A fantastic novel by prolific American author Horatio Alger, famous for his portrayals, as in this story, of the adventures of lower class boys, such as buskers, shoeshiners, etc. , at they rise above adversity to attain higher class lives. It was a cold day. There was no snow on the ground, but it was frozen into stiff ridges, making it uncomfortable to walk upon. The sun had been out all day, but there was little heat or comfort in its bright, but frosty beams.