A stout man was seated near me at breakfast, and to him I addressed myself.
"'Look here,' said I, 'I am thirteen, and much stronger than I look.

I can read and write.

Tell me how I can earn a living.' "He looked steadily at me, and in a rough voice answered, 'Go to the market to-morrow morning, and try if one of the master masons, who are on the lookout for hands, will employ you.'" "And you went ?" "I did; and was eagerly watching the head masons, when I perceived my stout friend coming toward me.
"'I like the looks of you, my lad,' he said; 'I am an ornamental sculptor.

Do you care to learn my trade ?' "When I heard this proposal, it seemed as if Paradise was opening before me, and I agreed with enthusiasm." "And how about your painting ?" "That came later on.

I worked hard at it in all my hours of leisure.