Struggling Upward

Struggling Upward

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Title: Struggling Upward or Luke Larkin's Luck
Author: Horatio Alger
Release Date: April, 2004 [EBook #5417] [Yes, we are more than one
year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on July 13, 2002]

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Language: English
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STRUGGLING UPWARD ***

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STRUGGLING UPWARD
OR
LUKE LARKIN'S LUCK
BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
CHAPTER I
THE WATERBURY WATCH
One Saturday afternoon in January a lively and animated group of boys
were gathered on the western side of a large pond in the village of
Groveton. Prominent among them was a tall, pleasant-looking young
man of twenty-two, the teacher of the Center Grammar School,
Frederic Hooper, A. B., a recent graduate of Yale College. Evidently
there was something of importance on foot. What it was may be learned
from the words of the teacher.
"Now, boys," he said, holding in his hand a Waterbury watch, of neat
pattern, "I offer this watch as a prize to the boy who will skate across
the pond and back in the least time. You will all start together, at a
given signal, and make your way to the mark which I have placed at the

western end of the lake, skate around it, and return to this point. Do you
fully understand?"
"Yes, sir!" exclaimed the boys, unanimously.
Before proceeding, it may be well to refer more particularly to some of
the boys who were to engage in the contest.
First, in his own estimation, came Randolph Duncan, son of Prince
Duncan, president of the Groveton Bank, and a prominent town official.
Prince Duncan was supposed to be a rich man, and lived in a style quite
beyond that of his neighbors. Randolph was his only son, a boy of
sixteen, and felt that in social position and blue blood he was without a
peer in the village. He was a tall, athletic boy, and disposed to act the
part of boss among the Groveton boys.
Next came a boy similar in age and physical strength, but in other
respects very different from the young aristocrat. This was Luke Larkin,
the son of a carpenter's widow, living on narrow means, and so
compelled to exercise the strictest economy. Luke worked where he
could, helping the farmers in hay-time, and ready to do odd jobs for
any one in the village who desired his services. He filled the position of
janitor at the school which he attended, sweeping out twice a week and
making the fires. He had a pleasant expression, and a bright, resolute
look, a warm heart, and a clear intellect, and was probably, in spite of
his poverty, the most popular boy in Groveton. In this respect he was
the opposite of Randolph Duncan, whose assumption of superiority and
desire to "boss" the other boys prevented him from having any real
friends. He had two or three companions, who flattered him and
submitted to his caprices because they thought it looked well to be on
good terms with the young aristocrat.
These two boys were looked upon as the chief contestants for the prize
offered by their teacher. Opinions differed as to which would win.
"I think Luke will get the watch," said Fred Acken, a younger boy.
"I don't know about that," said Tom Harper. "Randolph skates just as

well, and he has a pair of club skates. His father sent to New York for
them last week. They're beauties, I tell you. Randolph says they cost
ten dollars."
"Of course that gives him the advantage," said Percy Hall. "Look at
Luke's old-fashioned wooden skates! They would be dear at fifty
cents!"
"It's a pity Luke hasn't a better pair," said Harry Wright. "I don't think