I don't think I shall, sir. I shall increase my savings."

"That is well. I commend your self-denial and prudence. How much interest does the savings-bank pay you?"

"Six per cent., sir."

"I will propose a different investment. I am about to send a cargo of goods to Rotterdam. The venture will, I think, prove a paying one. Would you like to join in it?"

Henry stared at his employer in surprise. How could he, a boy with thirty-five dollars capital, join in such an enterprise?

"I don't see how I can," he replied. "I am afraid you take me for a capitalist."

"So you are," said his employer. "Have you not money in the bank?"

Henry smiled.

"I don't think that will go very far," he said.

"Perhaps not, and, therefore, if you are going to take part in my venture, I suggest that you borrow five hundred dollars."

Henry was surprised once more. He began to think Mr. Hamilton was out of his head. Yet he did not look so. On the contrary, as he smiled kindly upon Henry, he looked what he was, a shrewd, kindly, long-headed man of business. Still, he had just advised an almost penniless boy to borrow five hundred dollars.

"I don't know anybody that would lend me so much money," said Henry.

"Why don't you apply to me?" suggested his employer.

"Would you lend me five hundred dollars?" asked the boy, in surprise.

"Am I to regard that as an application?" inquired Mr. Hamilton.

"Yes, sir," said Henry, "if you think it well for me to borrow it."

"Then I answer yes, upon conditions. First, let me explain why I advise you to borrow. I have little doubt that you will find the venture a profitable one. Next, you may place your savings-bank book in my hands as security. Thirty-five dollars will pay a year's interest on the five hundred dollars I lend you; so my interest is secure."

"But suppose the speculation shouldn't pay, Mr. Hamilton?"

"As to that, I know so much about it that I am willing to take the risk. I do not scruple to say that if the money were to be placed in your hands for investment, according to your own judgment, I should have some doubts as to your being able to repay it to me at the end of the year."

"Probably you are right, sir," said Henry.

"But, as it is, I am willing to take the risk. Do you think of any objections?"

"I was only thinking," said Henry, "that I might want to save up more money from my wages; but if you have the book I could not have them entered."

"There will be no trouble about that. Though you leave this book with me, you can start another account in another savings-bank. Indeed, I would advise you to do so. There is an old saying: 'Never put all your eggs in one basket.' So it may be as well to divide your money between two banks."

"I didn't think of that, sir. I will follow your advice."

"I don't know that I have any more to say to you. We understand each other now. I will put you down on my books as a partner, to the extent of five hundred dollars, in my Rotterdam shipment, and you may place the savings-bank book in my hands tomorrow."

"Thank you, sir. I am very grateful to you for your kind interest in me."

"That is a good boy one of the right stamp," soliloquized the merchant. "A boy who has the prudence and self-denial to save money out of a weekly income of five dollars is bound to succeed in life. I will push him as he deserves."

"Well, Henry," asked the clerk, curiously, "have you been receiving a lecture from the boss?"

"Yes," answered Henry, smiling.

"Did he blow you up?"

"Not very high."

"You've been with him full twenty minutes."

"We were discussing important business," said Henry.

"I hope it was satisfactory to you."

"Very much so."

"You haven't had your pay raised, have you?"

"Yes."

"How much?"

"From five to seven dollars a week."

"That's a good raise. I wonder whether I'm to be raised, too."

"Perhaps so."

"I hope so, for I'm fifty dollars in debt, and don't see how I am to pay it."

"You get twelve dollars a week, don't you?"

"Yes; but what's twelve dollars?"

"I have been living on five."

"And you don't owe anything?"

"Not a cent."

"Blessed if I see how you do it! I need fifteen, and I ought to have it."

"He's like Sam," thought Henry. "If Mr. Hamilton finds out that he is in debt, he won't stand much chance of having his wages raised. I'm glad I've got something ahead. It makes me feel independent. I hope I shall make something on my borrowed money."

So Henry and Sam have both made investments. It remains to be seen how they will come out.

CHAPTER XII.
HOW SAM SUCCEEDED

Sam did not tell Henry of his purchase of a lottery ticket, being well aware that his roommate would not approve such an investment.

"I'll wait till the lottery is drawn, and then if I get a prize I'll tell him about it. He can't say anything, then."

Such were Sam's thoughts. He knew, of course, that he might draw a blank; but he did not take much account of that. He lived in a dream of wealth till the day when the result was to be made known. On a certain day the lucky numbers were to be published in the Herald, and for this issue Sam was anxiously waiting.

The number of his ticket was 7,567.

"Seven is a lucky number," said the acquaintance who induced him to buy. "Your number begins and ends with a seven. It's likely to draw something."

Sam listened to this prediction with complacency. He did not reflect upon the absurdity of one number being luckier than another, and congratulated himself that he had been so fortunate as to get a number containing two sevens.

Sam was not usually an early riser. As a general thing he lay in bed as late as he dared to; but on the particular morning which was to terminate his suspense he jumped out of bed at half-past five o'clock.

"What are you going to do, Sam?" inquired Henry, opening his eyes.

"I'm going to get up," answered Sam.

"What's up? Do you have to go to work earlier than usual?"

"No, that isn't it," answered Sam, evasively. "I'm tired of lying abed."

"Rather strange!" thought Henry. "Can it be possible that Sam is turning over a new leaf?"

He did not give much credence to this, but concluded that Sam had a particular reason, which he would learn in due time.

