A return to classic form, closing the series that opens with Paul the Peddler. In an earlier novel we encounter Julius, who becomes something of a protege for Paul. Julius lives with two of the more convincing thieves in the Alger universe, and there is something of a mystery about why Julius has no memory of his parents or why Dan has taken him in tow. In this novel Alger decides that there is nothing more to be done with Julius in New York, and in an early attempt to strike out from the streets of the city, he places Julius in charge of his good friend Mr O'Connor (the man whose work with the newsboys lodging inspired Alger's first novel Ragged Dick).