This was not a dangerous practice in regard to foreign news, for if any undue liberties were taken by the bold operator, they were not of a character likely to bring him into serious trouble.

My knowledge of foreign affairs became somewhat extensive, especially regarding the affairs of Britain, and my guesses were quite safe, if I got the first letter or two right.
The Pittsburgh newspapers had each been in the habit of sending a reporter to the office to transcribe the press dispatches.

Later on one man was appointed for all the papers and he suggested that multiple copies could readily be made of the news as received, and it was arranged that I should make five copies of all press dispatches for him as extra work for which he was to pay me a dollar per week.
This, my first work for the press, yielded very modest remuneration, to be sure; but it made my salary thirty dollars per month, and every dollar counted in those days.

The family was gradually gaining ground; already future millionairedom seemed dawning.
Another step which exercised a decided influence over me was joining the "Webster Literary Society" along with my companions, the trusty five already named.

We formed a select circle and stuck closely together.