Seeking his fortune, and other dialogues
SCENE III.—_A small room in the fifth story of a Boston hotel.
JONATHAN, C., sits poring over the advertising columns of the Boston Herald._
J. I had no idee there was so many houses in the world. Bostown’s a big place, to be sure. But I don’t see where they pastur’ all their cows. I didn’t see none in that big lot in front of the State House. I guess folks must have a power of money to live in such fine houses. The State House must have cost twice as much as our meetin’-house, and p’r’aps more. Anyway I’m bound to see if I can’t make my fortin here. The landlord told me I might find a chance for business in this paper. I guess I’ll look over it, and see what I can find. (_Reads the paper intently for a few minutes._) Why, here’s the very thing! Let me spell it out again. (_Reads aloud._)
“TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR! Wanted, a young man with a small capital, to engage in a lucrative business, which is sure to pay him at least two thousand dollars a year. Call at once on Samuel Jenkins, 15 S—— street.”
J. (_jumping to his feet in excitement_). Where’s my hat? I say that’s an all-fired good chance! Two thousand dollars a year! Why, it takes away my breath, thinkin’ of it. Here I’ve been workin’ for dad for ten dollars a month, and that aint but a hundred and twenty dollars a year. Our minister don’t get but three hundred dollars and his house-rent. Guess he’ll hev to look up to me ef I git this chance. I must go right off, or some other feller’ll be ahead of me.
(_Puts on hat, and exit L. Curtain falls._)