"True to himself," while a complete story in itself, formsthe third volume of the "Ship and Shore Series," tales of adventure on landand sea, written for both boys and girls.
In this story we are introduced to Roger Strong, a typicalAmerican country lad, and his sister Kate, who, by an unhappy combinationof events, are thrown upon their own resources and compelled to make theirown way in the world.
To make one's way in the world is, ordinarily, difficultenough; but when one is handicapped by a cloud on the family name, the difficultybecomes far greater. With his father thrown into prison on a serious charge,Roger finds that few people will have anything to do with either himselfor his sister, and the jeers flung at him are at times almost more than hecan 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 succeedsin making a place for himself in the world, but also scores a worthy triumphover those who had caused his parents' downfall.
When this story was first printed as a serial, the authorhas every reason to believe it was well received by the boys and girls forwhom it was written. In its present revised form he hopes it will meet withequal commendation.
Edward Stratemeyer.
Newark, N.J.,
April 15, 1900.
"Hi, there, Duncan Woodward!" I calledout. "What are you doing in Widow Canby's orchard?"
"None of your business, Roger Strong," replied the onlyson of the wealthiest merchant in Darbyville.
"You are stealing her pears," I went on. "Your pocketsare full of them."
"See here, Roger Strong, just you mind your own businessand leave me alone."
"I am minding my business," I rejoined warmly.
"Indeed!" And Duncan put as much of a sneer as was possiblein the word.
"Yes, indeed. Widow Canby pays me for taking care of herorchard, and that includes keeping an eye on these pear trees," and I approachedthe tree upon the lowest branch of which Duncan was standing.
"Humph! You think you're mighty big!" he blustered, ashe jumped to the ground. "What right has a fellow like you to talk to mein this manner? You are getting too big for your boots."
"I don't think so. I'm guarding this property, and I wantyou to hand over what you've taken and leave the premises," I retorted, forI did not fancy the style in which I was being addressed.
"Pooh! Do you expect me to pay any attention to that?"
"You had better, Duncan. If you don't you may get intotrouble."
"I suppose you intend to tell the widow what I've done."
"I certainly shall; unless you do as I've told you to."
Duncan bit his lip. "How do you know but what the widowsaid I could have the pears?" he ventured.
"If she did, it's all right," I returned, astonished,not so much over the fact that Widow Canby had granted the permission, asthat such a high-toned young gentleman as Duncan Woodward should desire thatprivilege.
"You've no business to jump at conclusions," he addedsharply.
"If I judged you wrongly, I beg your pardon, Duncan. I'llspeak to the widow about it."
I began to move off toward the house. Duncan hurried afterme and caught me by the arm.
"You fool you, what do you mean?" he demanded.
"I'm going to find out if you are telling the truth."