Sam dressed hastily, and walked round to the Herald office, and purchased a copy of the paper, which he unfolded eagerly. He did not immediately find the list of lucky numbers, but at length his eye rested on them. He looked eagerly through the long list, hoping to see number 7,567 in it, but in vain. A prize of fifty dollars was drawn by 7,562; but that was the nearest approach to good fortune.

Poor Sam! His heart sank within him. He had been dreaming golden dreams of fortune for a week past, but now he was brought down to the cold and barren reality. All his money was gone except a dollar, on which he must live for two days and a half, till his weekly wages were due.

"It's a shame!" muttered Sam, in bitter disappointment. "I was sure my ticket would win something. Wasn't there two sevens in it? I believe they cheated."

It was too early yet for breakfast, and he sauntered about idle and purposeless. Suddenly he came upon the young man upon whose advice he had purchased his ticket. He, too, had a Herald in his hand, but was not looking particularly elated.

"He hasn't got anything, either," thought Sam, shrewdly.

Just then he caught sight of Sam.

"Did you draw a prize?" he asked.

"No, I did not," said Sam, gloomily. "I wish I hadn't bought a ticket.

That ten dollars is just throwed away. I wish I had it back."

"Better luck next time."

"What good'll that do me?" inquired Sam. "I'm dead broke. I haven't got money enough to buy another ticket. Didn't you tell me I was sure to win with two sevens in my number?"

"I didn't say you were sure. I only said it was a lucky number."

"Well, I wish I had my money back, that's all. I've only got a dollar to last me till Saturday night."

"I ain't much better off myself, Sam; but it's no use giving up. Of course a feller can't be sure to win a big prize the first time. It's worth trying five or six times."

"Where's the money coming from? Ten dollars don't grow on every bush."

"Can't you borrow?"

"My credit ain't good."

"Then, save up till you have enough money."

"How am I to save when I only get five dollars a week?"

"Well, I am sorry for you, Sam; but I'm just as bad off as you are."

"Are you going to buy another ticket?"

"As soon as I can."

The two parted, and Sam began to reflect.

"Perhaps he is right. I couldn't expect to draw a prize the very first time. I wish I could get money enough to buy another ticket. Henry could lend me it as well as not; but I know he wouldn't. He'd just give me a lecture for buying a ticket at all. I wonder if there is any way."

There seemed to be none except to try Henry, and, small as the chance was, he decided to do it.

Henry was just thinking of getting up when Sam returned.

"Back so soon, Sam?" he said. "Have you had breakfast?"

"Not yet."

"I see you have the Herald there. What's the news?"

"I haven't looked to see."

"You don't generally buy a morning paper."

"No; but there was something I wanted to look at this morning."

"You haven't found another ring, and bought the Herald to see whether it's advertised?"

"No; I wish I could find something."

"Have you thought about putting part of your money in the savings-bank, Sam?"

"How can I, when it's all gone?"

"Twenty dollars gone in little more than a week!" exclaimed Henry, in genuine amazement.

"Yes," answered Sam, rather confused.

"What on earth did you do with it all?"

"I guess I must have spent about ten dollars going to the theater, and so on."

"What has become of the other ten dollars then?"

"I bought a lottery ticket," said Sam, little uncomfortably.

"Well, you were foolish!" said Henry. "What made you do it?"

"A friend of mine advised me to. He had one himself."

"He couldn't have been much of a friend of yours. I suppose you didn't draw anything?"

"No."

"I didn't expect you would."

"Other people did, though," said Sam, inclined to uphold the lottery system. "Do you see that long list of prizes?"

"I never knew anybody that drew a prize," said Henry, quietly, "though I've known a good many who bought tickets."

"Forbes tells me if I buy another ticket I'm pretty sure to get something."

"Then, you'd better not mind what Forbes says."

"Of course somebody must draw prizes," said Sam, obstinately.

"It's a poor way to get money, even if you could win one."

"I'd risk that. I'd like to buy another ticket."

Henry shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't think you are very wise, Sam. It is well you haven't any more money to throw away."

This was not promising, but Sam did not mean to give it up.

"Henry," he said, "I wish you'd lend me ten dollars."

"What for?"

"I want to buy one more ticket."

"I can't lend it."

"I should think you might. If I don't get anything this time I'll never buy again."

"I can't oblige you, Sam."

"You mean you won't," said Sam, sulkily.

"No; it happens to be true that I can't."

"Haven't you thirty-five dollars in the savings-bank?"

"I had."

"You haven't spent the money?"

"I have invested it."

"How?"

"I've given the book to my employer as security to pay interest on a loan."

Then, seeing that Sam's curiosity was aroused, he proceeded to explain that he had borrowed five hundred dollars of his employer to pay for a share in a mercantile venture.

"Do you think you'll make any money out of it?" asked Sam, eagerly.

"I hope to."

"About how much?"

"Perhaps I may make a hundred dollars."

"I wish I had that much."

"I suppose you would buy ten lottery tickets," suggested Henry, smiling.

Sam admitted he should invest a part that way.

"I prefer to invest my money in legitimate business," said Henry.

"I don't know about that," said Sam. "I might have drawn the twenty-thousand-dollar prize. That's better than a hundred dollars."

"So it is; but if I keep on I have a good deal better chance of getting up to twenty thousand dollars than you."

"I wish my boss would lend me five hundred dollars," said Sam.

"I wouldn't advise him to," said Henry, smiling. "Now let us go to breakfast."