The Argosy, Vol. XIII No. 463

This issue contains the opening installments of "True to Himself; or, Roger Strong's Struggle for Place" by Edward Stratemeyer. The narrative follows Roger Strong, a teenage boy living in Darbyville under a cloud of family disgrace—his father was convicted of forgery and imprisoned for ten years, though Roger believes him innocent. Forced into poverty and social ostracism after his family's downfall, Roger secures employment with the kind Widow Canby, caring for her orchards and gardens. The featured chapters chronicle Roger's confrontation with Duncan Woodward, the wealthy, bullying son of a prominent merchant, whom Roger catches stealing pears from the widow's orchard. Their argument escalates into physical combat when Duncan attacks Roger; Roger successfully defends himself, striking Duncan's nose and drawing blood before forcing him to surrender the stolen fruit. Duncan departs with threats of revenge. The narrative establishes themes of social injustice, honor, and a young man determined to overcome circumstance.