Falling in With Fortune

Robert Frost is sixteen, self-reliant, and determined to make his own way after escaping the harsh control of his stepfather. In this new Horatio Alger adventure, he has already proved his loyalty and resourcefulness, but hardship still follows him from Chicago's streets to the doors of the wealthy and powerful. When his job disappears, his savings dwindle, and a false accusation nearly lands him in jail, Robert seems trapped by bad luck and unfair suspicion. His fortunes change when Mrs. Vernon, a dignified and generous widow, offers him work as her private secretary and brings him into a world of comfort, travel, and responsibility. Robert soon earns her trust through courage and good sense, especially when he risks his life to save her and Norah Gump from a raging fire. That act wins him gratitude, new allies, and a token of reward, while also exposing the selfishness of Mrs. Vernon's idle nephew, Frederic. As Robert and Mrs. Vernon journey on to Oxford and beyond, family tensions deepen, old deceptions come to light, and the promise of reward grows ever closer. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.