Ragged Dick · Chapter
XXII: Tracking the Thief explained
Dick learns that Jim Travis has stolen his bankbook and plans to withdraw his savings.
What happens
Dick learns that Jim Travis has stolen his bankbook and plans to withdraw his savings. With Fosdick's help, Dick devises a plan to catch Travis at the bank. He arrives early, warns the cashier, and hides when Travis appears. Travis, motivated by a desire to go to California, had stolen the book after overhearing Dick's savings. The chapter ends with Travis entering the bank, unaware of the trap.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story’s dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dick’s interna…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Honesty and Moral Integrity
Travis's theft contrasts with Dick's honesty, highlighting the moral stakes of the chapter.
- Thrift and Financial Prudence
Dick's savings, built through hard work and thrift, are threatened by Travis's greed, underscoring the value of financial caution.
Characters to notice
- Ragged Dick
Dick takes proactive steps to recover his stolen bankbook, showing his resourcefulness and determination.
- Jim Travis
Travis steals Dick's bankbook to fund a trip to California, revealing his dishonesty and desperation.
- Henry Fosdick
Fosdick correctly deduces Travis's guilt and helps Dick plan to catch him at the bank.
- Mrs. Mooney
Mrs. Mooney unwittingly admits Travis to the boarding house, enabling the theft.
Key passages
“He had recovered from his temporary depression, and made up his mind that the money would be recovered. He had no idea of allowing himself to be outwitted by Jim Travis, and enjoyed already, in anticipation, the pleasure of defeating his rascality.”
Dick felt better and was determined to get his money back, looking forward to outsmarting Travis.
Shows Dick's resilience and confidence in his plan.
“Two thousand dollars! This seemed to Travis a very large sum, and quite dazzled his imagination. He was at once inflamed with the desire to go out to California and try his luck.”
The thought of $2,000 excited Travis and made him eager to go to California.
Reveals Travis's motivation for the theft.
