When put as apprentice
to an elder brother, a grocer in Kingswood Hill, it might have been
expected that he would speedily distinguish himself; and so he might
have done as far as intellect was concerned; but, unluckily, his
strength was at first inadequate for his duties, and his brother
actually sent him away as hopeless. With great difficulty, he made his
way into another trader's employment, and there he gave entire
satisfaction. His brother, then, reclaimed him, and though offered a
higher salary where he was, he returned to serve out his time. Long
before that period had arrived, he was beginning to soar above retail
business. 'The markets were well watched, every advantage of time or
change turned to account, and his singular power of cheap buying
exerted with all vigour. The trade steadily grew; every now and then
those in their own line were surprised at the sales they were able to
make, and the neighbourhood resounded with the news of the great
bargains to be had at Budgett's. As custom increased, so did envy and
accusation. Many scrupled not to declare, that they sold cheaper than
they bought, and therefore must soon come to an end; yet they went on,
year by year, in steady and rapid increase.
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