Slow and Sure: The Story of Paul Hoffman the Young Street-Merchant

home," said Mrs. Hoffman. "I must

ind by no means shared the weakness of his body. Though only eight years of age he already manifested a remarkable taste and talent for drawing, in which

Jimmy," said Mrs. Hoffma

e of Harper's Weekly. It was an ambitious attempt on the part of so young a pupil, but he had succeeded remar

immy," said his mothe

boy looke

ll be an artist so

only obtain suitable instruction. However, there is

traightening up his slender form with the p

l. I had fo

ul when I get as old," said Jimmy thoughtfully.

ongest who earn the most

smart as we

r a boy of your age, and in drawing I think Paul

y la

ul tried to draw a horse the other

ve our different gifts. Paul

l be rich som

think he will make a

eside rolls and butter, there was a plate of cold meat, an apple pie, and a pot of steaming hot tea. The cloth was scrupulously clean, and I

n, Paul, supplemented by the pittance she obtained for sewing. Paul, a smart, enterprising boy, after trying most of the street occupations, had become a young street merchant. By a lucky chance he had obtained capital enough to buy out a necktie stand below the Astor House, where his tact an

idence and self-reliance, which he had acquired through his independent efforts to gain a livelihood. He had been thrown upon his own resources at an age when most boys have everything done for them, and

y, "I am glad supper is ready,

aid his mother, smiling. "If not, we will

?" asked Jimmy, soberly

supper, Jimmy, and you

k like cows, Paul," s

aid Paul, with much indignation,

last picture," said Jimmy. "It

mmy. I don't think it

s brother with a look

do it better myself," said P

l. I hope some time I can do

l be a famous artist some day, and ma

I would like-

no idea you were

s you are doing, Paul. Do you think

," added Paul in a tone of satisfaction. "Did you know, mother,

with interest. "Have you succe

knives. They help along my profits. Why, I sold four kn

at is indeed

ge for a whole day's earnings be

s did you sell, P

d four

fit did you m

ts. Can you tell ho

her it out o

ety-six cents. That added to the money I made on the

three

, but then I don't always sell as ma

n neckties to-day, Pa

you did too m

sn't much work a

dollar and twent

ught to pay me five

teen cents for selling a tie, certainly yo

y goes to supp

does yours

I went up to Stewart's to-day and bought a dre

onsidering that you are the mother of a successful merchan

ew suit to-morrow. He is e

are getting to be, Jimmy! How

nted," said Ji

r consideration. I'll tell you what, Jimmy, I'll close up my business at twelve o'clock, and give all my clerks a half-holiday. The

is eyes brightening at the prospect. "There'

ut eighteen fe

re making

, one or the other. Then there's a d

. He couldn't be so

hen it's settled that we go to the museu

Hoffman, "and I presume I shall