Page:Memoirs of the United States Secret Service.djvu/107

 THE WHOLESALE

BILL DOW.

More than twenty-five years ago, a sharp-eyed, handsome boy of sixteen or seventeen was "beating the bush" in New Hampshire, anxious to make his way, whenever opportunity presented, like most keen young Yankees one meets with in that money-loving country, where Washington Irving credits this sort of biped with being especially partial to the acquisition of the "almighty dollar." He had "boxed the compass" pretty effectually, thereabouts, and had passed his time in various attempts to earn his livelihood—in stables or markets, and generally about the town of Concord, until he finally settled himself for a while as an attendant in an eating saloon there; where, through economy and industry, he contrived to put by a few dollars for "a rainy day."

The ambition of this young man was to keep out of debt, and work along quietly as he approached his majority, hoping to light upon some chance (for which he was constantly upon the watch) whereby he might "strike a lead" that would better his fortunes, and enable him to live easily in the future. 90