Beadle's Half Dime Library No. 460

Level-Headed Luke's Legacy

This installment opens with the death of young Luke Hartley's mother in impoverished Water Street, New Haven. Before dying, she cryptically hints at revelations about Luke's father, but passes away before speaking fully. Luke, alone and friendless, befriends his landlord Ebenezer Hare, who secures him a position as office-boy to lawyer Phineas Lorimer—purportedly a conscientious, honorable man. However, Luke quickly discovers Lorimer's true nature: an unscrupulous practitioner who uses deception and profanity to manipulate clients. The lawyer's clerk, Marmaduke Tripp, proves equally disreputable. As Luke observes their office activities, he overhears Lorimer and Tripp discussing business matters, where Tripp presents a letter for his employer's consideration. The narrative suggests potential criminal enterprise.