To make one's way in the world is, ordinarily, difficult enough; but when one is handicapped by a cloud on the family name, the difficulty becomes far greater. With his father thrown into prison on a serious charge, Roger finds that few people will have anything to do with either himself or his sister, and the jeers flung at him are at times almost more than he can bear. But he is "true to himself" in the best meaning of that saying, rising above those who would pull him down, and, in the end, not only succeeds in making a place for himself in the world, but also scores a worthy triumph over those who had caused his parents' downfall.
When this story was first printed as a serial, the author has every reason to believe it was well received by the boys and girls for whom it was written. In its present revised form he hopes it will meet with equal commendation.
Edward Stratemeyer.
Newark, N.J.,
April 15, 1900.
CHAPTER I
THE TROUBLE IN THE ORCHARD
"Hi, there, Duncan Woodward!" I called out. "What are you doing in Widow Canby's orchard?"
"None of your business, Roger Strong," replied the only son of the wealthiest merchant in Darbyville.
"You are stealing her pears," I went on. "Your pockets are full of them."