Struggling Upward or Luke Larkin's Luck (Electronic book text)

Horatio Alger wrote 135 dime novels in the latter part of the 19th century. His stories were rags to riches stories illustrating how down-and-out boys might be able to achieve the American Dream. Alger's stories empathize the need for hard work and honesty as a way to get ahead. Ragged Dick was his first novel published in 1867. Luke Larkin is cheated of certain victory in an ice skating race by the son of a local bank President. When the president's integrity is questioned, Luke participates in the investigation.