Horatio Alger Jr. was a prolific 19th-century American author, renowned for his novels detailing the rise of impoverished boys from humble beginnings to respectable middle-class security. His narratives consistently explored themes of hard work, determination, and moral integrity, illustrating how disadvantaged youth could achieve the American Dream through virtue and perseverance. Alger's distinctive style and his portrayal of upward mobility resonated deeply with readers of his era, cementing his significance in American cultural history.
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Excerpt from The Store Boy: Or the Fortunes of Ben Barclay "Give me a ride?" Ben Barclay checked the horse he was driving and looked attentively at the speaker. He was a stout-built, dark-complexioned man, with a beard of a week's growth, wearing an old and dirty suit, which would have reduced any tailor to despair if taken to him for cleaning and repairs. A loose hat, with a torn crown, surmounted a singularly ill-favored visage. "A tramp, and a hard-looking one!" said Ben to himself. He hesitated about answering, being naturally reluctant to have such a traveling companion. "Well, what do you say?" demanded the tramp, rather impatiently. "There's plenty of room on that seat, and I'm dead tired." "Where are you going?" asked Ben. "Same way you are - to Pentonville."