ship at the very first opportunity given to them. When a chance comes, they know at once how to take hold and make the most of it. Dave was a poor boy, of unknown parentage, and had he not watched his opportunities and made the most of them he would have remained forever in his humble station in life and never been used as the main character of this tale.
In closing this brief foreword let me once again thank those thousands of readers who have signified their appreciation of my efforts to amuse and instruct them. I have read the numerous letters sent to me with deep gratification, and my one regret is, that it is physically impossible for me to answer all of them. I sincerely trust the present story proves to be all that my readers desire.
Edward Stratemeyer.
May 25, 1905.
