He could barely scrape together enough money to send Miriam to a boarding-school and to keep himself alive until he could get work.

He had spent a great part of his boyhood in the country.

His tastes and disposition inclined him to an out-door life, and, had he been able, he would have gone to the West, and established himself upon a ranch.

But this was impossible; he must do the work that was nearest at hand, and as soon as he found it, he set himself at it with a will.
For eight long years he had struggled and labored; changing his occupation several times, but always living in the city; always making his home in a boardinghouse or a hotel.

His pluck and energy had had its reward, and for the past three years he had held a responsible and well-paid position in a mercantile house.