Rough and Ready; Or Life Among the New York Newsboys

Rough and Ready is presented to the public as the fourth volume of the Ragged Dick Series and like two of its predecessors was contributed as a serial to the Schoolmate a popular juvenile magazine. Its second title Life among the New York Newsboys describes its character and purpose. While the young hero may be regarded as a favorable example of his class the circumstances of his lot aggravated by the persecutions of an intemperate parent are unfortunately too common as any one at all familiar with the history of the neglected street children in our cities will readily acknowledge. If Rough and Ready has more virtues and fewer faults than most of his class his history will at least teach the valuable lesson that honesty and good principles are not incompatible even with the greatest social disadvantages and will it is hoped serve as an incentive and stimulus to the young people who may read it.