The story revolves around two cousins, Benjamin and Joseph Weston, who start their own businesses under similar circumstances, both mortgaging their stock due to insufficient capital. Benjamin invests heavily in advertising, believing it will secure his fortune, while Joseph is skeptical and spends his money on personal comforts and social status. As time progresses, Benjamin's strategy pays off, leading to a thriving business and financial stability. In contrast, Joseph's business struggles due to lack of promotion and increasing personal expenses, eventually leading to his financial downfall. Benjamin, successful and debt-free, helps Joseph by taking him into partnership, and together they build a prosperous business, with Joseph finally recognizing the value of advertising.
By Oliver Optic · First published 1854 · Genre: Business Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Social Satire · 3 chapters