"I am telling you for the last time that I can make
you famous Sam! Why, everyone in all of this here United States will know your name.
Lookee here, it will be on everyone’s lips." The promoter pointed to his lips as
he spluttered out Sam’s name. " Sam Patch! Sam Patch! Sam Patch! Now if
you’re lookin’ for everyone to say your name, all you have to do is sign this
contract and meet me in two weeks in New York."
Sam thought long and hard about leaving the circus. Mr.
Andersen had been good to him and paid him well, fifty cents a week for five shows on week
days and two on Saturday. Should he leave a good job and just for the chance that he might
become famous just like Mr. Castor said he would? Maybe he wouldn’t be famous, maybe
he couldn’t do what this promoter asked him to do. Before he thought another thought
and before he knew that he was saying it out loud he answered, Yes! And felt his hand
being shaken with a mighty grip. "You won’t be sorry Sam, you’ll see."
Said Mr. Caster. But Sam was already sorry!
COMMENTARY:
One hundred thirty five years ago Sam Patch had to make a
decision about his destiny, and although it only took a few seconds to give the answer to
the promoter, his decision lives after him for others to remember over a century later. A
rare story about a courageous individual, alive when America was young and growing.
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