As it required great economy to make both ends meet, there seemed no possible chance of his being able to meet the note at maturity.

Beside, Mr.Walton was to forfeit ten dollars if he did not have the principal and interest ready for Squire Green.

The hard-hearted creditor was mean enough to take advantage of his poor neighbor's necessities, and there was not the slightest chance of his receding from his unreasonable demand.

Under these circumstances Harry, the oldest boy, asked his father's permission to go out into the world and earn his own living.
He hoped not only to do this, but to save something toward paying his father's note.

His ambition had been kindled by reading the life of Benjamin Franklin, which had been awarded to him as a school prize.
He did not expect to emulate Franklin, but he thought that by imitating him he might attain an honorable position in the community.
Harry's request was not at first favorably received.