Jr Horatio Alger

The Young Explorer Jr Horatio Alger

The dying father was cheered by Ben's confident words. Our hero was strong and sturdy, his limbs active, and his face ruddy with health. He looked like a boy who could get along. He was not a sensitive plant, and not to be discouraged by rebuffs. The father's brow cleared. "I am glad you are not afraid to meet what is in store for you," he said. "I believe you will do your part, and God helps those who help themselves." After his father's death, Ben became an inmate of his uncle's family while the estate was being settled. He paid for his board partly by work in the shop, and partly by doing chores. This brings us to the day when the conversation detailed in the first chapter took place.