As a great ironmaster, he would hold a position impossible for him to attain in any other way; he would employ hundreds, perhaps thousands, of men; society would recognise him.

What could he expect to be if he did nothing but loaf about the streets?
This was going the right way to work.

Richard found that he was making an impression, and gradually fell into a kinder tone, so that in the end he brought 'Arry to moderately cheerful acquiescence.
'And don't let men like that Keene make a fool of you,' the monitor concluded.

'Can't you see that fellows like him'll hang on and make their profit out of you if you know no better than to let them?
You just keep to yourself, and look after your own future.' A suggestion that cunning was required of him flattered the youth to some purpose.

He had begun to reflect that after all it might be more profitable to combine work and pleasure.