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Alger, Horatio, Jr.

"Struggling Upward"


"No; I only say you are as much a thief as I am. If you
repeat your insult, I shall be obliged to knock you down."
"You impudent loafer!" screamed Randolph. "You'll be
sorry for this. I'll have you arrested over again."
"I have no doubt you would if you had the power. I sha'n't
lie awake nights thinking of it. If you have nothing more to
say I will leave you."
Randolph did not reply, probably because he was at a loss
what to say, but went home angry and mystified. Where could
Luke have got his watch and new suit? He asked himself this
many times, but no possible explanation suggested itself.
Scarcely had Luke parted with Randolph when he met his
friend Linton, who surveyed Luke's improved appearance with
pleasure and surprise.
"I say, Luke, are you setting up for a dude?"
"I thought a little of it," answered Luke, with a smile--and
then he explained the cause of his good fortune. "I have only
one regret," he added, "Randolph seems to be grieved over it.
He liked me better in my old suit. Besides, I have a new watch,
and it turns out to be better than his."
Here he displayed his new silver watch. Linton felt a generous
pleasure in Luke's luck, and it may truly be said rejoiced
more at it than he would at any piece of good fortune to himself.


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