CHAPTER VIII.
SETTLING.
The middle of July found Peter in New York, eager to begin his grapple with the future.

How many such stormers have dashed themselves against its high ramparts, from which float the flags of "worldly success;" how many have fallen at the first attack; how many have been borne away, stricken in the assault; how many have fought on bravely, till driven back by pressure, sickness or hunger; how few have reached the top, and won their colors! As already hinted, Peter had chosen the law as his ladder to climb these ramparts.

Like many another fellow he had but a dim comprehension of the struggle before him.

His college mates had talked over professions, and agreed that law was a good one in New York.

The attorney in his native town, "had known of cases where men without knowing a soul in a place, had started in and by hard work and merit had built up a good practice, and I don't see why it can't be done as well in New York as in Lawrence or Lowell.