Alger is the original rags-to-riches guy, often credited with inventing the strive-and-succeed spirit that inspired boys to work hard and advance themselves in order to achieve the American Dream. This theme resonates throughout his numerous writings. This story features Phil, a twelve-year-old Italian boy whose poor parents sold him to a Faginesque-like character called the padrone. The padrone has a gang of boys who he sends out each day with the edict that they earn $2. Phil earns his money by playing his fiddle. After many adventures with his friends, including Paul the Peddler, he finally manages to escape the bonds of the padrone.