This factory boy felt in his heart that he was qualified for a better
position in life, and great was his humiliation at the wretched
meanness of his surroundings. But his demeanor must have been
admirable, for he succeeded not only in retaining the respect of his
associates, but also in winning their regard. In his case, as in that
of so many others, it was darkest just before the dawn of a better day.
They are his own words which follow: