Paul the Peddler; Or, The Fortunes of a Young Street Merchant

"Paul the Peddler; Or, The Fortunes of a Young Street Merchant" by Horatio Alger Jr. is a tale set in old New York, where a young boy named Paul Hoffman hawks candy-filled prize packages on the bustling streets to help his family. The story begins with Paul skillfully persuading young customers to try their luck with his prize packages, demonstrating his quick thinking and strong work ethic amidst the crowded city. Once his morning sales conclude, he rushes home to give his earnings to his mother, all while thinking of new ideas of how to get better at business. This sets the scene as Paul faces rivalry and personal hardships as he tries to make a better life through his street trading, creating a story about facing challenges and making moral decisions while working toward a better future.