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IS 4.2 Story of an Emigrant.
that I would gladly try to learn anything and do anything
whatever, even sweep the streets, if necessary. As a result
of my protracted sickness, I was so weak and exhausted
that nobody thought I would be able even to earn my bread.
As to easy or intellectual work, 1" had no earthly chance, as
long as I did not know the English language. Finally Mr.
Larson took me to a ship-owner’s office. I still remember
that a Norwegian captain was cruel enough to remark in
my hearing, that he did not intend to take any half-dead
corpses along with him to sea.
After two weeks of fruitless efforts to get work for me,
my host finally declared that he could not very well keep me
any longer, because his accommodations were crowded with
paying customers; nevertheless, he allowed me to sleep in
the attic free of charge, while I had to procure my food as
best I could, which I also did for another two weeks. Being
a convalescent, I had a ravenous appetite, and, indeed, I
found how hard it is to obtain food without having anything
to pay for it. Of the few articles of clothing which I brought
with me from Buffalo, I had to sacrifice one after another for
subsistence. When all other means were exhausted, I was
compelled to go to the kitchen-doors and tell my desperate
and unfortunate condition by signs, and more than one
kind-hearted cook gave me a solid meal.
Tramps! In our day there is a great deal of talk about
tramps, and it has become customary, to brand as a tramp,
any poor wandering laborer who seeks work. There are
undoubtedly many who justly deserve this title; but I think
there are tramps who are not to blame for their deplorable
condition, and who deserve encouragement and friendly
assistance, for I have been one of them myself, without any
fault or neglect on my part. It always provokes me to hear
ayoung or inexperienced person use the expression "tramp"
so thoughtlessly, and in such a sweeping manner. Long ago
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