I was elated; it now seemed that I might get a start.
I was in a fever of anxiety lest I should lose this one opportunity that I had unearthed.

When finally at what seemed to me the time, I presented myself to my would-be employer: "We will give you a chance," he said, but not a word passed between us about pay.

This was September 26, 1855.

I joyfully went to work.

The name of the firm was Hewitt & Tuttle.
In beginning the work I had some advantages.