Chapter II: 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.