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

A spirited fourteen‑year‑old sets up a modest stall on Nassau Street, offering cheap “prize packages” that promise a candy treat and a chance at a small monetary surprise. With quick wit and a flash of entrepreneurial flair, he draws a crowd of newsboys, bootblacks, and other city youths, turning a simple game of chance into a lesson in honesty and perseverance.

Through lively dialogue and the bustling backdrop of 19th‑century New York, the story captures the restless energy of street life and the ambitions of a boy determined to earn his keep. As he navigates skepticism and competition, his resourcefulness hints at a larger journey—one where hard work, clever thinking, and a steadfast spirit may open doors far beyond the sidewalk stand.