I. LUCK AND PLUCK; or, John Oakley's Inheritance.

[Illustration]

LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.

by HORATIO ALGER, JR.

LUCK and PLUCK.

STRONG AND STEADY;

Or, Paddle Your Own Canoe.

by

HORATIO ALGER, JR.

Author of "Ragged Dick Series," "Tattered Tom Series," "Luck and Pluck Series," "Campaign Series," etc.

To MY YOUNG FRIENDS, WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON, _IN THE HOPE THAT THEY MAY EMULATE THE VIRTUES OF THE DISTINGUISHED MEN WHOSE NAMES THEY BEAR_, This Volume IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.

PREFACE.

"STRONG AND STEADY" is the third volume of the "Luck and Pluck Series." Though the story is quite distinct from its predecessors, it is intended to illustrate the same general principle. Walter Conrad, the hero, is unexpectedly reduced from affluence to poverty, and compelled to fight his own way in life. Undaunted by misfortune, he makes up his mind to "paddle his own canoe," and, declining the offers of friends, sets to work with a resolute will and persistent energy, which command success in the end.

Hoping that Walter's adventures may prove of interest to his young readers, and win the same favorable verdict which has been pronounced upon his previous books, the author takes his leave for the present, with many thanks for the generous welcome so often accorded to him.

OCTOBER 15, 1871.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. THE ESSEX CLASSICAL INSTITUTE. 9 II. IN THE CARS. 18 III. AT HOME. 28 IV. JACOB DRUMMOND, OF STAPLETON. 33 V. JACOB DRUMMOND—CONTINUED. 38 VI. FUTURE PLANS. 48 VII. MR. DRUMMOND'S HUMBLE ROOF. 58 VIII. WALTER MAKES A REVELATION. 68 IX. HOW MR. DRUMMOND TOOK THE NEWS. 78 X. MR. DRUMMOND'S STORE. 88 XI. JOSHUA STIRS UP THE WRONG CUSTOMER. 98 XII. AFTER THE BATTLE. 108 XIII. THE ARROW AND THE PIONEER. 117 XIV. A BRILLIANT SCHEME. 127 XV. WAYS AND MEANS. 137 XVI. JOSHUA TRIES KEEPING STORE. 146 XVII. JOSHUA'S DISAPPOINTMENT. 155 XVIII. WALTER FINDS HIMSELF IN HOT WATER. 165 XIX. THE TABLES ARE TURNED. 175 XX. IN WHICH JOSHUA COMES TO GRIEF. 185 XXI. A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. 195 XXII. MESSRS. FLINT AND PUSHER. 206 XXIII. WALTER LOSES HIS MONEY. 216 XXIV. SLIPPERY DICK. 226 XXV. A HARD CUSTOMER. 236 XXVI. BUSINESS EXPERIENCES. 246 XXVII. A CABIN IN THE WOODS. 256 XXVIII. STRANGE ACQUAINTANCES. 266 XXIX. DANGER THREATENS. 276 XXX. THE ROBBER WALKS INTO A TRAP. 286 XXXI. WALTER'S ESCAPE. 296 XXXII. A STRANGE HIDING-PLACE. 306 XXXIII. WALTER SHOWS STRATEGY. 317 XXXIV. DELIVERANCE. 326 XXXV. THE LAST OF JACK MANGUM. 335 XXXVI. JOSHUA BIDS GOOD-BY TO STAPLETON. 345 XXXVII. CONCLUSION. 355

STRONG AND STEADY;

OR,

PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE.