Ragged Dick: Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks: Chapter 20 Summary & Analysis

Nine months pass, during which Fosdick receives a raise at his job and Dick continues to have remarkable success as a shoeshine boy. His bank account, which he has not taken from since purchasing Fosdick’s wardrobe, now contains over one hundred dollars.

Dick’s studies have also improved. Now he can read quite well in addition to writing and doing arithmetic. Indeed, Fosdick tells him, Dick now knows as much as his tutor. The narrator asserts that such progress is due to Dick’s being so “earnest in his desire to improve.” Fosdick tells Dick that he is ready to find a new job (and a better apartment).

A few days later, Dick encounters Tom Wilkins, another bootblack about Dick’s age. Tom’s mother has broken her arm and is unable to work, and the family—including Tom’s younger siblings—are facing eviction since Tom cannot earn enough money on his own to pay the rent.

Dick quickly agrees to pay the family’s rent, a total of four dollars, even though Tom admits that he’ll never be able to pay the amount back. Dick doesn’t have the full amount needed on him, however, and has to return home to get his savings account passbook. The narrator notes that, upon his arrival, he will be disagreeably surprised.