Tom, the Bootblack Or, the Road to Success (Electronic book text)

INTRODUCING TOM, THE BOOTBLACK. -How do you feel this morning, Jacob?- asked a boy of fifteen, bending over an old man crouched in the corner of an upper room, in a poor tenement-house, distant less than a quarter of a mile from the New York City Hall. -Weak, Tom, - whined the old man, in reply. -I I ain't got much strength.- -Would you like some breakfast?- -I I don't know. Breakfast costs money.- -Never you mind about that, Jacob. I can earn money enough for both of us. Come, now, you'd like some coffee and eggs, wouldn't you?-