Beadle's Pocket Library No. 62

Will Somers, the Boy Detective, by Charles Morris

This dime novel serial follows Will Somers, a sixteen-year-old street orphan in Philadelphia seeking employment. The story opens with Will's brash interview at dry-goods merchant Mr. Leonard's office, where his confident impudence wins him a trial position despite his ragged appearance. Chapter II depicts Will's first weeks as office-boy in Leonard's wholesale establishment on Market Street, which imports fine silks and fabrics. Will quickly adapts to business work but struggles to control his saucy manner. An early conflict erupts when salesman Robert Brown orders Will about imperiously; the boy refuses, insults are exchanged, and Brown physically attacks Will, who fights back and throws him to the floor. Though reprimanded by Leonard, Will gains sympathy from other workers and respect for his spirit. His good humor, strong voice, dancing ability, and acrobatic tricks earn him popularity despite occasional impertinence.