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Mark the Match Boy
Mark the Match Boy / or Richard Hunter's Ward
PREFACE
"Mark, the Match Boy," is the third volume of the "Ragged Dick Series," and, like its predecessors, aims to describe a special phase of street life in New York. While it is complete in itself, several characters are introduced who have figured conspicuously in the preceding volumes; and the curiosity as to their future history, which has been expressed by many young readers, will be found to be gratified in the present volume.
The author has observed with pleasure the increased public attention which has been drawn to the condition of these little waifs of city life, by articles in our leading magazines, and in other ways; and hopes that the result will be to strengthen and assist the philanthropic efforts which are making to rescue them from their vagabond condition, and train them up to be useful members of society. That his own efforts have been received with so large a measure of public favor, not limited to the young readers for whom the series is especially written, the author desires to express his grateful thanks.
New York, April, 1869.
CHAPTER I
RICHARD HUNTER AT HOME
"Fosdick," said Richard Hunter, "what was the name of that man who owed your father two thousand dollars, which he never paid him?"
"Hiram Bates," answered Fosdick, in some surprise. "What made you think of him?"
"I thought I remembered the name. He moved out West, didn't he?"
"So I heard at the time."
"Do you happen to remember where? Out West is a very large place."
"I do not know exactly, but I think it was Milwaukie."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Richard Hunter, in visible excitement. "Well, Fosdick, why don't you try to get the debt paid?"
"Of what use would it be? How do I know he is living in Milkwaukie now? If I should write him a letter, there isn't much chance of my ever getting an answer."
"Call and see him."
"What, go out to Milwaukie on such a wild-goose chase as that? I can't think what you are driving at, Dick."