Preface

Or, Paddle Your Own Canoe

(1871)

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.

Horatio Alger. October 15, 1871.