Ragged Dick · Chapter
Dick Loses His Bankbook explained
Dick discovers that his bankbook, containing over a hundred dollars, has been stolen from his locked drawer.
What happens
Dick discovers that his bankbook, containing over a hundred dollars, has been stolen from his locked drawer. With Fosdick's help, he suspects Jim Travis, a disreputable neighbor, after Mrs. Mooney reveals that Travis had access to a similar key. Fosdick advises Dick to alert the bank to prevent the thief from withdrawing the money. Despite the setback, Dick remains determined to recover his savings and continue helping Tom Wilkins.
Themes in this chapter
Thrift and Financial Prudence
Dick's careful savings of over a hundred dollars represent his hard-earned financial discipline, now threatened by theft.
Honesty and Moral Integrity
The theft contrasts with Dick's honest character and his willingness to help others, highlighting the moral stakes of the loss.
Friendship and Mentorship
Fosdick's calm advice and offer to lend money underscore the supportive bond between the two friends.
Characters to notice
- Ragged Dick
Discovers his bankbook missing and feels the bitterness of financial loss; resolves to recover it and still help Tom Wilkins.
- Henry Fosdick
Offers practical advice to Dick about notifying the bank and lends money for Tom Wilkins; suspects Jim Travis.
- Jim Travis
Suspected of stealing Dick's bankbook; makes a suspicious visit to the boys' room to gauge their reaction.
- Mrs. Mooney
Provides information about Travis's presence in the house and the similarity of bureau locks.
- Tom Wilkins
Mentioned as the recipient of Dick's charitable assistance; his need for money motivates Dick's urgency.
Key passages
“It was my whole fortun',” said Dick. “I was goin' to buy a house next year.”
Dick jokingly exaggerates the loss, saying it was his entire fortune and he had planned to buy a house.
Dick's humor masks his genuine distress over the theft.
“Wealth is comparative, and Dick probably felt as rich as many men who are worth a hundred thousand dollars.”
The narrator observes that Dick's sense of wealth was relative to his circumstances, making him feel as affluent as someone with a much larger fortune.
Highlights the theme of financial prudence and the psychological impact of saving.